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News & Announcements

21 May 2008
Ride of Silence

On May 21, 2008, cyclists around the globe will participate in the Ride of Silence. In 2007, there were rides in 272 communities, more than doubling international participation since 2006. Last year in Seattle, over 1000 cyclists took to the roads in this silent procession to honor fellow cyclists who have been killed or injured while bicycling on public roadways. The Ride of Silence reminds motorists that cyclists share the roadways and have a legal right to do so. The Ride of Silence builds a wareness of the legal rights of bicyclists and encourages our community to join the growing trend of finding alternatives to driving to work, undertaking healthy recreation and doing something positive to reduce global warming.

Governor Gregoire, Lieutenant Governor Brad Owen, King County Executive Ron Sims, and Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels, have issued proclamations and letters supporting the Ride of Silence. Here's what they are saying:

"This silent, slow-paced ride honors cyclists who have been injured or killed on public roadways and raises public awareness about the need for motorists to share the road. Far too often, drivers do not understand the rights of cyclists, nor do they pay adequate attention to bicycles near their vehicles. The Ride is an excellent way to educate our communities about the responsibility we all share to make our roads safe for everyone." -- Governor Christine Gregoire

"It is my privilege to salute the bicycle community for organizing the Ride of Silence. Events such as Seattle's 2008 Ride of Silence on May 21 serve not only to honor and memorialize rider deaths, but to also bring more attention to the need for improved bicycle safety and constant motorist awareness on our roads. It is my hope that the Ride will itself serve as a quiet event but one with a deafening message to make our state a safe place for bicyclists." -- Lieutenant Governor Brad Owen

"Although cyclists have a legal right to use and share the road with motorists, the motoring public often isn't aware of these rights, and sometimes not aware of the cyclists themselves." -- King County Executive Ron Sims

"We must continue to improve the relationship between motorists and cyclists, and ensure the highest level of well being" -- Mayor Greg Nickels

"Share the Road is not just a bumper sticker, it is a moral and legal obligation that all drivers owe to all bicyclists. Drivers should be celebrating those who choose the clean and healthy transportation alternative, and should treat bike riders with the same courtesy and consideration they give to drivers of SUV's. It's the right thing to do, and it's the law." -- King County Prosecuting Attorney, Daniel Satterberg

"While our region has made great strides in sharing our roadways with cyclists, we have a long way to go in terms of protecting and respecting cyclists' rights and ensuring their safety." -- King County Councilmember Larry Gossett

Gail Spann, Ride Director for the original Ride of Silence in Dallas, said "Reports of successful rides are pouring in from all across the world. A lot of people have stories about people whose family members were killed coming out and thanking the riders. There were more politicians involved than ever before, worldwide"

Organizers are inviting federal, state, county and city officials and transportation officials to participate, and you are welcome to invite ask them personally. The Ride of Silence is a free ride that asks cyclists to travel no faster than 12 mph, to remain silent during the ride, to ride together slowly in single file on busy streets, and to ride legally (for example, stopping at red lights and stop signs and riding with lights after dusk).

So far, rides have been planned for Bainbridge Island, Kent, Vancouver, Tacoma and Seattle [note: Seattle ride starts at 6:30pm]. For up-to-date ride locations and contact info, check the www.rideofsilence.org website.

Seattle Ride details:

Ride departs from Gasworks Park at 6:30pm
We encourage you to ride your bike to Gas Works if possible. The course and pace are suitable for riders of all levels and age. Plan to arrive at Gas Works Park no later than 6:10 p.m.. Riders will cycle from Gas Works Park commencing at 6:30 p.m. through the University District, Downtown Seattle, Queen Anne and back to Gas Works. If you must drive to the event, do not park at Gasworks Park (we'll be using the parking lot to stage riders).

To volunteer to help promote and support the Seattle ride, please contact Gary Strauss or Duane Wright.

If you are unfamiliar with the Ride of Silence, below is a brief history:

• In 2003 endurance cyclist Larry Schwartz was struck and killed by the mirror of a passing bus while cycling outside of Dallas. His good friend & Coach Chris Phelan organized a memorial ride in Dallas on May 18th, titled the Ride of Silence, a slow paced silent 12 mile ride to honor/remember his friend. In just a 10 day period, via email and word of mouth, over 1,000 cyclists attend. Chris thought he had closure.
• Word spread about the Ride. Chris began to get enquiries from cyclists in other cities on holding a Ride of Silence. A grassroots movement takes place.
• In 2004, Rides of Silence take place on May 18th at 7:00 PM in 50 cities in the U.S. and Canada. The Dallas Ride has 2,500 cyclists attending. It's written up in Bicycling magazine.
• Chris actively promotes the Ride. A board of directors is in place. A copyright is applied for the Ride of Silence name.
• In 2005, Rides of Silence take place on Wed. May 18th at 7:00 PM in over 100 U.S cities, 150+ worldwide, in 9 countries, on 4 continents. The Dallas ride again has 2,500 cyclists. The Dallas City Council issues a proclamation that May 18th 2005 is The Ride of Silence Day. The board applies for and receives non-profit status as an organization.
• In 2006, Rides of Silence take place in over 200 U.S cities, 250+ worldwide on Wed. May 17th at 7:00 PM, in 8 countries, across 5 continents. The Dallas ride has close to 3,000 cyclists. The Executive Director of the League of American Bicyclists Andy Clarke and board member Preston Tyree attend the Dallas ride.

This is NOT a Critical Mass Ride. There are no shirts or items for sale, there's no fee or registration. Each ride is approximately 10-12 miles long, is ridden at a 12 MPH pace, and is Silent. It's not just a club ride. It's a ride for Moms, Dads, brothers & sisters, family & friends, beginning cyclists to the racers, anyone who wishes to honor a fellow cyclist that has been killed or injured by a motorist while out riding and to let them know they MUST Share the Road with us.

Participants are asked to wear a black arm band to honor a cyclist who's been killed, and/or a red arm band to honor a cyclist that has been injured. The Ride's date purposely coincides with National Bike Safety Month and Week.

May 2008
Bike to Work & School Events around the State

May 16th is Bike to Work Day, and there many Bike to Work events scheduled throughout the month of May, particularly the week of May 12 - 16. See the list below for links to events around the state:

• Snohomish County Bike to Work & School
• Thurston County: 21st Annual Bicycle Commuter Contest
• Whatcom County's Everybody Bike
• Bike to Work Spokane
• King County Bike to Work Month
• Tacoma/Pierce County Bike to Work

12-16 May 2008
Spokane Bike-to-Work Events

Spokane is launching its first Bike-to-Work promotion with a week-long event May 12 - 16 that includes clinics and kick-off breakfast attended by local politicians and the media. Contact: Barb Chamberlain - www.biketoworkspokane.org

10 May 2008
Burke Gilman Trail Extension Opens - Seattle

Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels will cut a ribbon to mark the completion of a western extension of the Burke-Gilman Trail in the Golden Gardens neighborhood of Seattle May 10. The ceremony will take place at the corner Seaview Ave NW and Seaview Pl NW (across the street from Golden Gardens Park) at 10am. Golden Gardens is a park on the shoreline of Puget Sound.

5 May 2008
Testify at King County meeting for Eastside Rail-Trail Route

Update: KC Council votes for rail-trail

On May 5th, the King County Council voted to pass a ordinance binding them to an agreement that will have the Port of Seattle purchase the line from BNSF Railway. The Port has still to vote on the decision.

Read more about it in this Seattle P-I article and this Seattle Times editorial.

A key decision on the future use of the abandoned BNSF rail route along the eastern side of Lake Washington will be made by the King County Council on Monday, May 5th. A committee comprised of the entire council will take public testimony at 9:30am on a proposed ordinance that the county must approve to meet the Port of Seattle's intended acquisition of the corridor from the railroad.

The Bicycle Alliance supports dual use of the corridor - for a trail and possible future rail service. If you can, plan on turning up and let the council know you support their position of dual use. If you wish to testify, here are some key points to make:

• The corridor is a vital asset that must be preserved through public ownership.
• Interim use as a trail is consistent with federal rail-banking laws that preserve rail corridors for future rail use.
• A trail can be built in a relatively short time-span - bringing immediate public benefit for the invested public dollars.
• The corridor with a trail offers a unique chance to create a car-free route in a growing suburban area with thousands of bicycle riders.
• Rail-trails attract daily bicycle commuters -not just recreational riders.
• The county's proposed easement agreement enables work to begin immediately on funding and construction of an interim trail while not precluding future rail use.

The committee of the whole council meets in the county chambers:

9:30am, Monday May 5th
King County Courthouse building, 10th floor
516 3rd Avenue
Seattle, WA

If you can't make it to the 9:30am meeting but the committee approves the ordinance, it will then be heard by the council at its 1:30pm meeting, that same day. Public testimony will also be heard then.

If you are unable to attend the meeting you can still have an impact by contacting your County Council Member to urge his or her support on the ordinance. You can find a map showing the Council districts and contact information at the King County Council website.

