“Year of the Bike” Starts Rolling in Tacoma

By Matt Newport | Published February 5, 2015

The time is now and the place is here. Downtown On the Go is excited to finally announce:

2015 is the Year of the Bike in Tacoma.

Downtown On the Go will roll out the Year of the Bike on Feb. 12 with a free screening of the bicycle documentary AfterMass: Bicycling in a Post-Critical Mass Portland.  The film will be followed by a community discussion on how positive changes to the cycling culture can happen in Tacoma. The discussion will be led by Joe Biel, director/co-producer of the film, Elly Blue, author of Bikenomics: How Bicycling Can Save The Economy, and Downtown On the Go’s Bike Coordinator Matt Newport. Details about this event can be found here.

The Year of the Bike premise is simple: if we want to see more people biking to work or to school or to shops in downtown Tacoma, they first need to make some shorter bike trips within their own neighborhood. Through rides, resources, advocacy, and social media (#yearofthebike), anyone can make it the Year of the Bike. A year-long poster campaign and outreach to local bicycle groups, clubs and supporters invites those who already ride around Tacoma to be Bicycle Ambassadors to the rest of the city.

biketomarket3 Ways You Can Make 2015 the #YEAROFTHEBIKE

1. Ride Your Bike! Bike to school, bike to a friend’s house, bike to the coffee shop, bike anywhere. Ride by yourself or ride in a group. It doesn’t have to be far or difficult. Find and share ride ideas at Bike253.com and track all of your bike trips at piercetrips.com.

2. Make Your Voice Heard. Tell our City Council that you want a city built for bikes. Citizens’ Forums are held every second Tuesday of the month at the Tacoma Municipal Building and give you an open-mic opportunity to speak directly to your elected city officials.

3. Be a Bicycle Ambassador. Downtown On the Go is looking for active members of the biking community to help grow the number of people on bikes in Tacoma. To get involved, call us at 253-682-1739, or send us an email at info@downtownonthego.org.

wayfindingatbikecounterWhy now? Why Tacoma? Through a mix of infrastructure, planning, and cultural shift, bicycling is again becoming a normalized form of transportation in our city. Tacoma’s cycling history dates back to the 1880s, when the Tacoma Wheelmen’s Bicycle Club was originally founded to help fund street and sidewalk projects to improve bicycle mobility in downtown Tacoma. Like other cities, interest in bicycles waned during the mid 20th century, but during the last decade Tacoma has seen a growing resurgence of bicycle use.

 

Thislaneisyourlane

The recent push for infrastructure led to the completion of a 13.1 mile bikeway in 2014, which traverses the entire city from North to South with wayfinding signage, crossing improvements, and embedded bike counters. Active Transportation Coordinator Diane Wiatr and her team at the City of Tacoma have followed up the infrastructure with an educational This Lane is Your Lane campaign  that reminds and informs all road users how we can share the streets.

Tacoma residents spoke on behalf of the bike community at every monthly Citizens’ Forum held in 2014. Those voices helped secure much needed funding in the City’s budget for bicycle improvement projects already identified in the Mobility Master Plan. Not only has the City Council been listening to residents who want to see more accessibility for bikes, but the Councilmembers themselves have been riding, too, as  commuters and casual ride leaders. Mayor Marilyn Strickland is  scheduled to make a formal proclamation announcing 2015 as the Year of the Bike on Feb 10 at the City Council meeting.

The community is coming together to support all of these new riders. Last fall 2nd Cycle Community Cycle Center moved into a large, permanent space in the Hilltop neighborhood, where they empower riders with the tools and knowledge needed to maintain their own bikes. Their refurbished bikes and shop time are offered on a pay-what-you-can  sliding scale, because treating the cycling community with equity is at the heart of their project.

