I made it a point to attend the bike free zone on Alki last Sunday and am pleased with what a resounding success the event was. On a normal basis I try to avoid Alki because of traffic and the chaotic feel of the place. But without cars blaring their engines and music, the atmosphere was one of comfort and general camaraderie.

The day was perfect for a bike ride with just a hint of autumn in the air but comfortable enough to wear a T-shirt. People spent their time on bikes, long boards, skateboards, on foot, or whatever other conveyance they could get a hold of and took pleasure in not being constrained to a sidewalk.

One household took a table and chairs to the road to play cards, others played badminton and catch. Alki had never felt so much like a friendly neighborhood to me before. Even the stores, shops, and eating establishments were packed with happy people showing support for a day where business owners feared they would lose money. Seeing such a change in the atmosphere of Alki, it's easy to assume that not having cars lined up along the beachfront made it a more enjoyable place to be.

So my call is to make this a monthly event. Let's enjoy a single day out of thirty where we can spread our legs and enjoy a beach not littered with traffic.

Michael Ahlgren

Seattle