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Bike to Work Day is May 17

By Louise McGrody | Published May 8, 2013

Drop by our Pioneer Square energizer station!

Bike to Work Day is May 17 and Washington Bikes is hosting an energizer station for Pioneer Square bike commuters from 6-9 am in front of our office at 314 First Ave S.

We’re serving coffee from Zeitgeist and shortbread cookies from Grand Central Bakery to fuel you up for the day. Bike safety checks and minor mechanical adjustments will be offered, as well as local bike maps and Share the Road information. We’ll also have a Metro bike rack on hand so you can practice loading your bike on one.

Grand Central Bakery will treat all bike commuters a second time on Bike to Work Day. Drop by any of their retail locations with your bike helmet and receive a complimentary baguette!

Do you live or work in Federal Way? We’re co-sponsoring a Bike to Work Day station with Forterra at the north end of the BPA Trail. Drop by between 6-9 am for some coffee, treats and high fives!

Many Washington communities are planning Bike to Work Day activities. Check our Bike Month Round-up for a summary with links to other events.

Posted in Bike to Work, Encouragement, Events, News, Seattle | 1 Comment

Bike Poster People’s Choice Award

By Seth Schromen-Wawrin | Published May 7, 2013

For the month of May, we are donning our office walls with the entries from the 5th Grade Bike Poster Contest. They are beautiful and inspirational.

During our art opening on May 2nd, participants voted for the People’s Choice Award from all the posters. Akasha from Hough Elementary in Vancouver is the nights winner!

Winner of the People’s Choice Award for the 2013 5th Grade Bicycle Poster Contest

You have until 2pm today to vote for the National Winner for the bike poster contest. Ruby from Port Angeles is Washington’s contestant. Vote for her poster (#16) now to win her elementary school bike parking!

Posted in Education, Encouragement, Kids, News, Northwest WA, Olympic Peninsula, Safe Routes to School, Vancouver | Comments Off

Open Streets: Coming to a community near you?

By Louise McGrody | Published May 6, 2013

Seattle residents enjoy Summer Streets on Alki

Imagine a street closed to motorized traffic. Now imagine this street alive with human activity and energy—people of all ages dancing, biking, walking and playing in the street.

Welcome to ciclovia! Ciclovias, or open streets, temporarily transform that public space—a roadway—into a public place for residents to bike, walk, socialize with friends, play games and celebrate their community.

An open streets event is not a block party or a street fair. It’s an opportunity to engage community members in physical activity, allows them to imagine living somewhere that can be easily biked or walked, and gives them a new perspective on how we might use our urban public space.

Seattle’s Bicycle Sunday, introduced in 1965, is the oldest continuous open street initiative in North America. A three-mile stretch of Lake Washington Boulevard between Seward Park and Mount Baker Beach is closed to vehicles on scheduled Sundays from May to September. Children learn to ride their bikes at Bicycle Sunday. Residents stroll and jog along the car-free route.

Seattle holds another open streets event called Summer Streets. Now in its fifth year, Summer Streets temporarily closes streets in various parts of the city throughout the summer. Volunteers organize games and activities to encourage residents to celebrate and enjoy their neighborhoods in a different way.

Spokane’s Summer Parkways started in 2010 and is organized by the nonprofit Spokefest. This year’s ciclovia-inspired event will close a four-mile loop in the Comstock-Manito neighborhood to motorized traffic and opens it up to all kinds of creative human-powered activities.

The Five Mile Drive loop in Tacoma’s Point Defiance Park is closed to motor vehicles until 1pm every Saturday and Sunday. This weekend closure offers residents a great place for family bike rides. Bicyclists and pedestrians can peacefully wind their way through an old growth forest as they take in scenic sound and mountain views.

New in 2013 is Vancouver’s Sunday Streets Alive. Five major activity centers will be located along the 4.2 mile route, offering a range of fun activities to keep the body and brain moving. Organizers anticipate 3000-8000 residents will participate in this inaugural open streets event in southwest Washington.

Would you like to bring a ciclovia or open streets initiative to your community? The Open Streets Project offers resources and technical assistance that can guide city agencies and nonprofit organizations in developing an event for the community.

