ALSO HAPPENING TODAY: Lowrider Block Party in South Delridge; DB Downhill bike ride from Admiral

Seaglassgal August 5, 2023 (6:26 pm)

Does bike ride have permit? They blocked California Ave sw block of Admiral Pub. Very rude! No signs up for detours. I was walking so observed for a while. Smells of pot smoking. Wonder how many smoking will be on bike!?!

B Swans August 6, 2023 (4:29 am)

Umm, really? I hope this is sarcasm ..
Josh August 6, 2023 (10:26 am)

You would be shocked to learn that there is no law against riding a bike while drunk or otherwise inebriated.
- seaglassgal August 6, 2023 (2:46 pm)
  
  I never said it was against the law. Just think how unsafe that could be!! Might even cause a cyclist to bump another cyclist and cause an accident between riders or several riders.
Matt Higgins August 11, 2023 (12:00 am)

What’s even ruder: 364 days of the year, cars ruin California ave and prevent peds + bikes from enjoying public land.
- AdmiralParent August 11, 2023 (4:03 pm)
  
  Public land that the public decided should have a public road on, which in turn comes with various laws that were established by a publicly elected body that require permits be pulled when a group of a certain size wants to shut it down. Are you sure you know how a democratic society functions?

AdmiralParent August 5, 2023 (7:03 pm)

WSB – as a north admiral resident for over a decade and a father of a 9yo, I highly resent the “bike ride” being promoted on the Blog (and I say promoted since there are directions on registration). All I was trying to do was take my daughter to her soccer game tonight, I didn’t need to be stopped by 100+ people blocking California and entrances to the side streets. I also didn’t need the same people giving my 9yo the middle finger as these people just wandered all over the road. Yes, I called 911 to report an unlawful assembly and yes I am going to file a complaint against the Admiral Pub for “sponsoring” (yes, I called them and they confirmed as much). I don’t begrudge anyone a good time, but there are permits that can be applied for so these things can be managed. I applaud things like the West Seattle 4th of July Kid’s Parade for doing so. I also look forward to bringing this up in the next Admiral Neighborhood Association meeting, I think we as a community can do better to respect each other.

Question Authority August 5, 2023 (10:15 pm)

Quick question, so as you approached an obviously crowded scenario you were unable to find an alternate route as to not be burdened? You should work on learning more ways around so you don’t suffer such a fate again, I wish you tranquility
- AdmiralParent August 5, 2023 (10:29 pm)
  
  You managed to ask a rhetorical question, followed by giving condescending advice, topped off with a disingenuous sentiment. I don’t know if I should be less impressed with your attempt to be witty or the WSB’s moderators attempts at maintaining civil conversation.
  - Question Authority August 5, 2023 (10:55 pm)
    
    All this is on you, and your decisions. Don’t discount my wish for you to overcome your traumatic experience.
    - AdmiralParent August 6, 2023 (10:25 am)
      
      My decision to drive down a public street? You can’t seem to help yourself and your need for being condescending.
    - Little Saigon August 6, 2023 (2:19 pm)
      
      The riders were also in a public street. Do you call the police when downtown is gridlocked with cars?
B Swans August 6, 2023 (4:31 am)

Good God dude, really? I’m 51 with a 6 year old and damn, there are hundreds of other hills to die on. Maybe move off our island?
- AdmiralParent August 6, 2023 (10:27 am)
  
  How is my family not part of this “island”? When did this become a place of “love it or leave it”? Last time I checked I pay my property taxes.
Brynn August 6, 2023 (8:47 am)

You called 911? What was your emergency?I think Question Authority’s response was spot on. Dragging the WSB into moderating the debate because someone was critical of your response seems unnecessary.
- AdmiralParent August 6, 2023 (10:32 am)
  
  I called 911 because a mob of people had unlawfully occupied a public street. If the Seattle non-emergency number worked I would have used it. That street has senior living and a rehabilitation center on it which frequently require emergency services, not to mention a nearby fire station that needs to be able to react if necessary. Let’s also not forget the movie theater and all the young kids on bikes, not really great spots for a bunch of drunk/high people on bikes.
  - Bikes are fun August 6, 2023 (11:41 pm)
    
    Hmm, I talked to a senior resident watching from the entrance. She was all smiles and we chatted about the bike ride and wished each other a a great day. She was delighted to talk to a young guy in his 40s, as I was delighted to talk with a sweet grandma who was smiles ear to ear.All the best to you.
  - WestSeattleBadTakes August 7, 2023 (9:27 am)
    
    And those bikes would be able to move aside for emergency services unlike a sea of cars. Think for two seconds. Seriously.
DeadBaby?Maybe. August 6, 2023 (9:41 am)

