2005

In 2005 BAW Life Member Don Martin proposed that the Bicycle Alliance of Washington develop a specialty license plate through the State Department of Licensing that would promote bicycling, produce revenue to support bicycle safety and education, and bear the message "Share the Road." A widespread effort ensued to collect signatures on a petition, design a graphic image, enlist the support of local legislators, and finally make this vision a reality.

2006

Share the Road license plates went on sale January 1, 2006. After an initial start-up period, BAW began receiving revenue of $28 for each plate purchased or renewed.

Each year license plate revenue has helped to finance safety and education programs, including Safe Routes to School and Bike Buddy.

This revenue also enabled BAW to launch the "Get Lit" program, distributing bicycle headlights and tail lights free of charge to low-income bicyclists. BAW member John Duggan also contributed funding toward this program. "Get Lit" has been popular and successful, with efforts focused primarily in the Seattle area. In 2009-2010 we plan to take the program statewide, made possible through license plate revenue.

2007

BAW partnered with Department of Licensing to create one-page flyers bearing Share the Road Rules for Motorists and Pedestrians, and Share the Road DVDs for distribution to driver education programs around Washington state.

Bicycling jersey based on the Share the Road license plate is produced and available for purchase.

2008

Activities made possible in 2008 include participation in the Washington Traffic Safety Education Association conference in Tacoma. The majority of WTSEA members are driver education instructors, thus our participation in this conference is highly strategic.

License plate revenue supported commute workshops conducted by BAW staff. BAW was also able to provide bicycling information and education at public fairs, community events, trainings and conferences.

2009

BAW staff and volunteers participated in the Washington Traffic Safety Education Association conference in Everett and conducted a workshop on the bicycle awareness curriculum.

This year we will continue to apply license plate revenue to implement the Safe Routes to School education program.

In cooperation with the Department of Licensing we will produce 2-sided flyers with Share the Road Rules for Motorists on one side, and a companion Share the Road Rules for Bicyclists on the flip side. We continue to distribute these flyers at public events, and provide Share the Road DVDs and flyers to driver education programs throughout the state.

We continue to work with the Department of Licensing and Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction to ensure that the bicycle and pedestrian awareness curriculum is taught in all driver education classes.

Note: Earlier attempts to develop a Share the Road plate resulted in the Cooper Jones/Share the Road license plate emblems in 2003. These emblems are still available through the State of Washington.