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

Electronic Newsletters

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

News & Announcements

July 2007
BAW Commuting Program Director Tours Washington

Message from Kent Peterson, Commuting Program Director:

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

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

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

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

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

Kent Peterson

June 2007
SR 520 Bridge Replacement and HOV Project open houses

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

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

Dates and Locations:

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


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

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

June 2007
WSDOT Kicks Off Updated Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1 June 2007
BGT Extension Ground Breaking Celebration

BGT Extension Ground Breaking to be Rescheduled. Stayed tuned.

For more information and directions, please visit the Burke-Gilman Trail project web page or contact Diana Holloway, Project Manager, Seattle Department of Transportation (206) 684-3970 or diana.holloway@seattle.gov.

19 May 2007
Spokane REI Hosts Fish Lake Trail Service Project

On, Saturday, May 19th, from 9am-12pm, REI will host its second annual Fish Lake Trail Service Project. The Fish Lake Trail is part of the Rails to Trails network within the region. This year's project scope will include building a trailhead at Lindeke Street, trimming growth along the trail, proper noxious weed removal, and trail surface maintenance. The trailhead construction will include the installation of a small kiosk. In addition, we plan to have group paint over graffiti in a tunnel near Scribner Road.

Items to bring for the project: water for yourself, work gloves, and one or more of the following: rake, hoe, shovel, pruning shears, and tree trimming hand saw.

Location: Meet at St. Matthews Baptist Church, 2815 W Sunset Blvd. (parking available)
Contact: REI, 509-328-9900 or jhess@rei.com
You may register online at www.gonzaga.edu/fishlaketrail or contact REI at 509-328-9900.

18 May 2007
Last chance to submit comments on Seattle Bike Master Plan!

The deadline for comments will be 5 pm, May 18th, 2007. (comment period has been extended--original deadline was May 4th)
The Full Draft Plan is available at: Draft Bicycle Master Plan.

Send your comments via email to walkandbike@seattle.gov or by phone at 206-684-3902.

18 May 2007
Bike to Work/School Day

May is Bike to Work Month, National Bike to Work Week is May 14-18, and Bike to Work/School Day is Friday May 18th. Bike to Work Day/Bike to School Day is celebrated by rides, events, and acitivities all over the country. Peruse the list below to see what's happening in your part of Washington state:

Whatcom County/Bellingham
The 10th Annual Whatcom County/Bellingham Bike to Work and School Day is Friday, May 18 this year. Hop on your bike as an alternative form of transportation on your way to work or school. Free; no registration required. Celebration Stations throughout the region run by volunteers offer snacks, prizes, giveaways and bike assistance. For more information, contact Margaux Mellott, Whatcom County EverybodyBike Coordinator at (360) 676-6974, margaux@wcog.org; or visit: www.everybodybike.com

Snohomish County
Snohomish County Bike to Work gives first-time bike commuters, die-hard regulars and fair weather cyclists a chance to ride and celebrate together. Visit www.communitytransit.org/go2/biketowork to learn about our Bike to Work Day Celebration Stations the morning of May 18, our Bike to Work and Bike to School Challenges May 18-June 15 and the classes that will help get your ready for those events.

King County/Seattle
Cascade Bicycle Club Education Foundation is coordinating Bike to Work events in the Seattle area for the month of May.

Tacoma
Tacoma's events are listed at cityoftacoma.org.

You can find more events listed on the League of Amerian Bicyclists website

17 May 2007
Attention Walla Walla Cyclists! Ride with the Bicycle Alliance!

Join Bicycle Alliance of Washington board chair, Ralph Wessels, members of the Transportation Improvement Board (they make decisions on funding bicycle projects!), and local cycling advocates on a social ride in Walla Walla. The ride is scheduled for Thursday, May 17 at 6:00 pm and will depart from Best Western Walla Walla Suites Inn at 7 E Oak Street. Riders will return to the start point by 8 pm. Hungry cyclists can also join Ralph for dinner at a nearby eatery afterward.

As a board member of the Bicycle Alliance and member of the TIB, Ralph is anxious to meet local cyclists and hear what they have to say about cycling conditions in the Walla Walla region. Don't be afraid to share the good, the bad and ugly with him!

Thursday, May 17, 2007
6:00-8:00 pm
Best Western Walla Walla Suites Inn
7 E Oak Street in Walla Walla

For more information, contact Louise McGrody.

16 May 2007
Ride of Silence

Join cyclists worldwide in a silent slow-paced ride (max. 12 mph/19.3 kph) in honor of those who have been injured or killed while cycling on public roadways.

So far, rides have been planned for Everett, Tacoma, Olympia, Spokane, Walla Walla, and Seattle [note: Seattle ride starts at 6:30pm]. Last year, there were at least 8 rides in Washington State (over 700 riders participated in Seattle alone). For up-to-date ride locations and contact info, check the www.rideofsilence.org website.

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

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

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

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

12 May 2007
Chief Sealth Trail Grand Opening Celebration

The Chief Sealth Trail (CST) is a new multi-purpose trial in southeast Seattle. It will be the City's newest addition to the Regional Trails Systemand will provide connections to the Mountains to Sound Greenway (via bike routes/lanes north of Beacon Avenue), and Sound Transit light rail stations along Martin Luther King Jr. Way (MLK).

