RAPSody: A Ride for Bicyclists and Bicycling

By baw_admin | Published June 5, 2012

Kristin Kinnamon is today’s guest blogger.  A resident of Marysville, Kristin is a former Bicycle Alliance board member and a current member of the RAPSody planning team.
The Ride Around Puget Sound  is like many bicycle events around the country. There are tasty food stops, a carefully marked and well-considered course, and friendly locals happy to have you visit on two wheels.

What sets RAPSody apart from some events, however, is that this is a bike ride that raises money for bicycling – not for cancer or animals or Dream Dinners (I kid you not), although most of those worthy causes I happily support when not on my bike.

However, when riding I like to support safe streets, bicycle education, advocacy in Olympia. It just seems a fitting way to “walk the talk,” so to speak. Many bike club event rides support cycling. 

RAPSody is organized by five bike clubs on behalf of Washington Bikes:  BIKES of Snohomish County, Capital Bicycling Club, Cyclists of Greater Seattle, Tacoma Wheelmen Bicycle Club, and West Sound Cycling Club. Such cooperation across clubs is unique, and it demonstrates how the Bicycle Alliance often brings people together. RAPSody organizers are from Thurston, Pierce, Kitsap, King and Snohomish counties.

This is our 9th year, and we’re getting pretty good at this. It doesn’t hurt to have beautiful Northwest roads and trails as part of the route, and great community partners like the Port of Allyn  (where we have a beautiful rest stop) and SOCK, which hosts meals at our Shelton overnight.

If you want a challenging but friendly event to finish off your summer, consider riding 170 miles on behalf of bicycling.  Register by July 15 to receive the early bird discount.  Bicycle Alliance members receive an additional $10 discount!

Posted in Bike Clubs, Events, RAPSody, Rides | Comments Off on RAPSody: A Ride for Bicyclists and Bicycling

Biking in Bend

By Louise McGrody | Published June 4, 2012
Mirror Pond.

Steve and I recently spent some time in Bend, Oregon to ski Mount Bachelor.  We also brought our bikes along so we could better explore the community.  Good move.

Bend is a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts.  This central Oregon community sits in the shadows of Mount Bachelor and The Sisters on a high desert plateau.  The region offers opportunities for skiing, snowshoeing, desert and mountain hiking, kayaking, and lots of mountain and road biking.
What impressed me, tho, was the level of everyday biking I observed in town.  I saw lots of folks on bikes!  I saw residents biking to work and kids biking to school.  I saw shoppers carrying their goods in baskets.  I saw college students on bikes.  I watched kids arrive at the library and community center on bikes.  I saw patrons arriving and departing on bikes at brew pubs.
A typical Bend bicyclist.
Overall, we felt welcomed as a bicyclists.  Bike parking was everywhere.  Bike racks are easy to find in downtown Bend and they have a bike corral.  We found bike parking at the library, parks, pubs and shopping centers.  We saw a number of artistic bike racks too.
The bike corral gets plenty of use.
One of the many decorative bike racks in Bend.

You can even ride the Cyclepub–a rolling pub–on the streets of Bend.

The Cyclepub cruises through downtown Bend.
 

Grade-separated bike lane in Bend.

Bend has a pretty decent network of bike lanes and a nice mix of paved and soft surface trails.  We even encountered a grade-separated bike lane.  The city has also installed over a dozen roundabouts, many of which display public art.

The one thing that we missed as a bicyclists was a local bike map.  As visitors, we really could have benefited from a bike map showing us where bike lanes and trails were located and offering some suggested routes. 
Posted in Bike Culture, Infrastructure, Travel | 1 Comment

Friday Fun: Pedal Your Blues Away

By Louise McGrody | Published June 1, 2012
Here’s your feel good song for Friday!

Posted in Encouragement, Kids | 1 Comment

It’s been a short, sweet ride

By baw_admin | Published May 31, 2012

This is the last post from regular contributor Alexa Heidrich, who has returned to Portland.  We will miss her energy and enthusiasm.  Thanks, Alexa!

That’s me in the red freezing on the Seattle Neighborhood Greenways ride with Elly Blue during Bike Expo.  Elly appears to be handling the wind better than me.

