Own a Piece of the Street: Park(ing) Day Sept. 19

Park yourself — in a mini green space or play space you create yourself on a city street.

In the annual worldwide Park(ing) Day event, to be held September 19 this year, artists, designers and citizens transform metered parking spots into temporary public parks.

Our friends at Zipcar Seattle had a contest at the 2013 Park(ing) Day for who could spin up the most miles in a short time frame. For a little while, Jack Hilovsky in our office held the top spot.

Our friends at Zipcar Seattle had a contest at the 2013 Park(ing) Day for who could spin up the most miles in a short time frame. For a little while, Jack Hilovsky in our office held the top spot.

In some cities you’ll have to plug the meter all day to take over a space. In other towns it’s managed through a formal permit process. Either way, getting a lot of people to do it can make for a fun festival atmosphere throughout your downtown. To get a taste of what it can be like, check out the Seattle Bike Blog’s photo tour by bike.

Want to be a Placemaker?

Park(ing) Day Sites in Washington State

Park-ing_Day_Seattle-logoWe’ll update this list as we hear of additional Washington towns where people plan to make their streets a bit more livable for a day.

 

Posted in Events, News | Tagged | Comments Off on Own a Piece of the Street: Park(ing) Day Sept. 19

My Three-Day STP Ride

Bee is a fair-weather bike commuter and recently rode in her first Seattle to Portland (STP) ride. She plans to do the STP again in 2015 with her husband, and with a goal to finish in two days. Bee and her husband live in Seattle with their two terriers and she enjoys reading copious amounts of books, kayaking, jogging, and geeking out on low-sodium cooking.

stp-puyallup2I’ll start with a confession: My first STP experience lasted three days, which I’ll explain in a moment. My very good friend V asked me if I’d be interested in riding the STP; a little background, it was also V who suggested we do the 3-day walk (Susan G. Komen) a few years ago, so we have begun this history of taking on challenging endeavors together; so after some thinking and studying my schedule, I said sure!

For those who have been following the Bee and V blog, you won’t be surprised to hear that the whole training plan for getting STP-ready began in February 2014 and went until June, when my group and I passed our 100-mile milestone. I trained and rode the STP with two wonderful women and for about 80% of the training rides (up to 60 miles) my hubby joined us as well; he was a great ride support and changed many flats (thanks hon!).

Northwest cycling can be challenging, many of our training rides involved wet terrain, frigid winds blowing off of Puget Sound, and cold/rainy-gear considerations (this isn’t news to Pacific Northwest cyclers). A note about fitness level, especially for those who may be considering anendurance event or setting a fitness goal: I commute by bike (14-mile round-trip), but only during reasonable weather and average about five months/year of biking and before the STP, 100% of this cycling was on an e-bike (full disclosure: just keepin’ it real); I walk my dogs every day, jog about once a week, play co-ed softball, and get in some tennis every now and then, so by comparison to Washington State standards, I don’t consider myself a hard-core fitness buff.

Our group went on some beautiful and challenging training rides, there was the Cedar River Trail through Renton with a goal to visit the Black Diamond Bakery, we didn’t complete the entire ride because we weren’t hill-ready at that point, and the hilly terrain did quite a number on us, so we drove to the bakery (delish) instead. There was the sponsored ride through Tulip Country (the Tulip Pedal in April) which was one of the most challenging (mentally and physically) due to crosswinds, rain, and some knee aches. My two favorite rides were the Bike n Brews, El Norte and South) which took us on 40-milers in parts of Seattle where they served us beer. I can now say that *that* is the best kind of cycling.

longview-bridge

The bridge at Longview

I already mentioned the hardest ride, but I think I’m allowed two, the next hardest ride was our century, which was a long loop up around Snohomish and then down through Issaquah to finish at Matthews Beach near Magnuson Park. That ride was the kiss of death in terms of completing the STP in two days. We held a pace of about 10-11 mph and it took our group 13 hours to finish that day. This ride was exactly one month before STP show time, so it was pretty clear that our original plan for riding 150 miles on day one (staying in Kelso) and 54 the next day likely wouldn’t happen. Two of us, myself and V, decided to go ahead and leave on Friday: the revised plan was to ride 70 miles to Yelm, then ride 70 miles on Saturday to Kelso, where we’d meet up with K and then the three of us would finish the ride into Portland on Sunday together.

