City of Seattle Yet to Fix Problem for Cyclists on The Burke-Gilman Trail

The Burke-Gilman Trail in Seattle is very popular to cyclists, runners, and walkers. The 27-mile trail is managed by the City of Seattle. It runs through King County, Washington. The trail begins in Ballard, follows the Lake Washington Ship Canal, along Lake Washington.

Since the trail is extensive, it attracts residents from many neighborhoods including Ballard, Fremont, Northlake, University District, Lake City, Kenmore, Bothell, Woodinville, Redmond and more.

However, The Burke-Gilman Trail has been the cause of many bicycle accidents, resulting in lawsuits in recent years. There is a “missing link” – a section of the trail between 28th Avenue NW and 11th Avenue NW – in which there is a large break in the trail.

The “missing link” is in the industrial part of Ballard that has been responsible for many bicycle accidents. It is reported that since the late 1990’s, there have been hundreds of bicycle crashes. So, I am sure you have the same question that we all do – why hasn’t the “missing link” been fixed to prevent further bicycle accidents?

Unfortunately, there is no answer to this question.

Injuries from the many bicycle crashes have ranged from broken hips, knocked out teeth and severe cuts. The City of Seattle is aware of all of the injuries that cyclists have reported.

Just a year ago, five injured cyclists came together and filed a lawsuit against the city alleging that the city’s negligence to fix the trail caused them to crash. Not only did they fail to fix the link, or lack thereof, they also ignored the hazard on the trail that was caused by old railroad tracks crossing the roadway.

The City of Seattle has put up two signs, which have shown to be no help to cyclists. While city officials continue to stall, more people are going to be hurt. It is the City of Seattle’s responsibility to create a safe environment for their residents. When the spokeswoman for Seattle Department of Transportation responded to the lawsuit, she said that link has not been fixed due to the pending of the lawsuit’s resolution. In the meantime, many other cyclists have been riding the Burke-Gilman Trail and suffering from injuries due to the lingering hazard of the “missing link.”

Davis Law Group represents many injured cyclists – many of which have been victims of the dangerous segment on the Burke-Gilman Trail.

Does this area on the Burke-Gilman Trail sound familiar?

If you have been injured on the Burke-Gilman Trail, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Contact Chris Davis at Davis Law Group today. Call (206) 727-4000 to schedule a free consultation.