Background: The Eastside rail corridor spans 42 miles parallel to I-405 from Renton to Snohomish and Woodinville, providing a regional connection through two counties and seven cities. The corridor was offered for sale by BNSF in 2004. Last November, the County and Port of Seattle reached a preliminary agreement that allows the Port to acquire the right-of-way with King County operating a regional trail along the corridor.

26 April 2008
Green My Ride - Alternative Transportation Fair - Seattle

9:30 am - 3:30 pm
Phinney Neighborhood Center
6532 Phinney Ave. N.
www.greenmyride.info

GREEN MY RIDE event with live music from the Hayburners, Loose Digits, and more! Check out this fun and FREE alternative transportation fair and learn about biking, busing, walking and alternatively fueled vehicles. Bike and bike gear swap!

April 22, 24, 29 2008
Spokane Sets Three Open Houses to Get Input on Master Bike Plan

Citizens are invited to three open houses in April to provide input as the City of Spokane updates its Master Bike Plan. The update includes identifying ways to make Spokane more bicycle friendly, improving bike routes, signage, and other elements.

"We haven't updated the City's bicycle plan in any significant way for 20 years," says Ken Pelton, a City planner who is working on this project. "As a City, we want to encourage alternative modes of transportation, so making it easier for cyclists to get around just makes sense."

The open houses will be held on:

• Tuesday, April 22, from 6 to 8 p.m.
  at the Southside Senior Activity Center,
  3151 E. 27th Ave.
  
• Thursday, April 24, from 7 to 9 p.m.
  at the West Central Community Center,
  1603 N. Belt
  
• Tuesday, April 29, from 6 to 8 p.m.
  at the Northeast Community Center,
  4001 N. Cook
  

At the sessions, citizens will find information about the planning process, maps of different aspects of the plan, and the opportunity to make comments and suggestions and ask questions.

During the open house on April 24 at West Central Community Center, the Washington State Department of Transportation also will hold a public hearing on the 2008-2027 Washington State Bicycle Facilities and Pedestrian Walkways Plan.

The City's Master Bike Plan is part of the transportation section of the City's Comprehensive Plan. The City's Planning Services and Engineering Services departments-along with the Bicycle Advisory Board-have been working on the bike plan update.

To date, their work has included creating an inventory of existing bike lanes, routes, signage, and other facilities. They have also reviewed bicycle planning ideas from other communities to get ideas for Spokane.

This work was anticipated with the adoption of the City's current Comprehensive Plan in 2001, which stated the City should "undertake additional planning for non-motorized travel to address more specifically the needs of bicyclists and pedestrians." The latest update to the Comp Plan in 2007 specifically added the statement, "Future planning should include an integrated Bicycle Master Plan that defines the goals and design elements for bicycling facilities in the City."

The City first adopted its "Bike Routes Plan" in 1978. A number of updates to this plan were developed and adopted in the 1980s and early 1990s.

Citizens who are unable to attend one of the open houses can contact Pelton or Joel Soden, project planner, by calling 625-6300. Information on the bike plan effort also will be available soon at www.spokaneplanning.org.

For more information on the Washington State Bicycle Facilities and Pedestrian Walkways plan, contact Paul Reeves at WSDOT, 310 Maple Park Ave SE, Olympia, WA, 98504 or by email at reevesp@wsdot.wa.gov. The web site is www.wsdot.wa.gov/bike/bike_plan.htm.

19 April 2008
Bike Alliance Holds Board and Staff Retreat

The Bicycle Alliance of Washington held a board and staff retreat on April 19 in Kirkland. It was a great opportunity for Board and staff to get to know each other, and for new Board members to learn the history of the organization.

Board president Ralph Wessels welcomed attendees and past Board member Arnie Tomac provided an historical overview. Staff members made brief presentations on their roles with the Bicycle Alliance and a financial overview was provided. Kristin Kinnamon, Board member and chair of the Legislative and Statewide Issues Committee, recapped this year's legislative activities and gathered suggestions for next year's agenda.

Afternoon discussion focused on elements of the organization's strategic plan. Participants discussed the continued need for an Eastern Washington staff person and ways the BAW could make this a reality. Expanding community and club outreach and increasing membership were also expressed goals. A commitment was made to begin the process to hire a development director as soon as the strategic plan updates are finalized.

April 2008
Meetings and final comment period for State Bike-Ped Plan

Individual riders have an opportunity to influence future biking and walking policies in Washington State. The Washington Department of Transportation is in the final stages of completing its review of the state-wide bicycle and pedestrian plan. The publication of a new plan will then guide the state's bicycle and pedestrian policies for the near future. A series of public hearings on the plan are scheduled for April in Vancouver (4/22), Ellensburg (4/23), Spokane (4/24) and Seattle (4/25). You can also provide comments by email and phone.

Meeting Times and venues:

April 22 - 6:30-8:00pm
Southwest Regional WSDOT offices
11018 NE 51st Circle
Vancouver, WA 98682

April 23 - 6:30-8:00pm
Hal Holmes Center,
209 N Ruby St
Ellensburg, WA 98926

April 24 - 7-9pm
West Central Community Center
1603 N. Belt Street
Spokane, 99205

April 25 - 4-6pm
REI Store
222 Yale Avenue, N.
Seattle, 98109

A copy of the draft final report is can be viewed at the WSDOT website.

March 2008
Legislative session is over - BAW efforts gain traction

Two out of three measures the Bicycle Alliance directly supported in Olympia this year have gained approval. The 2 for 3 record means that bicycle and pedestrian safety (House Bill 2564) will be written into the curriculum materials prepared for high school students taking drivers' education classes throughout Washington. And pilot biking and walking programs in three schools districts have gotten funded in the budget approved by the transportation committees in the House and Senate. Both measures are subject to the governor's final signature.

The only measure that did not succeed this year was a bill to specify that three feet be designated a minimum safe passing distance when motor vehicles are passing cyclists and walkers. Although HB 2732 was given a public hearing in the House Transportation Committee, Washington State Patrol testified against it and the BAW decided to not pursue it any further this year. Bicycle Alliance will meet with WSF in coming weeks to gain support for this important safety measure.

In other bills supported by the BAW, the key measure that passed was SB 6580 which addresses global warming. It went through many iterations before being approved by lawmakers. SB 6580 requires the Department of Community Trade and Economic Development to develop methods and tools for local governments to deal with reducing carbon emissions. There will also be grants made available to cities and counties. A separate bill - HB 3154 and its Senate companion, SB 6822 - aimed at reducing the number of car trips did not succeed but some of its elements were incorporated into SB6580. Bills on tolling, recycling and the ability of motorcycles to turn left at stop lights that are not triggered by the presence of a motorcycle, all failed to make it through the legislative session.

On the often equally important task of stopping bills that could potentially hurt bicycling, the BAW lobbied hard to weaken HB 2344, which would have complicated the process of converting abandoned railroad lines into trails. After seeing it pass almost unanimously from the House, BAW worked with its supporters in the Senate to remove the offending section that would have required the Washington DoT to set up a public process to review abandonments, a step the BAW considered unnecessary. In the end, the bill never made it through the Senate.

March 2008
Bellevue Transportation Commission Schedules Ped-Bike Plan Meetings

The Bellevue Transportation Commission continues work on their Walk & Roll 2007 Pedestrian-Bike Plan. The Transportation Commission will consider improvements included in Walk & Roll plan in March.

• March 6, 6 p.m. : Draft Network Plan and Project List Workshop
• March 27, 6:30 p.m. : Follow-up on Draft Network Plan and Project List and Draft Prioritization Framework
• April 10, 6:30 p.m. : Final Network Plan and Project List

All of the meetings are on Thursdays at City Hall 450 110th Ave. NE, Bellevue, in Room 1E-113.

You can also provide your input with their new interactive mapping system that allows you to view and comment on proposals to improve Bellevue's network of bikeways, sidewalks, and trails. [if it doesn't work with your browser, try using Firefox]

March 2008
"Legislative Bill Watch" 2008

By Kristin Kinnamon, Board Member
Bicycle Alliance of Washington

The following bills are supported by the Bicycle Alliance of Washington or are of interest to the cycling community. The BAW works year-round with our lobbyist and legislators in Olympia and with other environmental and transportation advocacy groups to promote legislation that supports cycling. This year's focus is driver education, safety and better planning that includes bicycles in the transportation mix. Please contact your legislators in support of cycling. The regular session ends March 13.

HB = House Bill; SB = Senate Bill; extra S means it’s a Substitute bill replacing the original

SB 6420/HB 2564 – Drivers' education curriculum. This is an updated version of last year's HB 1588. It adds bicyclist and pedestrian safety information to public school drivers' ed classes (Thanks to BAW efforts, Dept. of Licensing just started requiring private programs to cover these topics). We heard from legislators that some electeds made fun of the idea that you'd need to learn how to walk or bike. At the Senate hearing, there was strong interest in educating cyclists about safe "driving" as well (tell them that this drivers' ed bill is a great way to do that). House Sponsors: Upthegrove, Pederson, VanDeWege, Ormsby, Hunt, Wood, McIntire, Roberts, Hudgins, Jarrett, Rolfes, Kagi, Chase, Simpson. Senate Sponsors: Jacobsen, Kohl-Welles, Kilmer, McDermott, Brown, Murray, Kline, Rockefeller.

