The Bicycle Alliance of Washington - Advocates for bicyclists and a bike-friendly Washington
The Bicycle Alliance of Washington -- promoting bicycling for everyday transportation through education and advocacy

309A 3rd Avenue South - Seattle WA 98104
PO Box 2904 - Seattle WA 98111

206.224.9252 - info@bicyclealliance.org

The Bicycle Alliance Home Page
About The Bicycle Alliance
Programs
Get Involved
News
Transportation & Commuting
Bicycle Laws
Rides & Events
Membership
Cycling Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Site Map

Seattle BIKE PORT 24/7 Bike Parking

Safe Routes to School

Share the Road License Plate

Earthshare of WA

 
News

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

News & Announcements

7 April 2010
 Safe Routes to School $1,000 Mini-grant Call for Applications

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (February 26, 2010) -- The National Center for Safe Routes to School is now accepting applications for up to 35 $1,000 mini-grants for creative, youth-focused ideas that support safe walking and/or bicycling to school. Eligible activities must occur at an elementary or middle school in Fall 2010 and support the overall goal of Safe Routes to School (SRTS) programs -- to enable and encourage children nationwide to safely walk and bicycle to school.

"Communities across the country are finding new ways to make it safer for children to walk and bicycle to school," says Lauren Marchetti, director of the National Center for Safe Routes to School. "These mini-grants encourage communities to get students involved in the effort to foster a culture of walking and bicycling in their own neighborhoods and schools."

The National Center's SRTS mini-grant program, now in its second award cycle, supports creative ideas that support safe walking and/or bicycling to school and are youth-focused. Successful applications will focus on either increasing safe walking and/or bicycling to school or improving the safety of students already walking and/or bicycling to school. Activities may also explore a variety of issues related to SRTS, including physical activity and environmental benefits, distracted driving, personal safety, integrating children with disabilities and community building. Mini-grant activities with high levels of age-appropriate student engagement are encouraged.

Mini-grant applications are available now at www.saferoutesinfo.org/minigrants. Applications are due Wednesday, April 7, 2010, and recipients will be announced by Wednesday, May 26, 2010.

For more information, visit www.saferoutesinfo.org/minigrants.
Mini-grant contact: info@saferoutesinfo.org

25 March 2010
 The Bicycle Alliance is coming to Wenatchee!

Join representatives of the Bicycle Alliance of Washington for a meet up in Wenatchee with area cyclists. We want to hear what's happening in Wenatchee, Leavenworth, Cashmere, Chelan, and learn how we can help. We want to tell you what's happening in Olympia, around the state, and around the nation.

Thursday, March 25 at 5:30 PM
Applewood Grill – Mezzanine level
29 N Columbia Street
Wenatchee

Light appetizers provided. No host bar available.
RSVP to Louise McGrody, louisemc@bicyclealliance.org.

16 March 2010
 Friends of the Burke-Gilman Trail Annual Meeting

Please join friends and trail supporters as we welcome SDOT's new Acting Director, Peter Hahn, to our Annual Meeting. We expect Peter to bring us up to date on the status of the lawsuit delaying construction of the trail, and learn more about Mayor McGinn's vision for improving the 'self-powered' transportation infrastructure in Seattle. Bring your questions. Pass it on.

Date: Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Time: 7-8:30 pm
Place: Ballard NW Senior Center Board Room
5429 32nd NW Seattle, WA 98107
(Enter on the north side of the building)

Light refreshments will be served.
Contact for more information: kcarrab@comcast.net

Friends of the Burke-Gilman Trail, www.burkegilmantrail.org

15 March 2010
 Public Meeting - PSRC Federal Planning Certification Review

An opportunity for you to talk directly with Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) in open pubic meeting concerning your views on the transportation planning process in the central Puget Sound region – King, Snohomish, Pierce, and Kitsap counties – is scheduled for:

Time: 5:00 pm
Date: March 15, 2010
Room: PSRC Board Room
Place: Puget Sound Regional Council
1011 Western Avenue, Suite 500
Seattle, WA 98104-1035

This public meeting is part of a review that will assess compliance with Federal regulations pertaining to the transportation planning process conducted by the Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC), the Washington State Department of Transportation, and local units of government in the central Puget Sound region.

If you are not able to attend either meeting, your written comments may be submitted to either FTA or FHWA by mail or e-mail.

Sidney W. Stecker
Federal Highway Administration
Washington Division
711 S. Capitol Way, Suite 501
Olympia, WA 98501
E-mail: Sidney.stecker@dot.gov
Phone: (360) 753-9555

Ned Conroy
Federal Transit Administration
Region 10
915 Second Street, Room 3142
Seattle, WA 98174-1002
E-mail: ned.conroy@fta.dot.gov
Phone: (206) 220-4318

10 March 2010
 Google Maps Now Provides Biking Directions

Google announced at the National Bike Summit that they are adding biking directions in the U.S. to Google Maps. "This new tool will open people's eyes to the possibility and practicality of hopping on a bike and riding," said Andy Clarke, President of the League of American Bicyclists. "We know people want to ride more, and we know it's good for people and communities when they do ride more - this makes it possible. It is a game-changer, especially for those short trips that are the most polluting."

Users can now choose biking when deciding how to get to their destination, starting March 10, 2010. According to Google this has been the most requested addition to Google Maps. This new feature includes: step-by-step bicycling directions; bike trails outlined directly on the map; and a new "Bicycling" layer that indicates bike trails, bike lanes, and bike-friendly roads.

