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News & Announcements
5 August 2010
First Thursday at Bicycle Alliance and Bike Port
The Bicycle Alliance will participate in First Thursday in August.
We will be featuring a photo exhibit of work by Bicycle Alliance Members
Carla Gramlich, Susan Hiles and Louise Kornreich.
Thursday, August 5
6 - 8 PM
309A Third Ave S
Seattle
4 August 2010
Bike Ped Bridge Opening: Interurban Trail in Lynnwood
Join us for the Grand Opening of the 44th Ave W & Interurban Trail Pedestrian Bridge:
Wednesday August 4, 2010 at 2 p.m.
Courtyard Marriott Parking Lot
4220 Alderwood Mall Blvd, Lynnwood
The new bridge and connecting trail improves safety for pedestrians and bicyclists, completes the
Interurban Trail in Lynnwood, and provides better access to the Lynnwood Transit Center from the trail.
The bridge crosses 44th Avenue West near Interstate 5.
The west end of the bridge connects to the existing Interurban Trail near the Lynnwood Transit Center.
The east end of the bridge has a new 1500-foot section of trail connecting the bridge to the existing
Interurban Trail at 40th Avenue West. The new pedestrian bridge separates vehicle and pedestrian traffic,
helping to improve safety for everyone. As a part of the project, over 60 new signs have been added to the
Interurban Trail through Lynnwood to enhance safety and way-finding for all users.
29 July & 24 August 2010
Vancouver Draft Bike-Ped Plan Open Houses
A draft plan to improve conditions for riding bikes and walking during the next
20 years will be the topic of two open houses this summer in Vancouver.
Thursday, July 29
6 to 8 p.m. (overviews presented at 6:15 and 7:15)
Moulton Room of Battle Ground Community Center
912 E. Main St., Battle Ground
Tuesday, Aug. 24
6 to 8 p.m. (overviews presented at 6:15 and 7:15)
Conference Room B and C near the main entrance of the Center for Community Health
1601 E. Fourth Plain Blvd., Vancouver
During the open houses, attendees can ask questions and learn about the biking and walking project.
Anyone interested can provide input on:
- How to expand opportunities and improve places for walking and bicycling in Clark County.
- How to connect key destinations.
- Standards for bicycle parking, such as bike racks for short-term use and bike lockers for long-term use.
- Education and outreach strategies to encourage more people to walk and bicycle in Clark County and its six cities.
- Potential matching grants and major financing that target retrofitting streets and roads to accommodate bike lanes and sidewalks.
More information is available on the project website
www.clark.wa.gov/bikeandped
or by contacting Laurie Lebowsky at (360) 397-2280 ext. 4544.
19, 20 & 22 July 2010
Tour de France Alley
Join Tour de France fans for a big screen showing of the alpine stages of this elite event!
Nord Alley is located in Seattle’s historic Pioneer Square district.
July 19, 20 & 22 from 9:30am – 1:30 pm
314 1st Ave S (Nord Alley) between Main and Jackson Streets
Show your support for making Seattle a pedestrian and bike friendly city and cheer your favorite rider.
Sponsored by International Sustainability Institute, Bicycle Alliance of Washington, Bike Works,
Belltown Pull-Apart, Jones and Jones Architects, and Food Lifeline.
13 & 14 July 2010
Spokane Regional Transportation Council Launches Vision Project
Speak up for bicycling, walking and other forms of sustainable transportation by participating in
SRTC’s Visioning Workshop. The workshop is the first step for public input to develop a
transportation investment plan for Spokane County. SRTC is also hosting three
roundtable discussions on specific areas of interest.
Transportation Visioning Workshop:
July 13, 6-9pm
Lincoln Center
1316 N Lincoln Street in Spokane
Transportation Visioning Roundtables:
July 14 at CenterPlace
2426 N Discovery Place in Spokane Valley
10am-noon: Real Estate/Developers/Construction
1-3pm: Freight
6-8pm: Bicycle/Pedestrian
More information at
www.spokanetransportationvision.com.
13 July 2010
Edmonds Complete Streets Organizing Session
Please attend the July 13th Edmonds Complete Streets Organizing Session from
6:00-8:00 pm at the Edmonds Parks and Recreation Building,
Room 302 (700 Main Street in downtown Edmonds).