SB 6822/HB 3154 – Reducing Vehicle Miles Traveled. This bill requires DOT to set goals for reducing "vehicle miles traveled" in support of greenhouse gas reductions. Best practices – such as improving bike facilities? – are to be identified and financing options for local governments suggested. Senate Sponsors: Murray, Pridemore, Kline, Kohl-Welles, McAuliffe, Sheldon. House Sponsors: Upthegrove, Simpson, Dickerson, Wood, Williams, Hudgins, Eddy, Goodman, McIntire, Ormsby.

HB 2732 – Vehicle Passing Distance. Adds detail to current safe passing legislation that vehicles shall pass at a safe distance "of no less than three feet." At the hearing on the bill, the Washington State Patrol said they were concerned about needing to carry around yardsticks to enforce this bill. Truckers are concerned they'll need to cross the yellow line to pass. House Sponsors: Rolfes, Chase, Williams, Rodne, Pedersen, Nelson, Hasegawa, Upthegrove, Lantz, Simpson, Kagi.

SHB 1773/SSB 6355 – Tolling. The goal is to make sure that tolling revenues can be spent not just to improve and maintain the bridge or road tolled, but also on transit, bicycle facilities and other "demand management" efforts in the affected corridor. The substitute (amended) bills include the important word "manage" defining how tolls can be spent. House Sponsors: Clibborn, Jarrett. Senate Sponsors: Haugen.

HB 1353 – Recylcing Beverage Containers. Requires a 5 cent refundable deposit and establishment of redemption centers for all glass, metal or plastic beverage bottles (in addition to the environmental benefit of recycling, if glass bottles are worth $$ this should result in less broken glass on the roadway). This bill did not get a hearing or move out of committee in 2007, but it's ba-aack! House Sponsor: Chase.

HB 2797/SB 6580 – Local Solutions to Global Warming. We are supporting the environmental community on this bill, which would add a requirement to the Growth Management Act that large cities and counties consider greenhouse gas emissions in their planning and growth. House Sponsors: Simpson, Eddy, Campbell, Ormsby, Dunshee, Linville, Nelson, Jarrett, Springer, Wallace, Fromhold, Takko, Williams, Dickerson, Flannigan, Morrell, Chase, Lantz, Sells, Hunt, Pedersen, McCoy, Conway, Sullivan, Kenney, Darneille, McIntire, Green, Hudgins, Hasegawa, Ericks. Senate Sponsors: Marr, Weinstein, Pridemore, Kauffman, Keiser, McAuliffe, Hobbs, Regala, Kline, Kohl-Welles, Fairley, Oemig, Rockefeller, Prentice, McDermott.

SB 5543/SHB 1625 – Motorcycle at Traffic Signal. Back from unsuccessful try in 2007 to let motorcycles proceed through intersections if not detected up by the signal sensor after one cycle. The substitute bill adds requirements for insurance or bonding for the motorcyclist. We can't add bikes in due to the bill title – but we're watching for an opportunity of our own on this issue. House Sponsors: DeBolt, Hinkle, Warnick, Seaquist, Kagi, Kirby, Hunt, Wood, Dickerson, Conway, Lovick, Roach, Chase, Dunn, Flannigan, McCune, Priest, McDermott, Santos, Williams, McDonald, Newhouse, Alexander, Strow, Kretz, Condotta, Roberts, Ormsby, Haigh, Rolfes, Moeller. Senate Sponsors: Kilmer, Holmquist, Sheldon, Marr, Hargrove, Regala, Carrell, Delvin, Pridemore, Oemig, Schoesler, Shin, Rasmussen.

You can check the status of these and other bills at www.leg.wa.gov/legislature
We are also working through the budget process – no bills needed – to fund a pilot program in three school districts for P.E. teachers to train students on safe bicycle riding.

28 February 2008
Help Make the Spokane County Regional Trails Plan a Reality!

Public Hearing: Spokane County Regional Trails Plan
Thursday, Feb 28, 2008 at 9:00am
Public Works Building, County Commissioners' Hearing Room
1026 W Broadway Ave in Spokane

The Spokane County Planning Commission is holding a public hearing on a proposed amendment to adopt the County's first ever regional trails plan. You have an opportunity to show your support attending the hearing and speaking in favor of it. If adopted, the regional trails plan calls for the completions of the Centennial and Fish Lake Trails, development of a trail between the Centennial Trail and Mt Spokane State Park, preservation of the of the abandoned Ben Burr railroad right-of-way in southeast Spokane County for a trail, and much more.

A copy of the trails plan can be viewed at www.spokanecounty.org/parks/prhome.htm

7 February 2008
Successful Transportation Advocacy Day in Olympia

Advocacy Day Draws Members to Olympia: bills pass first hurdle

More than sixty passionate believers in better biking, walking and transit options braved inclement winter weather for the annual Transportation Advocacy Day in Olympia January 29. The event is put on by a coalition of progressive groups, including the Bicycle Alliance, Transportation Choices Coalition, Feet First, Sierra Club, Climate Solutions, All Aboard Washington and others.

As well as meeting one-on-one with representatives and senators, attendees were able to sit in on hearings scheduled in the House Transportation Committee and its counterpart in the senate. Two bills promoted by the BAW were given hearings before the House Transportation Committee (HB 2564 and HB 2732) and one bill was heard in the Senate Transportation Committee (SB 6420). SB 6420 passed out of committee Feb. 5 and its house companion HB 2564 on Feb. 6. These bills add material on bicyclists and pedestrians to the drivers' education curriculum.

A second House bill (HB 2732) that seeks to define "safe passing" as a minimum of three feet when motor vehicles are passing bicyclists and pedestrians was opposed by the Teamsters Union and Washington State Patrol. In conjunction with bill sponsor, Rep. Christine Rolfes (D. 23rd), the BAW has decided to work on the issue over the summer and return with an improved bill in 2009.

The BAW is also monitoring the following bills:

• SB 6822/HB 3154 - Reducing vehicle miles traveled.
• SHB 1773/SSB 6355 - Highway tolling
• HB 1353 - Recycling beverage containers.
• HB 2797/SB 6580 - Local solutions to global warming.
• SB 5543/SHB 1625 - Motorcycle at traffic signal

Watch for action alerts in which BAW requests that you contact your local legislators.

4 February 2008
JRA Bike Shop OPEN at BikeStation

Eric Berg is the owner/mechanic of the JRA Bike Shop, operating in the front section of the BikeStation. Bike shop Hours are: Monday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

You can reach Eric at 206-307-1179 and his email is JRAbikes@gmail.com

4 February 2008
Bike racks coming back to Metro buses

Bike racks should be back on all Metro Transit buses today, according to agency spokeswoman Thielke. Early last month, Metro removed racks that could hold up to three bikes from about 400 buses. There were concerns about the operation of that style of rack, so Metro temporarily replaced them with two-bike racks.

But there was a shortage of two-bike racks, so some buses were left without a rack. Two-bike racks have now been located for all Metro buses, and installation is scheduled to be completed today. Thielke says Metro hopes eventually to switch back to the three-bike racks.

29 January 2008
Transportation Advocacy Day in Olympia

Let your legislators know about your interest in bicycling as part of the state and local transportation system and for recreation. Come speak to them in person by joining with other bicyclists, walkers and transit promoters during the annual Transportation Advocacy Day, January 29th in Olympia.

The Bicycle Alliance, along with Transportation Choices, Feet First, All Aboard Washington and other groups is behind the organization of this event. Food and beverages, inspiration, and key talking points will be provided. There are even some free rides - on a first-come basis - for the trip to Olympia from residents of the Seattle area, courtesy of FlexCar, the car-sharing company.

We'd love your presence. This is a great opportunity to get lawmakers' attention and ensure they are informed about issues important to bicyclists by hearing directly from bicyclists. Last year, we had representation from across the state.
If you can only do one act of bicycle advocacy this year, this is one!

This will be a high energy day of talking bicycling to politicians, some of whom may have never ridden a bike as an adult. Help them get educated on the role of good road design, funding for bicycling and policies that encourage a balanced transportation system. A big thank you to BAW members Bob and Katherine Duffy, who are taking care of the logistics in Olympia once again.

Participants will rendezvous at 8:00am on Tuesday, January 29th at:

United Churches of Olympia
110 Eleventh Ave. SE
Olympia, WA 98501

If you are interested in participating, let us know by by January 15. You can register online at the website of our partners Transportation Choices Coalition.

Directions to The United Churches of Olympia (located on the corner of Capitol Way and 11th Avenue SE). You can figure out directions from this online map.

What is the Bicycle Alliance legislative agenda for 2008? We are targeting just a few issues because this is a short, non-budget session meaning little new is likely to happen. Even so, we'd like to see:

• Driver's Education - adding curriculum on bike-pedestrian safety to public school drivers' ed classes. We've already succeeded in having a "share the road" section included in all private drivers' ed classes through the Department of Licensing.
• Student Transportation Education - a revised version of our Mobility Education Bill from last year that would pilot bike-ped-transit classes for elementary school students.
• Recycling at Events - House Bill 2056 leftover from last year would require permitted gatherings to provide glass, plastic and aluminum recycling of purchased beverages.
• Safe Passing Minimum - makes existing law more specific by adding three feet as the minimum safe passing distance.

