BICYCLE RESOURCES ONLINE!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 29, 2003

Bicyclists and pedestrians have a new on-line resource with today's launch of two new Web sites from the Washington State Department of Transportation.

"Washington has some of the most scenic vistas and trails for bicycling and walking in the country," said Transportation Secretary Doug MacDonald. "Our new bicycling and walking web sites are new tools to unite statewide resources for planning cycling and hiking trips - everything from trail routes, to cycling organizations, to bike shops, maps, and local government contacts can now be found in a single location."

The bicycling Web site is designed to provide easy access to information on route and trail maps for all areas of the state, making connections to Washington State Ferries and Amtrak Cascades, bicycling safety tips, biking to work and school, tips for commuters, route closure information, grant opportunities, design guides and other technical assistance, and links to other bicycle related organizations and resources.

On the walking site are maps and resource information for walking and hiking trails, walking safety tips, walking for health, links and safety information for children, grant opportunities, design resources and other technical assistance, and links to pedestrian advocacy groups and organizations. Also included on this Web site is information for bicyclists and pedestrians sharing trails with horses with more equestrian information coming soon.

The Bicycling in Washington web site can be found at www.wsdot.wa.gov/bike; and the Walking in Washington web site can be found at www.wsdot.wa.gov/walk

The new sites come just in time for Walk21 Conference in Portland later this week (americawalks.org/walk21). This will be the fourth international conference on walking, health, equity and the environment, hosted by America Walks Coalition and London Walking Forum.

Let us know if you would like us to include information on the State Bike/Ped web sites about your organization or event by contacting WSDOT's Bicycle and Pedestrian Program at 360-705-7258 or via e-mail at Reevesp@wsdot.wa.gov. We will be updating these web sites again in early October.