This has been happening for 27 years. It’s not some random new thing. Calling 911 because you were inconvenienced is absolutely laughable.
- AdmiralParent August 6, 2023 (10:33 am)
  
  You would think an organization that has been around that long could manage the permit process to host an event like that…
  - Blbl August 6, 2023 (11:58 am)
    
    Exactly
Jay August 6, 2023 (10:19 am)

I hope this is satire, this is too much Karen for real life. You called 911 over a three decade Seattle tradition that inconvenienced you for the 30 seconds or took to detour?
DC August 7, 2023 (9:40 am)

Next time I’m stuck in traffic after a big even with dozens of cars all leaving at the same time, I am definitely calling 911. How dare they clog the streets without a permit!

Blbl August 5, 2023 (9:06 pm)

Agree. I was stuck in it trying to get home. You missed recording the loud flash bangs, though.

montanapup August 5, 2023 (9:31 pm)

YEssssss! DB has returned!!!!! Finally!
Obviously not from Seattle.

Buncake August 5, 2023 (11:55 pm)

Some people need to slow their cars down and appreciate the good times and pick up a bike.. Just cause you have a car doesn’t mean jack about anything. People in cars are power trippers especially in west seattle where the streets are not so bike friendly and many of people have been hit or struck by cars and even a few deaths have occurred.. Intitled people with harsh opinions about hundreds of people on bikes being happy enjoying life and freedom. Get a grip west seattle I’ve lived here my whole life and our community is great. Be nice ride a bike connect with the community

AdmiralParent August 6, 2023 (10:39 am)

I think you have a warped view of what societal freedom means. How is asking a group to go through proper channels and get a permit somehow entitled?
- Ed August 6, 2023 (1:43 pm)
  
  Exactly! I also want to know why “Trick Or Treaters” don’t get permits, they take over the streets in October with any concern of how I’m getting out of my North Admiral home. It would be one thing if it was permitted but since it’s not I’m going to start calling the police that a mob is in the streets dressed up. WHO SANCTIONS THESE THINGS!
  - seaglassgal August 6, 2023 (2:41 pm)
    
    Give me a break!! Halloween is on the calendar, you know exactly when it is going to happen way in advance and what is usually involved with this holiday. I’ve also seen Trick or Treaters in North Admiral and they seem to use the crosswalks and the “mobs” you speak of are a bit smaller, approx. groups of 5-8 (incl. kids and adults to chaperone).
- DogwithBone August 6, 2023 (4:01 pm)
  
  What a remarkable screed.
  Would it really make any different to AdmiralParent if there was a permit?
  With such a load of Admiral entitlement, were they perhaps late leaving for their daughter’s game and became enraged over a short delay?
  What an impressive litany of weak and fabricated reasons AdmiralParent keeps responding with.
- waikikigirl August 6, 2023 (4:12 pm)
  
  “ How is asking a group to go through proper channels and get a permit somehow entitled?” And lets say they got one and they’d still would have been there to inconvenience you, so what’s your point?
Blbl August 6, 2023 (11:03 am)

Power trippers and entitled people with harsh opinions = hundreds of bikers blocking the streets, ignoring permitting laws, yelling obscenities, and being overall jerks.
- Felix Grounds August 6, 2023 (9:58 pm)
  
  Blbl…And yet somehow the sun came up this morning and everything was ok.

NorthAdmiralResident August 6, 2023 (9:28 am)

As a North Admiral resident, parent, and enjoyer of Admiral Pub, I am honored our neighborhood was chosen for the DBDH start this year!

AdmiralParent August 6, 2023 (10:35 am)

Good, hopefully you will come and voice your counter opinion at the next Admiral Neighborhood Association meeting. You can also use the time to explain why the organization shouldn’t have to use the permit process to host such an event.
- JN August 6, 2023 (1:07 pm)
  
  Chill out man: it was a rolling event that lasted a few minutes as opposed to a multiple hour parade. Just wait for it to go by and you’re back to your errands. And if there was an emergency response they’d just all move to the side of the road like the rest of traffic, except they’d take up much less space then the cars. It’s really not a big deal.
  - rider August 6, 2023 (9:20 pm)
    
    Everything here is exactly what I was thinking. I hope this “admiral parent” is a joke account. We chased away the Karens when the police drag-tackled and cuffed Fremont’s naked cyclists. I’m hoping this isn’t a serious complaint, I’d take being delayed for 4 minutes by fun people on bikes over self-obsessed Karens in cars 7 days out of 7. You should need a permit to post here.
- K August 6, 2023 (3:31 pm)
  
  I hope you can find peace.
- Felix Grounds August 6, 2023 (10:04 pm)
  
  Admiral Parent.Man, you’re really mad about this!Relax, the event happens once a year, and starts from a different spot in Seattle every time.It will likeley be 2-3 years or more before it starts in W Seattle again.

