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

News & Announcements

7 September 2008
Spokefest - Sept 7, 2008, Riverfront Park - Spokane

Spokefest, a project of the Spokane Bicycle Advisory Board, is a celebration of cycling! This event features a one-mile fun ride for kids and a 21-mile river loop. Finish line includes music, cycling expo and health fair.

Volunteers are also needed for this event.

To register, volunteer, or to learn more about Spokefest, go to: www.spokefest.org

Bike Swap at Spokefest

Looking for a bargain on cycling gear, components or accessories? Check out the Bike Swap at Spokefest on September 7. Organized by the Bicycle Alliance of Washington, the swap will run from 9:30am to 1pm. Come early for the best selection!

A limited amount of table space is available to individuals, cycling clubs and bike groups that want to participate in the Bike Swap. A half table space is $15 and full table is $25. To secure a spot for your club or yourself, contact Louise McGrody at 206.224.9252 ext. 303 or via email at louisemc@bicyclealliance.org.

Sept 2008
Lynnwood Needs Show of Support for New Bike Lanes

The City of Lynnwood intends to re-stripe several arterial streets and add bike lanes this fall. The city has received grants to cover the cost of the re-striping and notified area residents and businesses about the plans, which involves the loss of on-street parking.

However, last-minute opposition to the plans has emerged and there is an attempt to prevent the project from proceeding. Final city council decisions on the re-striping are coming up. It's important to show your support for these bike-lane improvements by turning up at two upcoming city council meetings and testifying. You can also contact Lynnwood city council members and let them know your position:

Where:	Lynnwood City Hall Map 19100 44th Ave W., Lynnwood
When:	September 3, 7pm - first hearing September 8, 7pm - final decision

2-5 September 2008
PRO WALK/PRO BIKE 08: 2-5 September 2008 Seattle

Transforming Communities - PRO WALK/PRO BIKE 08: 2-5 September 2008 Seattle

Hundreds of people dedicated to achieving more active walkable and bikable communities are coming to Seattle the week after Labor Day to see and hear about the great progress the Puget Sound region has made creating healthier active communities.

Join bicycle, pedestrian, active living and climate change advocates, elected and appointed officials, bike/ped specialists, transportation experts, land-use planners, safe routes to school coordinators, public health practitioners, and many more who want to make our cities and communities more walkable and bicycle-friendly places. The 15th biennial Pro Walk/Pro Bike Conference is coming to the Pacific Northwest September 2-5, 2008.

The Westin Seattle Hotel will be the headquarters for the event, but there will be ample opportunities to get out and see first-hand examples of great facilities and programs that are making Seattle and the Puget Sound a model city and region for the role of bicycling and walking in 21st century communities.

To learn more about this dynamic and comprehensive conference, visit the National Center for Biking and Walking website. Conference registration is on-line now and you can save $50-100 if you register by August 1st, so don't miss out!

7 August 2008
Mukilteo Bike-Ped Plan Meeting

Mukilteo is currently working on a draft Bicycle, Pedestrian and Trails Plan, which is intended to detail future proposed pedestrian and bicycle trails and paths. The plan will serve as the guiding document for future trail development within the City and for creating connectivity to trail systems outside the City limits. The plan will establish locations and standards for trail construction.

Interested parties are invited to attend and offer testimony at the Parks and Arts Commission Public Hearing

• 7:00 p.m. Thursday, August 7
• City Hall in the Council Chambers
• 4480 Chennault Beach Rd., Mukilteo

You can view the draft plan and maps online. For more information about the plan or to submit comments, contact Assistant Planner Jamie Theuer at (425) 355-4141 ext. 300 or jtheuer@ci.mukilteo.wa.us.

2 August 2008
Irreverent Tour de Fat draws crowd to Seattle park

Tour de Fat, New Belgium's traveling vaudeville show promoting bicycling and sustainability proved a big hit at Gasworks Park in Seattle August 2. With the emphasis on fun, New Belgium's master of ceremony, the self-styled Rev Ballyhoo (aka Chris Winn) revved a show high on drama and low on seriousness as he preached riding bikes, driving less and not owning a car.