There will also be legislation on Local Action for Climate Change which the BAW will likely support because it will favor bicycles as environmentally-friendly transportation.

24 January 2008
Bellevue Transportation Commission Reviews Ped-Bike Plan

The Bellevue Transportation Commission will be discussing the Walk & Roll 2007 Pedestrian-Bike Plan at their upcoming meeting:

Jan. 24, 2008, 6:30 p.m.
Room 1E-113, City Hall
450 110th Ave. NE, Bellevue WA

Come to the meeting and tell the Commission you want improved connectivity of bike facilities in Bellevue!

You can also provide your input with their new interactive mapping system that allows you to view and comment on proposals to improve Bellevue's network of bikeways, sidewalks, and trails. [if it doesn't work with your browser, try using Firefox]

15 January 2008
Return Your Ballots!

As required by the bye-laws of the Bicycle Alliance, all members have been mailed a copy of the ballot to select candidates for the Board of Directors. There are four board members seeking re-election and four open places. Members may vote for one or more candidates. Members may vote either by returning the ballot form to Bicycle Alliance of Washington PO Box 2904, Seattle WA 98111 or electronically by sending an e-mail to info@bicyclealliance.org.
Ballots are due January 15, 2008

4 January 2008
Triple bike racks (temporarily?) removed from Metro Buses

There have been problems with some bikes falling off the triple bike racks on the bus fleet and Metro is taking this very seriously. Here's the text of their notice:

CYCLIST ALERT-Updated Jan. 4, 2008

Starting Saturday, Jan. 5, 2008, bike racks will not be available on some Metro Transit routes and trips.

Some bike racks are being removed due to rack-operating concerns, and will be replaced in the coming weeks as they become available.

This change affects all bus trips on routes 1, 2, 3, 4, 10, 12, 13, 14, 36, 49 and 70, and some trips on routes 7, 43 and 44.

The concerns regard bikes remaining tightly secured to the 3-position bike racks. Metro is working with the manufacturer to resolve the issues. In the meantime, all 3-bike racks are being removed. The goal is to temporarily replace them with 2-bike racks, but there are currently not enough of the 2-bike racks to equip every vehicle in Metro's fleet.

During the transition, it is possible that some buses may or may not have racks when or where cyclists expect them. It is not possible for Metro staff to know ahead of time if a bus has a rack. Cyclists are reminded that rack use is first come, first served, and, with the exception of bikes that fold safely, bicycles may not be carried inside buses.

Metro appreciates your patience while this issue is being resolved. Please check this site for updates.

Metro just updated the bus bike rack info on their website. Check there for updates.

28 November 2007
Issaquah-Highpoint Regional Trail Connector Opens

Sometimes I go rather far afield for my job, like this past July when I rode all around the state. November 28th, I got to stick close to home, representing the Bicycle Alliance at the official opening of the Issaquah-High Point Regional Trail connector. You have to come up with something to say at these things, so I got up early and jotted a few notes. I knew I'd be talking after the mayor and the council people and the various transportation folks had said their pieces and pretty much thanked everyone. I wanted to keep things brief but still say something. This is what I said:

A couple of weeks ago I was at the opening of the new REI here in town, chatting with a fellow. Most of the time he's working at one of the REI stores in the southwest but he'd come to Issaquah to help open the new store. "You're lucky to live here," he said to me and when he found out I'd lived here for the past 14 years he added, "I bet it's changed a lot."

And I found myself telling this fellow how the space where the REI and the Safeway and the Target store are now had all been an open meadow and how old-timers remember back to when the 12th Avenue Cafe was on 12th Avenue and how there used to be cows grazing right across the street from my kid's elementary school. But mostly I told him how we still have salmon in the creek, and while some of the old farms are becoming condos, others are becoming parks. I told him how Rainier Boulevard was changed to better manage run-off, how abandoned rail lines have been turned into trails, how folks are working to clean up litter on the roadsides.

And I told him about the trail to High Point and the path under the freeway and along the shores of Lake Sammamish. How folks can walk and bike to places instead of driving and how the pieces link together in a greenway. How folks who never set foot or wheel on these paths still get value from them, for when you or I are hiking or walking on these paths, we're not sitting in a car stuck in traffic on Front Street. How every bike trip that's not a car trip helps keep the air just a bit cleaner.

We all make choices. How we vote, how we spend our money, how we spend our time, all these things really do matter. Ultimately, as Gandhi said, "actions express priorities." These trails and the bits of green we all share and enjoy and depend on are here because good people have put in a lot of work to make sure these things are not only here today, but here for our grand-kids and for the salmon, the heron, the frogs and all the rest of the world.

A lot of non-glamorous work goes into making a livable town. Lots of boring meetings, a lot of argument, a lot of compromise. To actually do things takes money, time and lots of good old-fashioned heavy lifting. It's really amazing that anything ever gets done.

But things like the Highpoint connector do get done and we owe a huge debt of thanks to the people who have put in all the work to make this happen. And now is when we roll up our sleeves and pitch in somewhere. Issaquah is a great place to live, but there still is plenty of work to do.

We are lucky to live here but it's the kind of luck Bruce Springsteen wrote about and I'm going to take the liberty to paraphrase the Boss just a little bit:

"When it comes to luck, we make our own
we've got dirt on our hands, but we're building a home."

You can read more about the new trail on Kent's Blog

30 November 2007
Oh so cool - REI grant for schools

The Bicycle Alliance's Safe Routes to School (SRtS) Program continues to add to its list of successes. The program recently received a grant from REI for a project titled Ride Your Bike to Cool the Planet. The Bicycle Alliance will work with 4 schools in King County to get kids to make the connection between global warming and the role of bicycling as a pollution-free form of transportation. Students will be taught about the concept of a carbon footprint with the ultimate goal of getting more kids to ride their bicycles.

The Bicycle Alliance, along with Feet First, formed and continues to operate the Center for Safe Routes to School in Washington State. The Center continues to receive a lot of attention and one of the tools it is developing is being considered to be a pilot project for a SRtS/Commute Trip Reduction Study being funded by the state legislature. During Walk to School Month (October) the Center provided advice and thousands of incentives to schools across Washington.

21 November 2007
Can't get no respect? Get some insight.

Take a browse at this article from Alan Durning, of the Sightline Institute, an environmental think tank based in Seattle and covering the Pacific Northwest. Read more from their ongoing series of articles that looks at the issue of "bicycle neglect", why most Cascadian cities don't treat bicycles as transportation, which communities are doing the best job, and what's at stake.

Nov-Dec 2007
Comment on Burke-Gilman Train DEIS

The Draft Environmental Impact Statement (36.10MB PDF) (EIS) for the Burke-Gilman Trail Redevelopment Project is being released for public review and comment. A thirty (30) day comment period for interested citizens and agencies will begin on November 1, 2007 and end on December 3, 2007. Upon request, the County will be extending the deadline for written comments to 5:00 p.m., December 18, 2007.

The Draft EIS is available for review at the following locations:

• Seattle Public Library, Lake City Branch — 12501 28th Ave. N.E., Seattle, WA
• Lake Forest Park Public Library — 17171 Bothell Way N.E., Lake Forest Park, WA
• Kenmore Library — 18138 73rd N.E., Kenmore, WA
• Bothell Regional Library — 18215 98th Ave. N.E., Bothell, WA
• Shoreline Library — 345 N.E. 175th, Shoreline, WA

Written comments may be sent to:

Gina Auld King County Facilities Management Division
King Street Center
201 South Jackson Street, #700,
Seattle, WA 98104

or sent via e-mail to fmd.sepacomments@kingcounty.gov.

If you have any questions about this proposal, or about the Draft EIS, please contact Gina Auld at (206) 263-7281.

Nov 2007 - Jan 2008
Destination 2030 - Long Range Transportation Plan for Puget Sound

The Puget Sound Regional Council is updating Destination 2030, the region's long range transportation plan, and is asking for input on how to best keep the region moving as it grows by 1.5 million people.

Originally adopted in 2001, Destination 2030 lays out a strategy to meet regional transportation demands in King, Kitsap, Pierce, and Snohomish counties until the year 2030.

The updated plan will extend the plan horizon to 2040 and evaluate ways to keep the region moving and the economy prospering as the population grows by 1.5 million. At the same time, we must protect the environment, natural resources, and quality of life that people in the region enjoy. The updated plan will continue to meet federal transportation planning requirements and state Growth Management Act (GMA) requirements, and will align with the Regional Economic Strategy and the updated Regional Growth Strategy - VISION 2040.

For more information contact, Mike Cummings, Program Manager at 206-464-6172 or mcummings@psrc.org.

