{"id":11411,"date":"2015-01-15T15:00:14","date_gmt":"2015-01-15T23:00:14","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/wabikes.org\/?p=11411"},"modified":"2015-01-16T10:59:40","modified_gmt":"2015-01-16T18:59:40","slug":"10-more-2014-milestones-in-washington-state-bicycling","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wabikes.org\/index.php\/2015\/01\/15\/10-more-2014-milestones-in-washington-state-bicycling\/","title":{"rendered":"10 More 2014 Milestones in Washington State Bicycling"},"content":{"rendered":"

When we listed 13 great things that happened in 2014 for better bicycling<\/a>, we knew it wasn’t\u00a0everything<\/strong> that happened in Washington state. But when we started listing the additional 2014 milestones in Washington state bicycling, even more came to mind and we surprised ourselves with the length of the list.<\/p>\n

We still don’t have everything — what’s on\u00a0your<\/strong> list as a signpost that tells you bicycle advocacy is on the right road?<\/p>\n

[Tweet “My #1 reason 2014 great for WA biking: #WaRecOutdoors bicycle econ impact=billions of $$.”]<\/p>\n

\"Cyclists<\/a>

Cyclists visiting this cider orchard contribute to the Methow Valley economy<\/em>.<\/p><\/div>\n

1) The outdoor economy:<\/b>\u00a0Yes, we’re doubling down on this — it was on our original list. The release of an economic impact analysis that shows just how<\/strong> amazing bike tourism is<\/a> bears repeating. And the study came out in 2015 but looks back so we figure it’s news all over again.<\/p>\n

Recognizing the importance of the outdoor recreation sector to the state’s economy, in 2014 Governor Jay Inslee appointed a Blue Ribbon Task Force on Parks and Outdoor Recreation and named Washington Bikes executive director Barb Chamberlain as co-chair. One great conclusion? Bicycle riders spend $3.1 billion<\/a> across the state. It’s clear that Washington recreation means business and bikes are a big contributor.<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Tweet “My #1 reason 2014 great for WA biking: 56K kids have bike\/walk know-how.”]<\/p>\n

2) 41 school districts and 56,000 5th-8th graders reached by Washington Bikes Safe Routes to School trainings since 2010<\/strong>. Washington Bikes continues to grow trainings in partnership with the State Office of Superintendant of Public Instruction (OSPI), WSDOT, and Feet First. Our Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Education Program\u00a0 has delivered training and materials to physical education teachers and is poised to grow by another eight school districts in the upcoming biennium – assuming the state legislature funds walking and biking in its 2015-17 budget. (We never assume; SRTS is always on our legislative agenda.)<\/a><\/p>\n

[Tweet “My #1 reason 2014 great for WA biking: New advocates Yakima, Clarkston, more towns.”]<\/p>\n

3) New advocacy groups and initiatives:<\/strong>\u00a0These new efforts join many great groups, from small committees to nonprofit organizations and bike clubs. If your organization isn’t on our list of bicycle and trail groups in Washington state<\/a>, let us know.<\/p>\n

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