This important effort is a collaboration of several organizations.
To learn more and RSVP, go to: www.cascadeland.org/events/streets
11 July 2010
Bicycle Commuting Workshop
SDOT, in partnership with Cascade Bicycle Club (CBC), is offering a FREE bicycle workshop to encourage
new bicycle ridership during and after the NE 45th Street viaduct closure. In addition, if you or someone
you know who rides in the area of the viaduct are unable to make it to the workshop, SDOT is offering a
limited number of $50 scholarships toward attending a
CBC class.
If you are interested in the scholarship, please send CBC an e-mail.
- Bicycle workshop : Sunday, July 11 at 9:00 am
At University Village (Barnes and Noble)
Ride with the Bike Brigade!
There are two FREE bike brigades coming up! Please join an experienced rider from the Cascade Bicycle Club as
they guide you through traffic transitioning from the Burke Gilman Trail to the street.
Upcoming workshop and bike brigade dates:
- Bike brigade : Friday, July 9 at 7:30 am
Starting at Counterbalance Bikes (U Village)
-
Bike brigade : Friday, July 16 at 7:30 am
Starting at NE 45th Street and Stone Way
11 July & 22 August 2010
Spokane Summer Parkways
Bring your bike, board, skates, or feet down to Howard Street for a carfree celebration!
Nearly 3 miles of roadway will be closed to vehicles and human-powered activity will rule!
Yoga, hacky sack and martial arts are among the activities offered.
July 11 and August 22
9am – 1pm
summerparkways.com
8 July 2010
New Outreach Initiative Launched : The Outreach Corps
By Katie Ferguson, Americorps volunteer
Back in January, I spent several weeks interviewing volunteer managers at organizations that had exceptional
volunteer programs. I received a great deal of good advice, but a comment from the BTA’s volunteer manager
stuck with me. He said, “Don’t worry about doing a whole bunch of stuff. Focus on doing a few things right.”
That excellent advice has informed my efforts for the last six months or so. Now, after careful preparation,
I’m pleased to announce that the Bicycle Alliance is starting a new outreach effort that relies heavily on
help from members: the Outreach Corps.
The Outreach Corps, based in part on the successful nationwide
Bike Ambassador program and often described as a speakers’ bureau,
is a select group of volunteers who are trained to represent the Bicycle Alliance at events around the state.
Members of the Outreach Corps receive special training on effective tabling and Bicycle Alliance efforts.
They are dispatched in pairs to events such as transportation fairs, workplace giving campaign stops,
green festivals, Bike Expo, the Great Peninsula Future Festival, and
Tour de Fat.
This program, though in its infancy, has the potential to dramatically expand the Bicycle Alliance’s
impact throughout the state. If you love talking to people about bicycling, find initiating conversations
with strangers stimulating, and think you’d be a good representative for the Bicycle Alliance, contact
me at katief@bicyclealliance.org to request an application and schedule an interview.
I’m excited for the change that we can make together.
7 July 2010
Big Win for City of Spokane Valley Bicyclists!
The Broadway Avenue Safety Project which was on the chopping block was kept alive by a 4 to 1 city council vote!
Local advocates moved quickly and made extensive use of electronic media to secure the votes.
The Bicycle Alliance was proud to be a part of this campaign.
June-July 2010
One free month of bicycle parking at the Commuter Connection
The Commuter Connection
at the Bellevue Transit Center is now offering a free one-month trial of
their bicycle parking facilities. Members receive 24/7 access to our secure, indoor bike racks,
a wire mesh lockers for storing gear, and bicycle commuting information and maps.
Send an e-mail or stop by the store to sign up. Just mention offer code “trial” to get one month free bike parking.
The offer expires July 30, 2010 and is subject to availability. $10 refundable deposit required.
29 June 2010
Dexter Ave Project Open House
The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) is planning major changes along
Dexter Avenue N between Mercer Street and Nickerson Street in 2011. Along with repaving the street,
they plan to reposition bike lanes (putting them between the curb and the parked cars), add bus stop
islands, etc.
Tell SDOT you want a safe bicycle facility and ask if this design conforms to best practices in New York
and other places that have cycle tracks.
A diagram of the proposed changes
to Dexter Avenue is included on this SDOT Poster.