Visit Google Maps, enter a start point and destination and select "Bicycling" from the drop-down menu. You will receive a route that is optimized for cycling, taking advantage of bike trails, bike lanes, and bike-friendly streets and avoiding hilly terrain whenever possible.

Note that Biking directions for Google Maps is currently in Beta, so click on the available link to send feedback on errors like closed roads, route errors, wrong names, etc.

9 March 2010
 PSRC Draft Transportation 2040 Plan available for review and comment

The Puget Sound Regional Council is pleased to present the draft Transportation 2040 plan for the central Puget Sound region. The PSRC's Transportation Policy Board has been guiding the development of the plan for the past three years. The new transportation plan addresses critical issues such as congestion and mobility, the environment, and transportation finance. It is a framework document that guides future regional decisions, presents the region's vision to federal and state policymakers, and paves the way for the implementation of key regional projects and programs for the next 30 years.

The draft plan is available for download on our website at www.psrc.org. We are happy to provide a paper copy upon request. Written comments on the draft plan are encouraged, and may be submitted using the online comment form. Written comments are also accepted by fax, mail, or email.

We would appreciate receiving written comments as early as possible. Comments received by March 9 will be summarized for consideration at the March 11, 2010 Transportation Policy Board meeting.

Public involvement remains a vital component of the process. During the coming weeks, PSRC staff will continue to reach out to member jurisdictions, countywide subarea groups, and other technical and policy committees to gather final comments on the draft plan. These comments will assist the PSRC policy boards in developing the Final Plan in March. Adoption of the final Transportation 2040 plan by the PSRC General Assembly is planned for May 2010. Thank you for your input. We look forward to hearing from you.

Spring 2010
 Changes Ahead for King County Metro Bike Locker Users

King County Metro has received a federal grant to test an on-demand system for bike lockers. Metro currently has bike lockers at 28 different park-and-rides and other transit facilities for people who just need bikes for one leg of their trip. These lockers provide secure storage and protect bikes from inclement weather.

Under the current system, lockers are available to bike commuters with a one-time key deposit and the leases must be renewed annually. If cyclists do not use their lockers on a daily basis, there is no way for others to use them at times when the locker is empty. An on-demand system will allow anyone with an access card to use any available locker. It should be a more efficient way to manage bicycle parking, and provide greater flexibility for Metro customers.

Planning for on-demand bike parking will occur in 2010, and the new system will be tested at a number of locations in 2011.

24 February 2010
 Bikestation Seattle is now Seattle BIKE PORT Pioneer Square

Seattle BIKE PORT Pioneer Square

Seattle Bikestation has officially been changed to Seattle BIKE PORT Pioneer Square. The website and management/registration documents have been updated to reflect the name change, and look for the new facility signage and marketing materials to be ready by Bike Expo (March 13). The Bicycle Alliance of Washington continues to operate the facility.

If you have not been down to Seattle BIKE PORT, please drop in for a tour during our regular business hours M-F 9am-5pm.

Also remember, the fees have been reduced for 2010, AND Bicycle Alliance members still get an additional $20 discount when purchasing an Annual Plan.

24 February 2010
 Tacoma/Pierce County Community Bicycle Fair

Are you a bicyclist? Check out the growing cycling culture and bike movement in Tacoma and Pierce County!

Tacoma/Pierce County Community Bicycle Fair
Wednesday, February 24th
7 - 9 PM, with brief presentation at 7:30
The Hub Event Room
203 Tacoma Ave S in Tacoma

The Community Bicycle Fair is an open house event that will feature information on bike clubs, bike advocacy, community cycling interests, Safe Routes to School, cyclist and motorist education, and more. Learn the latest about Tacoma's Mobility Plan, which includes proposed facilities for biking. Pick up regional bike maps. Snacks provided. No host bar available.

Hosted by: Bicycle Alliance of Washington and Tacoma Wheelmen Bicycle Club

11 February 2010
 City of Tacoma's Mobility Master Plan Open House

You are invited to two presentations on the City of Tacoma's Draft Mobility Master Plan on Thursday, February 11, 2010. Come to learn about the draft plan and to provide recommendations for improving Tacoma's bicycling and walking networks and their connections to transit.

Mid-Day:
11:30 AM to 1:00 PM (Presentation at 12:00 Noon sharp)
Carwein Auditorium in the Keystone Building
University of Washington-Tacoma
1900 Commerce Street
Tacoma, WA 98402


Evening:
6:30 PM to 8:00 PM (Presentation at 7:00 PM sharp)
Rasmussen Rotunda in Wheelock Student Center
University of Puget Sound
1500 N. Warner
Tacoma, WA 98416

More info at: City of Tacoma website.   [ Draft Master Plan ]

10 February 2010
 Peninsula Advocacy Group Tackles Cycling Issues

ORCA, Olympic Region Cyclists' Association, started more than a year ago, the result of discussions held by activists on the west side of Puget Sound for a number of years. Since that first meeting at the home of Squeaky Wheels president Dana Berg, other meetings have taken place in Port Townsend and Sequim: the goal is 3 meeting per year to discuss issues of regional importance - such as Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) projects, trails and safety. One focus is to coordinate efforts for a Sound to the Sea trail that would connect the Mountains to Sound Trail that ends in Seattle with the Olympic-Discovery Trail, which currently ends just east of Blyn.

