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.

RAPSody: Early Discount Ends July 15

In a month and a half, hundreds of bicyclists will ride around the Puget Sound, following a meandering course on paved trails and back roads, over the water and through the mountains, in a scenic weekend ride broken up by delicious snacks and beautiful rest stops along the way. The 9th annual RAPSody, a 170-mile overnight bike ride hosted by five Puget Sound bike clubs, is taking place August 25th-26th and is open for registration at a discounted early bird rate through July 15th.

If the event description alone doesn’t convince you that this is something you want to be a part of, consider the fact that proceeds from the event benefits you!  Proceeds from RAPSody support the Bicycle Alliance's statewide advocacy and education efforts. And, just for being one of our members, you can receive an additional $10 discount on top of the reduced early bird rate.

For further details about the route, logistics, food offerings, and training tips and to register online, visit the RAPSody website, or, if you still need convincing, look back at our previous blog post showcasing the ride.

RAPSody has enjoyed eight extremely successful rides to date and has provided an idyllic and challenging weekend adventure for thousands of bicyclists over the years, and, if you register as a Bicycle Alliance member before July 15th, you get to take part in the experience for just $75. Join us and other riders from all over Washington State and ride around the Puget Sound!

A tip of the helmet to the five bike clubs that organize RAPSody:  BIKES Club of Snohomish County, Capital Bicycling Club, Cyclists of Greater Seattle, Tacoma Wheelmen Bicycle Club, and West Sound Cycling Club. 

RAPSody: A Ride for Bicyclists and Bicycling

Kristin Kinnamon is today's guest blogger.  A resident of Marysville, Kristin is a former Bicycle Alliance board member and a current member of the RAPSody planning team.

The Ride Around Puget Sound  is like many bicycle events around the country. There are tasty food stops, a carefully marked and well-considered course, and friendly locals happy to have you visit on two wheels.

What sets RAPSody apart from some events, however, is that this is a bike ride that raises money for bicycling - not for cancer or animals or Dream Dinners (I kid you not), although most of those worthy causes I happily support when not on my bike.

However, when riding I like to support safe streets, bicycle education, advocacy in Olympia. It just seems a fitting way to "walk the talk," so to speak. Many bike club event rides support cycling. 

RAPSody is organized by five bike clubs on behalf of the Bicycle Alliance of Washington:  BIKES of Snohomish County, Capital Bicycling Club, Cyclists of Greater Seattle, Tacoma Wheelmen Bicycle Club, and West Sound Cycling Club. Such cooperation across clubs is unique, and it demonstrates how the Bicycle Alliance often brings people together. RAPSody organizers are from Thurston, Pierce, Kitsap, King and Snohomish counties.

This is our 9th year, and we're getting pretty good at this. It doesn't hurt to have beautiful Northwest roads and trails as part of the route, and great community partners like the Port of Allyn  (where we have a beautiful rest stop) and SOCK, which hosts meals at our Shelton overnight.

If you want a challenging but friendly event to finish off your summer, consider riding 170 miles on behalf of bicycling.  Register by July 15 to receive the early bird discount.  Bicycle Alliance members receive an additional $10 discount!

Great June Bike Rides

Now that you’re in good riding shape from participating in your local Bike to Work events and the National Bike Challenge, it’s time to sign up for some June bike rides!  There are some wonderful June rides that support the Bicycle Alliance’s efforts to grow bicycling statewide.

You'll have an opportunity to ride with US National Team rider Logan Owen or Bremerton Mayor Patty Lent on Life Cyle - Bremerton ride on June 2.  The ride starts and finishes at Rotary Evergreen Park on the city's waterfront--easily accessed by the Seattle-Bremerton ferry.  The event includes a kid's bike rodeo and an after-ride meal.

Ann Weatherill Classic view. Photo by Wheatland Wheelers.

The Tacoma Wheelmen's Peninsula Metric Century on June 3 also showcases the beauty of the Kitsap Peninsula.  This challenging ride offers panoramic waterfront views, roads through the rural countryside, lots of rolling hills, and dessert at the finish line.

The Ann Weatherill Cycling Classic on June 16 is presented by the Wheatland Wheelers Cycling Club.  This eastern Washington ride highlights the beauty of the Walla Walla Valley, and treats riders to views of the Blue Mountains, wheat fields, and Walla Walla vineyards.  Entry includes a post-ride lunch.

Capital Bicycling Club's Two County Double Metric Century on June 24 takes riders on the less traveled roads of Lewis and Thurston Counties.  This ride offers five scenic routes ranging from 20 to 126 miles.

Over twenty event rides support growing bicycling statewide with a contribution to the Bicycle Alliance of Washington.  View our Ride Calendar for a complete listing.

May Bike Rides

All things bicycle seem to be happening in May…the National Bike Challenge kicks off, communities around Washington are holding Bike to Work events, and May 9 is the first ever National Bike to School Day.
 

