Winning Campaigns Training: Sign up for Bike Advocacy Boot Camp!

By baw_admin | Published April 19, 2011

Is there a regional trail that needs to be pulled off the drawing board and put on the ground? Maybe your elected officials are buckling at adding bike lanes on streets that have been identified for these facilities in your local bike plan. Do you want to start a Safe Routes to School program offered at your child’s school? Then it’s time to register for Winning Campaigns Training!

Winning Campaigns Training is a 3-day boot camp for bicycle and pedestrian advocates. This action-packed workshop gives novice and veteran advocates the tools to create and manage powerful campaigns to increase biking and walking in their communities.

Organized by the Alliance for Biking and Walking, six Winning Campaign Trainings are scheduled for 2011. Washington Bikes is hosting the Seattle workshop June 3-5. Enroll soon—early registration discount ends May 6.

Posted in Advocacy, Events, Politics | Comments Off on Winning Campaigns Training: Sign up for Bike Advocacy Boot Camp!

It’s been a Long time and a Long Bike

By Mary Anderson | Published April 18, 2011

I haven’t written a blog post in quite a few months, some of you may have noticed, many probably didn’t. My Dad was diagnosed with brain cancer in July 2009, in July 2010 my parents moved to Bellingham. Last winter his health started to decline, thus I was spending a lot more time at their house. With working full time, and having my own family to take care of as well, I made the decision to take a break from some of my volunteer activities until things settled down. I wish I could say this story had a happy ending, however, there is no cure for brain cancer, so after living a full and wonderful life my Dad passed away on February 11, 2011. I am fortunate to have had him as a Dad, and fortunate to have shared a love of bicycling with him.

That being said, let’s talk about bikes now. I decided last January that I really needed a new bike. The bike I had was a Trek 4300, a bright orange mountain bike that I tried really hard for nine years to turn into a commuter bike. I added a rack and fenders, neither of which really fit, thus, the fenders were constantly rubbing on the tires and driving me crazy. Also, I knew the time was coming that I’d need to replace the drive train. The chain would make the dreaded ‘ker-clunk’ sound when I shifted, sometimes it would shift right away, other times it would wait awhile and shift when it felt necessary. With as much biking as I do, and since we choose to own one car, my husband and I decided a new bike was a good idea.

After giving it much thought, I finally decided I wanted a long bike. For one, my daughter could sit on the back and I could drop her off at school, or pick her up, and she wouldn’t need her bike. This was helpful because there are some days when I drop her off, but don’t pick her up, or vice verse. The second reason is they are simply amazing and awesome, I use my bike a lot for work, having to haul supplies to schools for bike education presentations, and the long bike can carry SO MUCH cargo!

Once I decided on the long bike I had to decide which one to get. It came down to three choices:

The Trek Transport, a new bike on the market. It is very sleek looking, and
has a front rack as well as the extended rear rack, however, the major downfall of this bike is that the carrying capacity of the rear rack is only 100 lbs. After talking with my local bike shop employee, he said he wouldn’t recommend the Transport if one of my main uses of the bike was to haul my daughter. He did, however, recommend the same bike he owned.


The Surley Big Dummy Complete. This was a few steps (and hundreds of dollars) above the Trek. It has disc breaks both front and rear, a steel frame and a carrying capacity of 400 lbs (including driver). The Xtracycle is built right into the frame. It’s a beast built for hauling some serious cargo!

The third bike I was considering was the Kona Ute. Priced lowest of these three bikes, the Ute is also very sleek looking (check out those panniers!), and has a carrying capacity of 300+ lbs. Sadly it only comes in 18″ and 20″ frame sizes. Not very helpful for a 5’2″ rider.

When it came time for me to make a decision I opted to go with the Big Dummy. It was in my mind, the best of the three, a very high quality bike, built to do just what I needed, haul heavy cargo. Also, it came personally recommended by someone I trusted. This is huge when shelling out over $1,000 for a bike. But really, what sealed the deal, is that my Mom offered to contribute $1,000 towards the bike (from my Dad’s life insurance). So, while it saddens me to no end that the main reason I have my Big Dummy is because my Dad passed away, I can be happy knowing that he would have loved the bike and would be happy knowing that he was able to help me get it.
Stay tuned for blog posts on carrying ridiculous amounts of cargo. And a sometimes ridiculous 8 year old.

