It's been a short, sweet ride

This is the last post from regular contributor Alexa Heidrich, who has returned to Portland.  We will miss her energy and enthusiasm.  Thanks, Alexa!

That's me in the red freezing on the Seattle Neighborhood Greenways ride with Elly Blue during Bike Expo.  Elly appears to be handling the wind better than me.

Well Bicycle Alliance blog readers, it’s been short but sweet.  My one year anniversary in Seattle was quickly approaching when I was offered an opportunity to relocate back to Portland.  I will miss Seattle, the people I’ve met and experiences I’ve had, especially with bike and pedestrian advocacy.  (In addition to Off the Rez, the roaming Native American food cart that everyone in Seattle should find.)  I am keeping the door open to return, and think there is such a great community spirit up here in the Puget Sound region. I cannot endorse more the unique grassroots Greenways movement which I feel lucky to have been a small part of, and which continues to gain traction with City Hall and the Department of Transportation.  I look forward to continuing my advocacy efforts in Portland, even though I suspect it will have a slightly different flavor.  Already on my ‘commute’ to work I’ve encountered 8am rush hour bike traffic on the Broadway Bridge! 

Happy pedaling, and I wish you all happy National Bike Month!

Here’s some fellow bikers on our way home. 

Photo credit: John Maus

Volunteer Spotlight: Jim Hunt

Let me introduce you to Jim Hunt. He’s a Bicycle Alliance volunteer and stalwart biker—wait until you read about his graveyard commute! He also gives a technical set-up preference for getting around the Seattle topography, and tips for getting comfortable on a bike again!
 
Thanks for your time Jim, and happy trails out there!
 
What is your first memory of biking? 

As a child, bicycling through the woods and crossing a small creek.  I had to go through at just the right speed – too fast and you would not be able to handle traversing the creek bed and if too slow you would get stuck in the creek.

What roles have you filled as volunteer for the Bicycle Alliance over the years?  

A few monthly work parties, a few Fat Tire beer festival events, a couple of auctions, some office work, and assistance with the strategic planning summit.

When and how did you become involved with the Bicycle Alliance?

In 2004 after I was unemployed I was interested in meeting some new folks and helping out.  Bicycle advocacy for me has involved attending city transportation committee meetings, volunteering for bike/ped annual counts and stopping on my commute to move a fallen tree branch out of the bicycle path.  I try to say hello to folks on my morning commute and try to stay calm with motorist.

What is your favorite ride, in the Seattle region or elsewhere?

Fall City to North Bend area with a stop at George’s Bakery for lunch.

What are you riding these days?

To and from work – started a new job on the graveyard shift and have yet to find many folks interested in riding together after midnight.

What is your winter riding gear set-up?

Light & Motion Seca 800 front light, DiNotte 120r back lite, a safety vest from Western Safety Products and an old Burly rain cape and gators.  Fenders, rack and panniers to carry lunch and rain gear when not in use.

What is your strategy for tackling the topography of the region? 

A modified front triple crank with a 26t small chain ring and mountain rear cassette with a 32 tooth cog that allows me to spin up most hills.

How does biking improve your quality of life? 

I enjoy the exercise, seeing other folks out running, walking the dog or pushing baby strollers.  It is nice to see the seasons change and observe what trees and plants are blooming.  If I am lucky, I will see a bald eagle in the Juanita Marsh park area.

Lastly, any tips for people who may be tentative in dusting off that old bike in the garage? 

Load the bike up in the car (if necessary) and head down to the Burke Gilman or Sammamish River Trails after work on a nice spring or summer relaxing ride.  Turn around before you get tired.  When starting out try to pedal into the wind, if it is windy.  Don’t overdo it and practice shifting and braking. Before tackling the city streets read Bicycling Street Smarts at www.bikexprt.com.  Some air in the tires always helps.

I agree Jim! Thanks so much for your dedication to integrating biking into your everyday life. If you too are interested in volunteering with the Bicycle Alliance, visit our website to get involved! 

USBRS: Inspired to Get Involved

Thanks to intern Scott Chilberg for preparing this post.

