John Vander Sluis Recognized as a Safe Routes to School Champion

By Louise McGrody | Published March 1, 2012
John preps folks for a walking audit at Cedarhurst Elementary.

John Vander Sluis of Washington Bikes received national recognition from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) for his strategic thinking and efforts to advance Safe Routes to School policies and programming in South King County. 


John is the manager of the Bicycle Alliance’s Communities Putting Prevention to Work (CPPW) Safe Routes to School project, which is funded by a grant from Public Health of Seattle and King County.  This project established Safe Routes to School programs at 17 schools in 6 school districts and provided safe biking and walking training to 1500 low-income kids in South King County.  The participating school districts were Auburn, Kent, Renton, Highline, Tukwila and Seattle.

As the project draws to a close, John has focused recent efforts on helping schools make sustainable, long-term plans for their programs and organizing a Safe Routes to School policy workshop for school officials, transportation planners, and community partners.

“It’s a nice acknowledgment of the work that the Bicycle Alliance and our partners have accomplished over a very short period of time,” commented John on the CDC recognition.  “I’ve been really impressed with the commitment of the school and city staff, not to mention of the parents and families, to creating healthier communities for their students.  I think there’s some good momentum for continuing to improve the opportunities for safe biking and walking in these neighborhoods.”

CPPW is a national initiative to prevent chronic disease and promote health through policy, systems and environment changes.  King County was one of 55 sites around the US awarded grant funding through the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention.  Eighteen local individuals and organizationswere recognized for their work to address health inequities and improve community health.


Thanks to Feet First for the photo.
Posted in Education, Funding/Policy, Health, Kids, News, Safe Routes to School, Seattle | Comments Off on John Vander Sluis Recognized as a Safe Routes to School Champion

Legislative Update: We Need Your Voice Now

By baw_admin | Published February 29, 2012

It’s day 52 in Olympia and, thanks to all of your good work, the push for safer neighborhood streets legislation continues.
www.pedbikeimages.org / Dan Burden
Just last week the Neighborhood Safe Speeds Bill (SHB 1217) was voted out of the Senate Transportation Committee and forwarded onto the Senate Rules Committee. Due to the letters, emails, and calls from supporters across the state, Senate Majority Leader Lisa Brown pulled the bill in yesterday’s Senate Rules Committee!
Excellent news for sure, but we now have less than three days to get the Senate to vote for SHB1217. If we miss Friday’s 5 p.m. Senate cutoff, the bill dies.
We need you to lend your voice of support to the state senate.
To make this vote happen, your senator again needs to hear from you about how this bill removes red tape and unnecessary hurdles for cities and towns to create safer streets in our neighborhoods.
Already sent in a note? Thank you and please send another!
Here’s how:
#1 – Follow the accompanying link to contact your State Senator (no need to contact your representatives) by entering your mailing address here: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/

#2 – Email your senator a note expressing your support of this important public safety legislation. Below we’ve included some model text for you to use: 

Dear Senator. _________,

SHB 1217 – the Neighborhood Safe Speeds Bill – just passed out of the Rules Committee and is poised for a vote on the Senate floor. I urge you to support this important legislation. 

The Neighborhood Safe Speeds bill provides more local control, offers an additional safety tool for local governments, removes additional study costs and red tape currently required by the state, and it encourages active living by offering cities and towns the chance to create safer streets.. Most importantly, when used in conjunction with engineering and enforcement, lower speeds on non-arterial streets can save lives.

Additionally, it is bipartisan legislation with co-sponsors from both parties. It passed out of the House 96-0

Please support the Neighborhood Safe Speeds Bill (SHB 1217). 

Thank you for your service, 

[Your Name here]

Thanks for your good work to make safer streets in Washington!
Posted in Advocacy, Alert, Politics, Safety | Comments Off on Legislative Update: We Need Your Voice Now

Open House this Thursday!

By baw_admin | Published February 29, 2012
Be sure to drop by the Bicycle Alliance’s open house this Thursday and check out our new Pioneer Square office space.  Meet the staff and members of our board, admire Bob Freeman’s display of vintage bikes, view the outdoor lighting constellation in Nord Alley, and enter a raffle!
If you’re not a Bicycle Alliance member, you’ll have an opportunity to join Thursday night and receive a Bicycle Alliance pint glass.  You can fill it with some tasty Pike IPA at the open house.
This event is part of the First Thursday artwalk and is co-hosted by our Nord Alley neighbors Feet First, International Sustainability Institute and Back Alley Bike Repair Shop.
Open House Celebration
Thursday, March 1, 5:30-7:30pm
Washington Bikes
314 First Ave S in Pioneer Square

Posted in Events, News | Comments Off on Open House this Thursday!

State Legislative Update: Two Weeks to Go!!!