PROJECT OPEN HOUSE
Tuesday, June 29th, 2010
4:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Seattle Center
Center House, Conference Room A
You may also email your comments to walkandbike@seattle.gov
or call 206-684-7583
29 June 2010
Take Action Before June 29th Broadway Safety Project Vote!
The June 16th workshop was a huge success and they heard that you want this important project.
The evening of June 29th may be our last chance to make sure the Spokane Valley City Council
votes to proceed with this important project, not suspend or kill it.
This safety project would benefit all road users by extending the new lane configuration on
Broadway from Pines to Park by adding bike lanes and a center turn lane, among other improvements.
The city received a grant to cover 80% of the cost, but killing the project will forfeit the grant.
Grant funding for these improvements may never be available again.
You can take action by attending the June 29th, regular City Council meeting 6:00 p.m. in the
Council Chambers located at 11707 E. Sprague Avenue, Suite 101. You can also contact city council
members via email and telephone before June 29th and let them know you support the project.
Their contact information is at www.spokanevalley.org
Check out the SVBSP Facebook page for more information.
16 & 29 June 2010
The Spokane Valley Broadway Safety Project is in Jeopardy!
The Spokane Valley City Council is expected to suspend or kill the Broadway Safety Project when they vote
on June 29th, so showing your support at these two events (see below) is critical to
demonstrate that the community wants and needs this project!
This safety project would benefit all road users by extending the new lane configuration on
Broadway from Pines to Park by adding bike lanes and a center turn lane, among other improvements.
The city received a grant to cover 80% of the cost, but killing the project will forfeit the grant.
Grant funding for these improvements may never be available again.
Here is how you can take action:
- Attend the City of Spokane Valley Bike & Pedestrian Master Program workshop Wednesday,
June 16, 5:30-7PM in the City Hall Council Chambers at 11707 E Sprague Ave.
- Attend the June 29th, regular City Council meeting 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers
located at 11707 E. Sprague Avenue, Suite 101. You can also contact city council members
via email and telephone and let them know you support the project.
Their contact information is at http://www.spokanevalley.org/
Check out the SVBSP Facebook page for more information.
21 June 2010
Act Now to Support Bike Funding in Vancouver
The Bicycle Alliance has been working with Bike Me! Vancouver, the League of American Bicyclists,
and the Bicycle Transportation Alliance in a campaign to keep Vancouver's bike program moving forward.
We think it is essential the city council find $200,000 of uncommitted funding in the
proposed Transportation Improvement Program for the bicycle program.
Here is where you come in:
Attend the June 21st city council meeting at 7:00 pm in the City Council Chambers, 210 E. 13th St., first floor.
Here is the ask: The city’s draft Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) identifies $200,000
in “presently uncommitted revenue.” Ask them to spend it on bike improvement projects.
Can’t make it for the meeting? Contact your
City Council members
and let them know that funding the Bike Program is a high priority to you.
Keep your message brief and share why this is important to you.
Thank you for taking action!
15 June 2010
Ghost Bikes Film Documentary Project Seeks Support
What are Ghost Bikes:
Every day, in cities all over the globe, cyclists must contend with bad roads,
poor traffic conditions, and dangerous intersections.
Ghost bikes are ways for cyclists to come together as a community and grieve a loss,
while making a quiet statement about their struggle for safe passage.
The Ghost Bikes Film: Portland to London project, by Meaghan Wilbur,
attempts to visually document Ghost Bikes. They are
seeking financial support
to finish the film. Pledges in any amount ($1 minimum) are accepted.
Go to either of these links to view a short film clip from the film (in progress):
24 June 2010
Bike Alliance Hub & Spoke Tour: Vancouver
Join the Bicycle Alliance of Washington for a meet up with Vancouver area cyclists.
We want to hear what’s happening in Vancouver, Battle Ground, Camas and other parts of
Clark County and learn how we might help. We want to share what’s happening in Olympia,
around the state, and around the nation.
Hub & Spoke: Vancouver
Thursday, June 24, 2010 at 5:30pm
Woody’s Tacos*
210 Evergreen Blvd (at the corner of Columbia)
Light appetizers provided. No host bar available.
*Venue changed since The Advocate went to print. This is correct!
RSVP 206.224.9252 x303 or email Louise McGrody.
