Hub and Spoke: Next stop Everett

By baw_admin | Published November 11, 2010

This year, thanks to a grant from the Alliance for Biking and Walking, Washington Bikes launched our Hub and Spoke outreach tour.  We have organized meet ups with our members, interested officials, and other community cyclists in Wenatchee, Vancouver and Walla Walla.  (Here’s a link to a previous post about Hub and Spoke.)  Next Thursday, we take Hub and Spoke to Everett.

As the voice for citizens who bike in Washington State, the Bicycle Alliance wants to hear from you.  We want to know what issues you face in your community and we want to hear about local successes.  We also want to share information with you.  We have identified legislative priorities for the 2011 legislative session and we’d like your help to pass them, and we’d like to tell you about some exciting projects that we have coming on line.

Please join us for this timely event if you live in Snohomish County.  We’ll provide light appetizers and a no-host bar is available.  Please RSVP Louise McGrody if  you plan to attend.

Hub and Spoke: Everett
November 18 at 5:30PM
The Anchor Pub
1001 Hewitt Avenue
Posted in Advocacy, Events, Everett | Comments Off on Hub and Spoke: Next stop Everett

Ferries won’t seek to change procedures for bicyclists

By baw_admin | Published November 10, 2010

Last week, we featured a post about a Washington State Ferry recommendation that would adversely impact bicyclists.  Today’s post is a follow up and comes to us from Gordon Black of Squeaky Wheels.
 

pedbikeimages.org/Carl Sundstrom

For the moment, bicyclists need not worry about any changes to the present system of loading and unloading bikes on state ferries. Washington State Ferries chief David Moseley has stated that the ferry system will not be seeking to adopt a marine industry panel recommendation to load and unload bicyclists after all motorized vehicles. He indicated that a WSF response to the panel’s report (due to the governor and legislature November 15) will simply say that ferry managers will further examine the issue. “We definitely do not want to make any changes at this time,” said Moseley. “I don’t know if these are changes that we would want to make if the structures in place can’t be improved. We want to have discussions with our bicyclist customers to see if collaboratively we can make it better for everyone.”

In a meeting with bicycle representatives November 4 attended by Washington Bikes executive director Barbara Culp and Squeaky Wheels vice president Gordon Black, Moseley was reassuring that on the list of issues facing the ferry system that the bike loading was “not hot.”  Among the panel’s list of recommendations are highly sensitive issues related to crews and union contracts. The bicycle loading issues are, by contrast, relatively low in the hierarchy of challenges the ferry system is facing. State ferries are under financial pressure to cut costs.

Members of the panel drawn from passenger ferry operators around the US visited Washington State this summer and drew up a report issued in early September. It drew a highly critical response from bicyclists, fearful that the present system of three loadings for bicyclists dating to 1999 would be negatively changed. At a meeting called by Squeaky Wheels September 28, some 30 bicycle commuters voiced concerns and ideas to improve safety.

Plan for on-going dialog

The loading issue won’t be back on WSF’s agenda until after the 2011 legislative session, which is scheduled to end sometime in May. In light of the loading issue and on-going problems with space for bikes on the Seattle-Bainbridge ferries, Moseley responded favorably to the idea of setting up a regular forum with bicyclists to discuss all bike-related issues. Details of a future advisory committee on bike issues will be discussed in coming months. Squeaky Wheels will be represented on this new committee – and will be working to protect and promote the interests of bicyclists.

Posted in Advocacy, Commuting, Ferries, Funding/Policy, Guest Blogger, Transportation | 1 Comment

John Streich: Farewell to a Friend

By Louise McGrody | Published November 9, 2010
John Streich working at the 2008 auction.

John Streich was one of the first volunteers I met when I joined the Bicycle Alliance staff in 1994.  A friendly and personable guy, John liked to volunteer for things that allowed him to interact with others.  You may have met him staffing our booth at Bike Expo, greeting guests arriving at the auction, or stuffing envelopes at our month end work parties.

John was an adventurous man who led a colorful life.  A technical engineer, he called me one winter to tell me that he needed to back out of a volunteer commitment because he was on his way to Canada to help with avalanche control.  John loved the outdoors.  Besides bicycling, his pursuits included hiking, climbing and sailing.

One of my fondest memories of John was at a volunteer party several years ago.  He was explaining how he had worked aboard a cruise ship one season as a dance partner to single ladies, then demonstrated his dancing skills by dipping a surprised volunteer.

John Streich died last week after a brief bout with cancer.  He will be missed by his friends at the Bicycle Alliance.  Pedal in peace, my friend.

Posted in People, Seattle, Volunteer | Comments Off on John Streich: Farewell to a Friend

Loss of a Champion and the Implications for Bicycling

By baw_admin | Published November 8, 2010

 

League of American Bicyclists photo.