To learn more, please contact Katherine Bush at katherine.bush@seattle.gov or 206-233-1084.

May 2007
New Safe Routes to School website

The Bicycle Alliance of Washington and Feet First have partnered to form the Center for Safe Routes to School in Washington State which is funded by a Transportation Enhancements grant from the Washington State Department of Transportation. The combined efforts of the organizations will provide extensive resources and assistance to communities and schools around Washington. Check out the new Safe Routes website for more information.

3 May 2007
Achieving a Bicycle-Friendly Yakima

Join representatives of the Yakima Valley Bicycle-Pedestrian Network and the Bicycle Alliance of Washington in a brainstorm and discussion of how to create a bicycle-friendly Yakima Valley.

Thursday, May 3, 2007
6:30-8:30 pm
Harman Senior Center
101 North 65th Avenue in Yakima
(Southeast corner of Summitview Ave & North 65th)

For more information, contact Louise McGrody.

26 April 2007
Mountain Biking the Great Divide

Thursday 4/26/2007 7:00 PM

2490 miles. Solo. Self-supported. The ultimate mountain biking adventure. Less than ten people each year participate in the Great Divide Race, but even fewer have completed it on a single speed mountain bike--here's your chance to hear the story first-hand from one of those adventurers.

REI & the Bike Alliance of Washington are excited to welcome Kent Peterson, who currently holds the record for a single-speed finish of the GDR. Join us for an exciting look at this ultra-endurance mountain bike race through stories, images, and tips on touring this beautiful wilderness route.

This event is FREE, but donations to the Bike Alliance of Washington will gladly be accepted.

Location: Seattle REI, 222 Yale Ave N
Contact: 206-223-1944

See you there!

16 April 2007
Susie Stephens Memorial Ride Apr 16th

Join the Bicycle Alliance of Washington as we celebrate Susie Stephens' life with a short ride on city streets, bicycle trails and of course, tip back a "brew" in her memory. As a bicycle advocate and former Executive Director of the Alliance, it was Susie's personal mission to use her skills and strengths to create healthy communities. So long as we learn, change and grow, her passion and mission continues in us.

Join the celebration of a vibrant individual.

Bob Myrick, of the Tacoma Wheelmen Bicycle Club, adds these words of remembrance:

I can't be there, but I will be thinking of you. I have Susie's titanium Airborne touring bike in my dining room. It has been to New Zealand where some remaining portion of her ashes were scattered in the Bay of Islands. It has also traveled to Sun Valley, Idaho over Old Man Pass down south of Mt. Adams.

I also have Sue Gygax's Bridgestone XO 3 touring bike. It has been re-painted, tuned up and taken a few trips around Tacoma. It is a sweet ride and will get mountain bike tires and do some back roads in Washington, maybe New Zealand, too.

Both of these ladies have their names attached to the Bicycle Safety Fund at the Greater Tacoma Community Foundation. I call it the Sue and Susie Fund. Proceeds are directed every year, forever, to the Bicycle Alliance of Washington. You can even have a charitable gift annuity established to fund your retirement. After you join Sue and Susie, the proceeds from your annuity can be directed to the Fund.

Susie Stephens, April 16, 1965 — March 21, 2002
[Info about Susie's "accident"]

April 2007
Seattle Bike Master Plan Event April 4th

Join Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels to celebrate the release of the City of Seattle's Draft Bicycle Master Plan! The City-hosted event takes place on Wednesday April 4th at 10:00AM at Sturgus Park (904 Sturgus Ave S) which is located by the Jose P. Rizal Bridge near 12th Ave. S and I-90. A big turnout is important as a way of saying thanks and showing support for bicycling facilities and bicycling as a transportation option.

For more information contact Pete Lagerwey at 206-684-5108.

March 2007
Bike Alliance coming to Yakima! - March 22nd

Join members of the Transportation Improvement Board (they make decisions on funding bicycle projects!) on a social ride in Yakima. The ride is scheduled for Thursday, March 22 at 6:00 pm and will depart from Oxford Suites, 1701 E Yakima Avenue. Riders will return to the start point by 7:45 pm. Interested cyclists can also join members for dinner at a nearby eatery afterward.

Ralph Wessels, Board Chair of the Bicycle Alliance of Washington and member of the TIB, will be on the ride. Ralph is anxious to meet local cyclists and hear what they have to say about cycling conditions in the Yakima Valley. Don't be afraid to share the good, the bad and the ugly with him!

March 2007
Bike Buddy Commute Consulting

Are you looking for advice about commuting by bicycle? The Bicycle Alliance of Washington has the resources you need to select a route and learn the basics of riding in traffic. The Alliance can also help you select a bike and learn basic repair skills.

Every Friday afternoon in March, April and May from 1:00 to 5:00 PM, Kent Peterson, the Bicycle Alliance Commute Program Director, will answer any and all commuting questions at the Seattle Bike Station, 311 3rd Avenue South.. Stop by to chat, get a bike map, learn how to fix a flat tire and learn more about commuting in the Puget Sound area.

Get lots more info on bicycling for transportation on our Transportation & Commuting page. For bike commute advice anytime, call the Bicycle Alliance at 206-224-9252 or email bikebuddy@bicyclealliance.org

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

• How Valet Parking Could Save the Planet - 24 May 2007, TIME Magazine.
• 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