Share the Road Plate History
2000
Inspired by the Share the Road license plates he saw in Florida, Life Member Don Martin began working on a Washington Share the Road license plate in 2000 with then Director of State Licensing Linda Hendrickson, who was very supportive of the idea.
He also reached out to State Senator Ken Jacobsen, who had successfully sponsored the 1998 Cooper Jones Act honoring the 13-year-old Spokane boy killed by a motorist while participating in a local cycling event. Awareness about cyclists as road users was high due to this unfortunate tragedy.
Don contacted Cooper Jones’ parents, David and Martha Jones, and received their support to move forward with the idea, optimistic it could have a significant benefit for bicycle safety and awareness.
2002
In January 2002, Senator Jacobsen submitted the Share the Road license plate proposal under Senate Bill, which was supported by hundreds of letters from Washington cyclists. Advocates partnered with Washington Bikes and a widespread effort ensued to collect petition signatures, design a graphic image, enlist the support of local legislators and make this vision a reality
2005
In 2005 the Legislature decided to allow more “group vanity plates” at an annual $30 fee and the Share the Road submittal was approved.
2006
Share the Road license plates went on sale January 1, 2006. After an initial start-up period, the Bicycle Alliance of Washington began receiving revenue of $28 for each plate purchased or renewed. Proceeds funded bicycle safety and education.
2007
Bicycle Alliance partnered with Department of Licensing to create one-page flyers bearing Share the Road Rules for Motorists and Pedestrians, and Share the Road DVDs for distribution to drivers’ education programs across Washington State.
Bicycle Alliance began producing a bicycling jersey modeled on the Share the Road license plate design.
2008
License plate revenue supported commute workshops conducted by Bicycle Alliance staff. Bicycle Alliance also began providing bicycling information and education at public fairs, community events, trainings and conferences.
2009-12
The Bicycle Alliance began applying license plate revenue to implement the Safe Routes to School education program.
Share the Road Rules flyer for both motorists and bicyclists produced with help from DOL. Bicycle Alliance distributed flyers at public events and provided Share the Road DVDs and flyers to driver education programs throughout the state, continuing to work with the Department of Licensing and Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction to ensure bicycle and pedestrian awareness curriculum is taught in all driver education classes.
2013
As of May 2013, over 5600 plates had been purchased benefiting bicycling safety and education. The Bicycle Alliance changed its name to Washington Bikes in 2013.
2016
At the end of 2015 Washington Bikes merged its 501(c)(3) operations with Cascade Bicycle Club. Programs in education, outreach, and promotion of the license plates are now carried out by Cascade staff to benefit the entire state. Washington Bikes has become a 501(c)(4) affiliated with Cascade and continues to lead state policy and lobbying.
For further history of the license plate, please visit A brief history of the Share the Road license plates penned by Anne-Marije Rook, staff writer for the Cascade Bicycle Club bike blog.