21-25 June 2010
Vancouver Celebrates Bike to Work Week
Activities include Mock-tails & Hors D’oeuvres off the Bridges, and Bike to Work Day stations.
Check the Vancouver City website
for more details.
(yes, this is a month later than many bike-to-work events, but that's when it's happening in Vancouver!)
7 June 2010
Vancouver Bike Funding in Jeopardy
If you care about biking in Vancouver, please read and take action!
The City of Vancouver is proposing to eliminate funding for its Bike Program.
According to the city’s draft Transportation Improvement Program (TIP),
the City plans to scrap funding for the Bike Program in 2011.
The City’s Pedestrian, ADA, and Traffic Safety programs are also on the chopping block.
Defunding the Bike Program would be a major setback to the progress that Vancouver has made in recent years.
The City was designated a Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists in 2005.
Bike Program accomplishments include:
- Installation of 70+ bike racks and 10 bike lockers
- Building its first on street bike corral in March 2010
- Painted over 30 miles of bike lanes
- Distributed over 20,000 bike maps
If you believe that bike facilities and safety improvements are necessities, not amenities, please take action now!
- Attend the City Council’s meeting on Monday, June 7 at 7PM, in City Council Chambers at 210 E. 13th St., first floor.
There will be an opportunity for public comment. It’s a good idea to prepare your comments in writing.
If you are unable to stay or you do not wish to speak publicly,
you can turn in the written comments for the record.
Here is the ask: The TIP identifies $200,000 in “presently uncommitted revenue.” Ask them to spend it on bike improvement projects.
- Can’t make it for the meeting? Contact Vancouver City Council members and let them know that funding the
Bike Program is a high priority to you. Keep your message brief and share why this is important to you.
- Share this message with other Vancouver cyclists!
Thank you for taking action!
3 June 2010
Alliance Announces New Board President
It was with a heavy heart that the Bicycle Alliance of Washington's Board President, Kristin Kinnamon,
tendered her resignation to the Board's Executive Committee in May. Kristin indicated regret in reporting
that she was torn between her extensive passion and commitment to bicycling and the Bicycle Alliance and
a growing personal need to attend to difficult family health issues out-of-state. Kristin felt that it was in the best interest of the organization for her to resign so that the Bike Alliance could continue to have well-focused leadership in its President.
Under the officer-succession clause in the Alliance's by-laws, Ted Inkley assumes the Presidency.
Ted brings over 12 years of Board member experience and leadership to this role, including a previous term as
President about 10 years ago. When he's not biking, Ted enjoys hiking, cross-country skiing, canoeing and sampling Northwest microbrews. He is also a regular contributor on the Bicycle Alliance blog.
During her 18-month tenure as President, Kristin oversaw a transition of the Bikestation to Bike Port,
moved staff office space adjacent to the Bike Port facility, and welcomed the return of Barbara Culp as
Executive Director. Kristin will remain on the Board and continue to serve on the Executive Committee
as 2nd Vice President.
The Board and staff thank Kristin for her dedication and leadership, and welcome to Ted to his new
role as President.
2 June 2010
Via Tribunali Hosts “5@5” to Raise Funds for Seattle Bike Community
Via Tribunali Neapolitan Pizzeria is partnering with Peroni Beer, The Stranger, Caffe Vita and
The City of Seattle’s Bicycle Program to raise funds for the Seattle biking community.
Each Wednesday for five weeks, beginning May 12, Via Tribunali will open its doors from 5-7PM
to the Seattle cycling community.
Margherita pizzas will be free all $3 purchases of Peroni will be donated to the selected biking group of the week. Each “5@5” will take place at a different Via Tribunali location from 5-7PM.
Dates/Locations:
|
Wed May 12
|
Georgetown, to benefit Bike Works
| |
Wed May 19
|
Capitol Hill, to benefit Garage Cycling Team
| |
Wed May 26
|
Queen Anne, to benefit Cascade Bike Club’s Trips for Kids
| |
Wed June 2
|
Belltown, to benefit the Bicycle Alliance of Washington
5-7PM
5@5 Fundraiser at Via Tribunali
2200 2nd Ave, Belltown at the Crocodile
All Peroni beer sales benefit the Bicycle Alliance of Washington!
| |
Wed June 9
|
Fremont, to benefit The Bikery
|
May 2010
National Bike Month
May is National Bike Month and many communities around Washington State organize events to
encourage people to ride their bikes. Below is a listing of events that we know about.