Spicing up the day-long celebration were bands, a parade and bike ride, and performance, including a campy all-women dance act named The Sprockettes, whose members combined synchronized movements on small-wheeled bikes and baton-twirling to hoots from the crowd. About 200 people participated in the parade - many dressed in costumes - westward on the Burke-Gilman Trail: some rode all the way to its end at Golden Gardens on the shores of Puget Sound.

Sales from beer at the event raised over $7000 for the advocacy programs at the Bicycle Alliance of Washington. Bike Works was the co-beneficiary of the event and raised money from sales of t-shirts, caps, and other cool schwag.

View more photos of the fun at Jeff Whitton's Photo Album on Flickr.

July-August 2008
North Creek Trail in Bothell closed under highway 522 for a month

WSDOT issued the following notice July 25th (several days AFTER the closure):

The North Creek Trail is closed for approximately 30 days from just north of SR 522 on the UW college campus to immediately south of the SR 522 overpass where it meets with the Sammamish River Trail.

The closure is necessary because active construction equipment and falling steel debris could pose a safety risk for trail users at that location as crews begin work to widen SR 522 bridges near the UW Bothell/Cascadia Community College Campuses.

We have posted detour maps at major trail entrances near the work zone. There are also detour signs directing bicyclists and pedestrians to use 102nd Avenue NE to Beardslee Boulevard in Bothell. This work is part of the SR 522 UW Bothell/Cascadia Community College South Campus Access project .

Find more info about this project at the WSDOT website.

July-August 2008
I-90 trail narrowed between Bellevue and Mercer Island

WSDOT issued the following notice July 25th:

The section of the I-90 trail which spans the East Channel Bridge, between Bellevue and Mercer Island, has been narrowed in preparation for demolishing the existing barrier and replacing it with a new barrier and lighting. The new lighting will give trail users greater visibility at night and early mornings.

The original construction plan called for 30 minute closures during construction but we felt that narrowing the path would better serve the growing number of cyclists and pedestrians that use the path each day. We hope to restore the path to its original configuration by mid-August. This work is part of the WSDOT and Sound Transit I-90 Two Way and HOV Operations project.

Find more info about this project at the WSDOT website.

28 July 2008
Introductory Membership Offer in Pierce County

Nine bike stores in Pierce County and one in Federal Way are offering free Bicycle Alliance of Washington memberships when a new bike is purchased. The offer is good for anyone buying a new bike who has not previously been a member of the BAW. (Sorry, doesn't apply to lapsed or those who are currently members.) If you are already a member, pass on the news to friends you ride with and tell them that they too can add their voice to the chorus of bicycle advocates working to improve cycling conditions in Washington State. New bike buyers should ask for a membership packet from the sales person at any of the following stores which have partnered for this promotion:

• Bike Tech in Lakewood, Puyallup, and Tacoma
• Black Diamond Bike & Backcountry in Black Diamond
• Bonney Lake Bicycle Shop of Sumner in Sumner
• Old Town Bicycle in Gig Harbor and Tacoma
• Phil's South Side Cyclery in Federal Way
• Spoke & Sprocket in University Place
• Trailside Cyclery in Orting

1 Aug 2008
Tell King County to go ahead with Burke-Gilman Trail Improvements

King County Facilities Management Division issued the Burke-Gilman Trail Redevelopment Project Final Environmental Impact Statement on July 2, 2008. The proposed changes apply to the Burke-Gilman Trail through Lake Forest Park, between NE 145th Street and Log Boom Park.

Tell the County you want them to implement the proposed improvements to the trail which would widen the trail, improve traffic controls, increase sight distances, and generally bring the trail up to standards. Comments are due August 1st.

Find more information about the Burke-Gilman Trail at the King County Parks website.

15 July 2008
Cooper's Corner opens in Tri-Cities

The Tri-Cities recently held a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of Cooper's Corner in the Columbia Center Mall. Cooper's Corner is an educational interactive bicycle and pedestrian safety exhibit for children. The exhibit will be managed by the Kennewick Police Department and staffed by volunteers. Cooper's Corner is a joint project of the Benton Franklin Traffic Safety Task Force, Benton Franklin Safe Kids Coalition, and the Washington Traffic Safety Commission.