VeloFemmes continues organizing rides and social events to encourage and motivate more women to try cycling, not only for recreation, but for transportation. Our local Kidical Mass group is starting its third season of monthly rides, teaching parents and kids to ride in the street safely with confidence and respect. Other groups like the Skid Kings and the MOB Riders are keeping biking fun for the 21+ crowd, too.

Perhaps most importantly, Tacomans are rediscovering their communities. A vibrant network of Farmers’ Markets, pocket libraries, neighborhood parks and artistic treasures are drawing residents out onto the streets and sidewalks. Bicycles are helping residents engage with their neighborhoods as they seek and experience these hidden treasures, and they’re doing it now.

Help Downtown On the Go make 2015: the Year of the Bike.

[Tweet “I’m rolling for #yearofthebike in Tacoma. Join me. #bike253”]

Posted in Advocacy, Events, News, Pierce County, Tacoma | Tagged , | Comments Off on “Year of the Bike” Starts Rolling in Tacoma

Bike Love Party Postponed to April 2

By Barb Chamberlain | Published February 4, 2015

After reviewing the weather report that predicts some stiff winds in addition to 100% chance of rain, and considering the combination of wind with a welding bike art sculptor and pop-up canopies, the sponsoring organizations for the Seattle Bike Love Party decided we were better off postponing it since we didn’t want to add a fire display.

Cards with statistics about the value of biking customers that you can leave at businesses you patronize by bike are available from Cascade Bicycle Club or WA Bikes. Spread the word: Bikes mean business!

Cards with statistics about the value of biking customers that you can leave at businesses you patronize by bike are available from Cascade Bicycle Club or WA Bikes. Spread the word: Bikes mean business!

April 2 makes a great date for a bike event as the second day of 30 Days of Biking. I may not undertake another personal bike blogging ride to insanity by writing a blog post every day in April, but we’ll encourage you through social media.

We’ll also give you some of our fun “I arrived by bike” business cards to leave behind. (Want those right now? Request them on our e-news sign-up form.)

With the social media response we’ve seen to these fun informal challenges like 30 Days, #coffeeneuring, and right now Winter Bike to Work Day, we know we’ll have a great response to April 2.

Mark your calendar and get ready to start 30 Days of Biking April 1. If you’re in the Seattle area plan to come to Pioneer Square for a great bike party.

All the partners we had for Feb. 5 are committed for April 2: Zipcar Seattle, Pronto Cycle Share, Back Alley Bike Repair, Hilliard’s Beer, International Sustainability Institute & Alley Network Project, and Washington Bikes.

And while we’re talking about bike parties here’s your early heads-up for First Thursday May 7: Washington Bikes will hold a Bike Happy Hour as one of the four that Cascade Bicycle Club promotes during National Bicycle Month.

bike love banner

 

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Michael Bennett Rides a Bike

By Barb Chamberlain | Published February 1, 2015

We can’t let this Internet meme pass us by. When Seahawks defensive lineman Michael Bennett took a celebratory spin after the Seahawks nailed the NFC championship January 18, he thrilled the hearts of riders everywhere.

 

Seattle Seahawks defensive lineman Michael Bennett, #72, seen from the back as he rides a bicycle borrowed from a Seattle police officer after the Seahawks won the NFC championship in overtime, Jan. 15, 2015.

This was no one-time thing, either. Bennett owns three bikes and rides regularly.

The Seattle Police Department’s Twitter account manager tweeted an awesome response to the moment:

Fans Photoshopped Bennett into classic bicycle movie moments, from carrying ET on a front basket to riding through the “Wizard of Oz” tornado.

Bennett did it again as the Seahawks prepared to take off for the Superbowl:

Bennett and the Seattle Police Foundation have worked out an arrangement that will allow the actual bike he rode to be auctioned off to benefit Bennett’s OCEAN foundation and the SPF. The program founded by Bennett (led by Hawaii Optimum Performance and St. Louis School) puts on a camp that aims to “fight obesity through community, education, activity and nutrition.”