A catalyst for the formation of the group was the improperly installed rumble strips by WSDoT in the summer of 2008. The department has since corrected most, but not all, of the rumbles strips installed on areas where shoulders were not the width stipulated in the department's own Design Manual. In some instances, the shoulders barely existed.

After taking the transportation department to task for the rumble strips, ORCA members were excited about the prospect of the reopened Hood Canal Bridge - complete with 8-feet shoulders. Alas, after arranging for a turnout of riders to celebrate the reopening of the Hood Canal Bridge last summer, ORCA members soon found themselves embroiled in efforts to efforts to get WSDoT to fix its errors on the bridge, which has steel-decking. Two Seattle-area riders crashed, breaking bones, soon after the bridge reopened - their front wheels became stuck in the grating - and others have fallen.

ORCA members have written to both WSDoT and area politicians to get safety issues addressed. There are five specific flaws in the design and construction of the bridge that make it a safety issue for bicyclists. After working on the issue for several months, ORCA representatives enlisted the support of the Bicycle Alliance of Washington to help resolve the safety issues on the bridge.

On a more positive note, Chuck Preble and others involved with the Olympic Discovery Trail have shared their knowledge on obtaining grants to fund trail expansion. This wonderful cycle route is a model for all of communities and it is hoped that in the future it will link Kitsap County from Kingston and Winslow across Hood Canal to the Pacific Ocean.

ORCA includes members of bike groups in Silverdale, Bainbridge Island, Pt. Townsend, Sequim and Pt. Angeles. Dana Berg currently chairs the group. Contact her at dana@squeakywheels.org, for more information.
(Submitted by Gordon Black of ORCA)

10 February 2010
 Learn to use new 3-Bike Racks on Buses at Seattle BIKE PORT

How do you use the new 3-Bike Bus racks now in operation on Metro and Sound Transit?   Practice, practice, practice ...

Loading bike on bus rack

A demonstration model of the new bus rack is now available for practice use at Seattle BIKE PORT Pioneer Square [was Bikestation Seattle], located at 311 Third Ave. S. in Pioneer Square (right next door to the Bicycle Alliance).

The facility is open Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm. Additional information and an instructional video are also available at Metro Online.

More information about taking your bike on a bus, ferry or train on our Transportation & Commuting Page.

6 February 2010
 Starting Feb. 6 bikes can be loaded on any Metro bus at any time

In response to increased demand for linking bike and bus trips, King County Metro Transit will allow bicyclists to load and unload bicycles at any regular bus stop in downtown Seattle's Ride Free Area at any time of the day starting Saturday, February 6. Other transit agencies (Sound Transit, Community Transit, and Pierce Transit) that make stops in downtown Seattle have also agreed to participate.

This will be a one-year demonstration project. Over the past several years, Metro has eased its limits on bike loading. The restrictions during peak hours in the busy downtown core are the last in place. Once they are lifted on Feb. 6, Metro will do a one-year safety and operations evaluation to decide whether to make the changes permanent.

Cyclists may also continue to load and unload bicycles at any station of the Downtown Seattle Transit Tunnel during all hours the tunnel is open.

To ensure the success of the new Ride Free Area policy, bicyclists are asked to please remember:

  • Always alert the bus driver prior to loading or unloading a bike
  • Make sure the driver acknowledges you before stepping in front of a bus
  • Be aware of traffic around you when loading and unloading your bike
  • Use caution in stepping up and down from high curbs.

Metro's bike racks are easy to use, and there is no additional fare for using them. By this spring, Metro's entire bus fleet will be upgraded with three-position bike racks. Approximately 70 percent of Metro buses have those racks now.

More tips about safe bike loading can be found on Metro Online in the bike section.

4 February 2010
 First Thursday Open House at BAW Office

Drop by the Bicycle Alliance office and welcome Barbara Culp back as our Executive Director.

Thursday, February 4
6 - 8 PM
309A Third Ave S
Seattle

And in keeping with the Pioneer Square First Thursday art walk, we'll feature bicycle travel drawings by Andy Goulding (travel drawing instructor for Rick Steves' Europe Through the Back Door).

3 February 2010
 Westlake Hub Streetcar Plaza Open House

Wednesday, February 3
5:30-7:30pm
Seattle Central Library
Level 4, Room 2
(Wright/Ketcham Meeting Room)

The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) invites you to review plans for creating a pedestrian-friendly plaza in north downtown by closing one block of Westlake Avenue between Olive Way and Stewart Street. A vision long-held by the community, this grant-funded plaza is a top priority for helping improve pedestrian & bicycle access and making it easier to use transit in and around the Westlake retail core.

SDOT is approximately halfway through the design phase and your feedback is critical to finalizing several elements of the plaza and ensuring its success. Construction is expected to start in late summer and be completed by November 2010.

Staff will be available at the Open House to discuss plaza design features, transimpacts, and how this project relates to other plans and initiatives for creating a sustainable, livable and thriving downtown

More details about this project at: Westlake Streetcar Plaza/McGraw Square Project website.

February 2010
 Bikestation Seattle soon to be renamed Seattle BIKE PORT

The Bicycle Alliance met with Seattle bike parking stakeholders on January 20th to propose a rebranding of Bikestation Seattle. After a graphic design presentation given by ProductionCounts, our partners, Metro, City of Seattle, and Sound Transit, and the Alliance Executive Board, gave unanimous approval for the bike parking facility to be renamed Seattle BIKE PORT Pioneer Square.