Portions of SR 20 may become part of the USBRS.

The reasons behind Bicycle Alliance of Washington's support of the US Bike Route System (USBRS) are obvious. USBRS’s astounding and seemingly idealistic mission, to create an interstate bike highway connecting urban centers with some of the country’s most idyllic natural environments, would be a dream come true for many of our state’s avid bicyclists. Even more impressive is the progress that’s been made toward achieving that dream; over 40 states are currently working on the project with several more in the works. 

So, with this clear alignment of interests, it was only natural that the Bicycle Alliance would agree to partner with Adventure Cycling Association to create US Bike Routes in Washington.  With the support of Washington State Department of Transportation, it was decided to tackle a cross-state northern route first.

Several of our individual members, however, have extended their involvement with USBRS beyond the professional realm, and their reasons for doing so are, as stated by Bicycle Alliance Executive Director and soon-to-be USBRS volunteer Barb Culp, “purely selfish.”

“Washington is a great place to bicycle, with diverse climates and breathtaking views,” said Barb. “My husband Andy and I want to both explore the state from the seat of our bikes, and then share  our experiences so that others will see the state in a new way.  The cool thing about the USBRS is that we’ll be able to keep right on riding into Idaho on the bike route system, or down the coast into Oregon.  Eventually we’ll be able to follow signed routes all over the country just like we did in Scotland.  We rode for days just following the signs.”

Barb celebrates the fact that the US Bike Route System will focus on a 50 mile swatch on either side of the road, “thereby giving the bicyclist a reason to explore off the beaten path and visit the sights and communities along the way.”

Bicycle Alliance Board Member John Pope, of Anacortes, has also committed his personal time to assist with the US Bike Route Project. John first came into contact with USBRS in the 1990s while doing bike map work with the Skagit Council of Governments’ non-motorized advisory committee, and was thrilled when the idea was rekindled and the Bicycle Alliance pledged their involvement in the past few years.

“I love the back-roads of Washington and the greater Northwest,” said John. “I grew up in eastern Washington, at a time when the North Cascades Cross-State Highway project captured our hearts and opened new avenues for adventure and scenic beauty.  My early bike touring across that new highway and into the BC border regions got me hooked.  The Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail and other interests over the years have convinced me that a small, dedicated band of volunteers can make an enduring difference.”

Both John and Barb hope that, by being part of that dedicated band of volunteers, they will be able to help the USBRS dream become a reality in the Pacific Northwest. 

Become a part of the USBRS movement! Click here to make a donation to our May fundraising effort for building the USBRS.  Twenty percent of funds raised by the Bicycle Alliance will be used for USBRS efforts in Washington.

We also need additional volunteers!  If you live in northern Washington and would like to help us develop this route, please contact Louise McGrody.  We need volunteers to assist with community outreach and researching routes.

Build it.  Bike it.  Be a part of it.

Ale-Liance IPA: The Story Behind the Beer

May is the month that beer and bicycles share the stage.  It is National Bike Month, a time to celebrate all things bicycling – and we do it up in a big way in Washington.  May is also the month for Seattle Beer Week, a collection of events celebrating local beer culture.

Erinn and Barb sample some Ale-Liance IPA at Schooner Exact.

This year, the two cultures have come together in a unique and exciting way.  The Bicycle Alliance of Washington and Schooner Exact Brewing Company have partnered together to present Ale-Liance IPA.  This specially created beer celebrates bicycle advocacy in a popular Northwest way – the IPA.

The idea for such a beer was hatched one evening at a party hosted by Bicycle Alliance Executive Director Barbara Culp.  Some guests were discussing how there seemed to be a natural affinity between bikes and beer, and wouldn’t it be cool if a local brewery produced a special beer that promoted bicycle advocacy.

“I think I can make it happen!” exclaimed Erinn Hale and she promptly volunteered to take it on as a project.

Erinn was the perfect person for the assignment.  She combined her knowledge of the local beer culture with her creative marketing skills and interest in bicycling, and called upon the bike friendly folks at Schooner Exact.  Ale-Liance IPA was born!