Well Bicycle Alliance blog readers, it’s been short but sweet.  My one year anniversary in Seattle was quickly approaching when I was offered an opportunity to relocate back to Portland.  I will miss Seattle, the people I’ve met and experiences I’ve had, especially with bike and pedestrian advocacy.  (In addition to Off the Rez, the roaming Native American food cart that everyone in Seattle should find.)  I am keeping the door open to return, and think there is such a great community spirit up here in the Puget Sound region. I cannot endorse more the unique grassroots Greenways movement which I feel lucky to have been a small part of, and which continues to gain traction with City Hall and the Department of Transportation.  I look forward to continuing my advocacy efforts in Portland, even though I suspect it will have a slightly different flavor.  Already on my ‘commute’ to work I’ve encountered 8am rush hour bike traffic on the Broadway Bridge! 


Happy pedaling, and I wish you all happy National Bike Month!



Here’s some fellow bikers on our way home. 

Photo credit: John Maus
Posted in People, Volunteer | Comments Off on It’s been a short, sweet ride

Great June Bike Rides

By Louise McGrody | Published May 28, 2012

Now that you’re in good riding shape from participating in your local Bike to Work events and the National Bike Challenge, it’s time to sign up for some June bike rides!  There are some wonderful June rides that support the Bicycle Alliance’s efforts to grow bicycling statewide.

You’ll have an opportunity to ride with US National Team rider Logan Owen or Bremerton Mayor Patty Lent on Life Cyle – Bremerton ride on June 2.  The ride starts and finishes at Rotary Evergreen Park on the city’s waterfront–easily accessed by the Seattle-Bremerton ferry.  The event includes a kid’s bike rodeo and an after-ride meal.

Ann Weatherill Classic view. Photo by Wheatland Wheelers.

The Tacoma Wheelmen’s Peninsula Metric Century on June 3 also showcases the beauty of the Kitsap Peninsula.  This challenging ride offers panoramic waterfront views, roads through the rural countryside, lots of rolling hills, and dessert at the finish line.

The Ann Weatherill Cycling Classic on June 16 is presented by the Wheatland Wheelers Cycling Club.  This eastern Washington ride highlights the beauty of the Walla Walla Valley, and treats riders to views of the Blue Mountains, wheat fields, and Walla Walla vineyards.  Entry includes a post-ride lunch.

Capital Bicycling Club’s Two County Double Metric Century on June 24 takes riders on the less traveled roads of Lewis and Thurston Counties.  This ride offers five scenic routes ranging from 20 to 126 miles.

Over twenty event rides support growing bicycling statewide with a contribution to Washington Bikes.  View our Ride Calendar for a complete listing.

Posted in Bike Clubs, Rides | Comments Off on Great June Bike Rides

Friday Fun: Maryhill Freeride

By Louise McGrody | Published May 25, 2012
I was traveling through the Columbia Gorge recently and encountered this adrenaline event:  the Maryhill Freeride!  This two-day event near Goldendale offers downhill skaters, boarders and gravity bikers 2+ miles of winding, twisty pavement free of vehicles and all downhill.  Over 100 riders from across the US and Canada flocked to the spring freeride.  Now here’s your chance to experience the Maryhill course from the perspective of a gravity bike.  Enjoy!

Posted in Adventure, Bike Culture, Events | 1 Comment

Volunteer Spotlight: Jim Hunt

By baw_admin | Published May 24, 2012

Let me introduce you to Jim Hunt. He’s a Bicycle Alliance volunteer and stalwart biker—wait until you read about his graveyard commute! He also gives a technical set-up preference for getting around the Seattle topography, and tips for getting comfortable on a bike again!
 
Thanks for your time Jim, and happy trails out there!
 
What is your first memory of biking? 

As a child, bicycling through the woods and crossing a small creek.  I had to go through at just the right speed – too fast and you would not be able to handle traversing the creek bed and if too slow you would get stuck in the creek.
What roles have you filled as volunteer for the Bicycle Alliance over the years?  
A few monthly work parties, a few Fat Tire beer festival events, a couple of auctions, some office work, and assistance with the strategic planning summit.
When and how did you become involved with the Bicycle Alliance?
In 2004 after I was unemployed I was interested in meeting some new folks and helping out.  Bicycle advocacy for me has involved attending city transportation committee meetings, volunteering for bike/ped annual counts and stopping on my commute to move a fallen tree branch out of the bicycle path.  I try to say hello to folks on my morning commute and try to stay calm with motorist.
What is your favorite ride, in the Seattle region or elsewhere?
Fall City to North Bend area with a stop at George’s Bakery for lunch.
What are you riding these days?
To and from work – started a new job on the graveyard shift and have yet to find many folks interested in riding together after midnight.
What is your winter riding gear set-up?
Light & Motion Seca 800 front light, DiNotte 120r back lite, a safety vest from Western Safety Products and an old Burly rain cape and gators.  Fenders, rack and panniers to carry lunch and rain gear when not in use.