The design process for the new logo and signage has begun, and the Alliance will launch a complete rebranding and new website in late February.

January 2010
 Bikestation Seattle BIKE PORT Fees Decrease for 2010

As a demonstration program for 2010, Service Plan fees will be reduced at Seattle BIKE PORT Pioneer Square [was Bikestation Seattle]. Seattle BIKE PORT is managed by the Bicycle Alliance of Washington.

The $20 annual admin fee will be waived for all plans for 2010, and the Annual and Monthly Plan costs will be reduced. More details at Bike Parking page.

29 January 2010
 Free Bike Seminar: Mastering the Winter Commute

Commute Seattle is hosting a Winter Bike Seminar on Friday, January 29th to discuss the best practices for winter bike commuting. Bike commuting experts from the Bicycle Alliance of Washington* will offer tips for staying safe, navigating dark streets, and staying warm and dry in the rain. This is a chance to learn tips and tricks to best outfit yourself and your bicycle to make bike commuting an enjoyable way to get to work year round.

All attendees will receive a Commute Seattle bike light and will be entered into a drawing to win a $25 REI gift certificate. Seattle Bike Maps will be available as well as other maps and handouts on commuting resources.

When: Friday, January 29th, 12:00pm-1:00pm
Where: GGLO Space at the Steps
(1301 First Ave, Level A Enter through door located about ¼ of the way down the Harbor Steps)

Bring your lunch, your experience, and your questions!

This event is free, but please register by RSVPing here.

*Bicycle Alliance representatives Every Day and Katie Ferguson are certified League Cycling Instructors by the League of American Bicyclists.

27 January 2010
 Chief Sealth Trail Extension Community Meeting/Open House

Seattle Department of Transportation plans to extend the Chief Sealth Trail northward. Construction is estimated to start in July 2010.

You are invited to come learn more about the upcoming project at a community meeting/open house:

Wednesday, January 27, 2010
6:30 PM to 8:00 PM
Mercer Middle School
1600 S Columbian Way
Seattle, WA

Project Description:
This project consists of building an extension to the Chief Sealth Trail (CST) - Seattle's multi-purpose trail in Southeast Seattle and the newest addition to the regional trail system. The trail will be built entirely on the City Light Transmission lines corridor from Beacon Avenue S to S Angeline Street/15th Avenue S.

For more information, contact:

George Frost
Project Communications Lead/Public Outreach
Seattle Department of Transportation
Capital Projects & Roadway Structures Division
206-615-0786

19 January 2010
 City of Lacey Open House for Comprehensive Plan

What do you want for the future of shoreline development and outdoor recreation in Lacey? Do you want the Woodland Trail extended to McAllister Springs? Do you want a trailhead in Woodland Creek Community Park? Do you want shoreline regulations that permit these projects to be done? What kind of shoreline access and development do you want to see in the City of Lacey?

Now is your opportunity to be heard:

City of Lacey Open House for Comprehensive Plan for Outdoor Recreation and Shoreline Master Program
Open House
Tuesday January 19, 2010
5:00 - 8:00 PM
Council Chambers, Lacey City Hall
420 College Street SE, Lacey

The Open House will kick off the update of the Lacey Comprehensive Plan for Outdoor Recreation (POR) and will provide information on Lacey's new update to the Shoreline Master Program (SMP). At the open house you will have the opportunity for one-on-one conversation with city staff.

The POR will provide guidance for Lacey's parks and outdoor recreation programs for the next five years. Your input is vital in the early stage of this recreation planning process, to identify improvements needed at existing parks, additional recreation programs, and future park opportunities.

The SMP will include new goals, policies and standards that will guide regulation and protection of designated shoreline areas and public access opportunities within the City of Lacey. Draft copies of the Shoreline Master Program will be available.

For more info, contact:

Jack Horton
President, Woodland Trail Greenway Assn.
jack_horton@hotmail.com
cell 360.789.0944
home 360.956.1743

19 January 2010
 FREE Minor Bicycle Repair Day at Bellevue Commuter Connection

Pedal in for FREE Minor Bicycle Repairs at Bellevue Commuter Connection

Tuesday, January 19
8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
at the Commuter Connection Store
Located in the Rider Services Building at:
Bellevue Transit Center
10850 NE 6th Street
Bellevue, WA

FREE bicycle repairs such as:

  • Flat tire repair
  • Minor break adjustments

First-come, first-served. Free repair service covers minor on-the-spot repairs only. Does not include parts or overhauls.

More information at: www.ChooseYourWayBellevue.org

13 January 2010
 Complete Streets Spokane organizing meeting

If you have been reading the Spokesman Review and OutThere Monthly, you know that there has been an alarming string of pedestrian deaths around Spokane and the Inland Northwest. Join representatives from Futurewise, the Bicycle Alliance of Washington, and other public interest groups in changing this trend!

January 13 - 5:30 PM
Central YMCA
930 N Monroe

When streets are designed for motor vehicles, they deny people the opportunity to choose more active ways to get around, like biking and walking. Even when sidewalks exist, large intersections and speeding traffic can discourage these active modes by making biking and walking unpleasant or unsafe.