Schooner Exact has produced 30 kegs of Ale-Liance IPA for Bike Month and launched the first keg at the Bicycle Alliance’s open house on May 3. Kegs of this limited edition beer will be available at select Puget Sound locations during the month of May, and a portion of every keg sold will benefit the Alliance’s work to grow bicycling statewide.  Serving locations will be posted on the Bicycle Alliance and Ale-Liance IPA Facebook pages.

Tour de Pints – a pub crawl on bikes – is also an opportunity to sample Ale-Liance IPA.  Three pubs on the route will feature the beer: Fiddler's Inn, Ravenna Alehouse, and Wurst Tavern. The Bicycle Alliance will be on hand at Pike Brewery - the start of the ride - with a $20 membership special that includes an Ale-Liance pint glass and beer!

Happy Bike Month and cheers!

Volunteer Spotlight: Ted Inkley

The Bicycle Alliance of Washington wouldn’t be what it is today without the blood, sweat and sweat (yes, bike advocacy involves a lot of sweat!) of its amazing volunteers. Today I’d like to present a brief interview with Ted Inkley, who is the current board president for the Bicycle Alliance, and a big advocate for everyday cycling.
 
What is your first memory of biking?
 
One early memory will be seared in my brain forever. It was summer. I had just gotten my first "big" bike without training wheels--a red one-speed J.C. Higgins from Sears, Roebuck. Unfortunately, I got the hang of riding it long before I got the hang of getting off. So I'd practice by riding around and around the block. When I wanted to get off I'd yell at my mother as I passed our house; she'd run out the front door and snatch me from the bike. But one day she got busy and didn't come out when I yelled. I rode around and around the block for what seemed like hours (but was probably no more than ten minutes), screaming every time I passed our house and getting more terrified with every circuit. Things ended well--she finally came out and grabbed me. I was scared, and highly indignant that she hadn't heard me earlier. But the incident didn't dim my enthusiasm for cycling. And I eventually learned to get off without falling over, although I have to admit that I still fall over occasionally.
 
When and how did you become involved with the Bicycle Alliance? And what does bicycle advocacy mean to you?
 
During the 90s I worked with a woman, Sara, who was both a bicycle commuter and a Bike Alliance volunteer. At the time, I rode the bus to and from work. Sara would pass me every night on her bike as I stood at the bus stop. As she went by she'd always yell, "Ride your bike!" So I eventually began bike commuting. The more I rode, the more I realized that cycling conditions were far from ideal, and the more interested in advocacy I became. Sara told me that I should get involved with the Bike Alliance, and suggested that I go to meetings. So I found myself at the Bike Alliance's old, funky headquarters in the storage area of an old apartment building in the shadow of the Convention Center parking garage. I found that I liked the people and the organization, and within months I was on the board.  

To me, bicycle advocacy means spreading the gospel of cycling beyond those who are already bicycle enthusiasts. It means working to convey both the joy and the practical advantages of cycling to people who haven't been on a bike since before they were teenagers. It means trying to demystify cycling, and showing people that you don't have to have a fancy machine, wear lycra, or be an athlete to enjoy your time on two wheels. It means showing people that the bike can be a tool as well as a toy, that it's a form of transportation worth investing in. And it means trying in a positive way to change the cultural norms about transportation in our country.
 
What roles have you filled as volunteer for the Bicycle Alliance over the years?
 
I've been on the Bike Alliance board since 1998, and have been board president twice. I've helped in a number of ways, from drafting and lobbying for legislation to writing blog posts to serving on committees to helping draft our bylaws. I'm currently on the legislative committee and on the executive director search committee. My passion is advocacy, but I try to help any way I can.

What is your favorite ride, in the Seattle region or elsewhere?
 