Public Scoping Meetings:

Seattle: January 10, Noon to 2 p.m.
PSRC, 1011 Western Avenue, #500

Bellevue: January 15, 4 to 7 p.m.
City Hall, 450 - 110th Avenue

Bremerton: January 16, 4 to 7 p.m.
Sylvan Way Library, 1301 Sylvan Way

Tacoma: January 23, 4 to 7 p.m.
Main Library, 1102 Tacoma Ave. S.

Auburn: January 24, 4 to 7 p.m.
City Hall, 25 West Main Street

Everett: January 28, 4 to 7 p.m.
Main Library, 2702 Hoyt Avenue

Public Comment Form (also can be used to sign up for email list).

15 November 2007
Looking for a few good Board Members

The Bicycle Alliance of Washington (BAW) is currently seeking candidates to fill three vacancies on its board of directors. The BAW is an alliance of bicycle clubs, advocacy groups and individual bicyclists from around the state. The BAW mission is to advocate for bicyclists and promote policies that result in adequate funding for a complete non-motorized transportation infrastructure and to ensure that bicycling is recognized and embraced as an essential component of a balanced transportation system. The Bicycle Alliance works to increase the percentage of all types of bicycle ridership in Washington, as well as to encourage communities throughout the state to become bicycle-friendly. The Bicycle Alliance acts as a statewide clearinghouse for bicycle education and advocacy.

We are seeking cyclists who can commit the time and energy to make Washington a better place for all bicyclists. Our board is actively involved in setting policies, establishing goals and actively participating in fund-raising. In addition, the BAW encourages cyclists who can bring a geographic balance and good connections within the cycling community, funding or policy making realm to join our board.

The board meets both in person and by conference call 9-10 times a year. Board members are typically involved in areas of specialization, such as fund-raising, legislation etc between board meetings.

If you are looking for a leadership opportunity to make Washington a great place for all bicyclists please consider serving on the BAW board of directors. For more information contact Julie Mercer at mercerdesigns@comcast.net phone 206.935.2330 or Bobby Mullins at bmullin@rei.com phone 206.286.9527.

13 November 2007
Raising a Beer for our Volunteers!

The Bicycle Alliance of Washington hosted a party at the Pike Pub and Brewery Tuesday November 13th to show our appreciation for the faboulous volunteers who made the auction happen.

Achieving success at the auction is very much a team effort. Eighty-two volunteers logged 720 hours of their time over the weeks before and on the night of the auction, October 27. "I was overwhelmed by the hard work and enthusiasm of the huge group of volunteers who managed the nuts and bolts of the Auction," said Membership director Mark Canizaro.

Photos by Gary Strauss show some of the volunteers (and staff) who attended the party:

5 November 2007
Lighting the way to safety with Get Lit ride

They say it's better to light a single candle than to curse the darkness and on Monday night, November 5th 2007, volunteers gathered not with candles but with LED lights, bicycles and reflective gear. The mission was to celebrate and promote safe night-time cycling.

Thanks to funds provided by Seattle cycling attorney John Duggan, proceeds from the "Share the Road" license plate program, various individual donors and support from the bicycle component company Planet Bike, the Bicycle Alliance of Washington provides bicycle lights to low-income cyclists through a program called Get Lit. Riders gathered at the Seattle Bike Station and then rode to deliver lights to Goodwill Industries, Union Gospel Mission and Plymouth Housing Group for distribution. Other light recipients include Bike Works in Columbia City, the Salvation Army, Spokane's Pedals-2-People and various homeless and low-income individuals.

It was a beautiful night for a ride and various drivers and pedestrians had great questions and comments for the well-lit, highly visible and enthusiastic group of riders. The ride concluded at the Seattle Bike Station with hot cider, a comparison of various riders lights and gear and reflective stickers for all.

More information on Get Lit is available from Commute Trip Director (206) 224-9252 Ext. 304.

November 2007
Auction attendees and volunteers show their support for bicycle advocacy

The 15th Annual Bicycle Alliance gala dinner and auction took on a Texas twang this year with the voice of auctioneer Gayle Stallings stirring up some lively bidding. Proceeds from the silent and live auction brought in some $75,000 for bicycle advocacy. Stallings is a former executive director of the Texas Bicycle Coalition who changed careers after attending an earlier Bicycle Alliance auction in Seattle.

Although overall income from the auction was down from 2006, there were some encouraging signs: live auction items generally sold for more than estimated value and the new the Big Board holds potential to further increase the evening's sales.

Another positive development was the appeal to have attendees pay for their purchases by check instead of by credit card. "People really heard our request," said Membership director Mark Canizaro. "We saved $1000 in credit car fees this year over last year. That's $1000 more that goes directly into bicycle advocacy."

Achieving success at the auction is very much a team effort. Eighty-two volunteers logged 720 hours of their time over the weeks before and on the night of the auction, October 27. "I was overwhelmed by the hard work and enthusiasm of the huge group of volunteers who managed the nuts and bolts of the Auction," said Canizaro.

The first-year venue of the Fisher Pavilion at Seattle Center proved a big hit. With no pillars to block views and a built-in sound system, gala guests got to see and hear the proceedings completely. The 2008 auction will be back at Fisher Pavilion next fall, and Stallings will again be the auctioneer. Check back here for the actual date.

5 November 2007
Light up the night: take part in the Get Lit bike ride

To celebrate the winter clock-change and the transition to riding on darkened streets, the Bicycle Alliance of Washington invites you to take part in a special ride. The Get Lit ride is to promote the importance of safe nighttime riding and the use of lights and conspicuous clothing. To help ensure that all riders have access to front and rear lights, the Bicycle Alliance will donate lights to a number of organizations to distribute to their members.

The alliance invites bicyclists to take part in the free Get Lit ride November 5 in Seattle. Riders will meet at Bikestation Seattle at 4:30 PM. After a brief discussion of safe night cycling, riders will ride as a group to the Union Gospel Mission, The Salvation Army, Plymouth Housing Group, Goodwill and Bike Works. At each of these locations bicycle lights will be delivered to be distributed at no cost to low-income cyclists. These lights have been provided by the Bicycle Alliance of Washington's Get Lit program as part of an ongoing effort to improve road safety for all cyclists in Washington. Major funding for this program has been provided by attorney John Duggan, individual donors and Bicycle Alliance income from the Washington State Share The Road license plates.

All riders must register at the start of the ride and have lights, reflective gear and a bicycle helmet. An award will be given for the best-lit cyclist and the most creatively lit cyclist. All riders will receive reflective stickers. Hot cider will be provided at the end of the ride and at BikeWorks.

When: November 5 (Monday) at 4:30pm
Start: BikeStation Seattle, 311 3rd Avenue South.
Finish: BikeStation Seattle
Cost: free (disclaimer form must be filled in)
Distance: approximately 10 miles

November 2007
Bicycle Alliance Endorses Proposition 1

The Board of the Bicycle Alliance of Washington has endorsed the Roads and Transit (Proposition 1 in King, Pierce and Snohomish counties) ballot measure in November's election. The Board's endorsement is based upon the analysis of the proposition and a recommendation by BAW's Legislative and Statewide Issues Committee. The Committee includes representatives from bicycle clubs and bicycle advocates from around the state. The Committee's evaluation also included discussion with others and review of analyses performed by both supporters and opponents of the measure.

While this package has good things for bicyclists, we acknowledge that it is far from perfect. BAW recognizes that it was created in a political environment and is a result of negotiation from those with differing viewpoints. It was also created to make a big difference in transportation in the Puget Sound region for the next 50 years. We believe the Bicycle Alliance should support this package and make a public endorsement. While many of us have personal reservations about adding road lanes and the associated environmental impacts of additional motor vehicles, we considered the overall content of the measure based on its merits for bicycling and the progress towards creating a more balanced transportation system. For members in the three counties who will be voting on this proposition, the following is part of the part of the analyses used by the BAW Legislative and State-wide Issues Committee in reaching its decision. We encourage everyone to become well informed on the issue.

• Do the roads projects include bicycle elements where appropriate?
  Yes. New bike lanes across the 520 bridge, a Highway 509 bike path, the Spokane Street viaduct, several bike lane crossings of I-5 in Snohomish County, and $25 million for non-motorized improvements in Pierce County are just a few examples. See www.rtid.org for a complete list of roads projects by county.
• Will the regional light rail and transportation improvements benefit bicyclists?
  Yes. Some of the key corridors mentioned above will be a huge benefit. Light rail and multi-modal rail and ferry stations in the package can also be a benefit to bicyclists.
• Will the package impact land use in a way that will benefit cyclists?
  60% of the funding for this package funds a 50-mile expansion of Sound Transit light rail, from Lynnwood to Tacoma, from Seattle to Redmond. That alone will help to drive compact, bike and pedestrian-friendly development patterns. See www.soundtransit.org for a description of the rail package. Improved land use will lead to more walkable and bikeable communities.
• Is there the ability to include bicycle facilities in projects not fully defined?
  The roads portion of this package is locally controlled. That means bicycle advocates can influence the design with local government and elected officials. We will need to work with them to make sure the bike elements in the projects are retained, and to develop good designs for projects still being developed.
• If the measure fails, will the next proposal be better or worse?
  We believe that the roads and transit measure would likely provide a more balanced transportation system than future ad hoc proposals put forth by special interests groups. The population of Washington and the Puget Sound region will continue to increase. We believe that the Roads and Transit measure may help to shape transportation in the manner desired by bicyclists as compared to other possible proposals should the measure fail.
• Why is the Board of the Bicycle Alliance supporting the measure while some bicyclist and environmentalist groups are opposed to it?
  The measure contains both positive and negative features. We believe that the long-term benefits from this measure out-weigh the negative effects. This measure has the potential to reshape land-use around Puget Sound and create communities that are less automobile dependent. It represents an opportunity that can direct growth in ways that is more compatible with bicycling and walking. Other groups may believe that the negative features outweigh or are not acceptable, regardless of the positive features.