Read Jon Snyder's December editorial, Time for Complete Streets, in OutThere Monthly. The BAW has long been a proponent of Complete Streets policies at the state and local levels, and it continues to be part of our 2010 legislative agenda.

Contact Kitty Klitzke at Futurewise for more information.

11 January 2010
 New Executive Director to Lead BAW

Barbara Culp

The Bicycle Alliance of Washington has a new executive director, a name familiar to Alliance members and others in the bicycle community: Barbara Culp.

Culp was previously the executive director from 1999 to 2007, when she left to travel and pursue related career interests. She is leaving her job as bicycle transportation specialist with Seattle Children's Hospital because she is excited by the new energy and direction of the Bicycle Alliance.

Before beginning the process to hire a new executive, the board of directors held a day-long retreat to identify organizational strengths and goals and re-wrote the job description in light of current staff roles and leadership needs. The need for a dynamic, experienced leader and advocate was identified.

The Bicycle Alliance received more than 40 qualified applicants for the position. Originally, Barbara Culp was on the other side of the hiring process, serving on the search committee that reviewed those applications and interviewed finalists.

"As the hiring process evolved, my interest in statewide advocacy, and my passionate commitment to the Bicycle Alliance family of statewide advocates was revitalized. I wanted to be part of the growing culture of all things bicycling to help address such critical issues as improving cycling safety in our communities, climate change, and the public health obesity epidemic. The needs are great and the time is right," said Culp.

Once Culp expressed interest in the job, "we knew she was the stand-out candidate we were looking for," said Bicycle Alliance board president Kristin Kinnamon, of Marysville. "The board's focus is on legislation and public policy that will transform Washington into a state where everybody can bike. Barb proved she is an expert and winning advocate for bicycling in her first stint as E.D. And now, with Barb's leadership, we are positioned to do even more."

Culp rallied support to pass bills including the Cooper Jones Act that funds bicycle safety education, Safe Routes to School grants for walking and bicycling, a safe passing law, and the Share the Road license plate.

Under her leadership, the Bicycle Alliance supported trail development and preservation around the state, including the Fish Lake Trail in Spokane, the Klickitat Trail in southwest Washington, the East Lake Sammamish Trail and the East King County rail corridor.

She also worked closely with the Washington State Department of Transportation on its bike event and rumble strip policies, and on ensuring that state highway and bridgework accommodated bicycles. Those same issues will be on her plate again as the Bicycle Alliance works to help the WSDOT implement its state bike plan and live up to its goals of improving bike safety and increasing cycling opportunities statewide.

Bicycle Alliance acting executive director Dave Janis will return to his staff role focusing on Safe Routes to School and policy issues. He is on the board of Transportation Choices Coalition and has worked for the Bicycle Alliance since 2002.

"Dave's work with TCC, the Childhood Obesity Prevention Coalition and other partners on legislation are major accomplishments of his time as our acting executive director," Kinnamon said. He also managed the transition into expanded offices and a revitalized Bikestation in Pioneer Square [since renamed Seattle BIKE PORT Pioneer Square], hired the organization's first development director and hired a new office and membership coordinator.

"Dave's steady leadership gave us the breathing room to move forward strategically as an organization. The board is happy he will continue to bring his professionalism and his passion for bicycling to our efforts," Kinnamon said.

The Bicycle Alliance is a 20-year old, 3,000-member, statewide bicycle-advocacy organization with its office located in historic Pioneer Square, Seattle, Washington. Staff, numerous volunteers, and a board of 24 directors from all around the state support the executive director.

8 January 2010
 EarthShare Washington Renews BAW as Member Organization

Congratulations! The Bicycle Alliance has been a member of EarthShare Washington (ESW) for more than a decade because we consistently meet ESW's high standards for a low administrative cost percentage, fiscal viability, and successful results of our work and mission. Founded in 1987, EarthShare is a federation of 66 premier nonprofit organizations that advance livable communities and a healthy planet. Since the beginning, BAW has had to reapply every year for membership, providing supporting documentation to be considered for renewal.

The selection process follows a three-stage review of applicants that began in September. Stage 1 involved a general staff review for eligibility; in Stage 2, a 12-person team recruited by ESW reviewed the applications. The team represented a broad range of disciplines: marketing, science, program evaluation, academia, and communications. Its recommendations, along with staff comments, made their way to ESW's board of directors for the final stage.

This year's renewal and application for membership was highly competitive: for the first time the period of membership will be extended to three years, and many organizations submitted requests. On December 9th, EarthShare Washington's Board of Directors approved BAW's application, and our organization was one of 21 organizations selected for the January 1, 2010 - December 31, 2012 membership term.

We look forward to working with ESW over the next three years, representing both our organizations in workplace giving campaigns and increasing the number of public sector (government) workplace giving programs.

New EarthShare Organizations!

EarthShare Washington also added four new local organizations in 2010: Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust, Nature Vision, Seattle Tilth, and Washington Water Trust. ESW now represents 21 Washington-based organizations, as well as 45 national and international nonprofits. For a list of those organizations, visit www.esw.org.

January 2010
 Road Safety Education Pilot Program Completed

In 2008, the Bicycle Alliance of Washington succeeded in getting the state legislature to set aside funds to develop, implement and evaluate the Road Safety Education Pilot Program in three school districts: Moses Lake, Bainbridge Island, and Oak Harbor. The goal was to demonstrate that by teaching students road safety and mobility skills, they would become more aware of the transportation choices open to them and become safer bicyclists, pedestrians, and transit users.

