Campaign encourages bikes and buses to safely share the road

If you’re a regular commuter/biker/walker/general patron of downtown Seattle, you may have seen the green and white banners on the sides of buses encouraging you to “be predictable” in order to safely share the road. The ads, which have been running on the sides of 30 buses running throughout the central business district since May, are part of a larger Share the Road campaign created by a new Bicycle/Bus Education & Safety Team and sponsored by King County Metro, Cascade Bicycle Club, and the Bicycle Alliance of Washington.

The goal is obvious: to enhance road safety and to depict bikers and Metro drivers as equal inhabitants of the same city streets. Through a Share the Road philosophy, King County Metro hopes to encourage patience, cooperation, and safe sharing of the roadway – and looking out for each other as a matter of course.

The campaign also features updated videos and web content on the Metro website, quarterly safety events at the bus bases, and increased instructional bus bike rack displays throughout King County – including an instructional bike rack at our office in Pioneer Square.

The Bicycle/Bus Education and Safety Team members include Eileen Kadesh and Ref Lindmark of Metro Market Development, Chief of Central Base Margo Minnix, Transit Safety Officer Dan Nuner, Dan Porter of Metro Training, John Mauro from Cascade Bicycle Club, and our very own Barbara Culp. They are hoping to start another round of ads next spring, possibly featuring a revamped message.

Thanks to Scott Chilberg for submitting this post.

Bicycle Alliance of Washington and Local Stakeholders Reach Agreement with WSDOT on Hood Canal Bridge Safety Fixes for Bicycles

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 31, 2012                                                              

Agreement paves way to begin Hood Canal Bridge bicycle safety improvements in 2012

  

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) will make some much needed bicycle safety improvements on Hood Canal Bridge, thanks to an agreement struck between the Bicycle Alliance of Washington, local cycling groups, and WSDOT. The agreement, funded largely from a $1.3 million federal grant, allows the state to move forward on a package of safety improvements that will widen (from 3 feet to approximately 5 feet) and improve the bridge surface for bicycles.

Since the Hood Canal Bridge’s reconstruction in 2009, narrow metal plates over the bridge decking and oft-damaged plates covering bridge joints have led to numerous crashes by those on bicycle. These concerns have prompted the Bicycle Alliance of Washington and local cycling groups to advocate for safety improvements. The proposed bridge fixes, designed by WSDOT, aim to provide a more durable, wider, and non-skid riding surface for bicycle travel.

Senator Christine Rolfes (D-Bainbridge), who played a critical role in convening discussions with WSDOT noted, “I appreciate the work of staff at WSDOT – particularly those at the Olympic Region office – who were open to thinking creatively to make this project a reality. Despite the budget constraints facing the state, WSDOT sought out new approaches to address long-standing safety issues that affect mobility, tourism, and recreation between the Kitsap and Olympic peninsulas.”

“We are elated to see the state move forward on fixes that will improve safety and accessibility across the Hood Canal Bridge,” said Bicycle Alliance of Washington executive director Barbara Culp. “The Bicycle Alliance of Washington applauds WSDOT for their diligence in pursuing this fix. We believe this agreement represents a new chapter in WSDOT’s pursuit of incorporating safety and mobility for bicycles on Washington’s bridges and we look forward to working with WSDOT to make this happen.”

The stakeholders representing bicycle clubs and organizations including Squeaky Wheels (Bainbridge), West Sound Cycling Club (Kitsap), Port Townsend Bicycle Association, and Peninsula Trails Coalition (Olympic Peninsula) have used their local knowledge and technical expertise to collaborate with the Bicycle Alliance of Washington and WSDOT Olympic Region on crafting a pragmatic solution that addresses some of the vexing safety concerns of the 2009 bridge reconstruction project.

“This is all about safety for me and the West Sound Cycling Club,” said Lee Derror, former president of the West Sound Cycling Club. “Fixing the Hood Canal Bridge for bicycle use creates a safer link between Kitsap and the rest of the Olympic Peninsula – that’s something we can all support.”

WSDOT expects the contractor selection process to occur in August 2012. Once WSDOT selects the contractor, construction is expected to take approximately five months. Drivers and bicyclists can expect shoulder closures, lane closures and one-way alternating traffic throughout the project’s duration.

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Contact: Blake Trask

Statewide Policy Director

Bicycle Alliance of Washington

206.310.4762

blake@bicyclealliance.org

Free Webinars on the Updated AASHTO Bike Guide

In June of this year, the American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO) released its long overdue update of Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities.  This publication is a key resource for designing bike facilities in the US and had not been revised since 1999.
 

The Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center (PBIC) has partnered with Toole Design Group to offer a series of free webinars on the updated AASHTO Bicycle Guide.  Seven webinars are scheduled and each will cover a different topic area.  The first one is scheduled for August 10 and here’s the description from PBIC:

Aug. 10, 2012: Overview of Revised AASHTO Guide for Development of Bicycle Facilities
This webinar will provide an overview of the entire Guide and its evolution and use throughout the U.S., as well as other resources that are used for bicycle facility design (MUTCD, NACTO). Participants will gain an understanding of the purpose and design imperative for the Guide, as well as the more substantive additions and revisions that have been made to the Guide.  Participants will be encouraged to participate in subsequent webinars that will provide more detail on each topic area in the Guide.
Presenters: Jennifer Toole and Peter Lagerwey

Follow this link to view the entire AASHTO Bike Guide webinar series and to register for any of the webinars.  This webinar series has been approved by the American Planning Association for certification maintenance credits.