I have lots of favorites, both here and elsewhere. I live in North Seattle, and have worked out a meandering ride to Edmonds that involves lots of quiet roads, views of the Sound and Olympic Mountains, and coffee and pastries at the half-way point. I try to do that ride at least once a week when the weather cooperates. I'm also a big fan of bike trails, and especially love the unpaved Snoqualmie Valley trail east of Seattle. It lets you cycle through beautiful farmland and forests with great mountain views, and goes over several spectacular trestles. It also gives you a 60-mile round-trip ride with practically no traffic hassles. It's everything a day on the bike should be. Although I'm not a real mountain biker, I also occasionally like to explore logging roads on my old mountain bike. There's a trip to the top of a small mountain east of Seattle that I try to do every year. Lots of uphill, no people, and spectacular views of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness at the top. Finally, I have vivid memories of several days on the bike during a visit to Denmark a few years ago. I particularly remember one evening, riding through the streets of Copenhagen just as the street lights were coming on. I was surrounded by cyclists of all descriptions--everyone in Denmark rides a bike, mostly old-fashioned, upright three speeds. It was like a graceful peloton, but without the competition, everyone just gliding together down the street in the soft evening light. It was magic.
 
What are you riding these days?
 
I tend to keep bikes forever once I get them. I've collected five bikes over the past 20 years or so. I have an old, steel-framed Trek mountain bike; it was my original commuter but I use it now for dirt-road riding. My workhorse is a Trek 520 touring bike; I lost count of the distance I'd ridden it after about 60,000 miles. I also have a fire-engine red Bike Friday, great for traveling and running errands. My sweet ride is a Marinoni road bike. Finally, I have an old English-made Raleigh three-speed with a huge headlight and a big brass bell, good for stately cruises on the bike trail.
 
What is your winter riding gear set-up? (Ed.’s note—Surely this still works for the spring showers we won’t be able to avoid!)
 
I'm still searching for perfection in this regard. I believe that Gore-Tex is your friend, and have a Showers Pass jacket and Gore-Tex rain pants. I keep my feet dry-ish with nylon rain boots. I've given up on keeping my hands dry, but insist on keeping them warm. Neoprene kayaking gloves work well for this. I've also considered buying an old-fashioned English-style riding cape, although I haven't taken the plunge yet. And every bike that I own has fenders. They are worth their weight in gold in the coastal Northwest climate.
 
What is your strategy for tackling the topography of the region?

One of humankind's greatest achievements of the last hundred years is the triple chain ring. Gear down low enough and the hills get a lot easier. But since I got my vintage three-speed Raleigh I've discovered another way: when you can't avoid steep terrain, just get off and walk. I think that non-cyclists are sometimes intimidated when they see strong riders standing in the saddle, grinding their way up a steep grade. But you don't have to be an athlete to walk up a hill.
 
How does biking improve your quality of life?
 
It does wonders for my state of mind. After I ride I feel clear-headed, positive and ready to tackle anything. And while I'm no athlete, I'm in great physical shape for a person of my age. I beam every time the doctor checks my blood pressure and resting pulse. Everyday things, like going to the store or post office, become fun when I do them on the bike. And I can park for free just about everywhere, even in Seattle.
 
Lastly, any tips for people who may be tentative in dusting off that old bike in the garage?  

Riding a bike is easier than you think. You don't need a three-thousand dollar machine--any bike that's mechanically sound will do. You don't need to be a jock--there's no need to use the club riders whisking past you as role models. It's not dangerous--all you have to do is use common sense and give some thought to your routes. Although I'm an avid cyclist I'm also a chicken, and I've used a bike map to avoid busy, high-speed streets and chart comfortable, low-traffic routes all over Seattle. You don't need to take the plunge all at once. Just pump up the tires and ride around the block a few times. And cycling is fun. When you finally get on the bike you won't be able to resist smiling. I saw a sign recently that said: "You can't buy happiness, but you can buy a bike, and that's pretty close." Truer words were never spoken.
 
I agree Ted! Thanks so much for your dedication to integrating biking into your everyday life. I loved his story about not being able to dismount his bike, and think he provides a great inspiration to get involved. If you too are interested in volunteering with the Bicycle Alliance, visit our website to get involved!