This pilot project was managed by the BAW via a contract with the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). The curriculum used was modeled after a successful one used by Spokane Public Schools. Demand for the program was great and nearly 800 students participated from the three school districts. Students learned the essentials of safe transportation by bike, foot and transit. Based on comments and evaluation results, traveling by bike was the favorite mode of transportation.

The pilot project wrapped up in 2009 and a report was prepared for the Washington State legislature. Use the links below to view the report:

Parent feedback was very positive. Over 75 percent reported that their child learned to ride their bikes more safely and 25 percent indicated that their child learned to ride a bike through this pilot project. Although 60 percent said they are more comfortable when their child rides a bike, only 20 percent would permit their child to ride a bike to school.

"We're pleased by the response from teachers, staff, and particularly from the parents," said Dave Janis, project manager for the BAW. "The increase in helmet use and other learned safety skills were great to see, and all three school districts are continuing to offer the class in 2010," he added.

The ultimate goal would be to incorporate the curriculum in schools across Washington State, but additional funding is necessary. The Bicycle Alliance intends to work with the state and other potential funds to expand this program to other school districts.

15 December 2009
 More People Commuting by Bicycle in Seattle

Seattle Department of Transportation announced the results of the 2009 Downtown Bicycle Count, which took place on Wednesday, September 16. Volunteers were out on the streets counting cyclists from 6:30 to 9:00 AM at the 29 locations surrounding the downtown core.

December 2009
 Meet Katie Ferguson

Katie Ferguson

Give a big Bike Alliance welcome to AmeriCorps intern Katie Ferguson! Although she doesn't join us in an official capacity until January 2010, Katie has been spending parts of November and December in the BAW office getting to know staff and familiarizing herself with the organization.

Katie's AmeriCorp position will be as Volunteer, Education and Outreach Assistant. Her work will focus on the creation and implementation of a program to recruit, train and retain volunteers.

A Seattle native, Katie earned a BS degree in Technical, Scientific, and Professional Communications from Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Massachusetts. Although she commuted by bike year-round through three Massachusetts winters, Katie hopes she does not have to use her snow biking skills here.

"I applied for the position because I love cycling and have always wanted to work for a nonprofit organization," said Katie, "so this is like a dream come true!"

2 December 2009
 BGT/UW Construction Community Meeting

Sound Transit is hosting a community meeting to review the following topics:

  • UW Station construction activities schedule
  • Temporary Burke Gilman Trail closure
  • Partial closure of Montlake Boulevard
  • UW Station design and the Rainier Vista plan

Meeting Location and Time:

Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2009
6 p.m. - 8 p.m. (presentation begins at 6:30 p.m.)
Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI - McCurdy Gallery)
2700 24th Avenue E
Seattle, WA 98112

More information concerning the University Link project is available at www.soundtransit.org/UWstation or contact: Wilbert Santos, Link Light Rail (Community Outreach Division Sound Transit) 206.370.5516, wilbert.santos@soundtransit.org

November 2009
 Safe Routes to School Comes to Bonney Lake

The Bicycle Alliance of Washington, in partnership with Feet First, is working with the City of Bonney Lake and the Sumner School District on a Safe Routes to School project. The Bonney Lake project includes sidewalk improvements in school zones and biking and walking safety education.

In November, Bike Alliance and Feet First staff provided a day long training on Safe Routes to School at the Sumner School District headquarters to give participants an understanding of how the program works and how to make it successful. Attendees included teachers, school nurses, parents, and other school staff.

This project involves six schools in the district, ranging from grades kindergarten through high school. The BAW will help schools conduct bike audits to identify safe cycling routes for students, offer bike skills training for teachers, organize inspirational and educational bike assemblies featuring author and world cycling traveler Willie Weir, and offer other bike-oriented services.

Safe Routes to School is a national movement to increase the number of students walking and biking to school safely. Program benefits include improving children's health, reducing traffic congestion around schools, and saving money for schools by reducing the need for bus service.

The BAW was instrumental in securing political support for a Safe Routes to School demonstration project in 2004. In 2005, the Governor and state legislature made a long term funding commitment to Safe Routes to School. The BAW and Feet First established the Center for Safe Routes to School in Washington State in 2006 to implement and further develop this successful program. Funding does not come close to meeting the demand for this program.

20 November 2009
 Rumble Strips planned for SR 169 & SR 900

rumble strips and bicyclists

WSDOT plans to install rumble strips on sections of SR 169 and SR 900, with construction to begin Spring 2010. Read their announcement below, and review detailed plans. If you have any comments on the plan, send them in now!

Due to a high occurrence of collisions which include many vehicles running off the road, Washington State Department of Transportation is increasing safety along this road by installing guardrail, centerline and shoulder rumble strips.

Run-off the road collisions are the most common type of collisions reported by Washington State Patrol along this stretch of SR 169 (MP 0.00 to MP 25.26) and SR 900 (MP 5.93 to MP 11.5 & MP 12.50 to MP 21.64). Run-off-the road collisions not only affect other drivers, but also bicyclists and pedestrians on the shoulders. Shoulder rumble strips improve safety by alerting drivers when they are leaving their lane by creating loud noise and vibrations when their wheels touch the rumble strips.