So that’s what we did. Friday (Yelm), Saturday (Kelso), Sunday (Portland)

I almost didn’t write this guest blog post because I didn’t want to confess that it took three days instead of two or the unthinkable, one day, to do the STP, but I’m feeling good about the experience and glad, with hindsight, that we chose that schedule, it was the realistic option. Without the Friday ride, we would never have stayed in the most well-appointed hotel in Yelm, the Prairie Hotel, and we wouldn’t have gotten to commune with an amazing number of bunnies (baby bunnies, squee!) on the early morning 15-mile Yelm-Tenino Trail as we left Yelm, and we wouldn’t have been there to greet the very first one-day STP rider who passed us cheerily at light-speed with a loud GOOD MORNING LADIES! A short while later, the first female one-day STP rider who looked a little confused at our presence. Nonetheless, we applauded and cheered as she rode passed.

STP-3What to say about the whole experience start-to-finish that sums up five months of my life? I dearly loved the time with V and K, deciding which rides to do, spending hours outside and seeing this part of the country so intimately, and getting to know these warm, smart, lovely ladies who were also testing their minds and bodies. We were all in this together. Because that’s what it really comes down to, how your whole being prepares and adapts to being pushed.

I’m currently reading The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin, and to paraphrase, she describes the definition of being happy and judging a person’s happiness levels ultimately as a ‘continuous environment of growth.’ This resonates with me, because that’s what training for and completing the STP feels like — continuous focus and concentration to get your mind and body to leap over the finish line. Some days you’re feeling strong, some days you’re weak and low in spirit; some moments you’re feeling depleted (by heat, or cross-winds, or not enough hydration, or yet another flat tire or unexpected hill to climb) and in some moments you’re feeling boosted (by bunnies, warm sun, endless vistas, sweet-natured folks who attach misters on their mailboxes, baked goods in small towns when you’re famished and can’t go another mile, a micro adjustment in your shoulders and seat position). Riding the STP has left me with an attitude of strength and pride and with a desire to try the 2015 STP, this time with a two-day finish goal.

Thank yous: I want to thank a lot of companies and individuals who were a part of making the STP a reality for me. Starting in February 2014, Gregg’s Cycles, especially Fritz and Sam who helped me pick and get fitted for the perfect bike for my cycling goals. Thanks to the Cascade Bicycle Club for hosting a terrific bicycle maintenance class (and guess what? there were no flats at all during the STP, but had there been…). Thanks to WRENCH (Yay Buck!) who completed my pre-STP bike tune-up and to Velo Bike Shop for taking my bike in two days before STP for an emergency spoke repair. And lastly, thanks to Emerald City Naturopathic Clinic for recommending Feed Zone Portables Cookbook and Lake Union Wellness for working on my sciatic nerve and piriformis problems. #over40fitness 🙂

Things I’ll do differently in 2015:

* More time in the saddle
* Two more mid-length rides that are back to back (e.g., 70 and 70)
* Take more pictures and videos to savor later
* Visit Black Diamond Bakery by bike
* Take a training ride that incorporates the ferry system
* Ride for a charities
* Join the Cascade Cycle training series (e.g., The Chilly Hilly)
* Cross-train with weights (especially arms and back)
* Commute by road bike 🙂

Posted in Adventure, Encouragement, Guest Blogger, Rides | Tagged , , | 5 Comments

Pierce County Adopts Complete Streets Ordinance

BicycleAllianceofWA_Neighborhood-Safe-Streets-Bill-Fact-Sheet_Jan2013Last week Pierce County joined the growing list of local and regional jurisdictions in Washington state to adopt Complete Streets when the County Council passed the Complete Streets Ordinance by a 4-1 vote. Passage of this ordinance will help ensure that public roadways offer safe and convenient access to all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, transit and motorists.

The movement for Complete Streets in Pierce County began in 2007 when the Tacoma-Pierce County Board of Health endorsed a policy that supported the adoption and implementation of Complete Streets policies by local municipalities. The Coalition for Active Transportation and other community groups have worked in earnest for the past couple of years for the passage of a county ordinance.