 

Posted in Events, News, Seattle | Comments Off on Michael Bennett Rides a Bike

Registration Opens for the Washington Bike Summit

By Seth Schromen-Wawrin | Published January 30, 2015

WAbikeSummit_postcard_r3Registration is open for the Washington Bike Summit. This two day summit brings together advocates for bicycling and safe streets with professionals in planning, design, engineering, health, education, and tourism. Come to Olympia March 16th and 17th, 2015 to connect and learn.

Sessions themes include:

  • bicycle safety and Vision Zero
  • economic impact of bicycles
  • bicycle infrastructure design
  • equity and inclusiveness in the bike movement
  • youth engagement

Additionally there will be professional trainings on the NACTO Urban Bikeway Design Guide and Practical Design. During Day Two of the Summit, advocates may participate in Transportation Advocacy Day legislative visits with a coalition of people who promote bicycling, walking, transit, health, and equity.

Go to the Washington Bike Summit page to register and find the most up to date information.

A Bit of History

WAbikeSummit_logo-squareYears ago, what was then the Bicycle Alliance of Washington established the “Footprints and Bike Tracks” conference along with Bicycle Lobby Day. The lobby day evolved to become Transportation Advocacy Day, which each year brings 100-300 people to the capitol to tell legislators how important active transportation is for all of us whether we bike, walk, take transit, or drive. Somewhere along the way the conference stopped. We are reviving and reinventing the statewide conference as the Washington Bike Summit and continuing the partnership for Transportation Advocacy Day as an element of Day Two of the Summit.

Washington Bikes is thankful to Cascade Bicycle Club and Group Health Cooperative for their early sponsorship to make this conference possible. Other sponsors include REI and Washington State Department of Transportation.

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SB 5656: Strengthening Washington’s Distracted Driving Laws

By Blake Trask | Published January 28, 2015

By request of the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, Senator Ann Rivers (R-La Center) introduced legislation today to strengthen our state’s distracted driving laws. SB 5656 will help to protect those that walk and bike from preventable injuries and deaths caused by texting and talking while driving.

largenocellphones-png-mdPop Quiz I: What increases a driver’s crash risk by 23 times?

Answer: Texting while driving.

Pop quiz II: What increases a driver’s crash risk by four times?

Answer: Simply talking on a cell phone without a hands-free device.

Since 2010, when Washington Bikes helped lead the successful lobbying to start to reduce distracted driving, it’s even more obvious that distracted driving affects all of us. Distraction contributes to 26% of fatal crashes in Washington state.  SB 5656 will work to close loopholes and stiffen penalties to reduce this growing concern, especially as smart phones become more and more central to people’s lives. This legislation is a priority in the Washington Bikes 2015 Legislative Agenda.

It’s no surprise to most of us to learn that electronic distraction when driving is growing. A recent study by Harborview’s Dr. Beth Ebel shows that nearly one out of every ten Washington state drivers is engaged with a handheld device at any moment.

Senator Ann Rivers (R - La Center) is sponsoring a bill to strengthen distracted driving laws in Washington.

Senator Ann Rivers (R – La Center) is sponsoring a bill to strengthen distracted driving laws in Washington.

Like all traffic injuries and deaths, distracted driving is a preventable problem.

Reducing distracted driving helps create a culture of safety for drivers and the most vulnerable roads users – children, pedestrians, and bicyclists. The risks around distraction can be more intense because bicyclists and pedestrians – including children – are less visible and more prone to go unnoticed by distracted drivers, with tragic consequences.

SB 5656 improves upon the current law by broadening the definition so that any person (with much narrower exceptions) operating a motor vehicle while holding a personal wireless communications device is guilty of a traffic infraction. It closes loopholes such as being able to use one’s phone while stopped at an intersection or stoplight (currently legal), it also expands the definitions of handheld uses to ban texting and email use on smart phones. Additional violations receive twice the penalty, plus violations go on one’s driver record for insurance purposes. Finally, distracted driving would be included in Department of Licensing exams (currently they are not).