This is the second such facility to be built in Washington State. The first Cooper's Corner resides in Spokane and is named in honor of Cooper Jones, a young Spokane cyclist who was hit and killed by a motorist during a sanctioned road race.

June-July 2008
Eastside (BNSF) Rail Corridor Open Houses

The Port of Seattle is holding several informational open houses on the Eastside Rail Corridor. The Port recently acquired a 42-mile rail corridor from Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad, extending from the community of Snohomish and traveling south through Eastside cities to Renton. The Bicycle Alliance has long advocated for a trail in this corridor when it became available and we believe that rail with trail dual use is possible and appropriate. A corridor trail could make connections to the Centennial Trail, Burke-Gilman and Sammamish River Trails, the I-90 Trail, and numerous regional bike routes.

Please attend an open house to learn more about this project and voice your support for including a trail in the corridor.

Wednesday, June 25, 7 - 9 pm
Newport High School Commons
4333 Factoria Blvd SE in Bellevue


Wednesday, July 9, 7 - 9 pm
Kirkland City Hall, Peter Kirk Room
123 Fifth Ave in Kirkland


Thursday, July 10, 7 - 9 pm
Kennydale Elementary School Cafeteria
1700 NE 28th in Renton

28 June 2008
Kenmore Burke-Gilman Trail Re-opening and Ground-breaking

Join the City of Kenmore as we celebrate the grand re-opening of the Burke-Gilman Trail and break ground on the next phase of SR 522 construction.

Saturday, June 28, 2008
10:30 to Noon
Kenmore Community Club
7304 NE 175th St.

Bring your bikes, strollers and walking shoes to try out the new 73rd Ave. NE underpass.
Activities also include decorating bikes at the City of Kenmore booth and getting a bike tune-up from an REI mechanic.
Light refreshments will be provided.

A special thank you to participating organizations:

• Bothell Ski & Bike
• Cascade Bicycle Club
• Kenmore Community Club
• King County Parks
• REI
• Safeway
• Starbucks
• Washington Health Foundation

For more information, view the event poster or visit the project Web site: www.KenmoreSR522.com, or contact 425-361-6300 or info@KenmoreSR522.com.

2 June 2008
Pierce County Bike Maps Available Again!

An updated version of the Pierce County bike map is now available. To find out where you can pick up a copy of the map, go to: Pierce County website

June 2008
Comment on Tukwila's Walk & Roll Plan!

The City of Tukwila's Draft Walk & Roll Plan is online and ready for your review! In the coming weeks, the Draft Walk & Roll Plan will be under review by the public, to include a public hearing before the Tukwila City Council. Prior to City Council adoption of the plan, we would like your input for changes to the Draft Walk & Roll Plan to make it a better guide for use in figuring out how and where new pedestrian and bicycle facilities should be built. Please submit your comments by email or in writing by June 9, 2008.

The Draft Walk & Roll Plan can be accessed on the City of Tukwila website by clicking on the following link: www.ci.tukwila.wa.us/dcd/walkandroll.html

21 May 2008
Give Your Car the Summer Off!

Press Conference to kick-off Give Your Car the Summer Off

When: Wednesday, May 21st
Time: 10:00am to 11:00am
Location: 2119 Rainier Avenue South (Corner of Rainier, Hill and 23rd Ave)

We're trying to get bicyclists to attend, so ride on down!

16 May 2008
Pedal Power Q&A

Along with Cascade Bicyle Club's Chris Cameron, BAW Commute Director Every Day answers questions from prospective bike commuters on a live chat (Noon May 16th) sponsored by the Seattle Times.

Missed it? You can read the Questions and Answers archived on the Seattle Times website.

16 May 2008
Bike to Work Spokane a Huge Success!

For the first time since 1992, there has been a Bike to Work event in Spokane. The Bicycle Alliance of Washington and the Spokane Bicycle Advisory Board partnered to put on Bike to Work Spokane, May 12-16. Over 800 cyclists registered to participate in this week long celebration of bicycling. Mayor Mary Verner biked to work and joined celebrants at the kick-off rally in Riverfront Park. Go to www.biketoworkspokane.org for additional details.

8 May 2008
Washington State looking for new Bicycle-Pedestrian Coordinator

WSDOT is seeking a talented senior-level planner or designer to assume a leadership role as the State Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator.