By baw_admin | Published February 23, 2012

With barely over two weeks remaining in the legislative session, Washington Bikes continues to collaborate with our partners, legislators, and a diverse array of organizations and cities from around the state to promote legislation that encourages complete and healthy streets, and grows bicycling statewide.
Happily we are still engaged on each of our legislative priorities that include (1) safer neighborhood streets; (2) Better design standards & Complete Streets; and (3) investments in transportation funding, including Complete Streets.
www.pedbikeimages.org / Dan Burden
Safer Neighborhood Streets: We’ve had an especially busy week supporting our priority legislation, SHB 1217 – the NeighborhoodSafe Streets bill. Last Thursday, we held a fantastic public hearing in the Senate Transportation Committee that featured council members Jon Snyder (Spokane), Sally Clark (Seattle), Bicycle Alliance Executive Director Barbara Culp and former WSDOT Secretary Douglas MacDonald. Video of the testimony can be seen on TVW. 
Just yesterday, the Senate Transportation Committee passed SHB 1217 out in executive session without opposition! We are excited to now move forward in the Senate and to work with our over 35 partner organizations and cities on next steps to ensure the bill’s passage.
Better Design Standards & Complete Streets. SHB 1700 was also heard in the Senate Transportation Committee last week and passed out of the Committee on Monday. This bill promotes safe and flexible design standards by providing cities and counties the flexibility to use updated guidelines for designing bicycle and pedestrian projects, increasing safety and reducing project costs.
Healthy Communities. HB 2370, a bill led by Representative Andy Billig of Spokane adds health as a transportation system policy goal. After a fantastic public hearing in the House Transportation Committee, which included our own Barbara Culp noting the transportation changes occurring since she grew up in the Methow Valley, the bill passed out of the House two weeks ago. It is now slated to be heard Monday, February 27 in the Senate Transportation Committee.
www.pedbikeimages.org /  Mike Cynecki
Funding. Transportation funding is still very fluid as supplemental budgets in both the House and Senate have been introduced. The initial Senate proposal includes a smaller proportion allocated for Safe Routes to Schools funding (3% versus 4%, which amounts to approximately a $1 million difference). We are also monitoring the situation for funding the Complete Streets Grant Program, which originated out of the passage of last year’s HB 1071.
Your involvement. Washington Bikes has succeeded over the past 25 years with a focus on collaborating and working with members, clubs, and individuals across the state to lend experience, expertise, and support. Legislators need to hear your voice and we can’t thank you enough for lending it over the course of the session. If you want to get involved, please contact me, join our e-activist list, and – most importantly – become a member of the BicycleAlliance!
Posted in Advocacy, Funding/Policy, Health, Safety, Transportation | Comments Off on State Legislative Update: Two Weeks to Go!!!

Bicycle Poster Contest Deadline is March 1

By baw_admin | Published February 22, 2012
Winning poster from 2011.
Our days are growing longer and the telltale signs of spring are visible.  It’s the perfect time to encourage kids to bike to school, neighborhood parks, libraries and many other places.
The 2012 Fifth Grade National Poster Contest is designed to get kids thinking about where they can travel by bicycle with its them, Bicycling Takes Me Places.  The contest is sponsored by Saris Cycling Group, Schwinn, Planet Bike and Lazer.  Entries are due March 1.
Contest rules and information can be found here.
Posted in Encouragement, Kids | 1 Comment

Federal Transportation Update: Votes delayed, action still needed

By baw_admin | Published February 21, 2012

Two weeks ago, the Bicycle Alliance and other biking and walking organizations asked our members to contact their Congressional representatives in an effort to save biking and walking programs in the federal transportation bills. Specifically, we asked you to tell your House members to kill HR-7 (the House version) and ask your Senator to support the Cardin-Cochran Amendment to the Senate bill. Read the alert.

You responded! According to the League of American Bicyclists, members of Congress received 50,000 messages asking them to support biking and walking programs in the transportation bill. You made it clear that many Americans care about safe streets, Safe Routes to School, transit and trails.

Speaker of the House John Boehner, who is no friend to folks who bike, walk or use public transit, reacted to the outcry by delaying the vote on HR-7 until the week of February 27. The Senate will likely vote on the Cardin-Cochran amendment that same week.

If you were one of the thousands who responded to the call for action already, thank you! If you have not, there is still time to weigh in. Use this link to the LAB’s Action Center to weigh in.

Posted in Advocacy, Alert, Funding/Policy, Issues & Advocacy, Safe Routes to School, Safety, Transportation | Comments Off on Federal Transportation Update: Votes delayed, action still needed

Love Your Ride: A Celebration of Winter Bicycling

By Mary Anderson | Published February 16, 2012

Whatcom Smart Trips and everybodyBIKE hosted a winter bicycling thank -you party on February 12, 2012. It was a way to say thank you to those cyclists who brave the elements and continue to cycle throughout the winter months.

There was a rain gear fashion show, a tricycle photo booth, plenty of snacks and some pretty amazing prizes donated by local businesses.

The event started and ended with a bicycle ride, approximately 100 people came, and it did of course, rain.

Two City Council Members came to say thanks to the all the bicycle commuters on behalf of the Mayor.

Models showed off their rain and cold weather survival tips and techniques, showing us that it is possible to look fashionable and bicycle to your destination.