These are common sense fixes that provide law enforcement more tools to stop distracted driving and to stiffen consequences.

It’s now time to improve Washington state’s distracted driving laws. Keep in touch with us by signing-up to Washington Bikes’ alerts to help us pass this important safety legislation.

[Tweet “Thx @Senator_Rivers for making distracted driving laws stronger. I’m w/@WAbikes on this. #WAleg

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Posted in Advocacy, Alert, Funding/Policy, Issues & Advocacy, Legislature, News | Comments Off on SB 5656: Strengthening Washington’s Distracted Driving Laws

Scofflaw Biking Survey (Yeah, We Said It)

By Barb Chamberlain | Published January 27, 2015

bicycle traffic signal greenWe’re not fans of the term “scofflaw” as applied to people on bicycles. It implies that riding a bike is associated with breaking the law more than people who drive. In fact, a 2013 study by Portland State University professor Chris Monsere found just the opposite.

So it caught our eye when the Washington Post Wonkblog ran a Jan. 9 piece called “Let’s talk seriously about why cyclists break traffic laws,” with a link to a Scofflaw Biking Survey. Reporter Emily Badger wrote,

“Most of us, whatever mode we travel, break the law at some point, Marshall points out, whether we’re driving five miles over the speed limit, or crossing the street against the crosswalk. And yet, we tend not to treat lead-footed drivers with the same disapproval as cyclists who ride through stop signs, even though the former behavior is potentially more publicly harmful than the latter. Which raises another question: Are cyclists really more prolific scofflaws than drivers anyway?”

Prof. Wesley Marshall of University of Colorado Denver, one of the researchers leading the study, sees the word quite differently. When we asked why the survey wasn’t labeled something neutral that didn’t load the dice with presuppositions, he wrote,

“In terms of using the word ‘scofflaw,’ it was very intentional. If I had called it something more general like a ‘transportation behavior survey there is no way I’d have gotten even a fraction of the respondents that we have already.  It’s a long survey, and we don’t have funding to pay people to take it — so we had to rely on a somewhat provocative title to garner a strong reaction and some online attention.

“Also, I am using the word ‘scofflaw’ in homage to its origins with the bootlegging that occurred during Prohibition (the word “scofflaw” emerged from a 1924 contest held by the Boston Herald trying to come up with a term to describe somebody who flagrantly disobeyed the Prohibition law). The intent is to reference the fact that while some people were in fact breaking the law, social norms didn’t view these people as criminals. Same goes with scofflaw cyclist…. yes, they are breaking the law — but many people (including myself in many instances) don’t also see them as criminals (similarly to how society looks at someone that goes a few miles an hour over the speed limit).”

So are you a “scofflaw” or someone exercising judgment while negotiating a system not designed for bicycles? Take the study and invite non-bicycling friends to take it too; it includes questions about driving behavior.

The survey will take about 10 or 15 minutes to complete. It asks questions about respondents’ travel patterns and experiences as bicyclists under various situations, with photos to illustrate some situations.

The survey is part of a larger study intending to better understand our transportation system and what factors might correlate with different behavior patterns. The researchers say in the survey introduction, “Findings from the study could help create streets that serve many users comfortably, safely, and efficiently.”

Important note about device differences:

  • On the desktop the survey taker will have a comment box available with each question.
  • Mobile device users get a comment box only at the end. If you take the survey on a mobile device, we suggest making notes for your comments as you go.

Take the survey now!

traffic signal showing red lightTraffic Signals and Bike Detection

Speaking of laws that don’t accommodate people on bicycles, we’re working on a bill that addresses faulty traffic signals (meaning those that don’t detect bicycles the way they should under a law we got passed in 2009).

While we have you thinking about bike laws…

Sign up for our e-news and request your copy of our pocket guide to Washington state bike laws, “Drive Aware” brochure to share with your favorite driver who doesn’t understand why we sometimes control the lane, and other materials to help us all ride heads-up.