While we are all thinking about this week’s elections results, it is hard not to imagine what could be or what will be. One of the saddest losses, while not a Washington State elected official, was that of Representative James Oberstar, a Democrat from Minnesota. He had served 18 terms and was chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Time and time again he proved to be a tireless advocate for bicycling and walking. Without his efforts, our work to get transportation dollars for bicycling and walking in the Transportation Authorization Bill would have been that much more difficult.

But the one federal program where he really left a legacy is Safe Routes to School. This program, in just 5 short years after its launch, has had a demand much greater than can be funded in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Washington State Department of Transportaton alone has received millions in federal funding for its Safe Routes to School program, from which countless students, adults, and communities have benefited. It has allowed the Bicycle Alliance, Feet First, Cascade Bicycle Club, and a myriad of state and local agencies, schools and non-profits to develop and sustain many highly successful programs. We are all working towards the goal of changing the habits of an entire generation, as Rep. Oberstar would say.

While it is easy to be saddened by the loss of this champion, let’s look back. What we see is that this isn’t just an issue owned by the Democrats. Our friends at America Bikes point out that under a Republican House, Senate, and White House a lot was accomplished.
“Safe Routes to School and the non-motorized pilot program were created, funding for Transportation Enhancements went up 35% … during one program the annual funding for bicycling and walking went from less than $400 million to more than $1 billion.”
While the economy tells us that funding may be a big issue in the upcoming years, we have a Transportation Secretary by the name of Ray LaHood who, earlier this year, announced that bicycling will be treated as an equal mode of transportation.  We still have supporters on both sides of the isle and will have to work even harder.  So let’s keep in mind that we have a big hill to climb, but we can do it with the help of our dedicated partners.

Posted in Advocacy, Funding/Policy, People, Politics, Safe Routes to School, Transportation | 1 Comment

Ray LaHood on Livable Communities

By baw_admin | Published November 3, 2010

Grist Magazine has an interesting interview with Transportation Secretary LaHood’s take on livable communities. Highlights for bicyclists include his discussion of growing up riding a bike and being able to bike all over Washington, DC. Then he said:

“On the day that I was going to the streetcar inauguration in Portland, I saw over 200 people at 7:30 in the morning riding their bikes to work. I’ve seen what’s happened here in Washington with walking and biking paths, the biking avenues or lanes that have been created along Pennsylvania Avenue, along 14th street and 16th street. It’s what Americans want.”

The Secretary of Transportation is aware that people are increasingly interested in bicycling and alternative infrastructure.

“I think we’ve sent a pretty loud message that one of our signature transportation programs will be livable and sustainable communities. … [These programs are] not going to go away, not because of Ray LaHood or because of Barack Obama, but because this is what people want. Once politicians begin to learn that, they begin to adopt the idea that these are good opportunities for their constituents and for Americans.”

Now, throughout the interview, LaHood emphasizes walking and biking paths rather than friendlier streets. However, the shift of focus from building more motor vehicle infrastructure to thinking about what makes a community pleasant to live in bodes well for our future. It’s our responsibility as informed citizens to let our politicians know that we care about the communities we live in. That’s just one reason I hope you did your homework and voted. For the rest of the year, your support for the Bicycle Alliance means that we can continue advocating for the kinds of changes Secretary LaHood supports.

And, for those of you who feel extra concerned about the safety of any new infrastructure, there’s the airbag bike helmet.

Posted in Attitudes, Complete Streets, Infrastructure, Transportation | Comments Off on Ray LaHood on Livable Communities

Ferry-bike system works: tell the experts they are wrong!

By baw_admin | Published November 2, 2010
Photo by Carla Gramlich.

Earlier this fall, Governor Chris Gregoire released a report she requested on the Washington State Ferries Division by experts from the Passenger Vessel Association to review the state’s ferry system.  The Governor instructed Transportation Secretary Paula Hammond and David Moseley, assistant secretary for WSF to review the report and by November 15th develop an action plan with implementation recommendations. The documents can be found at these links: www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/accountability and http://www.passengervessel.com/

Paula Hammond and David Moseley need to hear from you that the experts flubbed on one recommendation: “The panel recommends that vehicles be unloaded ahead of bikes.”
The current system permits bicyclists three opportunities to load and unload — at the start, mid-way through and at the end. This system has been in place since 1999 when an agreement was reached between Bainbridge Island bicyclists represented by Squeaky Wheels, Washington Bikes and Washington State Ferries management.
The safety record of the current loading and unloading procedures in unblemished in those eleven years. Secretary Hammond and under secretary Moseley need hear from bicycle commuters and recreation cyclists who use the ferry system.