The State of Washington established a Complete Streets Program under WSDOT in 2011 that currently remains unfunded.

The following Washington municipalities have adopted some form of Complete Streets policy:

Airway Heights
Bremerton
Burien
Edmonds
Everett
Federal Way
Issaquah
Kirkland
Moses Lake
Mountlake Terrace
Ocean Shores
Pierce County
Redmond
Renton
Seatac
Seattle
Sedro Woolley
Spokane
Tacoma
University Place
White Salmon

Posted in Complete Streets, Funding/Policy, Pierce County | 1 Comment

Help Replace Paul’s Stolen Bike

Paul Dannels Family_Spokane

Paul Dannels and family.

Over the weekend we read the Inlander story about a brash bike thief in Spokane. It’s not often a thief takes action right in front of a reporter who can capture his image, track down the owner of the stolen goods, and get more of the story, but that’s what happened this time.

So it’s thanks to Daniel Walters we know the stolen bike belongs to Paul Dannels: husband, father of 4, a hard-working guy who volunteers in the community, goes for family bike rides, and is trying to train for triathlons, riding 40-50 miles per week. It’s his one and only bike and the family budget doesn’t stretch to a replacement any time soon.

After talking with Paul and hearing his story for ourselves, we knew we wanted to help. We waited to hear whether the police might be able to recover his bike. It appears not; according to a follow-up story by Walters in the Inlander, they’ve caught the bike thief but the bike is nowhere to be found.

This leaves Paul without a bike.

[Tweet “Getting your bike ripped off stinks. Donate to help Paul in Spokane replace his.”]

So who is this guy we’d be helping? He’s the kind of person you want to help. He especially cares about helping children in need become better students. He’s been an AmeriCorps volunteer and coaches young children in baseball at the YMCA.

Paul says, “I live for my wife and children and being outside with them, doing anything fun and healthy, running, swimming and bicycling all the time as much as we can. That is where my family’s happiness is. Losing my bike has been difficult. The outreach and support has been incredible — I do not feel worthy and am very humbled.”

Paul isn’t used to asking for help for himself. When we talked about the possibility of a replacement he said, “Any bike would be fine — used, really old, whatever,” he said.

We know lots of bikes get stolen and it’s not a problem we can solve, human nature being what it is. We can, however, help Paul get a bike.

Or rather, YOU can help Paul get a bike with your 100% tax-deductible donation. It’s as easy as 1-2-3:

  1. You give through WA Bikes so it’s tax-deductible for you.
  2. We coordinate with Paul and the bike shop of his choice.
  3. He gets a bike and equipment he needs to get rolling again.
Paul Dannels_Spokane

Paul works as a safety manager at Associated Painters in Airway Heights.

Our fundraising goal: $1,000. With this Paul will be able to get a replacement bike of comparable quality, bike seat for use with his children, seriously good bike lock, and other equipment such as a headlight and taillight, bike rack, etc.

Who’s already helping: North Division Bike Shop tells us they’ll donate $100 and would like to work with Paul. Other shops may also be able to help; we’ll update the post to list them here.

Bike Replacement Donation Form

Please select a valid form

[Tweet “Feeling good because I just helped someone replace a stolen bike. You can too.”]

What about your friend who had a bike stolen? We know that in doing this we may get similar requests. For now, we’re just trying to help Paul.

Depending on the community response, we’ll evaluate whether an ongoing bike replacement donation fund is something we can manage given our capacity constraints and the need to verify that a claim is valid so you can feel good about your donation.

What if people donate more than $1,000? We’ll update this post with progress reports so you know how much is still needed. When the donation form is gone it means we reached the goal and we thank you for your generosity. If we run a bit over $1,000, which could happen depending on the way the donations come in towards the end, the additional funds will go to support bike safety education and work with law enforcement in Spokane.

Thank you for helping Paul get back on two wheels with his family!

Posted in Alert, Family biking, News, Spokane County | Comments Off on Help Replace Paul’s Stolen Bike

Volunteer in Spokane: Walking School Bus Program

Walking School Bus Photo from Ped Net Website

Walking School Bus Photo from Ped Net Website

After months of planning in the Washington Bikes’ Spokane office, Walking School Bus training gets underway this month. The Eastern Washington Ped Net training will prepare school leaders to create a Walking School Bus program in select Spokane schools this year.