Tacoma-Pierce County
BikeMonth features a Kid's Health and Safety Fair, Bike Swap, Bike to Work Week Commuter Challenge, and more.
www.piercetrips.com
Snohomish County
Snohomish County Bike to Work includes a Bike to Work Day event, Bike Commute Challenge, and Celebration Rides.
Organized by Community Transit.
www.communitytransit.org
Spokane
Bike to Work Spokane includes a 4-week Commute Challenge, Education Fair, Walk && Roll to School Day, and more.
Full details at www.biketoworkspokane.org.
Bellingham-Whatcom County
everybodyBIKE in Bellingham is organizing a Bike to Work and School Day, and Pedal With Your Politician ride in May.
www.everybodybike.com
King County
Bike Month activities in King County, organized by the Cascade Bicycle Club, include a Commute Challenge,
Bike to Work Day, and Bike to School Day.
www.cbcef.org/btw/
Bainbridge Island
Bike to Work and School Month on Bainbridge Island is kicking off with a Bicycling Celebration organized by
Squeaky Wheels.
www.squeakywheels.org
Thurston County
Thurston County's Bicycle Commuter Contest, which has been held annually since 1988, runs the entire month of May.
More info at www.intercitytransit.com/programs/bicyclecontest/.
Ellensburg-Kittitas County
Bike-2-Work Month activities include the Kittitas County Commuter Challenge,
Bike-2-Work Day free breakfast and bicycle show, and more.
Details at www.kittitasee.net/events/bike2workmonth.html.
Cowlitz County
Cowlitz Bikes is weeklong celebration of bicycling.
Activities include a kick-off event, bike safety checks, bike commuting workshop, and Bike to Work Day events.
Details at www.cowlitzonthemove.org.
Kitsap County
West Sound Cycling Club is organizing a Bike to Work Day station in Bremerton in conjunction with the
larger Bike to Work Day event in King County.
Details at www.westsoundcycling.com.
22 & 25 May 2010
Help count trail users on Burke-Gilman and Sammamish River Trails
Cascade Bicycle Club is coordinating the volunteers to count users of the Burke-Gilman and Sammamish River Trails.
Just three hours on either May 22nd or May 25th is all it takes.
If you are interested in helping with the count, contact:
Tessa Greegor, 206-522-3222.
18 May 2010
Open houses for Bellevue Ped-Bike Project
Residents and others interested in improving pedestrian and bicycle access on 108th Avenue Southeast,
from Bellevue Way to Interstate 90, are invited to a pair of open houses on Tuesday, May 18. To make it convenient
for people to attend, the same information will be presented in morning and evening events:
9 to 11:30 a.m.
Bellevue Christian Church
10808 SE 28th St.
or
3:30 to 6 p.m.
Enatai Elementary School
10615 SE 23rd St.
More info at: City of Bellevue website
14 May 2010
Fish Lake Trail Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Friday, May 14, 2010 at 3PM
Meet at trailhead, Government Way & Milton St in Spokane.
Bring your bike and join in the celebration!
509.625.6200 for more information.
12 May 2010
Bike to Work Month Happy Hour
Join the Bicycle Alliance of Washington for a happy hour celebration of bike commuting!
Enjoy complimentary appetizers and happy hour beverage prices, get tips for biking to work,
and meet other bike commuters.
May 12 2010
Pike Pub & Brewery
1415 1st Ave, Seattle
4:30-6:30 PM
Co-sponsored by the Bicycle Alliance of Washington,
Seattle Children’s Hospital and the Pike Pub & Brewery.
8 May 2010
Bike Works Kids Bike Swap at Genesee Playfield
Volunteer for the Bicycle Alliance at
Bike Works Kids Bike Swap on May 8th from 10AM-4PM at
Genesee Playfield in SE Seattle.
The Bicycle Alliance is proud to be a Gold Level Sponsor of this event where kids can swap
their bikes for bigger ones. We will be there providing information and giving kids safe bike riding tips.
If you are interested in helping, contact Dave Janis at 206.224.9252 Ext. 302, or
Davej@bicyclealliance.org.
Hope to see you there!