What is your strategy for tackling the topography of the region? 
A modified front triple crank with a 26t small chain ring and mountain rear cassette with a 32 tooth cog that allows me to spin up most hills.
How does biking improve your quality of life? 
I enjoy the exercise, seeing other folks out running, walking the dog or pushing baby strollers.  It is nice to see the seasons change and observe what trees and plants are blooming.  If I am lucky, I will see a bald eagle in the Juanita Marsh park area.
Lastly, any tips for people who may be tentative in dusting off that old bike in the garage? 
Load the bike up in the car (if necessary) and head down to the Burke Gilman or Sammamish River Trails after work on a nice spring or summer relaxing ride.  Turn around before you get tired.  When starting out try to pedal into the wind, if it is windy.  Don’t overdo it and practice shifting and braking. Before tackling the city streets read Bicycling Street Smarts at www.bikexprt.com.  Some air in the tires always helps.

I agree Jim! Thanks so much for your dedication to integrating biking into your everyday life. If you too are interested in volunteering with the Bicycle Alliance, visit our website to get involved! 
Posted in People, Volunteer | 1 Comment

USBRS: Inspired to Get Involved

By baw_admin | Published May 23, 2012

Thanks to intern Scott Chilberg for preparing this post.

Portions of SR 20 may become part of the USBRS.

The reasons behind Washington Bikes’s support of the US Bike Route System (USBRS) are obvious. USBRS’s astounding and seemingly idealistic mission, to create an interstate bike highway connecting urban centers with some of the country’s most idyllic natural environments, would be a dream come true for many of our state’s avid bicyclists. Even more impressive is the progress that’s been made toward achieving that dream; over 40 states are currently working on the project with several more in the works. 

So, with this clear alignment of interests, it was only natural that the Bicycle Alliance would agree to partner with Adventure Cycling Association to create US Bike Routes in Washington.  With the support of Washington State Department of Transportation, it was decided to tackle a cross-state northern route first.


Several of our individual members, however, have extended their involvement with USBRS beyond the professional realm, and their reasons for doing so are, as stated by Bicycle Alliance Executive Director and soon-to-be USBRS volunteer Barb Culp, “purely selfish.”

“Washington is a great place to bicycle, with diverse climates and breathtaking views,” said Barb. “My husband Andy and I want to both explore the state from the seat of our bikes, and then share  our experiences so that others will see the state in a new way.  The cool thing about the USBRS is that we’ll be able to keep right on riding into Idaho on the bike route system, or down the coast into Oregon.  Eventually we’ll be able to follow signed routes all over the country just like we did in Scotland.  We rode for days just following the signs.”

Barb celebrates the fact that the US Bike Route System will focus on a 50 mile swatch on either side of the road, “thereby giving the bicyclist a reason to explore off the beaten path and visit the sights and communities along the way.”

Bicycle Alliance Board Member John Pope, of Anacortes, has also committed his personal time to assist with the US Bike Route Project. John first came into contact with USBRS in the 1990s while doing bike map work with the Skagit Council of Governments’ non-motorized advisory committee, and was thrilled when the idea was rekindled and the Bicycle Alliance pledged their involvement in the past few years.

“I love the back-roads of Washington and the greater Northwest,” said John. “I grew up in eastern Washington, at a time when the North Cascades Cross-State Highway project captured our hearts and opened new avenues for adventure and scenic beauty.  My early bike touring across that new highway and into the BC border regions got me hooked.  The Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail and other interests over the years have convinced me that a small, dedicated band of volunteers can make an enduring difference.”

Both John and Barb hope that, by being part of that dedicated band of volunteers, they will be able to help the USBRS dream become a reality in the Pacific Northwest. 