Do YOU have a long bike? Which one? What is the heaviest/biggest/most amazing thing you’ve hauled on your bike (long bike or not)?

Posted in Commuting, Gear/Maintenance, Go By Bike, Kids, Sustainable Living, Whatcom County | 8 Comments

Legislative Update: Traffic School Bill Signed into Law

By baw_admin | Published April 14, 2011

It’s official—Traffic Schools will soon be teaching drivers how to safely interact with bicyclists and pedestrians.  Governor Chris Gregoire signed HB1129 into law on Monday and it takes effect 90 days after close of the legislative session. 
The Bicycle Alliance will be contacting all traffic schools and providing them with the approved curriculum.  We will also do follow up to ensure that traffic schools are using it. Thanks to everyone who supported this bill with emails, letters, phone calls and testimony.
Here’s a quick rundown on other bills that we have worked on:
Complete Streets, HB1071, passed house concurrence by a 53-43 vote.  It now goes to the governor for signature.
HB 1700, which addresses transportation project design in a way that could greatly benefit bicycle and pedestrian facilities, died on the Senate floor.
Vulnerable Users, SB 5326, is waiting for Senate concurrence.
And a new development…HB2053 is a transportation fee bill that would raise $162 million in additional fees from licenses and other sources.  This bill currently allocates $5 million for Safe Routes to School programs.  The Bicycle Alliance recently testified in favor of this bill.
Posted in Advocacy, Complete Streets, Education, Funding/Policy, Issues & Advocacy, Politics, Safe Routes to School, Safety, Transportation | Comments Off on Legislative Update: Traffic School Bill Signed into Law

Dave Janis says Farewell to the Bicycle Alliance

By Louise McGrody | Published April 13, 2011

After nine years of service with Washington Bikes, Policy Director Dave Janis has decided to move on.  He bids farewell at the end of this month when the legislative session draws to a close.

Dave first joined the Bicycle Alliance as a contractor in 2002, creating a couple of small neighborhood walking and biking maps for the City of Seattle.  He was eventually hired to manage the organization’s Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program.
“Traveling around the state to conduct Safe Routes to School trainings and building community partnerships has been very motivating and inspiring to me,” reflected Dave.
Dave is very proud of his involvement in making the Bicycle Alliance a statewide leader in SRTS, and in garnering national recognition for some of the innovative approaches to program implementation.  He sat on the Safe Routes to School National Partnership steering committee and made many conference and workshop presentations.
In his role as Policy Director, Dave was especially pleased with the passage of the distracted driving bill, which elevated texting and using a handheld cell phone to a primary offense.  Working with a diverse group of partners to pass the bill was challenging and exciting.
One of Dave’s most memorable highlights while working with the Bicycle Alliance was meeting musician David Byrne. An avid urban cyclist, Byrne did a multi-city tour to promote his book Bicycle Diaries and Seattle was one his stops.  Dave was one of several local bike advocates invited to join the musician on stage for a discussion about urban cycling.
“We’re going to miss Dave,” acknowledged Executive Director Barb Culp. “We’ll miss his dedication, his wonderful laugh, his delight in the many things that tickled his funny bone, and his love of talking to people.”
Over his years with the Bicycle Alliance, Dave filled many roles with thoughtfulness and steadfast professionalism, she added.  He consistently represented the organization at Pro Walk Pro Bike and other prominent events.
Dave’s immediate plans include a visit to the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument in Oregon, a trip to Ohio to celebrate his father’s 101st birthday, then preparing for the arrival of his first grandchild.  He’s looking forward to riding his bike more and intends to stay involved with the Bicycle Alliance and bike advocacy.
Posted in Issues & Advocacy, News, People, Safe Routes to School, Seattle | 6 Comments

Bringing Safe Routes to School to South King County

By Louise McGrody | Published April 12, 2011
ped-bikeimages.org/Chris Metka

When I was a kid, I walked to school. In fact, most of my classmates either walked or biked to school and it was probably the same for you. Biking and walking to school, my neighborhood library, the corner market, and my friends’ homes was routine for me.