This is an exciting time for people in Spokane who look forward to seeing more area youth staying healthy by getting more physical activity in their day– and reducing traffic congestion at school.

Volunteer with Us

If you’d like to get involved in the 2014-2015 Spokane Walking School Bus program, contact Kate, Washington Bikes’ School and Family Programs Coordinator, kate@WAbikes.org.

This year our Spokane Walking School Bus programs are planned to take place at the following three Spokane public schools: Holmes Elementary, Bemiss Elementary and Stevens Elementary. Our ideal volunteer is one who can feasibly walk to one of these schools and meet the volunteer criteria as described by Spokane Public Schools. Our goal is to get as many parents of students at these schools involved as possible. If you live in the neighborhood of one of these schools and would like to participate in our Walking School Bus Volunteer Orientation this September, please contact us.

Mark your calendars and join community members for the kick-off of the Walking School Bus at Holmes Elementary School in Spokane’s historic, West-Central neighborhood on National Walk to School Day on October 8, 2014. (Holmes Elementary Website to feature this item in the coming months) Here is a link to information on National Walk to School Day 

[Tweet “The feet on the bus go walk-walk-walk. Volunteer for Spokane Walking School Bus.”]

This program works in collaboration with the National Center for Safe Routes to School — an organization that provides educational resources for school and communities throughout the U.S. including a webinar coming up Wednesday, August 27, on strategies to keep your school crossing guard programs healthy and strong.

Helmets for Children in Need

Washington Bikes’ Spokane office is partnering with Providence Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital and community volunteer-policing agencies to acquire and distribute free helmets to students in need. We plan to have helmets available at participating schools on National Walk to School Day on October 8 and also at events during Bike to School day in May, 2015.

[Tweet “Free bike helmets for Spokane kids. Sign up w/@WAbikes to learn more.”]

To receive updates on this and other school and family programs and Spokane events, sign up for our e-news.

Posted in Events, Family biking, Kids, News, Spokane County | Comments Off on Volunteer in Spokane: Walking School Bus Program

Biking Is News All Around the Evergreen State

If you want news like the round-up below in your in-box once a month, you need to sign up for our e-news.

BikeBites2 3
 
We’re Hiring! Part Time Administrative Support Person NeededWashington Bikes is looking for an organized, detail-oriented. friendly individual to join our team.
There’s Still Openings for August LCI Training in SpokaneEastern Washington folks interested in becoming League Certified Instructors can still register for an August training hosted by Washington Bikes.Bike the Perimeter of Seattle on PROS!Join other cyclists on PROS: Perimeter Ride of Seattle on Labor Day and raise funds for statewide bike advocacy.

Support Seattle Parks With Prop 1

Seattle needs stable, dedicated funding for the city’s beloved neighborhood parks, ballfields and community centers. Proposition 1 on the August primary ballot will provide that support, and Washington Bikes board of directors has voted to support it.

Tacoma Wheelmen Support Eatonville Trail Project With $10,000

The bike club’s donation supports the construction of the Bud Blancher Trail to connect Eatonville with nearby Pack Forest and its network of trails.

Yakima Bikes and Walks

There’s a resurgence of bike advocacy happening in Yakima. If you live in the region, get involved!

Lewis Clark Bicycling AllianceThey started out as a group providing input on Lewiston, ID bicycle master plan in 2013. Today they function as a citizen advisory committee to the Lewis-Clark Valley MPO.Bikes are Blooming in WenatcheeED Barb Chamberlain spent several days in Wenatchee in July and was pleased to see bicycling blooming and booming in the region.

Bike Camping in the City–With Kids!

Matt Newport shared his recent bike camping experience at Owen Beach in Tacoma’s Point Defiance Park. The city is offering two more in-city camping opportunities in August.

Auction: Date Change to November 8

Due to some scheduling conflicts, we have changed the date of our annual auction and gala to November 8. Please revise your calendars accordingly! This year’s theme is Create Adventure and we are seeking donations and table captains. You can submit your donation online or contact louise@wabikes.org.