Josh August 6, 2023 (10:29 am)

The more bikes the merrier. To all the sad souls who feel they were gravely inconvenienced by having to find a detour that added a couple minutes to your trip: see you at the next red light.

Ricky August 6, 2023 (12:45 pm)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVeb45kemvc

seaglassgal August 6, 2023 (2:21 pm)

And I hope you (Josh) and all other cyclists will stop at all red lights! I see so many cyclists that do not! They choose to follow rules of rode as suits them at the time (pedestrian vs wheels). Bikes not just cars cause accidents

Agree with Admiral Parent & BLBL. Was also going to mention in first post… even the West Seattle kid parade had decency to organize on side street, off main street. Signs were posted for local residence ahead of time. California Ave is a pubic road where cars/ER vehicles should not be expecting a group of any kind blocking access without proper notification.

I called non-ER police line, msg advised to report online, which I did when I returned from my neighborhood walk. I was in a fund raising guild many years ago, we organized a bike ride Seattle Center to Alki. We went through proper channels for permits, communicated with police and Cascade Bicycle Club so cyclists and the public could have fun and be safe!

Little Saigon August 6, 2023 (3:57 pm)

You guys should form a support group.
Josh August 6, 2023 (8:09 pm)

I see drivers running red lights constantly. Of course it’s dumb and unsafe to run a red light but this has nothing to do with the post you are ranting on. Also the difference between a cyclist running a red light and a car is huge. Cyclists can see and hear what’s going on around them infinitely better than cars and can better judge the risks of making a dumb decision like running a red light. Of course if the cyclist misjudged the risk then they end up grievously injured or dying, if a motorist misjudged the risk they end up maiming someone else. Let me know the next time a cyclist is responsible for a death, it is gonna be awhile, as opposed to when a motorist causes a death (it’s gonna be today). Your point is the very definition of a fake equivalency while also being a straw man. Nice work /s.
- seaglass August 6, 2023 (9:23 pm)
  
  You’re the one that brought up see you at the next red light… so I expanded on that as another safety issue. I wasn’t trying to compare the danger of cars vs bikes running red lights. It is an example of “some” cyclists thinking they don’t need to follow the rules of the road (also switching between rules as a cyclist or pedestrian at intersection, while they are on bike). I’ve seen cars run red lights too, and just as upset at them! I can include anything on this post I want. I see my opinions as items related to “some” cyclists feeling entitled/don’t need to abide by rules for safety.

seaglassgal August 6, 2023 (2:27 pm)

I’m from Seattle and 20 yr N. Admiral resident (also own a
bike)-disgusted this neighborhood was chosen for ride! Group name is
atrocious!! Have you considered parents that have lost young children?? Two friends at work have lost a child before 1-2 yrs old. I’m sure there are hundreds more in greater Seattle area (hope they’ve never heard of this group name)!

At least change group name and go through proper channels/permits for future events if blocking public access. Sure bikes can use the road too, but properly in single file, right side of lane (unless pre-approved). Or just bike from home and meet at chosen location to party as a group.

Little Saigon August 6, 2023 (3:40 pm)

Omg just take 2 seconds and chill for a second.To be fair the name comes from a baby doll nailed to wall of place the bike club gathered. The guy that started it said if he knew how popular this would become he would have chosen a different name.
- seaglass August 6, 2023 (9:00 pm)
  
  I read how the name came to be. It’s still very insensitive to those that have lost young children. Plus a crude name. After about the 5th year, I would think they would have changed the name for future gatherings! It’s still not too late.

Guy Olson August 6, 2023 (3:08 pm)

Why is everyone so against the 1st Amendment? The right to assemble doesn’t apply in the Admiral district?😂👏🏻

Blbl August 6, 2023 (4:06 pm)

Not when it blocks traffic. Read up.
- Little Saigon August 6, 2023 (7:59 pm)
  
  Minor delays trump the constitution
  - 937 August 6, 2023 (10:40 pm)
    
    Wrong
- Matt Higgins August 10, 2023 (11:58 pm)
  
  You should feel lucky and blessed to host DBD in your hood.
  - AdmiralParent August 11, 2023 (4:04 pm)
    
    If they get the proper permits to ensure public safety and proper traffic control then they are more then welcome!