Just a generation ago, almost half of all kids in the US biked or walked to school. Today, less than 15% of kids arrive at school under their own power. Conversely, childhood obesity rates have more than tripled in the past 30 years.
Washington Bikes is leading a project in south King County designed to reverse this trend. Funded by King County Public Health, we are working with Feet First, school districts, community groups, and fantastic volunteers to bring Safe Routes to School to underserved communities in this region.
School and community members are invited to participate in walking and biking audits around schools to become familiar with traffic flow, hazards and barriers to biking and walking.  We also train teachers how to instruct students on bicycle and pedestrian safety using a proven curriculum and we provide a fleet of kids bikes for use by the schools.  Teachers have been trained in Kent, Renton, Seatac, and Auburn elementary schools.
“It’s exciting to have an opportunity to improve the social equity of communities,” commented project manager John Vander Sluis.  “People living in low-income neighborhoods have real challenges to accessing regular exercise and nutritious food.  The Bicycle Alliance has a chance to make a serious impact with this project.”

Volunteers are needed.
The Bicycle Alliance is looking for volunteers to assist teachers with bike safety skills training in the participating schools.  No experience is required – just follow the teacher’s instructions.  Time commitment is flexible and times vary.
We’re also looking for a pickup truck and driver with some flexibility this spring to move bikes and trailers between schools in south King County.  The truck must be rated to pull around 2000 pounds, and a receiver hitch or 2 5/16” ball mount is preferred.
Contact John Vander Sluis at johnv@wabikes.org or 206.224.9252 x324 if you can help us out.
Posted in Education, Health, Kids, Safe Routes to School, Seattle, Volunteer | Comments Off on Bringing Safe Routes to School to South King County

Hey, mom… No training wheels!

By Louise McGrody | Published April 11, 2011
Many of you involved with Washington Bikes know Andy Goulding. Andy is an ardent supporter of and a tireless volunteer for this organization. He’s also the husband of our Executive Director Barbara Culp.
While helping us out at a kids event last year, Andy became inspired to help parents teach their children to ride a bike quickly.  It doesn’t rely on training wheels and it doesn’t require an adult to run alongside helping the child to balance on the bicycle.  That inspiration has resulted in a Learn to Bike Without Training Wheels educational flyer.  A printable pdf version of it is available on our website. 
Andy’s grandson, Marcel, learned to ride his bike at the age of 3 using this technique.  It’s a huge improvement over the way Andy taught his son how to ride a bike 30 years ago.
Here’s a You Tube video of young Mary learning to ride her bike.
Posted in Education, Kids, People, Volunteer | 1 Comment

Legislative Update: Time runs out on 20 mph bill

By baw_admin | Published April 6, 2011

It’s the end of the road for HB 1217 20 mile-per-hour bill this session. The bill had to be voted out of the Senate Transportation Committee last week and it did not make it. Many thanks to all of you who supported this legislation and contacted legislators. The Bicycle Alliance’s Legislative Committee will review progress made on this bill at their June meeting and decide whether or not to attempt moving this bill in next year’s session.
We have better news on others bills that we have been working on:
  • Traffic School Safety Education bill, HB 1129 awaits the Governor’s signature. 

  • The Complete Streets bill SHB 1071 was passed in the Senate, but amended.  It now just needs House concurrence then goes to the Governor for her signature.   

  • HB 1700, which addresses transportation project design in a way that could greatly benefit bicycle and pedestrian facilities, is currently in Senate Rules.  Once pulled from Rules, it goes for a Senate floor vote. It has already passed in the House. 
  •  Vulnerable Users, SB 5326 has passed the House which amended the bill.  Next up is Senate concurrence, and if that occurs, then it is off to the Governor. 
The current proposed budget still includes the combined $11 million for the Safe Routes to School and Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety programs. We will continue to track these programs in the budget. 
As always, check our Legislative Page for more details about these bills and the work of our Legislative Committee.
Posted in Advocacy, Complete Streets, Education, Funding/Policy, Issues & Advocacy, Politics, Safety | Comments Off on Legislative Update: Time runs out on 20 mph bill

April showers bring the Daffodil Classic

By Louise McGrody | Published March 31, 2011
flickr/Mr Ush

It’s spring, we’re on daylight savings time, and you’re probably itching to ride your bike more. How about signing up for the Daffodil Classic on April 10?