4 May 2010
Advancing the Complete Streets Movement in Washington State
In 2004, the Bicycle Alliance of Washington adopted Complete Streets as one of its legislative priorities after Executive Director Barbara Culp attended workshop hosted by the
National Complete Streets Coalition. Complete Streets recognizes that streets are for everyone and should be designed accordingly. Instead of building roads that are meant to move lots of vehicles quickly, Complete Streets calls for considering all users-transit, pedestrian, bikes and wheelchairs, as well as cars.
Although our state has yet to adopt Complete Streets as a policy, local communities have been more willing to embrace it. The City of Kirkland was the first community to adopt Complete Streets, followed by Seattle, Redmond, Issaquah, Tacoma and Spokane. Others may follow soon.
In April, the Bicycle Alliance was a sponsor of and participated in a series of Complete Streets workshops organized by the Washington Coalition for Promoting Physical Activity. Nearly 100 participants representing local jurisdictions, state agencies, public health, transit, biking and walking interests worked on Complete Streets strategies aimed at six communities.
"When the Bicycle Alliance first started talking about Complete Streets, the most common response was 'No way, there's not enough right-of-way!' Now small communities like Freeland and bigger cities like Spokane see the tremendous benefits complete streets for the health of their citizens and the environment," observed Culp, who attended the workshop in Mount Vernon. "The workshops highlighted the growing interest in Complete Streets all across Washington. It was thrilling to see traffic engineers, planners, elected officials and advocates pouring over city maps and planning for a healthy community - together!" she added.
The Bicycle Alliance still wants to put Washington State in the Complete Streets camp. The Alliance was part of a coalition that put forth a Complete Streets bill during the 2010 legislative session and will push for its passage in 2011. The bill would adopt Complete Streets as a statewide policy and create a grant program for local jurisdictions with Complete Streets policies to help with implementation.
Would you like to see your community adopt Complete Streets? Contact Barbara Culp for more information.
The image below shows the Marysville team working on Complete Streets strategies at the April workshop
in Mount Vernon:
Read Kristin Kinnamon's post about Complete Streets on the
Community Transit blog.
26 April 2010
Bicycle Alliance is now on Facebook
The Bicycle Alliance of Washington now has a presence on
Facebook.
22 April 2010
Green Commute Day: Walla Walla
Awards and prizes to businesses, agencies, and schools with the most members getting to
work or school by green modes on Earth Day 2010 (April 22).
Green modes include bike, bus, walking, carpooling and other low-energy transportation.
Turn in a form to your designated rep.
Fare free Valley Transit service all day Thursday!
More info: www.sustainableww.org.
21 April 2010
UW Station: Construction Update Community Meeting
Sound Transit is hosting a community meeting on Wednesday, April 21, 2010.
Attend to learn about the latest on the University of Washington Light Rail station construction
(along Montlake Blvd at Pacific).
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
6–8 p.m. (presentation begins at 6:30 p.m.)
Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI – McCurdy Gallery)
2700 24th Avenue E
Seattle, WA 98112
For more information, contact:
Wilbert Santos, (206) 370-5516 wilbert.santos@soundtransit.org,
or visit:
www.soundtransit.org/UWstation
12 April 2010
Bike Alliance Launches Hub & Spoke Tour in Wenatchee
Barbara Culp, Executive Director, reports:
As your resident optimist I'm delighted to report that an idea germinated last winter in the cold and wet
found sunshine this spring and began blooming in Wenatchee.
Wenatchee was the site of the Bicycle Alliance of Washington's first Hub & Spoke event, in March 2010.
Since then we have been awarded $12,500 from the
Alliance for Biking and Walking
for an Advocacy Advance grant. “Your winning proposal stood out as groundbreaking and achievable,”
declared Jeff Miller, President and CEO of the Alliance.
The ABW particularly liked our idea to tie this statewide outreach effort to the
Transportation Improvement Board (TIB) meetings and its relatively unknown funding source for projects that include bicycling and walking.
The ABW grant will help underwrite our outreach in Wenatchee, Vancouver, Walla Walla, and Everett—all communities where the TIB will meet this year. The initial community gathering, dubbed Bikes & Brew, helps us identify local advocates, partners and stakeholders. We bring attendees up-to-date on our statewide efforts, provide an overview on TIB and other current funding available for bike-ped activities, and have an open discussion with participants on what is needed to improve the cycling climate in their community.