National Bike Challenge: Local Prize Winners Announced

Write Your Ride!

Plate with text WABIKES
Make Your Pedaling Count!

These upcoming rides support statewide bike advocacy and education with a contribution to WA Bikes. Check our calendar for a list of additional rides.

Aug 2-4: Courage Classic Bicycle Tour
Aug 23-24: Gigantic Bicycle Festival (sign up for the Washington Bikes team, password Washington Bikes)
Sep 1: PROS – Perimeter Ride of Seattle
Sep 20: Blazing Saddles
Nov  8: WA Bikes Annual Auction & Gala

 
Posted in Asotin County, Auction, Events, Family biking, Kids, News, Rides, Spokane County, Travel, Wenatchee, Yakima County | 2 Comments

Support Proposition 1 for Seattle Parks

ParksforAllSharethisSeattle needs stable, dedicated funding for the city’s beloved neighborhood parks, ballfields and community centers. Proposition 1 on the August primary ballot will provide that support, and Washington Bikes board of directors has voted to support it.

Washington Bikes joins dozens of other respected environmental, human services, labor and other organizations in enthusiastically supporting Proposition 1. Seattle parks are public facilities and should be accessible to all who live there. That means existing parks need access points that safely and easily bring citizens traveling by foot and bike into the parks. It also means that parks exist in all neighborhoods so anyone in Seattle can have easy access to a park facility for recreation.

Prop 1 will work to improve park access. Prop 1 will also deliver needed improvements, providing major maintenance at parks across the city, funds for community center staffing and programs for seniors and kids, as well as supporting the addition of new parkland in underserved areas and to meet increased demand.

Proposition 1 will replace an expiring levy, and this dedicated parks district funding will cost the owner of a typical $400,000 only about $4 a month more than what they are currently paying. A citizen-led committee recommended replacing the expiring levy with this lasting park district solution designed to address a $267 million maintenance backlog and meet the recreation needs of America’s fastest growing city.

If you live in Seattle, we urge you to support Prop 1.

Posted in Accessibility, Advocacy, Alert, Funding/Policy, News, Seattle | Comments Off on Support Proposition 1 for Seattle Parks

Walla Walla Weekend Getaway

Guest blogger Betsy Lawrence is the co-founder of Spokane’s Belles and Baskets women’s riding group, the subject of a TedX talk. She also serves on the Spokane Bicycle Advisory Board. 

I had the pleasure of accompanying my wonderful friend Angie to Walla Walla for a weekend vacation that she won in a Washington Bikes raffle earlier this spring. I had never been there, so it was all a great adventure for me; all the businesses who donated prizes made for a perfect visit.Angie-Feser_Walla-Walla_Ann-Weatherill-2014

First we checked into the Inn At Blackberry Creek, a gorgeous old house with a creek running nearby, situated near bike lanes in a quiet neighborhood. Our room had an enormous king-size bed, large bathroom, closet that could be a small bedroom, and several windows overlooking gardens and the creek. Coffee, cookies, and fruit were available anytime and there was plenty of outside and inside seating. I also saw several bikes available to guests.

After relaxing a bit in the Inn, we walked along Main Street to check out gift shops and wineries before dining at the Saffron Mediterranean Kitchen. This small restaurant requires a credit card number when making a reservation, so we were careful to be on time.

For an appetizer we shared a grilled Walla Walla sweet onion that was cooked with braised pork, toasted walnuts, and smoked olive oil and enjoyed a main dish of grilled steak and fingerling potatoes. All the food was prepared perfectly.

Dolci Rosa Bakery in Walla Walla -- one of the well-earned stops for people who are fueled by calories!

Dolci Rosa Bakery in Walla Walla — one of the well-earned stops for people who are fueled by calories!

While the desserts at Saffron looked lovely, we wanted to enjoy more of the warm evening, so we walked down the street to the Dolci Rosa Bakery (full disclosure, this was my second trip there of the day; I had peanut butter gelato on my way into town!) where Angie had a luscious lemon tart and I indulged in a chai, french-style macaroon.