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Posted in Alert, Attitudes, Bike Culture, Issues & Advocacy, Legal, News, Research, Safety, Transportation | 1 Comment

Trail Projects in Washington State: 2014 Progress Report

By Barb Chamberlain | Published January 26, 2015

Centennial Trail - Arlington - resizedTrails hold a special place in our hearts as an organization. Over the years Washington Bikes has assisted a number of local trail groups in getting started and advancing projects. Some of the state’s trail groups started with WA Bikes as their financial home, providing donors with an established nonprofit fiscal administrator.

Washington trails hold a special place in America, too: #1 for rails-to-trails mileage.

Trails hold a place on our legislative agenda. Every two years when the state legislature adopts the biennial budget, we work for trail funding as part of our overall priority to increase investments in bicycle facilities.

Trails also hold a special place in the hearts of the people who make trail time a part of their everyday lives or a special destination.

At a Wenatchee meeting of the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Task Force on Parks and Outdoor Recreation in July 2014, Wenatchee Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Shiloh Schauer expressed the importance of trails when she said, “I didn’t grow up in a Wenatchee without the Apple Capital Loop Trail, and my (future) children won’t grow up in a Wenatchee that doesn’t have a Rocky Reach Trail.”

In 2014 many trail projects made progress, whether they were just getting started, adding mileage, or closing a significant gap. Each project leverages the existing trail mileage as they link into larger regional networks that become magnets to draw tourists as well as serve residents for transportation, health, and recreation.

  • If we missed your trail project on this list, tell us and we’ll add it.
  • As your trail project makes progress in 2015 drop us a note; we’d love to celebrate it for all to see.
  • We’re listing local trail support groups or city/county departments you can contact if you’re interested in helping make the trail in your community even better.

Olympic Peninsula

Olympic Discovery Trail: In 2014 the Spruce Railroad Trail upgrade was completed, with work to extend it to the McFee Tunnel to follow in 2015. It took some advocacy work from Washington Bikes and Peninsula Trails Coalition to keep this project on track. The ODT represents a giant collaborative enterprise of jurisdictions from local to state to federal. The 138-mile trail provides an amazing car-free experience with views of mountains, forests, rivers, lakes, and ocean.

[Tweet “WA state has great trails! 2014 progress Olympic Discovery Trail #ODT @OlyDiscoTrail “]

Kitsap Peninsula

A major land acquisition helps preserve thousands of acres that will someday include mountain bike trails and a section of the future Sound to Olympics Trail. The Sound to Olympics Trail is part of the proposed “String of Pearls” Trail plan for Kitsap County that would connect with the Olympic Discovery Trail and the Seattle area trail network via ferry. Kitsap County is also planning a similar trail south from Poulsbo to regional trails planned by Mason and Pierce counties.

Snohomish County

Snohomish County Bikes: We featured Snohomish County bicycling in a special series in 2014, with day trips and tour suggestions that involve trails and other connections.

Arlington-ribbon-cutting-06-07-14_Snohomish-Centennial-Trail_Sen-Kurt-Pearson_Arlington-mayor-Barbara-Tolbert-others_forweb

State Sen. Kurt Pearson (white shirt), Arlington Mayor Barbara Tolbert (blue blouse), Arlington City Council member Debora Nelson (tan blouse/sling), and others celebrate the opening of a new segment of the Snohomish Centennial Trail, June 7, 2014.

Snohomish County Centennial Trail: A missing link was completed as part of a street project in Arlington, with a ribbon-cutting held in June to celebrate. The 10-12-foot path features “Welcome to Arlington” banners and art tiles created by local artists.

Whitehorse Trail: Washington Bikes worked hard with Snohomish County Parks and Recreation and others to keep this project moving forward. It still faces challenges but its future development is a priority for growing bike tourism as part of the county’s economic recovery from the Oso landslide. The Whitehorse Trail runs from the Snohomish Centennial Trail through Oso to Darrington.