Board News: Meet the Newest Members

The Bicycle Alliance of Washington is governed by a dedicated group of individuals from around the state who provide vision, leadership and organizational oversight.  We recently welcomed three new members to the board:

Marc Mims of Spokane Valley brings his experience in grassroots activism and social media marketing to the board.  You can read a past blog post about Marc’s successful effort to save a bike lane project.  An avid bicyclist, Marc sits on the Spokane Bikes committee and leads a weekly group ride for his local bike shop.  Some of you may have met Marc in March when he staffed a table for us at the Spokane Bike Swap.  When he’s not riding his bike or spoiling his granddaughter, Marc pays the mortgage as a freelance software developer.

John Pope of Anacortes is passionate about creating statewide bicycle routes and is eager to help the Bicycle Alliance with developing a northern route that would become a part of the US Bicycle Route System.  His community involvement is extensive and includes serving on the boards of Skagit Regional Transportation Planning Organization, the Anacortes Chamber of Commerce and Skagit Council of Governments/RTPO Active Communities Taskforce.  John works for Tesoro Refining and Marketing and also serves on our Legislative and Statewide Issues Committee.

John Vona is a lifelong bicyclist and a daily bike commuter since moving to Seattle in 2007.  He got the cycling bug as a teen riding on congested roads to shore points such as Asbury Park and Belmar—Bruce Springsteen’s theme of being “sprung from cages out on Highway 9” was more than a metaphor. Those formative years gave John an appreciation of the bike facilities available to cyclists in Washington and he wants to see that network grow.  John is a forester and works for Green Diamond Resource Company as a business planning manager.  He will serve as our board treasurer.

You can read bios on all of our board members here.

The Priceless Gift of Time: We Need Volunteer Help!

As 2011 draws to a close, many individuals choose to support the work of the Bicycle Alliance with a year-end contribution.  Financial gifts are vital to the health of our organization and we are grateful to the generosity of our members.

The Bicycle Alliance is also in need of volunteers who can donate the priceless gift of time.  Whether it’s a one-time commitment of a few hours or a three-month commitment to a project or an ongoing commitment to help out each month, volunteers and the time they give are valuable to us. 

We currently have the following volunteer opportunities available:

Help us move to our new Pioneer Square office space on January 7!  We need helping hands to move office furniture, files and boxes.  Contact Jay Steingold if you’re available to help out, and let him know if you have a truck or bike with trailer that could be used during the move.

Pre-Move Help.  We need some pre-move help between now and moving day with packing items, taking things to the recycling center, etc.  Contact Jay if you have a few hours to spare.

A couple of volunteers are needed with inventorying and boxing printed materials and office files in preparation for the move.  Contact Donna Govro if you can help with this task.

Driver with pickup truck.  The Bicycle Alliance is looking for a pickup truck and driver with some flexibility to move our Safe Routes to School bikes and trailer between school districts in South King County.  Ideally, we need a truck with a 2 5/16” ball mount already installed.  Otherwise, we need a truck that at least has a receiver hitch already installed and we provide the ball mount and ball.  Contact John Vander Sluis if you can help us out.

Do you like to write and have a passion for biking and active transportation issues?  The Bicycle Alliance wants to hear from you!  We are looking for individuals from all corners of the state who are willing to write stories for our blog, Bike Bites e-newsletter, and The Advocate quarterly newsletter.  Contact Louise McGrody and briefly describe your writing experience.

Join us for a volunteer work party!  We hold monthly work parties in our office to send out membership renewals, thank you letters, and other assorted office tasks.  Work parties are usually scheduled on the fourth Thursday of the month from 1-4pm.  Contact Jay Steingold for more information.

Volunteers Needed for Statewide Bicycle and Pedestrian Count

Washington State Department of Transportation will be counting bicyclists and pedestrians across the state on September 27, 28 and 29, and volunteers are needed to assist with this effort.  Counts will be assembled from all over the state, but focused on several cities including:  Bainbridge Island, Bellevue, Bellingham, Bothell, Bremerton, Burien, Ellensburg, Everett, Ferndale, Issaquah, Kelso, Kent, Kirkland, Longview, Lynden, Mercer Island, Mountlake Terrace, Oak Harbor, Olympia, Redmond, Renton, Richland Seattle, Shoreline, Spokane, Tacoma, Tukwila, Vancouver, Walla Walla, Wenatchee and Yakima.  Information about the statewide count can be found here.