The Bikes & Brew gathering is designed to create the community HUB that the Bicycle Alliance
will work with. We will follow up with a menu of workshops to give create outspoken and
knowledgeable advocates on local and statewide issues. Topics could include Effective Advocacy Techniques,
Complete Streets in Your Community, Biking and Walking Audits, and Safe Routes to School.
The next Hub & Spoke gathering is scheduled for Vancouver in June.
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
6 April 2010
Free (minor) bicycle repair day in Bellevue
Whether you ride a bike to work or just for fun, the
Bellevue Commuter Connection is offering free bicycle repairs
from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, April 6. The repairs, which are first come first serve,
include flat tire repair and minor brake adjustments but do not include parts or overhauls.
The Commuter Connection store is located in the Rider Services Building at the Bellevue Transit Center,
10850 NE 6th Street.
For hours and more information visit the Choose Your Way Bellevue website.
31 March 2010
Webinar to encoure more women to bicycle
The Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals announces:
FREE Webinar March 31: "Writing Women Back into Bicycling: Changing Transportation Culture to Encourage More Women to Cycle More Places More Often"
Celebrate Women's History Month and connect with others interested in healthy, livable,
bicycle-friendly communities!
This free webinar is open to the public.
March 31 from 3:00 pm-4:30 pm Eastern time (12 Noon to 1:30 pm Pacific).
Register at www.apbp.org.
Women and girls are invited to take a survey about bicycle use (or non-use) and barriers to bicycling.
Interim results reported during webinar; final results released after May 15 during National Bike Month.
The Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals
Expertise for sustainable transportation TM
PO Box 93 • Cedarburg, WI • 53012 • www.apbp.org • FAX: 866-720-3611
Other webinars scheduled by APBP:
- Bicycle Parking Best Practices, April 21
- Law Enforcement and Bike/Ped Safety, May 19
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
US Dept of Transportation Secretary announces pro-bike policy changes
During the National Bike Summit, Secretary of the Department of Transportation Ray LaHood
announced major policy changes regarding bicycling. A sampling is shown below:
People across America who value bicycling should have a voice when it comes to transportation planning.
This is the end of favoring motorized transportation at the expense of non-motorized.
We are integrating the needs of bicyclists in federally-funded road projects.
We are discouraging transportation investments that negatively affect cyclists and pedestrians.
And we are encouraging investments that go beyond the minimum requirements and provide facilities
for bicyclists and pedestrians of all ages and abilities.
Read the whole thing at
his official blog.
March 2010
National Bicycle Leadership Award Presented to Senator Patty Murray
Representatives of the Bicycle Alliance of Washington, on behalf of the League of American Bicyclists,
presented Senator Patty Murray with the National Bicycle Leadership award.
The presentation was made at the National Bike Summit in March 2010 in Washington, DC.
Senator Murray was recognized for her efforts to ensure that the Transportation Enhancements funding
set aside was not stricken from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).
There had been some attempts on the Senate side to strip this funding,
which benefits biking and walking projects, out of the bill. Thanks to Senator Murray's leadership, this did not happen.
"Senator Murray is a real champion of bicycle and pedestrian projects," said Barbara Culp,
Executive Director of the Bicycle Alliance. "She understands and appreciates the need for
healthy lifestyles and livable communities."
The League of American Bicyclists recognizes at least one Senator and one Representative
each year with the National Bicycle Leadership award. Representative Daniel Lipinski of
Illinois was the award recipient on the House side.
Senator Patty Murray (second from left) receives her National Bicycle Leadership award during the National Bike Summit.
Dave Janis (far left) and Barbara Culp (second from right) of the Bicycle Alliance, and Larry Leveen of OlyBikes (far right) make the presentation.
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. (they are listening and fixing the errors)
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 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 ...
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
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.
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.