Posted in Attitudes, Encouragement, Events, Health, Seattle, Spokane County, Sustainable Living, Tacoma, Vancouver | Tagged open streets | Comments Off

Support Port Angeles at the National Bike Poster Contest

By Seth Schromen-Wawrin | Published May 3, 2013

Ruby from Port Angeles, won first place for Washington State in the 5th Grade Bike Poster Contest. Now it’s time to support her at the National Contest. The competition around the country is stiff, but check out Ruby’s romantic aesthetic and that bounding joyful squirrel. Her bike is even prepared for the wet with a front fender! Vote for Ruby’s poster on Saris’ Facebook page (Ruby is poster #16).

If Ruby wins the contest, Dry Creek Elementary School in Port Angeles will win a new bike rack for 20 bikes and the Hub System to help encourage biking. A rural school in Port Angeles, Dry Creek Elementary has been teaching the Bike and Pedestrian Safety Education Program to their 5th and 6th graders for the last two years. These students would benefit from the added bike parking and nifty way to track and encourage bike trips with the Hub. Additionally, Ruby will win a trip to Washington, D.C. for the 2014 National Bike Summit, a great opportunity to inspire the next generation of riders.

Vote for Ruby’s poster (Poster #16) between now and May 7th at Saris’ Facebook Page.

Thank you to Saris Cycling Group for organizing the bike poster contest and providing prizes for the winner.

Posted in Bike Culture, Encouragement, Kids, News, Olympic Peninsula, Safe Routes to School | Comments Off

May 15 and GiveBIG Approaches!

By Jack Hilovsky | Published May 1, 2013

In two more weeks Washington Bikes will participate in one of the largest philanthropic events in the Northwest!

GiveBIG 2013 arrives on Wednesday, May 15, providing an opportunity for the Puget Sound region and surrounding communities to give generously to over 1400 non-profits that are making a difference in our community and quality of life. Between midnight and midnight (PDT) on May 15, each donation made will receive a pro-rated portion of matching funds from both The Seattle Foundation and multiple GiveBIG sponsors. The amount of the match will depend on the size of the matching fund pool and how much is raised in total donations on GiveBIG day.

We encourage supporters of our mission to grow bicycling in Washington State and create a more bike and pedestrian friendly landscape to mark your calendar and make a donation on May 15! To learn more about our programs and current need, visit Seattle Foundation’s Bicycle Alliance Donation Page.

GiveBIG is only possible with the generous support of community-minded organizations that contribute matching funds making this event a unique and even bigger financial success. We’d like to thank them with the hope you’ll support them in your future purchasing and investment decisions.

In addition to The Seattle Foundation, individual donors and sponsors like Seattle International Foundation, Bezos Family Foundation, Boeing, Microsoft, Medina Foundation, and Starbucks, we’d like to acknowledge the Seattle Sounders for partnering with GiveBIG and promoting the event at their games.

So mark your calendar for May 15 and while you’re at it make sure to RSVP on our GiveBIG 2013 Facebook event page to get upcoming reminders from us!

Posted in News | Comments Off

Washington Ranked #1 among Bicycle Friendly States

By Barb Chamberlain | Published May 1, 2013

Bike Month brings latest Bicycle Friendly States ranking from League of American Bicyclists

In honor of National Bike Month, the League has released its latest Bicycle Friendly States ranking. Washington state achieved the top ranking nationally for a sixth consecutive year (League Bike-Friendly-State 2013 Scorecard).

“I’m proud that Washington state has again claimed the mantle of the most bicycle-friendly state in America,” said Governor Jay Inslee. “Here in Washington, we recognize a 21st-century transportation system not only includes roads, rail, airports, transit, and ferries, but also bike lanes, sidewalks and trails. Bicycles create jobs, connect communities, and give Washingtonians healthier choices to get around.”

“We’re pleased to again be number one; bicycles play an important role in managing our transportation system,” said WSDOT Secretary Lynn Peterson. “As we continue to find efficiencies in our system, we look forward to partnering with organizations like Washington Bikes to improve safety and grow bicycling statewide.”