Nord Alley Transformed into Tour d'Alley

The Bicycle Alliance of Washington, Alley Network Project, and a host of other groups brought Tour de France to Pioneer Square this year.

For two weeks, we set up a big screen, chairs, and an information table and invited the public to join us in watching the Tour de France in Nord Alley.  We transformed our alley into vibrant public space.

People took us up on it and turned out daily to watch this elite event.  The mountain stages were especially popular.  We were joined by tour enthusiasts, our Pioneer Square neighbors looking for a lunchtime activity, and curious passersby.

Coffee and snacks were provided daily and many arrived with their lunch.  One afternoon, we even served up hotdogs and sausages on the grill!

The 2012 Tour de France is over and Bradley Wiggins made history by becoming the first British champion of this event.  You can read the account from Cycling News.

August First Thursday Open House to Feature Independent Woodworks

Join us for a summer First Thursday open house at our Pioneer Square office on August 2!  Our office gallery will be open from 5:30-7:30 pm, and we're featuring the inspirational and functional woodwork of Jesse Knutson of Independent Woodworks.  Jesse is displaying bicycle-inspired custom furniture pieces, like the bench to the right.

A $10 donation will get you a Bicycle Alliance membership, a limited edition pint glass, and some Schooner Exact beer!

While you're here, wander back to Back Alley Bike Repair and check out the bike art they have on display.  Then view the Diving Belles art display in Nord Alley.

Biking Across Snoqualmie Pass?

This post was contributed by Scott Chilberg.

Biking across the Cascades just ain’t what it used to be, thanks to I-90 construction along Keechelus Lake and a series of tunnel closures on the John Wayne Pioneer Trail between Thorp and South Cle Elum. Luckily, alternate east-west routes allow for continued bicycle access through these areas, so if you’re planning a bike trip make sure to read up on the closures prior to heading out and look out for bicycle route signs along the way. Here’s the low-down on the detours:

Due to construction of the I-90 Snoqualmie Pass East Project, WSDOT is restricting interstate bicycle access between Exit 54 and Exit 62. The suggested detour runs along the west side of the Keechelus Lake on the John Wayne Pioneer Trail. According to the WSDOT website, this 8-mile trail loops around the lake for about an hour before reconnecting with the freeway and is not recommended for racing-style bikes due to the occasional loose gravel spots and potholes. Bicyclist may also use US 12 White Pass or US 2 Stevens Pass to cross the Cascades. A map of the detour and more information regarding trail conditions and the construction project can be found here.

Four tunnels along the John Wayne Pioneer Trail between Thorp and Cle Elum will also be closed for an indefinite period because of safety concerns. Detours for both eastbound and westbound travelers are marked along the route, so cyclists should look out for yellow signs and maps marking alternate routes. Visit the Washington State Parks website for detailed directions and more information about the tunnel closures.

As long as you’re aware of the detours, biking along this stretch will remain very doable, so don’t be discouraged! Just make sure you’re on the alert for detour signs and, as always, do your research before embarking on your trip.

More Summer Rides that Support Growing Bicycling Statewide

Summer weather has finally arrived and bike riding season is in full swing!  These upcoming rides support the Bicycle Alliance's efforts to grow bicycling in Washington State:

Tour de Kitsap photo by Lee Derror.

Enjoy the scenery and backroads of Kitsap Peninsula by bicycle on Tour de Kitsap on July 29.  There are four routes ranging from moderately hilly to challenging, plus a Family Run Ride to choose from.  A post-ride rootbeer float and complimentary shower are available at the Silverdale Beach Hotel.  Thanks to West Sound Cycling Club for supporting us with this ride.

The Courage Classic, August 4-6, is a fundraiser for the Rotary Endowment for the Intervention and Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect. This three-day, 173-mile, fully supported tour travels over Snoqualmie, Blewett and Stevens Passes.  This is a bike tour, not a race, so take your time and enjoy the scenery, make new friends and take advantage of the Rotary Rider Rest Stops along the way.

RAPsody, Ride Around Puget Sound, is August 25-26.  This two-day ride offers 170 miles of rolling hills, plenty of Northwest scenery, and well-stocked food stops.  Organized by five Puget Sound bike clubs, all ride proceeds benefit the Bicycle Alliance.  Read an earlier post about this ride.

PROS photo by Louise Kornreich.

PROS, Perimeter Ride of Seattle, is September 3.  Water views and lofty hills dominate this ride as it covers 80 miles with 4200 feet of gain.  A PROS Lite route covers 60 miles with 2700 feet of gain.  Thanks to Cyclists of Greater Seattle for organizing this ride as a benefit for the Bicycle Alliance.

Ride the Oregon Coast September 9-14 on The People's Coast Classic.  This fully supported charity ride for the Arthritis Foundation features rugged coasts, secluded beaches, lighthouses, quaint towns and amazing viewpoints.  Can't spare an entire week?  There are two- and four-day ride options available.

Our Ride Calendar is a unique list of events that support our mission to grow bicycling statewide. When you sign up for one of these rides, you are supporting policies to promote bicycling, safer streets for riding, Safe Routes to School programs, and much more.