After a cozy evening of girl-talk, we awoke to a delightful breakfast. The Inn has a breakfast menu with several choices, so I had oatmeal and a glorious assortment of fruit while Angie had a dish of fruit and a cheese and veggie fritatta.

We jumped onto our bikes and rode six blocks to a park to begin the Ann Weatherill Cycling Classic, which benefits local bicycle causes and Washington Bikes. The ride gave options of 30, 50, or 100 mile routes that all look challenging and fun, but after checking in, we rode the route for two miles and then veered off for our own adventure.

Time for a selfie along the way.

Time for a selfie along the way.

We found the Mill Creek Recreational Trail to be a perfect way to chat, bike, and enjoy the view. The trail is about fifteen miles, some paved and some packed gravel.

It couldn’t have been more perfect weather for selfies and vistas.

After the ride, we returned to the park and joined many other cyclists for a catered lunch of pasta with home made sauce, Caesar and tossed salads, and cookies. The organizers of the ride explained that the entry fees go toward bike lanes and other cycling infrastructure. It was a well-run event for a very good cause.

Here's Angie on her road bike bravely climbing a gravel hill.

Here’s Angie on her road bike bravely climbing a gravel hill.

I am so fortunate to have be able to spend time in this cute town with one of my best friends and am grateful to the Walla Walla businesses that donated to Washington Bikes for this raffle. I would certainly recommend Walla Walla as a bike destination!

If this post makes you want to visit the Walla Walla region, you may want to pick up a copy of Cycling Sojourner Washington and check out the Walla Walla Wine Ramble tour for additional ideas on where to ride, eat, and stay.

Share Your Story

Write Your Ride!

Thank you for choosing to write your ride. Your route descriptions will help others learn about great places to ride a bicycle. If selected, Washington Bikes will post your ride to this blog.

Try to keep the route description between 1000-1500 words. Link to websites or other interesting webpages by including the web addresses in brackets next to the word(s) they should be linked to in the post.
Quickly, what are the things that someone needs to see or experience on the ride? What's the best coffee shop, bakery, or restaurant on the route? The viewpoint you shouldn't miss?

Maximum file size: 516MB

Select a photo to send to us. If need be, let us know in the fields above about additional photos to include in your post.
In a sentence or two, tell us a little about you. Feel free to include links to your website or blog.

Posted in Events, News, Travel, Walla Walla | Comments Off on Walla Walla Weekend Getaway

Bike the Perimeter of Seattle on PROS!

PROS Banner - Don Willott

Have you done a “perimeter” bike ride yet? You know, it’s one of those bike rides that follow the border of a city—like the well known El Tour de Tuscon. You don’t have to make the trip to Tuscon to do a perimeter ride. We have one right here in the Evergreen State: PROS!

PROS_logo_c1-400

Labor Day – September 1, 2014

The Perimeter Ride of Seattle—or PROS—is a Labor Day (September 1) ride organized by the Cyclists of Greater Seattle (COGS) that literally follows the perimeter of Seattle. PROS circumscribes the city, following a counter-clockwise route from its start at Discovery Park. Seattle’s hilly and ravine-divided landscape makes for a challenging but very rewarding ride. You will see Seattle from all sides, including spectacular city, mountain, Puget Sound and Lake Washington views.

The full PROS route entails 80 miles and 4,200 feet of elevation gain. PROS Lite is a shorter option of 60 miles and 2,700 feet of elevation gain, which eliminates the challenges of Seattle’s northern border. Both routes include snack stops (2 for PROS and 1 for PROS Lite) and lunch.

Unlike other rides that hand you a map/cue sheet and send you on your way, PROS divides riders into groups based on their distance and riding pace, and provides ride leaders who pedal with you. And yes, you still get a cue sheet or you can use GPS. Learn more here.

Ready to sign up? Registration is $35 ($40 after August 25), includes lunch, and supports bicycle advocacy in Washington State. COGS donates all proceeds from PROS to Washington Bikes to further our work to get more folks on bikes.

You can register online. Sign up by August 25 and you will be eligible for prize drawings for a WA Bikes jersey made by Castelli and a custom bike sketch by Seattle artist Andy Goulding.

Banner photo credit: Don Willott.