October 2007
Bellevue seeks comments as part of Bike-Ped plan update

After months of public input, including focus groups and online surveys, the City of Bellevue has drafted potential updates and improvements to the network of bike and pedestrian-friendly paths, lanes and trails in Bellevue. The draft network plan report includes 188 miles of bikeway, 85 miles of sidewalk, and 25 miles of trail facilities. It's aimed at supporting pedestrians and bicyclists with varying levels of experience.
Viewable/Downloadable copy of the Draft Network Plan Report [PDF].

The city now wants to hear what you think about these project recommendations.
You can provide your input with their new interactive mapping system that allows you to view and comment on proposals to improve Bellevue's network of bikeways, sidewalks, and trails.

Public meetings are planned for the following dates and places:

• Oct. 22 at 6 p.m., City Council, Room 1E-113, Bellevue City Hall, 450 110th Ave. N.E.
• Oct. 23 at 6:45 p.m., Eastside Runners Group, Kirkland Kingsgate Library, 12315 N.E. 143rd, Kirkland
• Oct. 25 at 5:30 p.m., Transportation Commission, Room 1E-113, Bellevue City Hall, 450 110th Ave. N.E.
• Nov. 7 at 10 a.m., Chinese-speaking residents (in collaboration with Chinese Information and Service Center), North Bellevue Community Center lunchroom, 4063 148th Ave. N.E.

21 October 2007
Celebrate SE Boulevard Bike Lane opening

When:   Sunday, October 21 at 10:00 AM
Where:   Start at Fourth and Sherman; Stop at 30th and SE Boulevard/Great Harvest Bread Company
Why:   To Celebrate the completion of the SE Boulevard bike lanes

Join Spokane's Bicycle Advisory Board (BAB), the Bicycle Alliance's executive director, and cyclists from around the region for a bike ride to celebrate the opening of the SE Boulevard bike lanes. Riders will depart from 4th and Sherman at 10:15 AM to ride the new and previously existing portions of the bike lane to 30th and SE Boulevard. We will then meet at Great Harvest Bread Company for a no-host celebration of camaraderie, coffee, hot chocolate and fresh baked goods. This just completed project is the first of what the BAB plans to be a cohesive network of bicycle lanes, routes, paths and boulevards that will connect neighborhoods to the city's core, providing safer and more enjoyable alternatives to driving in and around Spokane.

16-25 October 2007
Burke-Gilman Trail Closures Oct 16-25

For more info, please contact: Peg Nielsen, 206.684.8114

17-20 October 2007
Utility work along I-90 Trail through Mercer Slough Oct 17-20

King County will be conducting sewer line inspections in Mercer Slough Nature Park in Bellevue from Wednesday, Oct. 17 - Saturday, Oct. 20. The length of sewer pipe to be inspected runs underneath the wetlands adjacent to the bicycle/pedestrian trail between I-90 and the Mercer Slough Boat Launch Access.

Trail users should be aware of work equipment, narrowed trail near testing sites and cordoned off sections. Work will take place weekdays 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Trail users should obey posted signs and proceed with caution in both directions between I-90 and the Mercer Slough Boat Access Road while the testing occurs.

For more info, please contact:

Doug Marsano
Community Relations Planner
King County Wastewater Treatment Division
206-684-1235
Doug.Marsano@kingcounty.gov

1 October 2007
Personalized Share the Road License Plates available October 1

Already have a Share the Road license plate? Now you can personalize your plate instead of just being a number. To find out what you can put on your plate and how to get it, check out our Share the Road Plate FAQ page.

September 2007
Bicycle Alliance gets new Phone System

After years of using an out-dated and inefficient phone system, the Bicycle Alliance has a new, hi-tech phone system. It will make the operation of our office more effective. All calls are now answered automatically. You can enter the extension numbers listed below at any time. Here's a list of our staff extensions:

• Executive director Gordon Black - Ext. 300
• Membership director Mark Canizaro - Ext. 301
• Safe Routes to School Dave Janis - Ext. 302
• Special projects manager Louise McGrody - Ext. 303
• Commute director Kent Peterson - Ext. 304
• (if you want to reach one of our wonderful volunteers, call Ext. 305)

29-30 September 2007
Volunteers needed at Annual Sustainable Ballard Festival

The Bicycle Alliance is a sponsor of the 4th Annual Sustainable Ballard Festival being held September 29 (11:00-6:00) and September 30 (11:00-5:00) at the Ballard Commons Park. It is a wonderful event attended by thousands. We are looking for volunteers to help us staff our table. If you are interested in helping for a few hours on either day, please contact Dave Janis at 206.224.9252 or Davej@bicyclealliance.org. To learn more about the festival, go to sustainableballard.org

Hope to see you there!

24 September 2007
Volunteers needed at Transit Tunnel reopening

The Seattle downtown transit tunnel reopens September 24th and there will be a celebration to mark the occasion. The Bicycle Alliance will be present with a table and leaflets on BikeStation parking and Bike Buddy Program, as well as maps and information about cycling.

We're looking for volunteers to help out. Hours are 10am to 2pm on September 24.
Contact Kent Peterson at 206.224.9252 or kentp@bicyclealliance.org if you are available.

Metro has announced some Important safety changes for bicyclists in the tunnel. Read the details in: Bikes in Seattle Transit Tunnel [pdf].

22 September 2007
Columbia City CAN Kick-Off Event

Saturday, September 22nd 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Mayor Nickels to present at 10:00 am

Bike Works, Cascade Bicycle Club, the Bicycle Alliance, the Bikery and Tutta Bella Restaurant are pleased to announce a new collaboration with the City of Seattle and over seventy community partners and local businesses who are coming together to inspire concrete action on climate change. The community-wide effort, called Seattle Climate Action Now (Seattle CAN!), invites all Seattle residents to become part of the solution to climate change by taking concrete steps to increase home energy efficiency and transportation efficiency. The campaign also provides avenues for civic engagement and collective action. The practical steps promoted in the campaign will help build a stronger, healthier community for our families today and will also help ensure a brighter tomorrow for our children and grandchildren.

Come learn about climate pollution reduction and how biking more and driving less can be better for you and the planet. You can learn about bike maintenance, find out about how to get started in bike commuting, how to fit a bike and a helmet, figure out the best routes to ride, get local bike maps, learn about combined bike & bus commutes, and much more.

Join us for food, fun and refreshments and enter a raffle to win a free bike!

Seattle Climate Action Now! offers three tools:

1. Climate Action & Resource Web Portal www.SeattleCAN.org is a one-stop-shop designed to help you take climate action. The site includes:

• Get Started Guide for Climate Action in Seattle
• Zerofootprint Climate Action Planner - Tool to help residents calculate their carbon footprint, create an action plan for reducing it, track progress over time, and connect with others taking action
• Partners & Resources - Information about campaign partners and resources to help you take climate action
• Community Events Calendar

2. Climate Action Partnerships

The diverse network of community-based, nonprofit, and business partners who are collaborating to get the word out about climate action each bring a unique area of expertise and perspective. To learn more about who is participating in the campaign and why - or for information about how to join as an organizational partner - visit www.SeattleCAN.org

3. Community Action Days

Community events designed to help Seattle residents increase home energy efficiency (fall-winter emphasis) and reduce transportation emissions (spring-summer emphasis). Home energy and transportation are Seattle's two largest sources of climate pollution. The events will emphasize collective action, where possible, and will provide opportunities for partners to co-promote their activities and resources.

20 September 2007
City of Kent Transportation Master Plan Open House

City of Kent Transportation Master Plan Open House
Thursday, Sept 20, 2007, 2 - 8pm
Green River Community College
Kent Campus at Kent Station
417 Ramsey Way, Suite 112, Room 245

Would you like to see more safe biking facilities in Kent? Then don't miss this opportunity to comment on Kent's future transportation system, including bike and pedestrian facilities! The proposed bicycle network will be on display at the Open House. Please review the information and make comments--pro and con!

There will not be a formal presentation. Drop by anytime.

20 September 2007
Bicycle Alliance Reception in Spokane

The Bicycle Alliance of Washington is hosting a reception in Spokane!

Meet our new Executive Director, Gordon Black. Meet other Bike Alliance members, movers and shakers in the local cycling community, and folks who care about safe cycling in Spokane.

