My life as a bike advocate got its start thanks in part to the Bicycle Alliance, which helped inspire and support my work as founding chair of Bike to Work Spokane (now Spokane Bikes, part of the Spokefest Association). That’s why it has been so exciting for me to go from working as a bike advocate in Spokane to working on behalf of bike advocates all over Washington as the new executive director.
What I learned when I sent out that first email in Spokane asking if people would serve on a planning committee and over a dozen people showed up was that people who ride bikes want to share their enthusiasm and inspire others to get on two wheels. That’s at the heart of our work at the Bicycle Alliance as the statewide bike advocacy organization. The commitment of our founders, members, supporters, and partners is the reason we’ve been able to lead the charge for the passage of the majority of bike legislation adopted in the last 25 years.
Whether you ride because bicycling is the most practical mode of healthy transportation, a great vacation vehicle, or an expression of your competitive spirit, your love for biking affects those around you. You really do make the world a better place when you ride (and we know that the more people ride, the safer and more pleasant the streets are for everyone).
Since moving to Seattle and starting work August 1 I’ve had the chance to talk with bicyclists around the state: in Seattle, Bainbridge Island, Richland, Bellingham, and Anacortes, for starters. The stories I hear tell me we have plenty of work to do together as advocates for a more bike-friendly Washington for all kinds of riders, and that we share the passion it will take to make progress.
The Bicycle Alliance has a dedicated board of directors, talented staff, and the support of thousands of people across the state who sport the Share the Road license plate and join us as proud members. Together we will truly make Washington the most bike-friendly state in the nation as we grow bicycling statewide.
See you on the road!