Become a part of the USBRS movement! Click here to make a donation to our May fundraising effort for building the USBRS.  Twenty percent of funds raised by the Bicycle Alliance will be used for USBRS efforts in Washington.
We also need additional volunteers!  If you live in northern Washington and would like to help us develop this route, please contact Louise McGrody.  We need volunteers to assist with community outreach and researching routes.

Build it.  Bike it.  Be a part of it.

Posted in People, USBRS, Volunteer | Comments Off on USBRS: Inspired to Get Involved

Washington retains top ranking as most Bicycle Friendly State

By Louise McGrody | Published May 22, 2012

For the fifth year in a row, Washington leads the nation as the most Bicycle Friendly State.  The 2012 ranking of Bicycle Friendly States was announced by the League of American Bicyclists in honor of National Bike Month.
“We’re encouraged to see significant progress in top states like Washington, Minnesota, Colorado and Massachusetts,” said Andy Clarke, president of the League.  “But, as the scores clearly highlight, there’s much work to be done in critical areas like infrastructure and funding.  Overall, we see states—and especially state Departments of Transportation and state legislatures—lagging behind cities and the expectations of local cyclists, despite the many well-documented benefits of a more active lifestyle.”

The 2012 Bicycle Friendly States Ranking marks the launch of an updated and improved evaluation process.  Throughout 2011, the League held Bicycle Friendly America listening sessions across the country to understand the successes and shortcomings of the program.  Based on public input, the Bicycle Friendly State survey was revised to give a clearer picture of a state’s accomplishments and next steps towards becoming more bike-friendly.

Even with a revised survey, Washington once again set a high bar in 2012.  The state scored 4’s and 5’s (5 is the highest score) on the League’s report card, receiving top scores for Education and Encouragement, and Evaluation and Planning.  The report also makes recommendations for improvement.  One recommendation for Washington includes developing a comprehensive strategy for working with law enforcement on bicycling issues, including training for officers and targeted enforcement of bike safety laws.  Other recommendations are to continue to increase bicycle ridership and to fully fund and implement the state bicycle plan, which was adopted in 2006.
Strong and active bicycle advocacy at the state and local levels contribute to Washington’s top ranking.  An improved distracted driving law and a vulnerable user law were passed due largely to the efforts of Washington Bikes, Cascade Bicycle Club, and other bike groups. The Bicycle Alliance has also been instrumental in expanding bicycle skills training in schools around the state with its Safe Routes to School program. 
“Thanks to the League of American Bicyclists for this award. This honor comes with much responsibility for the state, bicycle advocates and others to continue to strive for complete streets ordinances in every community and Safe Routes to every school,” stated Barbara Culp, Executive Director for Washington Bikes.  “This is a call to anyone who rides a bike to hold your city, county and state officials accountable to an even more bike-friendly state.” 
The Bicycle Friendly State announcement was preceded last week by the League’s announcement of its latest Bicycle Friendly Community designations.  Tacoma and Snohomish are the newest Washington communities to receive this designation.  In all, ten Washington communities have earned a Bicycle Friendly Community designation.
Click here to see how Washington scored in the five evaluation categories.  Learn more about the League’s Bicycle Friendly State program at www.bikeleague.org/states.
Posted in Education, Encouragement, Funding/Policy, Infrastructure, Issues & Advocacy, News, Safe Routes to School, Transportation | Comments Off on Washington retains top ranking as most Bicycle Friendly State

Biking for Baseball

By Louise McGrody | Published May 21, 2012

Meet Steve Lunn, Chase Higgins and Adam Kremers.  These three friends, along with pals Rex Roberts and Tim Sherman, are the Biking for Baseball team.

Biking for Baseball combines three interests that the five friends share—biking, baseball, and mentoring youth—into an ambitious goal.  The team plans to bike to every Major League ballpark for a home game while raising awareness and funds for local Big Brothers Big Sisters. 

They kicked off their tour at the Seattle Mariners’ season opener on April 13, which is when they dropped by the Bicycle Alliance office to say hello.  They have since pedaled down the West Coast and made their way across the Rockies to Denver.  The tour will wrap up on September 21 and 11,000 miles later in Boston. 

You can check out their route, follow their progress throughout the summer, and support their effort at bikingforbaseball.org.

Posted in Adventure, People | 1 Comment