A friend of mine was leaving town to go back to Finland recently and gave me his bicycle. His generous gift has made me rethink my commute and see the Burke-Gilman Trail and its importance to Ballard through new eyes.

It also makes me even more upset that the politicians who represent us are not providing some leadership to resolve the Missing Link stalemate.

I have written about the Missing Link controversy before, but now that I have become a regular user of the Burke-Gilman Trail, I see the need to resolve this is more important than ever.

The issue is also in the news once again now that Seattle has decided not to appeal the decision by the Superior Court to do an environmental review of the Missing Link proposal and to conduct one instead.

Let me be clear: I want a solution that works for both sides. The industrial businesses along the Missing Link are an important part of the Ballard economy, but the trail users need a safer route.

I also think that if it’s done right, the Missing Link could be an economic boon for Ballard. The problem is that both sides are so deeply committed to their cause and refuse to consider the other side’s opinion that I wonder whether they can come to an amicable solution that will benefit Ballard as a whole.

This is exactly the kind of stalemate situation that needs a public figure to step in and bring everyone together. In fact, this particular situation seems tailor-made for Mayor Mike McGinn. “Mike Bikes,” right?

So where is the mayor on this one? I can’t believe that a guy who got elected because he rides a bicycle has not made this one of his signature issues. If McGinn could bring together both sides and forge a solution that works for Ballard, and by extension Seattle, it would certainly improve his already-battered image.

Rep. Reuven Carlyle has just finished his first term in Olympia. On his Web site, Carlyle said: “We need to find a win-win pathway for freight/commercial and bikes.” Instead of trying to work on an issue that would benefit his district, Carlyle has spent his first term in the legislature working on his nanny-state bill making the use of cell phones while driving a primary offense.

I am calling out McGinn and Carlyle on this one and asking them to provide some leadership.

McGinn, where are you on this issue? I know you’re a busy guy, but Mayor Greg Nickels sure tried to do something about this. I can understand that perhaps you were not allowed to make any comments while it was being litigated, but what about now? The fact that you haven’t made any public comments yet and do not have a plan is really disappointing, but there’s still time.

Carlyle, you and I are in agreement on this issue. While I don’t agree with your cell phone bill, at least you showed some leadership in getting it through the political process. It’s time to take those skills and bring them to bear to help your constituents.

Whatever you may happen to believe about the Missing Link, I think we can all agree that whatever the proposed solution is, it will have a dramatic effect on the shape of Ballard in the 21st Century.

This endless litigation on both sides has gone on long enough. It’s time to find a solution that benefits everyone in Ballard.

Do you have a column suggestion or a comment for Brian Le Blanc? Leave a comment on this story or reach him directly at brianleblanc76@yahoo.com.