The Bicycle Friendly States Ranking is now more comprehensive than ever, capturing more information than ever before and delving more deeply into the issues embedded in becoming a more bicycle-friendly state. The League of American Bicyclists partnered with Washington Bikes to review and provide recommendations for next steps to make Washington’s streets safer and to grow bicycling statewide.

“We are encouraged to see significant progress in top states like Washington, Delaware, Colorado and Oregon,” said Andy Clarke, president of the League of American Bicyclists. “But, as the scores clearly highlight, there’s much work to be done in critical areas like infrastructure and planning in every state.”

Washington’s top ranking was based on a number of key indicators, including infrastructure and funding that provide on-the-ground bicycle facilities; education and encouragement programs that promote cycling; and passage and enforcement of bicycle-friendly laws that make it safe and comfortable for people of all ages to ride. While the state still has much more to do in making Washington’s roads safer for bicycling, this ranking recognizes Washington’s progress relative to the rest of the nation.

Washington state was recognized as a leader in using the previous federal Transportation Enhancement program and the new Transportation Alternatives federal program for bicycle and pedestrian projects; the League notes that other MAP-21 federal funding programs can be utilized to include biking and walking in all transportation projects.

The Bicycle Friendly States program is more than an annual assessment. Throughout the year, League staff will work actively with state officials and advocacy leaders to help Washington state identify and implement the programs, policies and campaigns that will improve conditions for bicyclists.

Our view at the Bicycle Alliance: We’re proud of Washington’s continued recognition as one of the best places to bicycle in the entire country. At the same time we will continue to work for improvement in how we identify and overcome barriers that keep people from riding, how we better collect and track data and then address issues around bicycle safety and collisions, and how we identify and prioritize opportunities for investment in non-motorized transportation.

To see how Washington ranked in the five evaluation categories and to learn more about the Bicycle Friendly States program, see www.bikeleague.org/states. For a list of Washington businesses, communities, and universities that have earned recognition from the League, see our Bike-Friendly Washington page.

About the Bicycle Friendly America Program

The Bicycle Friendly Community, Bicycle Friendly State, Bicycle Friendly Business and Bicycle Friendly University programs are generously supported by program partner Trek Bicycle. Learn more about the Bicycle Friendly America program at www.bikeleague.org/bfa.

About the League of American Bicyclists

The League of American Bicyclists promotes bicycling for fun, fitness and transportation, and works through advocacy and education for a bicycle-friendly America. The League represents the interests of America’s 57 million bicyclists, including its 300,000 members and affiliates. For more information or to support the League, visit www.bikeleague.org.

Posted in Funding/Policy, Infrastructure, Issues & Advocacy, News, Safety, Transportation, WSDOT | 4 Comments

Ann Weatherill Cycling Classic

By Louise McGrody | Published April 29, 2013

A cyclist’s death inspires advocacy, education and more bicycling

Scenic views abound on the Ann Weatherill Cycling Classic.

The Ann Weatherill Cycling Classic on June 15 showcases the vineyards, orchards and wheat fields that surround Walla Walla. Organized by the Wheatland Wheelers, this ride offers several scenic route options that tour through the Walla Walla valley, and the century route climbs into the foothills of the nearby Blue Mountains.

The Ann Ride—as the locals call it—has its roots in bicycle safety education and advocacy.

Ann Weatherill was a mother, an avid cyclist and member of the Wheatland Wheelers Bicycle Club, and a teacher at Garrison Middle School in Walla Walla. She was struck and killed by an oncoming motorist attempting to pass another vehicle while on a Mother’s Day bike ride with friends in 2004.

Ann’s death galvanized local bicyclists to take action. The bike club hosted a meeting and invited Washington Bikes to discuss how this tragedy could be turned into something positive for bicyclists.

The Bicycle Alliance worked with the Walla Walla cycling community to introduce and pass HB 1108 – Ann Weatherill Safe Passing Act in 2005. The law makes it illegal to pass another vehicle if there are bicyclists or pedestrians approaching from the opposite direction on the roadway.

Governor Gregoire signed HB 1108 into law in 2005.

