Got Time? Volunteer Opportunities with the Bicycle Alliance

By baw_admin | Published August 11, 2011


Help us spread the bicycle love to others!  Washington Bikes is looking for volunteers to help with a variety of program and operational assignments.

Tabling at an event.
We need some friendly and outgoing volunteers to staff tables for us at the following events.  Contact LouiseMcGrody if you’d like to help out.
  • RAPSody (Ride AroundPuget Sound): August 28, 11am-2pm in Tacoma.  This fabulous ride is organized by five bike clubs and all proceeds are donated to the Bicycle Alliance.  We need a couple of volunteers to staff a table for us at the finish line in Tacoma to welcome the riders and hand out information.

  • PROS (Perimeter Ride ofSeattle): September 5.  We need a volunteer with a vehicle to hand out snacks and water at a rest stop in Tukwila, probably around 11am – 2pm.  PROS is organized by the Cyclists of Greater Seattle and they’re asking riders to make a donation to the Bicycle Alliance.
  • Cycle the WAVE:  September 18, 11:30am – 3:30pm in Issaquah.  The Bicycle Alliance will have a table at the finish line of this women-only ride and we need a couple of friendly folks to greet riders and talk to them about the Bicycle Alliance.
Our Safe Routes to School program has the following volunteer needs in the south King County area.  Contact John Vander Sluis if you’re interested in any of these assignments.
Drivers with pickup trucks:
The Bicycle Alliance is looking for a pickup truck and driver with some flexibility this fall to move our Safe Routes to School bikes and trailer between school districts in south King County.  Ideally, we need a truck(s) with a 2 5/16” ball mount already installed.  Otherwise, we need a truck that at least has a receiver hitch already installed, and we provide the ball mount and ball.
Maintenance:
The Bicycle Alliance is looking for volunteers to help prepare our Safe Routes to School fleet for the fall. The work party will take place during the day on September 8, time TBD. Volunteers need not be skilled mechanics – there will be plenty of chain-lubing, brake testing, and tire pumping for all!
Mechanics:
The Bicycle Alliance is looking for volunteers to support safe routes to school programs by providing basic bike repair at school events. Volunteers should be able to change a tire and adjust brakes and transmissions.  Dates and times vary.
Two more opportunities with Safe Routes to School—contact Seth Schromen-Wawrin if you’re interested in these:
  • Need some creative folks to make signs that will be used for Safe Routes to School trainings.  Will probably schedule a work party in late August to build these.  Contact Seth for more details.

  • Have you been involved with a Safe Routes to School project in Washington State?  We’re looking for individuals willing to write a letter to the editor in support of your local program and Safe Routes in general.  Contact Seth for more information.
Auction 
We need volunteers for all kinds of tasks at our annual auction on October 22 in Seattle.  This is our primary fundraising event and loads of fun!  Contact Matt Lyman if you’d like to give us a hand.
Be a guest blogger
Work party.
Passionate about a particular bike issue?  Want to share your joy of bicycling with others?  Submit a guest blog post to the Bicycle Alliance blog!  Contact LouiseMcGrody with your story idea.
Monthly work parties
Help us with our monthly mailings and other administrative tasks at the monthly work parties at our Pioneer Square office in Seattle.  The next work party is August 25.  Contact Jay Steingold for more information.
Posted in Auction, Events, RAPSody, Rides, Safe Routes to School, Volunteer | Comments Off on Got Time? Volunteer Opportunities with the Bicycle Alliance

Shifting Gears: Seeking donations for the annual auction!

By baw_admin | Published August 10, 2011

Jeremy and wife Daniela at 2010 auction.
When it comes to the Bicycle Alliance auction, Jeremy Vrablik has done it all.  He began as a volunteer in 2005 and worked his way up to the position of Auction Chair in 2010.  He is serving again in that capacity for 2011.
But wait.  Jeremy has done more.  He has recruited his friends to join him as volunteers and he has invited others to join him as auction attendees.  He has also solicited for auction donations and he has been a donor himself.  If you were the winning bidder of a pair of Seattle Sounders tickets, then you were the beneficiary of Jeremy’s generosity.
“I support Washington Bikes because they support me,” Jeremy responded when asked why he remains involved with the auction.  “Every time I head out on the road, I know I’m safer due to their efforts.  It feels good to give back a little to those who are watching after me.”

The auction is the Bicycle Alliance’s primary fundraiser each year and this year’s event is slated for October 22.  Proceeds from this event support our advocacy and education efforts statewide.  These funds help us deliver Safe Routes to School services to districts around Washington and make it possible for us to bring our Hub & Spoke events to bike advocates in their communities.  They help us shift the gears of government policies and change the minds of legislators.
We need your help!
We are actively seeking a variety of donations for the auction.  Unique experiences, getaways, tickets to sporting and cultural events, restaurant and retail gift cards, gift baskets and artisan handiwork are all useful donations.  We have an online donation form for your convenience, or contact Louise McGrody if you have any questions.