[Tweet “Can’t wait to ride Whitehorse Trail Arlington-Oso-Darrington. #bikesnoco”]

King County

Cross-Kirkland Corridor: A 5.75-mile segment of the 42-mile Eastside Rail Corridor, the Cross-Kirkland Corridor got under way in 2014 with a groundbreaking ceremony for construction of an interim crushed-gravel surface. Dec. 31, 2014, the Federal Surface Transportation board ruled against an effort to restore rail service in the corridor, keeping the trail project moving forward.

[Tweet “I’ll be biking the Cross-Kirkland Corridor. Thx @KirklandGov!”]

Eastside Rail Corridor: The Cross-Kirkland Corridor represents progress on this larger project, which will serve as a backbone connecting the region’s trails into a network.

When constructed as proposed by King County, the 20-mile Eastside Rail Corridor will link to:

  • Burke-Gilman Trail / Sammamish River Trail (27 mi)
  • East Lake Sammamish Trail (11 mi)
  • Cedar River Trail (16 mi)
  • Soos Creek Trail (4 mi)
  • Snoqualmie Valley Trail (29 mi)
  • Green River Trail (12 mi)
  • Interurban Trail (14 mi)
  • Snohomish County Centennial Trail (17 mi)
  • (Future Whitehorse Trail)

[Tweet “Eastside Rail Corridor Trail ties into huge network–can’t wait!”]

Issaquah-Preston Trail Link to Preston-Snoqualmie Trail

Completing a critical missing link, the installation of a two-way protected bike lane along High Point Way between Issaquah and Preston makes it possible to ride on bike infrastructure from the Burke-Gilman Trail to Snoqualmie Falls, a 50-mile ride. This fills one of the gaps identified in the Mountains to Sound Greenway Trail system.

[Tweet “Glad to have progress on @MTSGreenway trail gaps. Beautiful riding!”]

South Puget Sound

Created with Nokia Camera

The Olympia-area community celebrated completion of the final phase of “Bridging the Gap” in the Chehalis-Western Trail Dec. 13, 2014.

Chehalis-Western Trail: Thurston County completed the final “bridging the gap” project with installation of the state’s first bike roundabout in Olympia.

Prairie Line Trail: Tacoma held a ribbon-cutting on a one-mile segment of this historic rail corridor through the University of Washington Tacoma campus. This segment is the middle leg of an urban trail that eventually will stretch from the Brewery District through the Museum District to the Thea Foss Waterway along the former Northern Pacific Railroad line.

Riverwalk Trail: Puyallup opened a quarter-mile stretch linking its 5-mile Riverwalk Trail to the 15-mile uninterrupted stretch of Pierce County’s scenic Foothills Trail, creating a a 20-mile-long trail from Puyallup to South Prairie.

Sumner Trail: After 20 years of effort the 5.5-mile Sumner Link Trail officially opened October 2014, linking to Puyallup’s Riverwalk Trail.

Foothills Trail: Pierce County Commissioners voted unanimously to move forward on property condemnations on a segment from South Prairie to Buckley needed for completion of the Foothills Trail.

[Tweet “Lots of progress 2014 for South Puget Sound trail links.”]

North Central Washington

Rocky-Reach-Trail-Phase-I-Ribbon-Cutting-south-from-Lincoln-Rock-State-Park-Wenatchee-pic-by-Complete-the-Loop-CoalitionRocky Reach Trail: This 5-mile addition to the Apple Capital Loop Trail along the east shore of the Columbia River in Douglas County connects Lincoln Rock State Park with the Apple Capital Loop Trail and the Wenatchee Valley riverfront parks.