As shown in the shoulder rumble strip detail attachment, there are 3 different shoulder rumble strip patterns that will be used. Pattern 1 will be 12" in width and will be installed inside the shoulder. Pattern 2 will be 6" in width and will also be installed inside the shoulder. Pattern 3 will be 6" in width and will be installed on the edge line. In order to maintain at least 4 feet of useable shoulder, these modified shoulder rumble strips will only be installed on shoulders with a width of 4 feet or greater (5 feet or greater where guardrail exists). We have determined that 28.6 miles of shoulder meet this requirement. All shoulder rumble strips will be installed along both sides of SR 169 & SR 900 shoulders (see attached vicinity map with locations listed).

Construction is scheduled to begin in the Spring of 2010. Attached is the vicinity map along with a detail of the shoulder rumble strip patterns for this project.

If you have any questions or comments, please contact me or Vanessa Ness at nessvn@wsdot.wa.gov (ph: 206-440-4334).

Marisa Chong
Washington State Department of Transportation
Northwest Region
15700 Dayton Ave NE.
Seattle, WA 98133
206-440-4322

November 2009
 Bike Alliance Auction Raises $82K

Thanks to the generous support of our sponsors, donors, attendees and volunteers, the Bicycle Alliance's annual auction raised $82,000 in support of bicycle advocacy and education in Washington State. We are especially grateful to everyone's generosity during these difficult economic times.

Thank you for enActing like you mean it!

Willie Weir holds a live auction item

October 2009
 Skagit County Trail Trestle Damaged in Fire

The Tommy Thompson Trail, a rail grade conversion bike and pedestrian path from March Point to Anacortes was damaged by an arson incident on October 15. Roughly 300' of the 1100' hundred year old trestle was damaged. Marine engineers indicate the trestle can be rebuilt since much of the massive timber structure is still sound.

The trail and trestle are part of the Skagit regional trail system (Route 1) connecting Anacortes to Burlington and Mt. Vernon. The MS 150 Bike Ride in September brought over 2000 cyclists across the trestle.

The Mayor of Anacortes and Samish tribal leaders have kicked off a rebuilding effort and funds are being directed to the Anacortes Park Foundation's special Tommy Thompson Trestle fund. (contributed by John Pope, Michele Pope and Liz McNett Crowl)

Read a news article about the fire at: goskagit.com; view an image of the trestle in better days.

Investigators ask anyone with information about the fire to call a tip line at 360-293-4684.

14 Nov 2009
 Olympia Comprehensive Plan - Imagine Olympia Kick Off

On behalf of the City of Olympia, I would like to invite you to attend the Imagine Olympia Kick Off:

November 14th
1:00-4:00 p.m.
Olympia Center.

This community event is the official launch of our multi- year process to update our city's guiding planning document, the Comprehensive Plan.

We will feature information on past Comprehensive Plans and the process for the update. Additionally, staff and Advisory Committees members will be available to answer questions about the Plan's elements and the public involvement process.

This will be no ordinary meeting! We'll have local musicians, snacks, and plenty of time to mingle with our fellow citizens and staff. We hope you'll join us!

Want more information? You can visit our Comprehensive Plan website, www.imagineolympia.com

Jennifer Kenny, Associate Planner
City of Olympia Community Planning & Development
837 7th Avenue, SE
P.O. Box 1967
Olympia, WA 98507-1967
Tel: 360-753-8031
Fax: 360-753-8087
jkenny@ci.olympia.wa.us

28 Oct 2009
 Bike Advocates needed at QACC Transportation Committee Meeting

Bike Routes and amenities for Queen Anne's Planning Area are on the agenda for the upcoming Queen Anne Community Council Transportation Committee. We need bike advocates at this meeting! We need the committee going on record supporting these improvements!

Wednesday, Oct. 28th at 7pm
QA Community Center
1901 First Ave. W.
Seattle

Susannah Zeveloff from the Cascade Bicycle Club will talk to the Transportation Committee about plans for bringing increased bike programming to Queen Anne next summer. As this is a community-based effort, she will gather feedback on how Queen Anne and Uptown stakeholders perceive biking in the neighborhood. This is an opportunity to revisit the Nickerson Bike Lanes proposals, now on hold, and to discuss the City's failure to make the bike/pedestrian connection for the Lake Washington Ship Canal Trail paralleling Nickerson under the Ballard Bridge to W. Emerson St.

27 Oct 2009
 Burke-Gilman Trail Missing Link Action (and party)

Join other citizens for a quick "flash" action to declare our collective support for completion of the Burke-Gilman Trail Missing Link - from Fred Meyer to the Ballard Locks. Let's demonstrate that the trail is for A L L of us, and that WE ARE THE MISSING LINK! We would be honored to have you stand with us for a silent show of support honoring the trail and the decades of hard work it took to get us to this point.

  • When: Tuesday, October 27, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
  • Where: Shilshole Ave NW at opposite 17th Ave NW, just west of the Ballard Bridge - look for the people with the blinking lights!
  • How: Walk, bike, run, skate, glide
  • What else: B.Y.O."Blinky" red light if you've got one, and bring your bikes, strollers, walkers, wheelchairs, dogs and skateboards.

We'll have cool orange "WE ARE THE MISSING LINK" T-shirts for the first 100 participants (donations accepted).

Join us as well for the after-party nearby at Dutch Bike Seattle, 6:30pm, 4421 Shilshole Ave - just east of the Ballard Bridge. Beer and non-alcoholic drinks will be provided. We will have a grill set up so bring your grillables.