  • Ask them where the Pasenger Vessel Association panel of experts found the data or proof backs up the recommendation that bicyclists slow unloading?
  • What evidence demonstrates that cars and trucks are faster than a bicyclist when unloading?
  • Why make a recommendation that bikes and cars not share the road which is entirely counter to our “share the road” message as authorized by the state legislature?
  • Where is the data that proves that safety is improved if bicyclists load/unload last?
  • How does this recommendation meet the Washington State goal of increasing the number of people bicycling?

Representatives from Squeaky Wheels and the Bicycle Alliance will be talking with under secretary of transportation, David Moseley on Thursday to strongly recommend that the Washington State Department of Transportation and Washington State Ferries do not accept the recommendation “that vehicles be unloaded ahead of bikes.” We’ll be taking the message to him that bicycles are vehicles in the State of Washington, and an eleven year old process of loading and unloading bikes works! Send a message to Secretary Paula Hammond:  “Don’t mess with success!”

Posted in Advocacy, Attitudes, Ferries, Funding/Policy, Safety, Share the Road, Transportation | 4 Comments

Bicycle Rodeo: All Fun and Games

By baw_admin | Published November 1, 2010

On October 20, Dave Janis and Katie Ferguson worked with the Liberty Ridge Elementary School in Bonney Lake to help run a bike rodeo for their Walk-Bike to School Day. Engaged parents volunteered, and additional help came from the Tacoma Wheelmen, the Bonney Lake Bicycle Shop, East Pierce Fire & Rescue. Cascade Bicycle Club generously let us borrow one of their excellent bike rodeo kits.

The kids started with a helmet check and a bike check, to make sure they were safe on the course.

East Pierce Fire & Rescue’s Dina Sutherland checks helmets.
Bonney Lake Bicycle Shop’s Jim Stevenson checks a bike.
Parent Paul helps a participant adjust his seat.

Once checked, the kids went to Station 1, where they practiced starting and stopping. Just out of the picture, a parent helper held a stop sign.

Tacoma Wheelmen president Tom Reardon directs rodeo participants.

Then on to Station 2, where participants practiced riding in a circle and looking over their shoulders — what we grownups call “scanning.”

Volunteer Louie Boitano helps run Station 2.

At Station 3, the bicyclists learned how to dodge objects in the road with the guidance of volunteer Peggy Fjetland.

Peggy and participant at Station 3.

Once they mastered dodging, the students learned how to steer by leaning. They practiced with the bike slalom.

Volunteer Pam Knight directs a participant at the slalom.

Finally, the participants practiced leaving a driveway. Many car-bike collisions can be prevented by teaching kids to stop and look before leaving a driveway.

Dave Janis monitors a student exiting the practice driveway.

In the final tally, over a dozen adult volunteers made it possible for 110 future bicyclists to dip their toes into the world of safe bicycling — and had fun doing it. Reaching young bicyclists with bike education is a cornerstone of improving bike-motorist interactions. Thank you to everybody who made the event possible.

Posted in Education, Kids, Safety, Tacoma, Volunteer | Comments Off on Bicycle Rodeo: All Fun and Games

I Bike: Hannah and Sophia Carpenter

By Mary Anderson | Published October 27, 2010
Sisters Hannah (14, freshman in High School) and Sophie (12, 6th grade) Carpenter are independent travelers encouraged by their parents to bike wherever they need to go. They aren’t reliant on an adult to drive them around town.

When Sophie sold her handmade jewelry at the Farmer’s Market last summer, she pedaled her supplies to the market on her own, and even combined bike and bus to participate in the Wednesday Fairhaven Market. Their mother couldn’t be prouder, remarking that the girls’ bikes gave them freedom and a much more fun-filled summer than they would have had sans bikes.

“Since I work full time I’m not home to drive them to the library, a friend’s house or to the market. Having them ride is the perfect solution. We sat down and figured out a safe route to get downtown and they’ve been biking it regularly. They are confident cyclists and really enjoy the independence the bike gives them,” stated proud Mom.

Both sisters started biking on their own in 3rd grade and now they bike everywhere – downtown, to the library, friends’ houses, to school, to volunteer or to babysit.

Hannah likes that she doesn’t need to rely on an adult for a ride, but at the same time dislikes that she’s expected to bike everywhere. Sophie said she likes going fast and riding by herself, however tackling big hills like Barkley Boulevard rank low on her list of likes. (For those of you that know the area, Barkley is a BIG hill — way to go Sophie! I haven’t even attempted that one!)

Sophie’s earliest memory of biking involves playing Sophia LaWow and the Green Ball of Terror. “My mom and sister bounced a green ball back and forth and I rode across between them. My mom would talk like a circus announcer like I was doing a big trick,” explained Sophie. Hannah remembers “going down the sidewalk by the elementary school and having to wait forever for my Mom and little sister to catch up. They were so slow!!!”