[Tweet “Rocky Reach Trail in Wenatchee=awesome! #bikeWEN”]

A redecked Ferry County Rail Trail

A redecked Ferry County Rail Trail

Ferry County Rail Trail: April 26, 2014, local advocates held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Curlew Lake trestle decking project. Ferry County received $70,000 from an RCO grant to gravel nearly 3 miles of the trail (projected completion by September 2015). Other RCO grants have been submitted for future work.

[Tweet “Ferry County Rail Trail made progress in 2014. Thanks WA state RCO!”]

Eastern Washington

Spokane-Centennial-Trail_Behind-Red-Lion-Inn-at-Park_Bicycle-Rider-Runner_forwebSpokane River Centennial Trail: Thanks to funding in the 2013 legislature for the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program, which we supported along with partners such as the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Coalition, a 1.7-mile extension to the trail is under way that links to the Nine Mile Falls Recreation area on Long Lake (Lake Spokane). The trail also had reconstruction and riverbank restoration next to the Spokane Convention Center expansion.

[Tweet “Spokane River Centennial Trail just keeps getting better. @WA_Cent_Trail #bikeSPO”]

Southeast Washington

Colfax-Pullman Rail Trail: Karl Boehmke is leading the charge with the Pullman Civic Trust to keep open the possibility of a future trail linking Colfax and Pullman. WA Bikes provided assistance to Karl when questions about the March 2014 US Supreme Court trail ruling came up. While the project has a long way to go, it represents great potential for growing bike tourism as part of the regional bike network that includes the Bill Chipman Trail linking Pullman to Moscow and the Latah Trail all the way to Troy, Idaho.

[Tweet “Hope to see @railstotrails grow in Pullman-Colfax area. #PalouseCountry”]

 

Posted in Accessibility, Adventure, Advocacy, Chelan County, Darrington, Douglas County, Ferry County, King County, News, Olympia, Olympic Peninsula, Pierce County, Snohomish County, Spokane County, Tacoma, Thurston County, Trails, Wenatchee, Whitman County | 1 Comment

#WAbikes on Instagram

By Louise McGrody | Published January 23, 2015

It’s winter. It’s a new year. Ride your bike. That’s what you’re telling us on Instagram.

Seattle Seahawk Michael Bennett rode a lap around the stadium to celebrate the team’s come-from-behind victory over the Green Bay Packers to win the NFC Championship. @tacomabikeranch and others gleefully shared the moment with us.

No bike? No excuse. At least not if you’re in Seattle, thanks to the launch of Pronto Cycle Share. #GoPronto!

The start of a new year generates new resolutions for many. A common one is to get in shape–typically by the joining the gym. Not so with @cyclelikeagirl and our crowd.

Got snow? Go fat biking! @asalzwed and friends shared the trails with cross-country skiers on a recent visit to the Methow Valley.

We love the biking stories and images that you share with us on Instagram! Keep it up. And we’ll continue to share back. Follow us @wabikes on Instagram and use the hashtag #wabikes to share with us.

Posted in Bike Culture, News | Tagged | Comments Off on #WAbikes on Instagram

Olympia Update: HB 1057 – Mopeds in Bike Lanes & Trails

By Blake Trask | Published January 23, 2015

One of the first bills heard in the 2015 Legislative Session sought to allow mopeds in bike lanes statewide and could have provided the opportunity for jurisdictions to open hard- and soft-surface trails to moped use.

Week 1 of the legislative session brought forward a pre-filed bill HB 1057, “Modifying authority where mopeds may be operated.” HB 1057, sponsored by Representative Larry Haler (R-Richland) would modify RCW 46.61.710 to:

  • provide local jurisdictional authorization via statute or ordinance to operate mopeds on bicycle paths or trails, bikeways, equestrian trails, or hiking or recreational trail; and
  • allow moped use in bicycle lanes statewide, subject to restrictions by local ordinance.

    An appropriate place for mopeds? HB 1057 could increase safety concerns for bicycle riders and cost jurisdictions money.

    An appropriate place for mopeds? HB 1057 could increase safety concerns for bicycle riders and cost jurisdictions money.