Help us shift gears for better bicycling.  Mark October 22 on your calendar and join us for socializing, celebrating and bid card waving at the auction!  Check our auction page for more information.
Posted in Auction, Events, Volunteer | Comments Off on Shifting Gears: Seeking donations for the annual auction!

Rumbling (again) about rumble strips

By baw_admin | Published August 9, 2011

Rumble strips were incorrectly applied on Whidbey Island.
Rumble strips are the bane of existence for many cyclists, and the Bicycle Alliance has wrangled with Washington State DOT over their application of this device in the past.  Here’s a link to past posts that mention rumble strips.  Well, rumble strips are rearing up again—this time at the federal level.
Bad news:  The Federal Highway Administration recently issued a technical advisory that essentially gives the green light to extensive use of rumble strips.  Read Adventure Cycling Association’s take on it here.
Good news:  Several years ago, the Bicycle Alliance worked with WSDOT to create a set of rumblestrip guidelines with bicyclists in mind.  Since the FHWA released a technical advisory, WSDOT is not required to follow it and will continue to use its own guidelines.
The Bicycle Alliance will continue to work with Adventure Cycling and our other national partners to try to improve the rumble strip situation for all cyclists.  We also need your help.  If you believe that there has been an incorrect installation of rumble strips in your area, contact the WSDOT bicycle coordinator and your regional WSDOT bicycle coordinator, and notify the Bicycle Alliance.
Posted in Advocacy, Funding/Policy, Infrastructure, Safety, WSDOT | Comments Off on Rumbling (again) about rumble strips

Biking with my Councilman

By Mary Anderson | Published August 8, 2011

I was biking along side one of my City Councilmen a couple weeks ago, updating him on how our Complete Streets Policy Development workshop went. We talked about some of the local streets that seemed, in my mind, incomplete and some fixes that may or may not work. I thanked him for his support of bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure and told him how great it was that he not only supported the concept of bicycling for transportation, but that he himself was a cyclist. How important it is that he can relate to the issues that come up and see firsthand what it is that we are talking about when we speak of streets that don’t work well for bicyclists.

Now how did I get so lucky as to bike along side my Councilman? Well, everybodyBIKE organized a series of 17 Summer Rides that take place every other Friday and Sunday. These rides have been phenomenally successful, ranging in participation from 10 -100 people! Participants also vary in age from little kids in trailers to 80 years old. There are cruisers, mountain bikes, road bikes, people in spandex and bike shoes, as well as dress clothes and heels. It’s a wonderful mix of people who are joined together for a common love, bikes.

I hope that your town has a similar ride, it may not be as extensive as the Summer Rides, but it’s a great way to meet new people, and possibly chat with your elected officials.

Posted in Attitudes, Complete Streets, Events, Go By Bike, Whatcom County | Comments Off on Biking with my Councilman

Join us for another First Thursday

By baw_admin | Published August 3, 2011

First Thursday Art Walk at the Bicycle Alliance from 5:00-8:00 p.m. will feature acrylics on canvas by Seattle native Sarah Young. Drawing inspiration from a recent bike ride along the west coast, Sarah’s subjects include landscapes, bicycles and mushrooms. Much of her work is influenced by Northwest Native art.
Returning artists are Craig Snyder, Marie Zahradnik, Emily Peck, Jesse Knutson, L. Joy Peterson and Andy Goulding.
Posted in Events, Seattle | Comments Off on Join us for another First Thursday

Blake Trask joins the Bicycle Alliance as Statewide Policy Director

By Louise McGrody | Published August 2, 2011

Blake Trask is a self-identified policy wonk who began addressing transportation issues through research in college, has since been civically involved in advising the City of Seattle on bicycling policy and planning, and has worked on transport projects as a consultant.  In August, he will begin applying that knowledge as the Statewide Policy Director for Washington Bikes.

Currently the chair of the Seattle Bicycle Advisory Board, Blake looks forward to turning his transportation focus statewide with his new position.  He is excited to draw upon the knowledge and background of the Bicycle Alliance’s Legislative and Statewide Issues Committee and lobbyist Michael Temple on 2012 priorities.

“I’m especially interested in the 20 mile-per-hour bill (HB 1217) and HB 1700, which relates to the design standards as a complement to Complete Streets and better bicycle/pedestrian design,” said Blake.  “They tie into my interest in broadening the toolboxes of individual municipalities to make safer streets for all roadway users,” he added.

As the father of a 9-month-old daughter, Blake feels even more inspired to promote safe and accessible transportation options for all Washingtonians.  The Bicycle Alliance’s work to implement Safe Routes to School statewide and promote active transportation are priorities for him.  Blake believes there are opportunities to improve urban and rural cycling, and to strengthen the link between cycling and economic development.  He’s excited to be a part of making these opportunities a reality.