- A turf war over the Burke-Gilman Trail's missing link becomes a standoff - 10 July 2010, Seattle Times
- A Year After Cyclist's Death, Calls for Stiffer Punishment - 2 July 2010, Kitsap Sun
- Bicyclists sue Seattle over crashes on streetcar tracks - 1 June 2010, Seattle Times
- Bike to work with care: Key danger zones - 21 May 2010, Seattle Times
- B We’re Number One? - 19 May 2010, PublicOla
- Bike safety picks up speed - 29 April 2010, Seattle Times
- Bicycle Sundays begin this weekend - 28 April 2010, Seattle Times
- Seattle City Council forms "bike caucus" - 20 April 2010, Seattle Times
- B Eileen Hyatt: Your bike buddy - 17 April 2010, DownToEarthNW.com
- Burke-Gilman ruling stalls 'missing link' - 16 April 2010, Seattle Times
- Why Don’t More Women Ride? - 5 April 2010, PublicOla
- Bicycles and feet moving on up - 23 March 2010, Wenatchee World
- B Bike Issues and Bike Commuting - 23 March 2010, WenatcheeOutdoors.org
- Eastside commuter rail and bike trail could be built fast, some say - 4 February 2010, Seattle Times
- Senate bill targets negligent drivers - 26 January 2010, Seattle Times
- Bikers may load at Seattle bus stops - 14 January 2010, Seattle Times
- Just how boldly will Portland go into bike future? - 22 December 2009, OregonLive.com
- Time For Complete Streets - December 2009, OutThere Monthly
- Time to 'claim the lane' on bike safety - 4 December 2009, Crosscut
- Bellevue plan calls for 80 miles of bike lanes - 2 October 2009, Seattle Times
- Sharrows are a sham solution for bike lanes - 3 September 2009, Crosscut
- Court rejects Seattle traffic law - 18 August 2009, Seattle Times
- Nickels 'kicks the tires' on bike-sharing - 12 August 2009, Seattle P-I
- The Missing Story on the Missing Link: A Legal Analysis of the Burke-Gilman Trail Extension - 7 August 2009, NorthwestHub.org
- Push for pole-less meters has cyclists circling - 17 July 2009, Seattle Times
- Green Bike Project reduces congestion, changes lifestyles - 26 June 2009, Seattle P-I
- B Bicycle Advocacy doesn't just happen - 9 June 2009, examiner.com
- Biking enthusiasts sought for panel - 20 May 2009, Seattle Times
- Power Commute: A reporter's-eye view of Bike to Work Week - 17 May 2009, Daily News (Longview)
- OUR VIEW | Improving Safety for Kitsap Bicyclists - 17 May 2009, Kitsap Sun
- Riders share their rewards for braving elements, traffic - 17 May 2009, Daily News (Longview)
- Seattle getting better for bikes, still needs work, club says - 15 May 2009, Seattle P-I
- Get on your bike, ride; Friday is Bike to Work Day - 15 May 2009, Seattle Times
- Our View: Bike to Work Week shows signs of progress - 12 May 2009, Spokesman-Review
- Seattle bicycling clubs for disadvantaged kids get rolling - 11 May 2009, Seattle Times
- Cycle of Justice: UW Student Turns Craigslist Against Bike Thief - 21 April 2009, The Stranger
- Green light at the end of the bicycle path - 11 April 2009, Seattle Times
- Drivers, bikers, joggers: Can't we all just get along? - 8 April 2009, Seattle Times
- B To pass a bicyclist, bill calls for 3-foot clearance - 17 February 2009, Seattle Times
- Bill would allow insurance to offer pay-as-you-drive plan - 6 February 2009, Seattle Times
- B Repeat Customer [of Bikestation Seattle] - 4 February 2009, The Stranger
- County seeking stimulus funds for Klickitat Trail - 20 January 2009, The Enterprise (White Salmon)
- December's snow remedy wreaking havoc on cyclists - 21 January 2009, Seattle Times
- A Bicycle Evangelist With the Wind Now at His Back - 12 January 2009, New York Times
- Biking should be encouraged, not taxed further to support roads - 13 December 2008, Seattle Times
- New tax law gives bicyclists subsidy - 16 October 2008, Seattle Times
- Bailout bill benefits bicycle commuters - 10 October 2008, Everett Herald
- B State of Washington is the best for bicyclists - 23 September 2008, HeraldNet
- B Everett hopes to become friendlier to bicycles - 13 September 2008, HeraldNet
- Here Come the Bikes - 3 September 2008, Pacific Northwest Inlander.
- Bicyclists can trump cars waiting to turn right - 21 July 2008, Seattle P-I
- 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.
- Cyclists ride on roads their taxes pay for - 16 September 2007, Seattle P-I.
- 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.
- B 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.
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