Posted in Bike Clubs, King County, News, Rides, Seattle | Comments Off on Bike the Perimeter of Seattle on PROS!

When I Get Older: Why I’m Counting on a Multimodal System

My five siblings and I dealt with many issues as my parents aged, including transportation problems. Both of them died in the past 18 months so I no longer confront those particular problems — nor do I ever want to again.

What's YOUR transportation plan when it's not safe for you to drive any more?

What’s YOUR transportation plan when it’s not safe for you to drive any more?

That’s why I’m thinking ahead to the multimodal system you and I (and millions upon millions of people) will rely on in the future. I don’t want to lose my transportation independence the way they did.

Instead, I expect to be part of the rising tide of people who choose and use a variety of transportation modes other than driving long before they “have to” give up driving, like the seniors who are rediscocvering or just now taking up bicycling.

[Tweet “Most growth in bicycling from Millennials, right? 22% net growth from senior citizens.”]

My mother, who just died in May at age 92, had vascular dementia that we first recognized in 2000. One of the early triggers for recognizing my mom’s dementia was the time she got lost going to a hairdresser who had done her hair for over 25 years, meaning that for over a quarter of a century she had driven the exact same route to the salon.

But one day she got lost.

She drove around for a while until she found a phone booth (in 2000 you could still find a phone booth on a street corner) and called the hairdresser. My dad had to come rescue her.

She declined mentally. We moved them into first one assisted living facility, then another that specialized in dementia patients.

While Dad didn’t have dementia he had bad hearing that was getting worse and eyesight to match, coupled with impatience and a lead foot — basically a home run for future collision, injury, and death.

He drove a gold Honda station wagon that sported new scrapes along the sides every time I visited. My dad was increasingly the type of driver who took a stop sign or a speed limit sign as a mere suggestion meant for others. My brothers and sisters and I all knew he was going to kill someone eventually and we would have it on our conscience.

We tried paying a cab driver a nice retainer to be available on call and gave Dad his business card, telling him he had a personal driver at his beck and call. Dad never called — easiest money that cab driver ever made.

My dad drove like a demon but whenever it came time for a license renewal he studied for the test and drove like an angel. And of course, a man who piloted B-17 bombers over Europe certainly wasn’t going to listen to the opinions of his six kids on his driving ability.

At first his doctor didn’t want to write a letter expressing concern about Dad’s physical ability to drive competently, but we finally got one. That letter; a relationship my older sister fostered with a nice Department of Licensing staffer who one year told Dad that it was the last year he could renew his license; and the step of actually selling the car (since not having a piece of plastic in his wallet certainly wouldn’t stop him from driving) all helped us achieve the impossible: getting him off the road.

In his mind, we trapped him.

I suggest we all jump ahead a few years and imagine ourselves like my 94-year-old dad — too old to drive safely, but still pretty spry (and more than a little feisty).

Most people outlive their driving ability; by the time you’re 75 your chances of being in a collision and fatalities per mile driven that you cause revert to those of a teen driver.

Do we want to live in our own homes, independent, for a few more years after we stop driving?

[Tweet “Declaration of transportation independence doesn’t involve a car when you get old.”]

When that day comes — someone pries the car keys out of your fingers or you’re smart and give them up without being asked — you may be pretty happy that we invested in completing sidewalks with curb cuts so you can get to the bus stop and get down to the coffee shop to hang out with your buddies and talk about the good old days.

You may appreciate a little traffic calming in your neighborhood so you can walk across the street–more slowly than you used to — or ride your bicycle or tricycle to get groceries or go to the doctor.

I expect riding my bike to keep me younger longer than my folks (who were pretty robust physically well into their 80s as it was). When I get a bit wobbly for two wheels I’ll switch to three. If the day comes when I have to stop riding, transit will still be there for me.

My dad unfortunately had the mindset that driving himself in his own car was the only possible way to get anywhere. By being “independent” about his transportation he eliminated the independence he could have had.

I felt sorry for him.  For Dad it was a steering wheel in his hands or nothing at all. So it was nothing at all.

Related Reading

Your Turn

  • How do you plan to maintain your transportation independence as you get older?

 


Posted in Accessibility, Attitudes, Seniors, Transit | 5 Comments