Organized by the Tacoma Wheelmen’s Bicycle Club, the Daffodil Classic winds through the scenic Orting Valley and surrounding countryside and offers route options of 40, 60, and 100 miles. There is also a family fun ride. And did I mention that they serve up strawberry shortcake at the end of the ride?
The Daffodil Classic is one of many event bicycle rides that support Washington Bikes’s advocacy and education efforts with a per rider contribution. Check our Rides calendar for a complete listing.
Posted in Bike Clubs, Rides, Tacoma | Comments Off on April showers bring the Daffodil Classic

Create a Bicycle Friendly Wenatchee

By baw_admin | Published March 31, 2011

Bicycle friendly communities don’t just happen. It takes public planning, citizen support, political will, funding and engineering.

The Wenatchee Valley  Transportation Council is developing a Metropolitan Bicycle Master Plan for the communities of Wenatchee, East Wenatchee, Rock Island and Sunnyslope. They are seeking input from area cyclists to identify how and where people currently ride, as well as where they would like to ride but can’t for whatever reason. This information will be used to create a regional bicycle network.

If you are a Wenatchee Valley bike rider, please take a few minutes to complete the online bike survey. Your participation and support of the Bicycle Master Plan can improve the bikeability of the region.

Posted in Advocacy, Funding/Policy, Wenatchee | 1 Comment

The “Mutual Responsibilities” Bill—What’s Up?

By baw_admin | Published March 30, 2011
The legislature won’t act on the proposed bill to set out drivers’ and cyclists’ rights and responsibilities until cyclists’ concerns are met; next steps will be taken at Bike Alliance Legislative Committee early summer 2011 meeting



“Rumors of my death,” Mark Twain once remarked, “have been greatly exaggerated.”
The opposite might be said about the existing version of House Bill 1018, the proposed “Mutual Responsibilities” law introduced at the beginning of this year’s legislative session. Internet rumors to the contrary, the bill isn’t going anywhere, this year or next, without more input from cyclists and a thorough vetting to ensure that concerns have been met and it accomplishes its intended goals.
HB 1018 was an attempt to set out motorists’ and cyclists’ rights and responsibilities—including more specific language about safe passing distances. The Bike Alliance’s Legislative and Statewide Issues Committee, comprised of cyclists from around the state, drafted the bill; and Rep. Jamie Pedersen, D-Seattle, agreed to be its prime sponsor. A number of other legislators joined as co-sponsors. A companion bill, SB 5193, was introduced in the senate, with Sen. Scott White as its prime sponsor.
However, after the bill’s introduction a number of cyclists raised concerns about some of its provisions, some believing that it reduced cyclists’ existing rights. Because of these concerns the Bike Alliance asked the bill’s sponsors not to take action on the legislation, as reported earlier on our web site’s legislation page and blog.  The sponsors in turn asked the legislature’s Transportation Committee chairs not to schedule the bill for a hearing during the 2011 session. In fact, no legislative action has been taken on either the House or Senate versions since January.
Nothing more will happen until the Bike Alliance’s Legislative and Statewide Issues Committee discusses the bill and conducts further outreach to the bicycling community. Committee members will discuss the bill at their early summer 2011 meeting, which will take place in a few months. (Check the Bike Alliance website and blog, where information on the meeting’s date and location will be posted once they are confirmed.)
However, a recent post in the Seattle Likes Bikes blog has apparently raised concerns among some that the legislature will act on essentially the same bill next year.  Not to worry: these fears are misplaced.
Technically, the state legislature operates on two-year cycles, each of which includes two regular legislative sessions, as explained on the Washington State Legislature’s “overview of the legislative process” web page.  The 2011 legislative session is the first of the current two-year cycle. Bills that are introduced during the first regular legislative session of a cycle don’t “die” if they aren’t acted upon; instead they carry over to the second regular session.
Thus, it’s literally true that HB 1018 isn’t “dead.” But that doesn’t necessarily mean that the same bill (or any bill) will be resurrected and acted upon in 2012.  Practically speaking, this will happen only if the bill’s sponsors ask the committee chairs to set some version of the bill for a hearing—and that won’t happen until both the Bicycle Alliance and the bill’s prime sponsors are convinced that the bill meets cyclists’ needs.
In the meantime, we’d like your input. Take a look at the bill and forward any comments or ideas to Bicycle Alliance Executive Director Barbara Culp at barbc@wabikes.org. 
Posted in Bike Blogs, Issues & Advocacy, Politics | 2 Comments