Bicycle Alliance of Washington Reception
Thursday, Sept 20, 6:30-8:30 pm
Mountain Gear Corporate Office
6021 E Mansfield in Spokane Valley
(pizza and refreshments provided)

Please RSVP by Sept 17 if you plan to attend!
Respond to Louise at 206.224.9252 or louisemc@bicyclealliance.org.

19 September 2007
Join us for a Walk on the Fish Lake Trail in Spokane!

Wednesday, September 19 at 6:00 pm
Meet in St Matthews Institutional Baptist Church parking lot
2815 W Sunset Blvd in Spokane
Co-hosted by Fish Lake Trail Action Group & Bicycle Alliance of Washington

Dan Shaffer of the Fish Lake Trail Action Group will lead us on a walk of the northern portion of the Fish Lake Trail corridor and provide us with an update on our trail project. We'll check out the temporary trailhead that was built during the REI work party in May. This is a great opportunity to explore a portion of the trail if you have not yet done so. Gordon Black, the new ED of Bicycle Alliance, will also be on this walk. Be sure to say hi!

There is a scheduled church activity that evening, so bathroom facilities will be available. They are also doing a dinner at 5:30 and have invited hungry walkers to join them if desired!

19 September 2007
Help Seattle DOT count bicycles in downtown Seattle

Help the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) help us! They are looking for volunteers for the downtown bicycle counts on Wednesday, September 19th. These counts are important as they help us justify the need for more facilities. They want to place at least one person at each of 29 counting locations.

The locations are all between Belltown and Pioneer Square, and each volunteer can expect to be in position and counting from 6:30 to 9:00 AM. If you are interested,contact Doug Cox of SDOT at Douglas.Cox@seattle.gov or 206-684-8264. He will provide you with instructions, forms, and location assignments & maps.

16 September 2007
Tukwila gets rolling: tour of Tukwila bike/ped facilities

Calling all south King County riders. The City of Tukwila is hosting a bike ride September 16 as part of its examination of bike and pedestrian facilities. The city wants to hear from trails users about conditions and areas ripe for improvement.

Ride departs from Tukwila City Hall, 6200 Southcenter Blvd, at 10am (distance: about 7 miles; pace: leisurely with frequent stops).

To attend the ride, RSVP assistant city planner Jaimie Reavis at (206) 431-3659 or jreavis@ci.tukwila.wa.us by September 4.

15 September 2007
Screening of "Ayamye" benefitting Village Bicycle Project

The flyer below highlights the OTM sponsored benefit screening of "Ayamye" in Spokane 7pm Saturday 9/15, at the New Magic Lantern Theatre, 25 W Main, in Spokane. Big thanks to the Saranac, The Magic Lantern Film Society, the Bicycle Alliance of WA, and Dave Peckham of the Village Bicycle Project for helping make this happen.

26 August 2007
Sustainable Seattle Photo Shoot Aug 26 - Volunteers Needed!

Would you like to be part of a transportation photo shoot? Here's your chance! Join International Sustainable Solutions Sunday August 26th in partnership with regional agencies such as SDOT, King County Metro and Sound Transit for a series of photos showing the benefits of moving people on foot, bicycles, buses, or light rail, rather than in their cars.

If you would like to volunteer, please contact Kristie Maxim at kristie.maxim@onrequestimages.com. Please specify if you can bring a bicycle, a car, or neither. [Info for photo shoot participants]

It's a great opportunity to help create compelling images for a transportation alternatives message! The City of Seattle is closing 2nd Avenue near Cherry for this photo shoot. Mayor Nickels and County Executive Sims are both expected to participate. OnRequest Images is providing pro bono professional photographic support. The photos will be used in a Commuter Toolkit, a series of materials highlighting the importance of developing robust alternatives to people driving alone in their cars, and illustrating some of the key transportation initiatives now under way.

Planned photos include:

1. 177 cars (based on our current average of 1.15 people per car)
2. 200 people standing without a vehicle, showing how much space is wasted when people drive alone in cars
3. Three simulated buses with volunteers boarding (an average bus carries about 60+ riders)
4. 200 riders in the simulated space of one Link light rail train
5. 200 bicyclists

Click on the following links for more detailed info on the Commuter Toolkit and what volunteering entails: Guidelines to participate in photo shoot

11 August 2007
Tour de Fat Fun and Photos

Tour de Fat was once again a raving success! We raised over $7000 on beer sales alone, and we'll get more money for the automobile that Jeremy Vrablik donated. Bike Works was the co-beneficiary of the event and raised money from sales of t-shirts, caps, and other cool schwag.

If you want to donate YOUR gas-guzzling behemoth to the Bicycle Alliance (don't worry--we sell it for the $$, we won't be driving it!), please contact Mark.

July 2007
Kirkland launches Cycling survey

As a part of revising The Non-motorized Plan, the City of Kirkland is gathering data about how people bike in Kirkland. We'd like to know what you like and what you'd like to see improved. We'd also like to know how you would prioritize spending of funds to make biking easier. Take the survey and give us your opinions! We're looking for responses from everyone/anyone who cycles in Kirkland, so please forward this email to your family, friends and co-workers.

Here's a link to the bicycle survey.

David Godfrey
Transportation Engineering Manager
City of Kirkland Public Works
dgodfrey@ci.kirkland.wa.us
(425) 587-3865

There's also a walking survey you can fill out.

6-20 August 2007 (approx.)
Construction to Cause Brief Disruption of Burke-Gilman Trail

Private construction activity near the Burke-Gilman Trail will disrupt both bicycle and pedestrian use of the Trail between NE 125th Street and NE 135th Street for an estimated 10 work days, excluding weekends, beginning Monday, August 6.

The paved trail will be fenced off for a distance of approximately 400 feet north of NE 125th. The unpaved running and walking path along the east side of the Trail will be open for use. Signage will direct cyclists to dismount and walk their bikes through this section of the Trail.

Parks regrets the need to close the Trail in the summer, but this temporary reduction in the usability of the Trail is necessary for safety reasons. A private construction project will include the installation of several horizontal drain lines into the hillside above the Trail. The drains are intended to release excess groundwater that could contribute to continued sloughing of the hillside or a landslide. The City is cooperating with this work by allowing access from the Burke-Gilman Trail.

Contact: Dewey Potter, 206-684-7241
dewey.potter@seattle.gov
www.seattle.gov/parks

19 July 2007
Burke-Gilman Groundbreaking

You are invited to a Groundbreaking Event this Thursday, July 19, from 10 am to 11 am at Golden Gardens Park, west side of the intersection of Seaview Ave NW and Seaview Place NW.

This will be breaking ground for the Burke-Gilman Trail Extension NW 60th St. to Golden Gardens Park. For map and information go to www.Seattle.gov/transportation/bgtrailext.htm. Here is a flyer for the groundbreaking event [pdf].

July-Sept 2007
Temporary Changes to Bike Lane Ramp on Fremont Bridge

SDOT Traffic Advisory:

(Seattle)-Starting the week of June 25th and through September, bicyclists traveling northbound on the Fremont Bridge, on the sidewalk on the east side of the bridge, will use a temporary ramp to reach the bike lane on Fremont Avenue North. The temporary ramp will be located north of the existing ramp.

Through September, with the exception of three two-leaf openings per day, the north half of the bridge will remain closed and only the south half of the bridge will open for marine traffic. This will allow the contractor to upgrade the bridge mechanical and electrical system.

The temporary ramp for bicycles is needed for safety, so a truck can be parked in the location of the existing ramp, in position to move quickly onto the bridge to block traffic when the bridge opens for marine traffic. The truck will serve as an additional barricade to help prevent cars from continuing onto the north half of the bridge when the south half of the bridge is opened for marine traffic.

Thank you for your patience during this final phase of improvements on the Fremont Bridge.

For more information about the project, see site: www.seattle.gov/fremontbridge.

July 2007
BAW Commuting Program Director Tours Washington

Follow along: read Kent's Blog as he Wanders around Washington
Read articles about his journey: Getting there by bicycle - 23 July 2007, Spokane Spokesman-Review.

Message from Kent Peterson, Commuting Program Director:

The Bicycle Alliance has its headquarters in the Seattle Bike Station, so naturally we do a lot of work in the Puget Sound area. But the Bicycle Alliance is a statewide organization and one of our goals is to serve communities across the state. One day in April, as I was bike commuting in to the office, I was thinking about how I could get more familiar with the bicycling resources, concerns and conditions in other parts of the state. I was also thinking that it would be nice to take a bike tour this summer. By the time I reached the office, I had a plan which I pitched to Barb and she approved.

From July 14th through July 28th, I'll be cycling around Washington. Since I have two ears and only one mouth, I'm planning on doing at least twice as much listening as talking. I will be giving some seminars on commuting and safe riding techniques but much of the trip will be a look and learn trip for me. I'll be connecting up with Bicycle Alliance members in various locations, so I may have some civilized places to stay, but I'm also planning on doing some bicycle camping as well. I'll be blogging from the road and compiling lists of cycling related contacts, shops, and resources for the various places I'll be visiting.

Here's the basic schedule. Washington is a big state, but I've got a good background in long distance riding. I couldn't fit everything in to one loop, but I tried to come close. It looks like I'll have to do another trip at some point to cover the center of the state. On this trip I'll also go into Portland, Oregon for a bit to see how they are doing things down there.