The Wheatland Wheelers decided to organize the Ann Weatherill Cycling Classic as a way to remember and celebrate Ann’s life. This year marks the ride’s eighth anniversary, and proceeds from it benefit local bike safety projects and the Bicycle Alliance’s statewide efforts.

We are featuring the Ann Ride in a Walla Walla Bicycle Weekend package that we are raffling off. Tickets can be purchased online until May 8.

Posted in Advocacy, Bike Clubs, Education, Events, News, Rides, Walla Walla | 1 Comment

Legislative Session Update: Almost There! (Sort Of)

By Blake Trask | Published April 27, 2013

With one day left before Washington state’s 2013 regular legislative session ends, key votes for transportation remain. Here’s the Bicycle Alliance’s legislative session update evaluating Washington state’s progress on improving safety for our kids and for bicyclists across Washington state.

Policy Priorities

Investments in Safe Routes to School make it possible for kids to enjoy bicycling safely

HB 1045, Neighborhood Safe Streets Bill passes! At literally the last minute before the policy bill cutoff on April 17, Senator Andy Billig helped usher in a special order of business to make Rep Cindy Ryu’s HB 1045 the 4:59 bill in the Senate (the last policy bill voted on). We’re elated to get this smart legislation passed, which gives cities and towns across Washington state the authority to lower speeds to 20 miles per hour on neighborhood streets–all while cutting red tape.

SB 5263, Concerning motorcycles overtaking and passing pedestrians and bicyclists. While originally not included in this legislation, an amendment facilitated by the Bicycle Alliance and Cascade Bicycle Club and introduced by Senator Christine Rolfes added a 3-foot passing distance requirement for motorcycles overtake bicycles and pedestrians in the travel lane. This legislation provides everyone who supports sharing the road an important and incremental start to develop a uniform safe passing law that incorporates a 3-foot passing requirement. After passing with no opposition, this bill now sits on the governor’s desk for signing.

Transportation Budget & Revenue

The transportation budget and revenue legislation is gaining clarity, but resolution for when agreement will occur between the House and Senate remains uncertain.

Transportation Budget. The AP reports that the House and Senate negotiations appear to have reached agreement on a two-year transportation budget, which could be voted on Sunday. Until the final vote occurs, we will continue to monitor the status of investment levels for the Bicycle/Pedestrian Safety & Mobility Grant Program, as well as the Safe Routes to School Grant Program. The Bicycle Alliance has been working to ensure that Safe Routes to School Grant Program investments are restored to their pre-MAP-21 federal funding levels and that a 1935 gas spillage tax exemption is removed to fund safer streets for kids.

Transportation Revenue Package. With our Transportation for Washington Partners, Bicycle Alliance has coordinated and provided testimony in the past week for the House and Senate proposed 12-year transportation revenue packages. Our message is simple: support the amendments offered by Representative Marko Liias, which would invest $100 million upfront in the backlog of statewide walking and biking projects while then providing $100 million and $50 million respectively for the Bicycle/Pedestrian Safety & Mobility and Safe Routes to School grant programs over the following ten years. Please contact your legislators to voice your support for increased investments in walking and biking.

And, just in case you’re wondering, this proposed revenue package does not include a bike fee.

What didn’t make it?

The Bicycle Alliance introduced a Safe Passing bill that would have provided more flexibility for motor vehicle drivers to safely pass people biking or walking. Despite the bipartisan sponsorship, the bill faced some concerns in the Senate Transportation Committee and was ultimately held by its sponsors. In the interim leading up to the 2014 legislative session, the Bicycle Alliance will be working with our partners to ensure that all sides better understand the legislation moving forward.

Additionally, legislation to add health as one of the state’s transportation system policy goals failed to make it out of the House this year. We look forward to working on that next session.

What’s next?

Barring unforeseen resolution on a host of budget and revenue issues where significant divides still exist, the legislature will be called into a special session as early as next week to resolve its outstanding differences. We’ll stay with it through the entire process to continue our work to expand funding for bicycle infrastructure.