Betty white August 6, 2023 (4:22 pm)

DBD is literally my favorite day of the whole year. The five minutes of inconvenience to my West Seattle community, I would hope there is grace given to the hundreds of bicyclists and the joy it brings them. Typically this event happens in different parts of the city. We should feel so lucky to have this event happening in our neighborhood.

937 August 6, 2023 (10:41 pm)

The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few…. Right?
TM August 6, 2023 (11:14 pm)

100% agree. DBD is one of the very best parts of living in Seattle. Freedom, community, and fun. People look after each other and for a very small bit of time bicyclists are in the majority in a small part of town (which changes every year).I’m a dad of two kids in my mid 50’s, have a very regular job, have had jobs with safety focuses for the last 25 years, WS resident and homeowner, and I delight in the DBD. It’s spontaneous, healthy, and life-affirming. I recommend next time (which probably won’t be for a mt least 4-5 years in WS) you go check it out. Just try being open minded. Walk up and talk to the folks, despite the name and some of the garb they are all really nice people, and just having fun. It’s like a celebration. I’m sorry some of you folks had a hard time with it, again I recommend checking it out next time. You might find you enjoy yourself!

DBD A-OK! August 6, 2023 (6:26 pm)

Admiralite here – ride was cool, honored that W-SEA was chosen. Most who live here welcome the ride back any year! People who’ve disparaged this part of town in this discussion, know those who speak negatively of the ride do not speak for the majority of us. Please check your bias.

seaglass August 6, 2023 (9:07 pm)

You do not know the majority are ok with this as nobody knows how many on either side of this issue are not writing on the blog. I do not welcome the ride back and that doesn’t mean I’ve disparaged this part of town. I’m happy the event rotates to different neighborhoods. BTW – it wasn’t a rolling event at California Ave and College intersection, the starting place.
- Felix Grounds August 6, 2023 (10:18 pm)
  
  Seaglasd.It doesn’t matter if you “don’t welcome the ride back” , it will happen regardless, that’s the whole idea behind DBBC.”gEt A pErMiT” hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha

Felix Grounds August 6, 2023 (10:39 pm)

The pearl clutching “get a permit” “I was mildly inconvenienced and I won’t stand for it” comments are classic WSB comments section COMEDY GOLD.

Jort August 7, 2023 (8:00 am)

Sounds like Critical Mass needs to head to the Admiral District one of these months for a little education and awareness!

Little Saigon August 7, 2023 (1:55 pm)

I’m down.

TreeHouse August 7, 2023 (10:59 am)

Events like this are what make Seattle a fun and special place to live. I’m sad I missed it this year. I just hope that this entitled car driver mindset subsides in time. Bike traffic is no different from the always present planet killing car traffic on our publicly shared streets. Being in a car and late to a soccer game doesn’t make your time more valuable than everybody else’s time.

The Earl August 7, 2023 (4:59 pm)

This ride has been going on for decades. Too bad you missed the boat. They throw one h*ll of a party.

AdmiralParent August 8, 2023 (7:16 am)

Wow, seems like a complete lack of objectivity going on in responses to my comment. Look, I like that Seattle is quirky, it is why I moved here. West Seattle is a place I moved to because it is family oriented. I have zero problems with this group hosting its event here, provided they get the necessary permits and things are managed per the requirements of hosting such a massive group on city arterials. This is no different then when races are held, such as the Orca Half-Marathon coming up in September here. What is the difference, the Orca will have a permit and there will be traffic control to detour people for everyone’s safety. The event sounds like fun and massive props for how long it has been around, but at some point you have to grow up. Consider it a badge of honor that your group has gotten so big you have to do some extra paperwork. Also, let’s be real, the party in Georgetown at the end of the race is permitted, which I’m guessing is because they were made to after community blowback. Maybe we cut the counterculture stuff and just be slightly civic minded and get the permit, there is a reason they exist and it isn’t because of a governmental cash grab.

Jort August 8, 2023 (12:12 pm)

All of this worry and writing and concern — because a person had to wait five or ten minutes in their car. Just a heads up: there will be no permits for this ride, ever. The Admiral Neighborhood Association won’t change that, either. You might as well pass a resolution to force the rain to stop falling in Seattle. Next time, ditch the car and join the ride.
- AdmiralParent August 8, 2023 (6:45 pm)
  
  If only the Admiral Neighborhood Association has much say in the matter, aside from putting pressure on the Admiral Pub. The ANA isn’t issuing permits and, as others have pointed out, the ride rotates every year, so this is really a city matter. Don’t sweat it, I’m not too worried about a bunch of anarchists on bikes or the internet stopping me from taking part in our democracy. We will see indeed…