• Sat. 7/14/2007 -- Port Townsend/Port Angeles
• Sun. 7/15/2007 -- Bellingham
• Mon. 7/16/2007 -- Hwy 20
• Tue. 7/17/2007 -- Winthrop
• Wed. 7/18/2007 -- Spokane
• Thu. 7/19/2007 -- Spokane / Cheney
• Fri. 7/20/2007 -- Walla Walla
• Sat. 7/21/2007 -- Richland/Pasco/Kennewick
• Sun. 7/22/2007 -- Yakima
• Mon. 7/23/2007 -- Mt. St. Helens
• Tue. 7/24/2007 -- Vancouver/Portland
• Wed. 7/25/2007 -- Vancouver/Portland
• Thu. 7/26/2007 -- Olympia
• Fri. 7/27/2007 -- Tacoma
• Sat. 7/28/2007 -- Seattle/Issaquah

So keep an eye out for me on the roads of Washington this July. I'd love to meet as many Bicycle Alliance members as possible and maybe ride some miles with you. Most importantly, let me know what the Bicycle Alliance can do to improve bicycling in your community.

Kent Peterson

June 2007
SR 520 Bridge Replacement and HOV Project open houses

Enjoy some ice cream and get the latest scoop on the project. Learn more about:

• 4+2 corridor -- adding HOV lanes
• Tolling and project funding
• Eastside design collaboration
• Westside mediation process
• Supplemental draft environmental impact statement
• Pontoon construction site
• Catastrophic failure planning

Dates and Locations:

Bellevue High School
10416 Wolverine Way, Bellevue, WA
Tuesday, June 26th 4-7 PM
Off Bellevue Way Southeast, one block south of Main Street


Stevens Elementary School
1242 - 18th Avenue East, Seattle, WA
Thursday, June 28th 4-7 PM
Three blocks east of Volunteer Park

If you can't make it to these open houses, you might be able to catch the 520 team at various farmer's markets, fairs, and festivals this summer. Check out their 520 Event Calendar for dates and places.

June 2007
WSDOT Kicks Off Updated Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan

WSDOT announces the kick off its State Bicycle Facilities and Pedestrian Walkways Plan update. The plan, which is an element of Washington's Multi-modal Transportation Plan, was last updated in 1995. WSDOT has conducted a survey of public opinion about needs related to sidewalks, crosswalks, trails, and bike lanes, which will serve as the basis for the plan. As part of this effort, WSDOT will also propose a strategy for addressing these needs and improving coordination between local governments, regional agencies, and the state. For updated information related to the draft plan, please call 360-705-7258 or visit the web site: www.wsdot.wa.gov/Bike/Bike_Plan.htm.

Join WSDOT at one of four scheduled public meetings to discuss the plan, and provide comments and feedback (see dates below). Comments can also be submitted either through the web site or by calling the toll free number: 1-866-375-6729. Comments will be taken throughout the update process. All comments will be considered in the final plan, scheduled for completion in spring 2008.

June 25, 2007
6:30-8:30 PM
Public Service Center
Elections Office
1305 Franklin @ Mill Plain
Vancouver, WA

June 26th, 2007
6:30-8:30 PM
University of Washington
Gould Hall - First Floor Foyer
Seattle, WA

June 27th, 2007
6:30-8:30 PM
Spokane City Council Chambers
808 W. Spokane Falls Blvd.
Spokane, WA

June 28th, 2007
6:30-8:30
Thurston Regional Planning Council
2424 Heritage Court SW, Suite A
Olympia, WA

1 June 2007
Gordon Black Selected as BAW's New ED

On May 24, the BAW Board approved the selection of Gordon Black as the new Executive Director for the Bicycle Alliance. The selection process was very competitive due to the high quality of the applicants. The attractiveness of BAW is obviously based upon the organizations past successes, the support of the membership, the wonderful, dedicated staff, and the quality of the Board.

Gordon's strong association with bicycling began in his native Scotland when he joined a bicycle club at age thirteen and has continued to this day. He has a degree in communication from Napier College in Scotland. He returned to school and obtained a BA in history and MA in teaching in 2005 from the University of Washington. He has taught history at Bainbridge High School for the past two years and will continue through the end of this school year. His work background includes 20 years experience as a journalist and writer and he has covered diverse subjects such as a health-care issues during the legislative session, technology for the Seattle Times, motorcycles, bicycles, and other trade publications. Many of you already know or know of Gordon from his long association with BAW; from the dynamite advocacy organization, Squeaky Wheels, he co-founded on Bainbridge Island; or from his time as a KUOW reporter.

Gordon is very enthused about being selected as the new ED and considers the ED position at BAW to be his dream job. The staff, board and volunteers are very excited about working with Gordon. He brings a lot of skills, ability, and energy to the ED position as our 20-year old, statewide organization continues to improve bicycling in Washington. Gordon's Scottish accent will begin to be heard around the office on a somewhat regular basis in the last week of June. Barbara Culp will be working with Gordon to ensure there is a smooth transition for the organization. Please join the Board and staff in welcoming Gordon to our organization as the new Executive Director!

Electronic Newsletters

• Current Newsletter (March 7th)
• Archive of BAW Electronic Newsletters (Since March 2005)

Bicycling in the News
Are we missing an interesting article? Send a link to our Webmaster.

• Soon the trails could be one - 15 December 2007, News Tribune.
• Burke-Gilman trail given right of way in Lake Forest Park - 26 July 2007, Seattle Times.
• Bicycle trail wins in Lake Forest Park - 25 July 2007, Seattle P-I.
• Getting there by bicycle - 23 July 2007, Spokane Spokesman-Review.
• How Valet Parking Could Save the Planet - 24 May 2007, TIME Magazine.
• Tacoma's new bike trail pedals a healthy path - 11 May July 2007, The News Tribune.
• Road Warriors: The State of Urban Cycling in Spokane - March 2007, Out There Monthly.
• Wheeler Dealers: Seeing a shift in opportunity, cyclists are riding a spurt of political power - 22 October 2006, Pacific NW Magazine (Sea Times/P-I).
• Seattle Bikes: Bumps in the plan - 4 September 2006, Seattle P-I.
• Toward a safer Seattle for bicyclists: 400 riders weigh in to help create a pedal-friendly city - 30 August 2006, Seattle P-I.
• Everett bike shop manager keeps the customers rolling - 16 August 2006, Daily Herald.
• Bicyclist won't be charged with felony for assaulting deputies - 27 July 2006, Seattle P-I.
• Cycling in Snohomish County: Bike trails gain riders as roads gain drivers - 21 June 2006, Seattle Times.
• [Ride of Silence] Trek a memorial for bicyclists - 17 May 2006, Seattle Times.
• For bicycle commuters, pedal can be test of mettle - 1 May 2006, Spokane Spokesman-Review.
• We Need Bicycle Infrastructure - April 2006, Out There Monthly.
• Bicyclists face rough ride in region - 14 April 2006, Seattle P-I.
• Pedaling to work works - 8 April 2006, Seattle Times.
• Fixed-sated: Coasting is for poseurs. Fixed-gear bikes are about the pedaling - 30 March 2006, Seattle Times.
• Classes teach city riders how to thrive and stay alive - 16 February 2006, Seattle P-I.
• Should Critical Mass continue? PRO/CON - January 2006, Out There Monthly
• Getting There: Should bikers dismount at all crosswalks? - 5 December 2005, Seattle P-I.
• Crossing paths: Cyclists and motorists are far apart on rules of the road - 29 August 2005, Seattle P-I.
• Behind the wheel: Drivers sound off about reckless cyclists - 29 August 2005, Seattle P-I.
• Behind the handlebars: Cyclists sound off about dangerous drivers - 29 August 2005, Seattle P-I.
• 'Ghost bikes' offer eerie reminder to share the road - 3 August 2005, Seattle P-I.
• "Ghost bikes" eerie reminders of accidents - 2 August 2005, Seattle Times.
• Slade Groene was 13, like Cooper Jones - 1 June 2005, Spokane Spokesman-Review.
• Bicyclists vs. homeowners: Facing off on a trail of fears—Debate over changes to Burke-Gilman in Lake Forest Park is coming to boil - 26 May 2005, Seattle P-I.
• Mayor vetoes restrictions on Burke-Gilman Trail - 8 June 2004, Seattle Times.
• Getting There: Even on a bike, the law is the law - 22 September 2003, Seattle P-I.
• Use your head: Wear a helmet - 21 September 2003, Seattle P-I.
• Getting There: Why do bikes have to stop at those trail crossings? - 14 July 2003, Seattle P-I.
• Getting There: Speeding cyclists are subject to the law -- and gravity - 24 June 2002, Seattle P-I.
• Crosswalks Cover Bikes, Court Says - 3 June 1999, Seattle Times.
• Cyclists Must Upgrade Traffic-Safety Skills - 9 July 1998, Seattle Times.

Archived News & Announcements

Read older news items and announcements on our Archived News page.

E-Newsletters | News & Announcements | Bicycling in the News | Archived News