Both girls are quick to offer advice to other kids who want to bike more. Hannah encourages kids to “convince your parents the world is not a scary place and it’s OK to bike.”  Sophie advised to “ know where you are going and wear warm clothing”.

I love meeting kids like Hannah and Sophie, I know that their experience biking as kids is going to positively impact their adult lives. Even if they do grow up and make most of their trips by car, at least they have the experience of biking, which will make them better drivers. Plus, they will be more likely to allow their own kids to bike around town. The cycle will continue with each generation.
Tell us your story!  I Bike is a project of Washington Bikes to put a personal face on bicycling when we talk to elected officials and the public.  Contact Louise McGrody if you’d like to share your I Bike story.
Posted in I Bike, Kids, People, Whatcom County | 1 Comment

Vancouver 2012: The bicycling world comes knocking

By baw_admin | Published October 26, 2010
It’s not often that the world beats a path (practically) to your doorstep, and it’s even more unusual when it arrives by bicycle.
But that’s what will happen in June 2012 when Velo-city, the world’s largest conference of cycling planners and advocates, comes to Vancouver, B.C. 
Velo-city, organized by the well-established European Cyclists’ Federation (ECF), brings together urban planners, cycling advocates, government representatives, and politicians from around the world to share ideas and discuss strategies for getting more people on bicycles.
Velo-city began 30 years ago as a conference for European cycling advocates. The event went global for the first time this year. By all accounts the 2010 conference, held in Copenhagen, was a smashing success, bringing together about 1,100 people from 60 countries.
The 2012 conference will be a golden opportunity for Northwest cycling advocates to mingle with, and learn from, their counterparts from other parts of the world. It’ll also be an opportunity for local planners to learn about best practices elsewhere, and for local politicians to learn that cycling can play a valuable role in solving urban transportation problems.
For more on the 2012 Vancouver Velo-city conference, see this article in Momentum magazine’s online edition.

Posted in Advocacy, Bike Culture, Events, Sustainable Living, Transportation | Comments Off on Vancouver 2012: The bicycling world comes knocking

Success! Auction Raises $84K for Bicycle Advocacy.

By Louise McGrody | Published October 25, 2010
Saturday–auction day–was an unsettled day of weather in the Puget Sound.  An overcast and showery morning gave way to some midday sunshine, followed by a rainy evening.
But the atmosphere inside Fisher Pavilion did not reflect the outdoors.  A veteran group of volunteers prepared the venue for a festive Bicycle Alliance auction in record time.  Rows of long tables were laid out with enticing displays of silent auction items, the dessert dash, and wine and beer grab. Dave Shaw and Scott  Ely performed their wizardry as they set up a network of computers that would support registration, capture winning bids and print out receipts at the end of the evening.  Volunteers assisted Foodz Catering with setting the dining tables.  The transformation was complete!
Many guests arrived early and by 6pm the auction was well underway.  People bid on silent auction items, purchased 50/50 raffle tickets, and scored some great selections from the wine and beer grab. 
They previewed the selection of tempting delectable desserts that would be available in the dessert dash.
Bidders hovered over their must-have items as silent auction tables came to a close.
Dinner was served by members of the Cyclists of Greater Seattle (COGS), who generously volunteered their time as our wait staff.
Bicycle Alliance Executive Director welcomed guests to the auction, thanked the event’s sponsors and many volunteers, and presented Seattle Mayor Michael McGinn with a Share the Road jersey.
Emcee Dave Ross of KIRO radio took the stage, then thrilled the crowd with his rendition of Michael Jackson’s Thriller dance.
Then it was time for the main event–the live auction.  Returning auctioneer Eric Mamroth launched into action.
Live auction bidding began and bid cards were raised high,
and raised higher,
and higher!

At the end of the evening, $84,000 was raised for Washington Bikes.  These funds will help us pursue our 2011 legislative priorities, expand our Safe Routes and Share the Road efforts, and continue our outreach in communities around the state.

A huge and heartfelt thank you goes out to the 60+ volunteers who helped make this event a success.  Volunteers helped with everything from serving on the Auction committee, doing data entry, picking up donations and organizing items, to performing key roles the day of the event. We also want to thank the folks at Bicycle Paper for their assistance with procurement.

And a special thank you to this year’s event sponsors:

Third Place Books – Vulcan – Boeing – John Duggan, Cycling Attorney
 SvR Design –REI – The People’s Coast Classic 
 COGS – H4 Consulting – Kat Marriner Graphic Design
Posted in Auction, Events | Comments Off on Success! Auction Raises $84K for Bicycle Advocacy.