Posted in Bike Culture, Events, Whatcom County | Comments Off on Love Your Ride: A Celebration of Winter Bicycling

Action Alert: Contact your state senator to make safer streets!

By baw_admin | Published February 15, 2012

Just two weeks ago the Washington House of Representatives unanimously voted 96-0 in favor of the Neighborhood Safe Speeds Bill (SHB 1217). Your emails and calls were critical in making this vote such a bipartisan success!

This bill, drafted by Washington Bikes and championed by Representative Cindy Ryu (D-Shoreline), gives cities and towns the ability to create safer neighborhood streets by lowering speed limits on non-arterial streets to 20 miles per hour, while at the same time reducing government red tape and cutting study costs currently required by the state.
 

We just found out that this Thursday the Senate Transportation Committee has scheduled a public hearing for the bill.

Now we need your help again to let your senators know that you want to remove red tape, cut costs for cities and towns, and give cities a new safety tool to make it safer to travel along neighborhood streets.

Your email to your state senator is a crucial component in the bill’s success. And it only requires two simple steps:
 

#1 – Follow the accompanying link to contact your State Senator (no need to contact your representatives) by entering your mailing address here: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/

#2 – Email your senator a note expressing your support of this important public safety legislation. Below we’ve included some model text for you to use:

Dear Senator. _________,

SHB 1217 – the Neighborhood Safe Speeds Bill – is about to be heard in the Senate Transportation Committee and I urge you to support this important legislation.

The Neighborhood Safe Speeds bill provides more local control, offers an additional safety tool for local governments, removes additional study costs and red tape currently required by the state, and it encourages active living by offering cities and towns the chance to create safer streets. Most importantly, when used in conjunction with engineering and enforcement, lower speeds on non-arterial streets can save lives.

Please support the Neighborhood Safe Speeds Bill (SHB 1217).

Thank you for your service,

[Your Name here]

The City of Bellingham is one of a growing list of communities and organizations supporting the Neighborhood Safe Speeds Bill.  The Bellingham Herald published a commentary written by City Councilmember Michael Lilliquist in favor of the bill.
Posted in Alert, Issues & Advocacy, Politics, Safety, Transportation | Comments Off on Action Alert: Contact your state senator to make safer streets!

Go By Bike Program Gets Geared Up for 2012

By Administrator | Published February 13, 2012
The Go By Bike program is picking up speed and gathering momentum in 2012. We have acquired bicycles, helmets and tools for the program and are gearing up to teach bicycle safety and encourage bicycling. With grant support from WSDOT, the Bicycle Alliance is able to supply loaner bikes to participants in the Go By Bike program. The bikes are 2012 KHS Urban Xcape in both diamond and step through frame configurations. While we expect some students to have their own bikes, we did not want prospective students to be turned away for lack of a bike.



The program also supplies helmets and tools. As I wrote in an earlier post, the tools for the program were donated by Quality Bicycle Products. 

We are working with two elementary schools and four colleges to conduct safe bicycling courses in the spring, summer and fall of 2012 and spring of 2013. The elementary program engages parents of elementary students and the college program works with health and PE programs to offer a one-credit course to college students and community members.

As the Go By Bike Program Manager, I am excited and eager to get the program up to full speed. I have been working with college instructors and administrators to get the program institutionalized and to train the instructors. Participating colleges include Pierce, Olympic and Bellevue. The program for parents of elementary students is offered at Pioneer Elementary in Auburn and Suquamish Elementary in North Kitsap.

Please direct any inquiries regarding Go By Bike to joshm@wabikes.org.

Posted in Bike Culture, Commuting, Education, Go By Bike, WSDOT | Comments Off on Go By Bike Program Gets Geared Up for 2012

Act Now on Key Senate and House Transportation Votes!

By baw_admin | Published February 9, 2012

Support Cardin-Cochran Senate Amendment, Oppose the House Transportation Bill
It’s time to ask our Senators and Representatives in Congress to save our streets for everyone who walks and bikes.

The current Senate transportation bill removes dedicated funding for biking and walking programs and Safe Routes to School.  It gives state DOTs the authority to decide if any funding should be spent on these programs.  Local governments will not have a voice.

To improve the bill, please ask Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell to vote for the Cardin-Cochran amendment on the floor to guarantee local governments a voice in transportation decisions, allowing them to build sidewalks, crosswalks, and bikeways to keep Washingtonians safe. 

Please take actionNOW—this vote will occur next week!

On the other side of Congress, the House has a transportation bill that reverses 20 years of progress in making streets safer for people.  It’s time to defeat this bill.  Please ask your Representative to oppose the House transportation bill.  Despite the fact that walking and bicycling infrastructure is a low-cost investment that creates more jobs per dollar than any other kind of highway spending, the House bill eliminates dedicated funding for walking and bicycling and repeals the Safe Routes to School program.

Votes will occur next week—please contact your Representative and Senators today and ask them to save our streets.  Use this link from the League of American Bicyclists’ Action Center to send a message now.

Thanks for taking action!
Posted in Alert, Issues & Advocacy, Safety, Transportation | Comments Off on Act Now on Key Senate and House Transportation Votes!