For more information, contact: Kevin, kcarrab@comcast.net and Vic, vic@sustainableballard.org. More info at: sustainableballard.org

Be prepared for inclement weather - rain or shine, we'll be there!

16 Oct 2009
 Bicycle Alliance announces 2010 legislative agenda

Bringing people power to bike issues
Bicycle Alliance announces 2010 legislative agenda
Submitted by Bob Duffy, Bicycle Alliance of Washington Board of Directors member, Legislative Committee Chair, and member of the Capital Bicycling Club in Olympia

The Bicycle Alliance of Washington advocates for bicyclists and a bike-friendly Washington. One way we do this is to work with members of our Legislative Committee each spring to identify needed changes to the laws of our State. The Legislative Committee is composed of representatives from supporting bike clubs and communities from all around the state. Now that the upcoming 2010 bicycling legislative agenda has been developed, we are asking for your help in making the agenda succeed.

Here is the list of the key legislative agenda items we are focusing on this year:

  • Safe Routes to School: Protect funding and make improvements to the program to meet the demand from schools around the state to improve walking and biking conditions and education.
  • Complete Streets: Ensure that roads are designed for all users, tying funding and grants to projects that meet this goal.
  • Texting and cell phones: Make distracted driving a primary offense for which one can be stopped and ticketed. Previous efforts made these secondary offenses.
  • Vulnerable Users: Support Cascade Bicycle Club's push to hold drivers accountable for serious crashes involving cyclists and pedestrians that are caused by driver negligence.
  • Safe Passing: Define 3-feet as the minimum safe passing distance to improve education and enforcement. This refines existing safe passing laws approved thanks to Bicycle Alliance efforts in previous years.

Each year after the State-wide legislative agenda is identified, work shifts to talking to State legislators and public agencies, as well as making contacts with other groups. These groups include bike clubs, Transportation Choices Coalition, Childhood Obesity Prevention Coalition, and Futurewise - all organizations who have supported our legislative efforts in the past.

To keep up to date on our progress in making Washington State more bike-friendly, sign up for free action alerts on the Bicycle Alliance website. We'll also have information posted here as we get bill numbers and more details on legislation that impacts bicycling - pro or con.

Your personal contact with your legislators is especially important. An essential part of making changes to our laws is public input, which simply means folks contacting their elected officials at key moments and asking them to support bike-friendly legislation. We hope bicyclists and healthy communities supporters in every one of our State's 49 legislative districts contact their legislators in support of our legislative agenda before the Legislative session begins in January, and again during the session as our legislative items are debated.

To find out who your legislators are, visit http://apps.leg.wa.gov/districtfinder/.

Also, plan now to come to Olympia in person to attend Transportation Advocacy Day on Thursday, January 28, 2010!

Lastly, if you'd like more information on how to be part of the Bicycle Alliance Legislative Committee, contact: info@bicyclealliance.org.

21 Oct 2009
 Newport Way Trail Opening Ceremony - Issaquah

A ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of the new trail along Newport Way Northwest will be held:

2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Wednesday, 21 October 2009
on the north side of Newport Way NW at NW Oakcrest Drive

The public is invited to join Issaquah Mayor Ava Frisinger in being the first group to use the new trail.

The new trail includes a 12-foot wide paved area with 2-foot gravel shoulders along the north side of Newport Way Northwest and a 3-foot shoulder along the south side of the street. The new trail extends from state Route 900 to Lakemont Boulevard Northwest.

For more information, contact Project Manager Todd Christensen at 425-837-3449.

Oct 2009
 New Bike Route Mapping System for Seattle

Ride the City.com

Now's your chance to give input and feedback on the new bike route mapping website: www.ridethecity.com. It's still in Beta, so they are asking folks to use it to plot routes and then give them feedback on the routes (click "Rate the Route") so they can fine tune and improve the system. Have at it!

14 Oct 2009
 Traffic Justice Summit - Seattle

The Bicycle Alliance is co-sponsoring the Traffic Justice Summit, an event being led by Cascade Bicycle Club:

Wednesday, October 14
5:30pm - 7:30pm
Seattle City Hall
600 4th Avenue
Bertha Knight Landes Room

Each year in Washington State, nearly 500 pedestrians and bicyclists are killed or critically injured by motor vehicles. Almost none of these drivers are ever held accountable.

In the vast majority of cases, these collisions were found to be the direct consequence of moving violations like speeding, driving while texting, talking on the phone, failing to yield the right of way or just not paying attention. A traffic ticket is the worst the driver can expect if they run you over.

Do you think something is wrong with this picture? We do.

It's time to change the law. Come find out how you can be part of the movement to pass Washington State's Vulnerable User Law in January 2010. Hear from your elected officials, prosecuting attorneys, advocates and victims on how this law can help protect vulnerable roadway users.

Have you, as a cyclist or a pedestrian, had a collision with a car? Have you lost a loved one in such a tragic manner? If you'd like to get involved, your help is needed. Your firsthand stories can make all the difference to pass the Vulnerable User Bill.

Contact Cascade to get more involved.

Looking for an older news item or announcement?   Check out our Archived News page.

Newsletters

PDF versions of our quarterly newsletters:

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

Archived News & Announcements

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

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

© Bicycle Alliance of Washington. Contact Webmaster
Website design and implementation by Slivka Consulting