Based on concerns, Washington Bikes testified in opposition to HB 1057 because the legislation has several implications to safety, will cost local governments money, it restricts future funding opportunities for the state and local governments, and impacts the outdoor recreation economy statewide.

Washington Bikes held productive and very cordial conversations with Representative Haler about the legislation and ways to improve it. But at this time, Washington Bikes does not see a pathway for amending the bill to make it acceptable to bicycle riders statewide.

HB 1057’s mandate to open all bicycle lanes statewide to mopeds and to provide the option for opening up numerous hard and soft-surface trails would introduce a vehicle with top speeds of 30 MPH, more physical mass, and noise to lanes and trails that were not designed to accommodate mopeds.

Mopeds on lanes and trails used by bicycles, walkers, equestrians, and others present the following issues:

  • The speed differential between moped users and bicycle users and pedestrians is significant. If a vehicle that is traveling 20 mph hits a pedestrian, the pedestrian only stands a 5% chance of death. The chance of mortality at 30 mph jumps to 40%, which is the allowable speed by a moped.
  • Impacts Safe Routes to Schools projects and exposes routes used by children to mopeds. HB 1057 proposes opening up trails and bicycle lanes that are used by children to walk and bike to school. Is this exposure by higher speed vehicles worth the safety risk?
  • By reformulating outdoor recreation facilities and opening them up to mopeds, it impacts recreational resources in communities statewide, impacting the $21.6 billion outdoor recreation economy in Washington state. Hiking, biking, and other activities that value the experience of trails and bicycle lanes constitute the #1 and #3 outdoor recreation activities in the state.
  • Finally, HB 1057 threatens eligibility of millions of federal transportation dollars for jurisdictions statewide by making local jurisdictions ineligible for federal funding that do not include mopeds in their requirements and guidelines. We also understand that it could retroactively require jurisdictions to return previously obligated funding because of the violation of the requirements of previous funding streams.

On January 14, HB 1057 was heard. Staff and prime sponsor testimony is included in the following clip, where Representative Haler quickly suggested amending his bill to remove the trails element, but to retain allowing mopeds in bicycle lanes.

Stakeholder (Washington Bikes and Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance) and agency testimony (from Washington State Patrol) followed later in the public hearing. Approximately ten jurisdictions and organizations signed in opposition to the legislation.

Currently the legislation has not moved from the House Transportation Committee. Washington Bikes will continue to monitor its status.

 

If you value having us there watching for bad bills, donate to support our advocacy for better bicycling.

Posted in Advocacy, Funding/Policy, Infrastructure, Issues & Advocacy, Legislature, News, Safety, Transportation, Tri-Cities | 2 Comments

Bike Love Party Is February 5

By Louise McGrody | Published January 22, 2015

bike love party banner

Join us on February 5, from 5:30 to 8:00 PM, for a celebration of bikes, bike culture, and people who ride bikes. It’s the return of the Bike Love Party to Nord Alley (behind our office on First Ave S) in Pioneer Square!

The Bike Love Party is for anyone who rides a bike. From the daily bike commuter, epic gravel grinder, and mile-logging club rider, to the kid-hauling parent, wears-no-lycra neighborhood cyclist, and bike riders in between—all are welcome.

Remember to bring your bike and helmet! New this year is a short social bike ride (about 20 minutes) at 6 PM. If you forget your bike or it’s temporarily out of commission, no worries. A Pronto Cycle Share station is nearby and the Pronto folks will provide some free day passes.

After the optional ride, we’ll return to the alley for some beverages, creative bike sculpture by Matthew Dockery, and sharing the #bikelove!

The Bike Love Party is held in conjunction with Pioneer Square’s First Thursday Artwalk. Please RSVP if you plan to join us.

Bike Love is brought to you by Zipcar, Pronto Cycle Share, Back Alley Bike Repair, Hilliard’s Beer, International Sustainability Institute, and Washington Bikes.

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