Blake holds a master’s degree in environmental policy and planning from the University of Washington.  Prior to joining the Bicycle Alliance, he worked for Triangle Associates where he worked as a facilitator on often contentious planning and policy issues in Washington state and designed and implemented public involvement for large public works projects.  He also served on the leadership team of Streets for All Seattle campaign, which has worked over the past year-and-a-half to seek additional funding for walking, biking and transit.

“Blake is well known in the Seattle area where he has honed his considerable transportation skills as chair of the Bicycle Advisory Board and on various bicycle-related funding campaigns,” said executive director Barbara Culp.  “Besides his transportation acumen, Blake has mediated sensitive environmental issues and knows how to bring all parties to a consensus.  He knows when to be tough and when to be a team player.  He’s a welcome addition to the Bicycle Alliance staff and its vision of a bike-friendly Washington.”

Blake grew up on Vashon Island and has generational roots that stretch into eastern Washington.  He and his family live in Seattle where he rides his bike often for transportation.  When he’s not consumed with parental responsibilities, he enjoys camping around the state and spending time with his friends.

Posted in Advocacy, Funding/Policy, Issues & Advocacy, News, People, Politics, Transportation | 5 Comments

Bicycle Commuting Tips

By Administrator | Published July 29, 2011
This is a mish-mash of tips, some commonly heard and some less-so, that I have come to over three decades of riding bikes.The intention is to include a mix of tips that might appeal to a wide variety of folks with a broad set of interests, skills and commute routes.Have fun and get out there on your bike.

Be attentive and be safe

–Situational awareness is of central importance when travelling by bicycle

–Look out for turning traffic (in front of you, oncoming traffic and from side streets)

–Don’t ride in the door zone

–Be visible, with good lane positioning and brightly colored gear

–Take the lane when you need to for safety reasons

Keep it fresh, mix it up

–Vary your route.Especially on your ride home extend your ride along a fun or scenic route.

–Ride different bikes.If you have more than one bike, don’t always commute on the same one.

–Wear different clothes, shoes and helmets on different days and in different seasons.

Have a snack

–If you like trail riding, find all the little bits of singletrack anywhere near your commute.In fact, just this morning I snacked on a little stretch of trail as I detoured around a construction zone.

–Stop and smell the flowers along the way.Take a deep breath at a scenic vista.Practice tai chi at the local park.Or meet your friends for coffee en-route to work.

Be imaginative

–Create your own mythologies for inspiration…just remember to NOT really believe in them

–A healthy fantasy life can help your psych to ride.For example, when you mount your bike you might become a bicycle/human cyborg or a two-wheeled centaur whose mission is to ______________.Just don’t explain that one to your boss, the police or your significant other.

Be well-equipped

–Have the right gear for the job.Carry a pump, tube, patch kit and mini tool and know how to use them

–If you are riding in Minneapolis in the winter, studded tires might be in order

–If you are commuting through a Pacific Northwest winter, you really ought to have fenders

–In Honolulu or Houston hydration and sun protection are key

Get better

–Learn more about bicycle mechanics so that you are more self-reliant on the road

–Improve your handling skills.For example; learn how to bunnyhop so you can more safely and easily avoid road hazards.

–Learn traffic law for bicycles and follow the rules.Become a better bicycling ambassador

–Take a safe cycling skills course

Get hooked

–Keep riding when the fall and winter weather rolls in. If you ride through fall and winter it is much easier to ride in the early spring too.We readily adapt to the gradual changes in weather as we ride daily throughout the year.Inertia plays an important role in our habits.

–Get multi-modal on it.Use transit and bikes together where possible to extend your “cruising range.”

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Posted in Attitudes, Commuting, Safety, Sustainable Living, Transportation | Comments Off on Bicycle Commuting Tips

Planning for 2012 Legislative Agenda Underway

By baw_admin | Published July 27, 2011

The Bicycle Alliance’s Legislative & Statewide Issues Committee gathered at REI corporate headquarters in Kent in late June to begin planning for the 2012 legislative session.

Nineteen individuals representing bike clubs, bike groups, and partner organizations with shared interests participated in this meeting. Cascade Bike Club, Skagit Bike Club, Tacoma Wheelmen’s Bicycle Club, and the Vancouver Bike Club, were among the clubs in attendance. Childhood Obesity Prevention Coalition, Foothills Rails to Trails Coalition, Transportation Choices Coalition, Washington Coalition Promoting Physical Activity also had representatives participating in the meeting. The geographic representation included Anacortes, Bremerton, Seattle, Tacoma, Vancouver, and Yakima.