Job Description, application details at WSDOT website.

12 May 2008
Port agrees to buy rail line - trail is part of plan

Port of Seattle commissioners voted May 12 to purchase the 42-mile BNSF rail corridor in King County. With that vote and an earlier vote by King County Council members, the future of the rail corridor as a public asset is assured. That's good news for trail advocates, including BAW members who have actively campaigned to convert the abandoned line into a trail.

The agreement involving the port and county is to explore dual use - trail and rail over 32 miles of the route: the remainder - between Woodinville and Snohomish - will be retained for freight rail service. The Port of Seattle is using its tax levy funds to pay the railroad $107 Million. King County is paying $2 million for a trail easement.

The port is planning a public hearing on the future of the trail - likely to take place in June. A study to examine the feasibility of passenger rail service in the corridor is to be completed by Puget Sound Regional Council and Sound Transit by the end of this year. The purchase also has to obtain approval by the US Surface Transportation Board to qualify the line for rail-banking. This allows an interim trail to be built pending a potential future rail use.

King County Council and the port are expected to reach agreement on trail plans for the route in the fall of 2009. Watch the BAW web site for news of upcoming public hearings and meetings as the port and county make decisions on the future of the route.

More details in articles in the Seattle Times and Seattle P-I.

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
• Tri-Cities Commute Challenge

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.

14 April 2008
Welcome Our New Commute Director: Every Day

Every Day started as the Bicycle Alliance of Washington's new Commute Director April 14th. Every moved up to the Seattle area from Portland last year. She has worked in transportation-based non-profit organizations and has been an avid bicycle commuter since coming to the Northwest in 2001.

Feel free to stop by and introduce yourself.

April 2008
Tell Olympic National Park NOT to ban bicyclists!

Hurricane Ridge Road inside Olympic National Park is a popular summer destination for bicyclists who like the challenge of a 17-mile road rising from virtually sea level to 5420-feet. Park managers have been planning to repave the road for several years and Congress has provided $12.7 Million to repave and repair 12 miles. The road recently sustained storm damage.

Citing "safety," the park is planning to ban bicyclists for the entire two year duration of the road repairs. The road will remain open to all other vehicle traffic, including motorcycles.

We believe that this is an unnecessary exclusion of bicyclists on what is a federally funded road open to all other forms of traffic.

Write to your members of Congress and interim park superintendent Sue McGill and let them know that the proposed ban is totally unacceptable [contact info listed below]. Request that McGill meet directly with the Bicycle Alliance and other bicycle groups to reach an improved solution.

Key points to raise:

• Hurricane Ridge Road is a popular destination for bicyclists
• Bicyclists who ride this road tend to be very experienced, fit riders
• The road will remain open to all other vehicle traffic
• State, county and city governments in Washington manage to accommodate bicyclists during reconstruction projects without any problems
• No construction work will take place at weekends, but the ban is to remain in place then too
• Olympic National Park did not contact a single bicycle group in its out-reach efforts, even though bicyclists are the most affected users
• Contractors routinely deal with bicyclists on other road projects - this project is no more a safety issue than other road works.

• Senator Patty Murray
• Senator Maria Cantwell

Olympic National Park
Sue McGill, Superintendent
Olympic National Park
600 E. Park Avenue
Port Angeles, WA 98362
sue_mcgill@nps.gov

Background on the issue is available in this Peninsula Daily News Article

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

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.

• Deadly tension on the roads — cars vs. bikes - 18 July 2008, MSNBC.
• Driving less pays off - 18 July 2008, Spokesman Review.
• Gearing up for Bikes - 17 July 2008, Spokesman Review.
• First Person: Pedaling allows for freedom of movement - 13 July 2008, Seattle P-I.
• Chinese pedal through car boom - 7 July 2008, Seattle Times [AP].
• More commuters pedaling to work - 6 July 2008, Seattle Times.
• Puget Sound-area commuters are getting creative to avoid rising gas prices - 1 July 2008, Seattle P-I.
• Seattle anticipates more "car-free days" - 27 June 2008, Seattle Times.
• Danger in the bike lane - 4 February 2008, Seattle Times.
• 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