Posted in Advocacy, Alert, Funding/Policy, Health, Infrastructure, Issues & Advocacy, Kids, Legislature, News, Safe Routes to School, Safety, Transportation | Comments Off

Kidical Mass: Kids are traffic too

By Louise McGrody | Published April 26, 2013

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Parents who bike often want to share the cycling experience with their youngsters. Kidical Mass provides them with a fun, safe and social way to do it.

The first Kidical Mass was launched in 2008 in Eugene, Oregon, and it has since spread to over two dozen communities—including several in our state. These bike rides through a neighborhood or community are kid-friendly, not very long, and often feature stops at someplace fun.

Kidical Mass rides offer children a safe and friendly environment to learn how to ride their bikes. It also increases public awareness and visibility of family biking. Kidical Mass is not a Critical Mass for kids—these rides are law abiding rides and meant to teach children how to safely ride on streets and trails.

Seattle has had an established Kidical Mass group for several years now and they organize monthly rides around the city. Spokane will hold its first Kidical Mass ride tomorrow, and Tacoma launches a Kidical Mass ride in May.

Interested in starting a Kidical Mass ride in your community? Check their FAQs for tips on how to get a ride started, then invite the kids and their parents!

Posted in Bike Culture, Education, Encouragement, Events, Kids, Safe Routes to School, Seattle, Spokane County, Tacoma | Tagged Kidical Mass | 1 Comment

Building Bike to School at Loyal Heights

By Guest Blogger | Published April 26, 2013

Bike to School Month starts May 1^st with Bike to School Day on May 8^th. Guest blogger Shannon Koller shares her story of starting a bike to school program at her child’s elementary school.

All it takes are a few committed parents. A few committed parents who believe that their school is the perfect place for kids to commute by bike can change the school culture around transportation choices. When kids get enthusiastic about cycling, that interest can radiate through the family and really change how families choose to move throughout their neighborhoods.

Loyal Heights Elementary School, in northwest Seattle, draws its students from the surrounding neighborhood and benefits from relatively flat topography. This makes it an ideal place for kids to choose to commute to school by bike and the bike culture there has definitely taken root. Last year, the school participated in Bike to School month for the first time and was able to encourage 27% of the student body to participate in Bike to School month.

That sort of ridership doesn’t happen by accident. Parents and full-time bike commuters, Paula Shaw and I met with school administrators and faculty to lay the groundwork for bike activities at the school. With a budget of $0, we found donors and wrote grants that funded 7 bike-related activities, including a bike safety assembly and the purchase of bike racks that expanded our bike parking from 24 to 80 spaces.

Having collaborators within the school can certainly help to promote and enable the bike to school movement. This year, the PTA will fund the planned bike activities. Schools and PTAs have an interest in promoting wellness within their school community.

The bike-related activities at Loyal Heights continue to expand. After seeing kids participate in the school’s Bike Rodeo last year – an event with various bike skills stations – I realized that there is a big gap between learning how to ride a bike and being prepared to ride on streets. In order to navigate safely through the neighborhoods, kids need to know rules of the road, right of way, how to navigate an unmarked intersection, and much more.

This realization led to the creation of Loyal Heights Urban Cycling Club, an after-school bike club. Participants learn how to ride on streets and practice these skills by taking organized rides. The club had their first ride a few weeks ago and encountered roundabouts, busy street crossings, and unmarked intersections, all excellent learning opportunities. The next ride will be to community centers and sports fields where many kids have sports practice and summer camp. The ride will help them become familiar with the infrastructure around these destinations and so they feel more comfortable riding there on their bikes. Two parents and I coach the club, and a grant from Seattle’s Department of Transportation helped with training and curriculum development.

With momentum growing, coordinators started early planning Bike to School Month and are preparing to beat last year’s participation this May. The emergence of a strong bike culture is especially significant at Loyal Heights because this is the school community that lost Kevin Black four years ago when he was killed on his bicycle on his way to work after dropping his daughter off at the school. For Loyal Heights to respond with by developing a vibrant bike community is both tribute and triumph.

Posted in Education, Encouragement, Guest Blogger, Kids, Safe Routes to School, Safety, Seattle | Comments Off