WSDOT is working with the Cascade Bicycle Club to coordinate volunteers.  If you’re interested in volunteering contact:

Ian Macek

Email:  maceki@wsdot.wa.gov

Phone: 360.705. 7596

Tessa Greegor

Email:  tessa.greegor@cascadebicycleclub.org

Phone: 206.204.0913

Why I Joined the BAW Board of Directors

Mary disguised as her alter ego, Sprocket Hero.

About two years ago I got a call from acting executive director Dave Janis. He asked if I might consider applying for the BAW Board of Directors. After giving it some thought I decided to apply. I liked the idea of being on a Board with lots of other bicycle enthusiasts. It sounded fun and the thought that I could help make Washington a better place for bicyclists was alluring. Plus, it's nice to be part of something bigger than oneself, part of something that is making a positive change in the world.



Weather you bike for transportation, recreation, fitness or fun, I'm sure you love it. Some of us love it a little more than others, these are the people we need on the Board. People who are enthusiastic about bicycling and making Washington a better place to bike for everyone. People who want to see more kids biking to school, more adults biking to work and more people trying a century ride.



Each board member has a different story and brings different abilities to the table. Some of us are comfortable talking with our legislators and lobbying for the rights of cyclists in Olympia, some of us aren't. Some of us teach bicycle education to kids, others wouldn't know what to do with a group of kids on bikes. Our interests and abilities are as vast as the citizens of Washington, but we have one thing that unites us: BIKES.

We need a few more outstanding citizens to join our Board of Directors. Could you be one of them?



Current geographical ares we need representation from include: Yakima, Wenatchee and Kitsap/Olympic Peninsula. If you don't live in those areas but are still interested in applying, please do so!



A passion for our work, the ability to lead with a team, and time to devote to board responsibilities are a must. Prior board and business experience is a plus. Ready to apply? Please submit a letter of interest with credentials to Board@bicyclealliance.org by September 30.

Board Transitions

The Bicycle Alliance of Washington bid farewell to two valued board members this summer.

After seven years of service, Kristin Kinnamon of Marysville stepped down from the board.  Her tenure included stints as chair of the Legislative Committee, 2nd Vice President and President.  We will miss her leadership and energy.

Citing the pressures of a new job, John Whitlow of Bainbridge Island also resigned from the board.  He joined the Bicycle Alliance board in 2009.
 

Joe Platzner of Newcastle will fill the spot of 2nd Vice President, which became vacant with Kristin’s departure.  Brian Foley of Auburn rounds out the Executive Committee as Secretary.  This role opened when Eileen Hyatt, Spokane, moved off the committee.  She continues to serve as a board member.

Kirste Johnson

Kirste Johnson has been appointed to fill an unexpired board position.  A former bicycle and pedestrian planner for the Puget Sound Regional Council, she now works for Public Health-Seattle & King County’s Communities Putting Prevention to Work grant.

As a board member, Kirste is interested in advocating for the creation of communities where it is easier and safer for all kinds of people to bike. 

“I’d feel a sense of accomplishment if all members of the Washington legislature no longer refer to bicycling as ‘alternative’ transportation,” Kirste responded when asked what she’d like to accomplish as a board member.

Kirste lives in Seattle with her partner Chris, owner of Rosebud Bicycle Builds.  When she’s not biking, she enjoys cooking, books, movies, hiking, surfing and playing her accordion.

You can read about all the folks who serve on the Bicycle Alliance board and staff here.

Do you want to be a mover and shaker in making Washington the best state for bicycling?  Join the Bicycle Alliance's board of directors!  A passion for our work, the ability to lead with a team, and time to devote to board responsibilities are a must.  Please submit a letter of interest with credentials to Board@bicyclealliance.org by September 30.

