- Washington Bikes endorses candidates who commit to, or have a record of, making communities better for people on bikes–through growing local economies, improving health outcomes, or creating safer streets and roadways.
- Claudia Balducci is a bike commuter with a long record of supporting bike infrastructure and transportation safety.
- Mayor Bruce Harrell delivered a Seattle Transportation Levy with a record $133.5 million in bike funding.
Claudia Balducci for King County Executive
Washington Bikes endorses King County Council member Balducci for King County Executive due to her long record as an elected champion for better biking in her role as King County Council member, Chair of the Puget Sound Regional Council, and as a Bellevue City Council member. Balducci’s efforts to make biking safe, accessible, and equitable include:
- Expanding King County’s regional trails and bike lanes.
- Advancing policies that address the region’s transportation safety crisis.
- Championing inclusive community representation in transportation planning.
“As a person who bikes regularly for commuting, fun, fitness, and health, my vision for King County is one where everyone is able to connect to work, school, and social activities through safe and efficient biking,” Balducci says. “I’m proud to have the endorsement of Washington Bikes and will work alongside them as County Executive to make this vision a reality.”
On King County Council, Balducci has championed the regional trails network, especially Eastrail. She helped secure local, state, and federal funding for the I-90 steel bridge and the Northup connector bridge. She secured millions of dollars to open up the Kirkland to Bellevue gravel trail, the NE 8th Street crossing, and the trail into Woodinville via her support of the 2019 King County Parks levy.
Additionally, Balducci was the lead King County proponent for allowing e-bikes on regional trails. Last year, she pursued the study and funding for extending hours of operations for King County regional trails to create more equitable and safe access.
During her time on the Bellevue City Council, Balducci pushed for rapid implementation of a basic protected bike network downtown, which laid the groundwork for several years of subsequent bike lane development.
Balducci has advanced policies to address systemic inequities in our transportation system, including supporting the repeal of King County’s inequitably enforced all-ages helmet law and pushing for more equitable transit investments, including Rapid Ride R and all-day transit service. As President of PSRC, Balducci oversaw establishment of the region’s Equity Advisory Committee and a $5 million equity pilot fund.
Balducci has advocated for adoption of policies to address the transportation safety crisis. She oversaw the adoption of Bellevue’s Vision Zero policy, proposed the Puget Sound region’s safe system policy adopted in 2022 and, last year, introduced legislation approved by the King County Council to implement a safe system approach. As Executive, Balducci would advance that policy concept to implementation.
WA Bikes is proud to endorse Claudia Balducci for King County Executive because we know that she will bring her commitment to better biking and her experience advancing infrastructure, policy, and systems change to the job of making biking safer and more accessible in King County.
Bruce Harrell for Seattle Mayor
Washington Bikes endorses Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell for re-election due to his support for record investments in Seattle’s bike network. During his first term, Mayor Harrell has shown a commitment to making Seattle safer and more accessible for people who bike.
Over the past four years, the Harrell administration has overseen the construction of key bike network projects–largely in South Seattle–including the 15th Avenue Beacon Hill route, Alaskan Way waterfront connection, and a safe bike route through SODO. Another 23 miles of protected bike lanes are in the pipeline. By making biking and more accessible, these investments reinforce the city’s role in helping Washington remain the #1 most bike-friendly state in the country.
Last year, Mayor Harrell and the City of Seattle requested voter approval of the historic Seattle Transportation Levy, which includes $133.5 million over eight years to expand and maintain the bike network. An additional $160.5 million will support Vision Zero, school, and neighborhood safety efforts, reinforcing the city’s goal of eliminating serious injuries and fatalities on our streets.
Mayor Harrell invited and responded to community feedback and suggestions from bike advocates, and brought together a broad coalition to shape a winning Levy.
“I lead with safety, and that means creating safe places for people to bike,” said Mayor Harrell. “When we build safe bike infrastructure, it helps everyone on the road whether they are walking, riding, driving, or on transit. I appreciate the support of strong partners like Washington Bikes as we make these investments in safety, mobility, and climate-friendly infrastructure.”
In 2025, the Mayor’s office and SDOT are advancing over $16 million in bike safety projects, with another $16 million dedicated to Vision Zero projects. These investments are helping to deliver and expand safe bike connections across the city, with projects that are already complete, under construction, or in planning.
Protected bike lane projects completed or nearly completed during Mayor Harrell’s first term:
- MLK Jr Way Safety Project (1 mile)
- West Marginal Way SW (.4 miles)
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- 15th Ave/ Beacon Hill Safety Project (1.4 miles)
- Georgetown to Downtown Safety Project (1.9 miles)
- E Marginal Way Multi-use Path and Freight Corridor (1.3 miles)
- Pike/Pine Corridor (.75 miles)
- Waterfront bike path (1.15 miles)
Washington Bikes values Mayor Harrell’s demonstrated commitment to delivering critical projects that improve safety, encourage mode shift, and connect Seattle communities. There is still more work to do to ensure that every Seattleite can safely and comfortably travel by bike, and we are excited to work in partnership with Mayor Harrell to do just that.