The group reviewed the results of the 2011 session, then discussed possible legislative priorities for 2012. Among the potential legislative and statewide priorities that emerged were:

  • Continue to push for the passage of HB 1700, which would offer additional design standards as a complement to Complete Streets.
  • Continue to pursue the passage of HB 1217, the 20 mph bill.
  • Supporting the transportation funding package that shakes out of Transportation for Washington campaign.  The Bicycle Alliance is a member of this coalition.
  • Seek funding for the Complete Streets program that was passed in 2011.
  • Use 2011-2013 to see if there is support for a 3- to 5-feet safe passing bill (no intent to resurrect the Mutual Responsibility Bill).
  • Work on the US Bicycle Route System (USBRS) in Washington State.
  • Revise Department of Ecology’s stormwater rules that currently inhibit widening shoulders or adding bikes lanes due to the creation of additional impervious surface, ability to mitigate, and cost.

Representatives from the partner organizations briefed the committee on what their upcoming priorities were likely to be. Transportation Choices is interested in potential tolling revenue changes and promoting mileage-based insurance to reward those who drive less. Washington Coalition Promoting Physical Activity continues to be interested in Complete Streets and Safe Routes to School. They and the Childhood Obesity Prevention Coalition want to increase community access to physical activity through joint use agreements for facilities like schools.

Many thanks to REI for the use of their facilities and their ongoing support of bicycling and bicycle advocacy and to the individuals from around the state who serve on or participate with the committee. Additional thanks to Ralph Wessels and Brian Foley, who co-chair the committee, and to our lobbyist Michael Temple for his guidance and work on our behalf. The committee will reconvene in September to make a final decision on what priorities to move forward for 2012.

Posted in Advocacy, Bike Clubs, Complete Streets, Funding/Policy, Health, Issues & Advocacy, Politics, Transportation, USBRS | Comments Off on Planning for 2012 Legislative Agenda Underway

Winners: Saris Bicycle Poster Contest

By baw_admin | Published July 25, 2011

Saris Cycling Group sponsored a national bicycle poster contest for fifth graders earlier this year and the Bicycle Alliance coordinated the contest effort for Washington State.  Here’s a link to an earlier blog post about the contest.

More than 5000 students from 17 states submitted posters centered on the theme, “Bicycling is fun…and healthy too!”  The winning poster for Washington, pictured here, was created by a student at Orca K-8 in Seattle.  The student winner will receive a bike, bike light and helmet and the school will receive a Saris bike rack.

The winning national poster came from a student in Oklahoma.  You can view the winning poster here.

Posted in Advocacy, Education, Events, Health, Kids, Sustainable Living | Comments Off on Winners: Saris Bicycle Poster Contest

Broaden Your Horizon on Northwest Rides

By baw_admin | Published July 20, 2011

Today’s post was written by guest blogger Kristin Kinnamon of Marysville.  Kristin is a member of the RAPSody organizing committee, BIKES of Snohomish County and the Bicycle Alliance. 

Photo by Carla Gramlich
Not all people who ride bicycles consider themselves bicyclists. Not all bicyclists participate in bicycle events. Yet it seems everyone who sees me on a bike asks, “Did you do the STP?”
Yes, I have ridden the Seattle to Portland, and it is indeed the quintessential Northwest bicycle ride. But just as I only read even the best books only once, I have moved on from STP to enjoy the many other wonderful bicycle events hosted around the state.
Bicycle events provide a festive atmosphere, food stops, safety in numbers (from cars – but watch out for fellow riders!) and a chance to ride somewhere you’ve never been on routes organized by people who have your enjoyment in mind. In addition to the social aspect of events, there’s also a degree of competition – whether it’s against your own limits (can I ride 100 miles in a day?) or to catch up with that person in the pink jersey or pull the peloton up the next hill.
Bicycle events are organized to raise money for children’s charities (Courage Classic and 8 Lakes Leg Aches), to support local bicycle clubs (TRYBR by Capital Bicycling Club, Tour de Kitsap by West Sound Cycling Club) and, appropriately enough, as a fundraiser for Washington Bikes (Ride Around Pugest Sound -RAPSody).
Bicycle events – like parades, car rallies, and certain family vacations – rely on free and safe access to public roads. The Bicycle Alliance maintains essential relationships with the Washington State Department of Transportation, our state legislature and local jurisdictions to ensure we all can ride on public roads and highways – whether by ones, twos or occasionally twenties.
If you’ve done STP this year, 10 times, or never, I encourage you to consider riding some of the other events that bring bicyclists – and people who ride bicycles – together for summer fun. And eat a bagel for me.
Check the Bicycle Alliance ride calendar to see all rides that support our advocacy and education efforts.
Posted in Bike Clubs, Events, RAPSody, Rides | Comments Off on Broaden Your Horizon on Northwest Rides