More Volunteer Opportunities

We have two more volunteer opportunities that we're trying to fill:

Looking for BASIC bike repair assistance. Our community partner, the Community Schools Collaboration, is holding a back-to-school event for low-income students in Tukwila. The event will be on August 27^th from 1-5pm. They are looking for a few helpers who can fix a flat, replace a brake pad, lube a chain, and/or replace a brake cable. If you are interested and available, please contact John with your contact info and level of mechanical expertise at 206-224-9252 x324. 

We're also looking for a friendly volunteer to staff an outreach table in Spokane at REI's SpokeEd Day event on September 10, from 12 noon - 4pm.  You can share your love of bicycling with others as you greet folks, talk to them about the Bicycle Alliance, and hand out useful information.  Contact Louise McGrody if you'd like to help out.

A recent posting of other volunteer needs can be found here.

Got Time? Volunteer Opportunities with the Bicycle Alliance

Help us spread the bicycle love to others!  The Bicycle Alliance of Washington is looking for volunteers to help with a variety of program and operational assignments.

Tabling at an event.

We need some friendly and outgoing volunteers to staff tables for us at the following events.  Contact LouiseMcGrody if you’d like to help out.

• RAPSody (Ride AroundPuget Sound): August 28, 11am-2pm in Tacoma.  This fabulous ride is organized by five bike clubs and all proceeds are donated to the Bicycle Alliance.  We need a couple of volunteers to staff a table for us at the finish line in Tacoma to welcome the riders and hand out information.

• PROS (Perimeter Ride ofSeattle): September 5.  We need a volunteer with a vehicle to hand out snacks and water at a rest stop in Tukwila, probably around 11am – 2pm.  PROS is organized by the Cyclists of Greater Seattle and they’re asking riders to make a donation to the Bicycle Alliance.

• Cycle the WAVE:  September 18, 11:30am – 3:30pm in Issaquah.  The Bicycle Alliance will have a table at the finish line of this women-only ride and we need a couple of friendly folks to greet riders and talk to them about the Bicycle Alliance.

Our Safe Routes to School program has the following volunteer needs in the south King County area.  Contact John Vander Sluis if you’re interested in any of these assignments.

Drivers with pickup trucks:

The Bicycle Alliance is looking for a pickup truck and driver with some flexibility this fall to move our Safe Routes to School bikes and trailer between school districts in south King County.  Ideally, we need a truck(s) with a 2 5/16” ball mount already installed.  Otherwise, we need a truck that at least has a receiver hitch already installed, and we provide the ball mount and ball.

Maintenance:

The Bicycle Alliance is looking for volunteers to help prepare our Safe Routes to School fleet for the fall. The work party will take place during the day on September 8, time TBD. Volunteers need not be skilled mechanics – there will be plenty of chain-lubing, brake testing, and tire pumping for all!

Mechanics:

The Bicycle Alliance is looking for volunteers to support safe routes to school programs by providing basic bike repair at school events. Volunteers should be able to change a tire and adjust brakes and transmissions.  Dates and times vary.

Two more opportunities with Safe Routes to School—contact Seth Schromen-Wawrin if you’re interested in these:

• Need some creative folks to make signs that will be used for Safe Routes to School trainings.  Will probably schedule a work party in late August to build these.  Contact Seth for more details.

• Have you been involved with a Safe Routes to School project in Washington State?  We’re looking for individuals willing to write a letter to the editor in support of your local program and Safe Routes in general.  Contact Seth for more information.

Auction 

We need volunteers for all kinds of tasks at our annual auction on October 22 in Seattle.  This is our primary fundraising event and loads of fun!  Contact Matt Lyman if you’d like to give us a hand.

Be a guest blogger

Work party.

Passionate about a particular bike issue?  Want to share your joy of bicycling with others?  Submit a guest blog post to the Bicycle Alliance blog!  Contact LouiseMcGrody with your story idea.

Monthly work parties

Help us with our monthly mailings and other administrative tasks at the monthly work parties at our Pioneer Square office in Seattle.  The next work party is August 25.  Contact Jay Steingold for more information.