Bike riding season is in full swing and there are five May rides that support the Bicycle Alliance’s work to grow bicycling statewide:

May Day Metric rest stop.  Photo by Louise Kornreich

The Vancouver Bicycle Club presents Ride Around Clark County on May 5.  RACC offers four beautiful and challenging route options through scenic Clark County.  Kids under 12 ride free.

The May Day Metric, presented by Phil’s South Side Cyclery on May 6, offers three challenging routes that travel the back roads, byways and bike trails of the South Sound region.  Distances range from 50, 72 and 104 miles.

Looking for a ride east of the Cascade crest?  How about the Group Health Inland Empire Century on May 12?  Routes skirt the Columbia and Yakima rivers, through parks and over bridges, and return through the Horse Heaven Hills.  This ride is organized by the Kiwanis Clubs of Columbia and Tri-Cities Industry.

The Skagit Bicycle Club presents the Skagit Spring Classic, also on May 12.  This ride offers routes through scenic northern Skagit and southern Whatcom Counties, and features an all-you-can-eat pasta feed at the end of the ride.

Joint the Port Townsend Bicycle Association for the Rhody Bike Tour on May 13.  There are five routes to choose from—including a family-friendly trail ride.  The longer routes sample the varied terrain of east Jefferson County’s rural roads.

Check our Ride Calendar for a complete listing of rides that support the Bicycle Alliance.  Now get out and ride!

These April rides support a bicycle friendly Washington

Photo by Carla Gramlich

Spring has sprung and flowers are emerging from the earth in showy colors.  Why not enjoy the arrival of spring flowers with a couple of bike rides that celebrate daffodils and lilacs?

The 37^th Annual Daffodil Classic, organized by the Tacoma Wheelmen Bicycle Club, is on April 15 and over 200 riders are registered so far.  This ride winds its way through the beautiful Orting valley and surrounding hills.  There are four routes to choose from—enough to please families, recreational riders, and serious roadies.  And there’s strawberry shortcake waiting for you at the finish line!

Inland Northwest cyclists welcome spring with the Lilac Century & Family Fun Ride on April 29.  Organized by the Spokane Aurora Northwest Rotary Club, this 19-year ride offers a variety of fun, scenic and challenging tours for every level of rider.  There is also a tri-athlete’s bike/run “brick” option.  All participants can partake in the baked-potato feed at the finish.

The Daffodil and Lilac rides are not only great early season biking opportunities, they also support statewide bicycle safety education, Safe Routes to School programming, and complete streets efforts with a contribution to the Bicycle Alliance of Washington.  We all benefit when you sign up for these rides!

Over twenty event rides support our mission to grow bicycling statewide.  Check our Ride Calendar for other upcoming rides.

Alert: Funding Needed for Hood Canal Bridge

Calling on all recreational riders, cycling tourists, randonneuers, trail advocates and anyone who bikes on the Kitsap or Olympic Peninsulas!

Please send a letter to Secretary of Transportation Paula Hammond to request additional funding for the Hood Canal Bridge to make it SAFE for all users including bicyclists!

When the Hood Canal Bridge reopened in the summer of 2009, bicyclists from Squeaky Wheels, West Sound Cycling Club, and the Port Townsend Bicycle Association immediately identified serious safety issues with the bridge: the width and surface treatment of the plates placed over the metal grating, and gaps, joints and height variations betweeen the bridge sections.  Those same cyclists notified and met with WSDOT representatives. In the first few months that the bridge was opened, several cyclists were seriously injuried.

As executive director of the Bicycle Alliance, I started working in early 2010 with those same bicycle advocates and we successfully allied with WSDOT to acquire $1.3 million to address the safety concerns identified. WSDOT then met with those organizations to discuss design proposals and material selection with the stated goal to retrofit the bridge during the 2012 construction season.

Unfortunately, according the WSDOT project engineer, the various options under consideration will likely exceed the $1.3 million allocated for this project. Instead the cost appears more likely in the $1.8 million range. WSDOT continues to “evaluate the options with WSDOT bridge designers and the evaluation has not changed” meaning this project needs more money to create a safe riding surface for bicyclists.

Because of WSDOT’s concern over the increased cost of the project and the uncertainty over the additional funding needed, design work on the project has stopped and will not resume until such time the project engineer is advised that more funding is available to complete this project.

As process requires, a project summary was submitted to the WSDOT Program Management group that oversees funding issues, and “requested guidance on the funding piece.” ASK Secretary Hammond to please make a determination that additional funding is warranted to fix the safety issues that were identified back in the summer of 2009. 

Now is the time for WSDOT to fund the Hood Canal Bridge’s safety issues for bicycles before more cyclists are injured. Ask Secretary Hammond to:

• Please allocate the remaining $500,000 to make the Hood Canal Bridge safe for bicycles.
• The Hood Canal Bridge is the only connection between the Kitsap Peninsula and Olympic Peninsula and is a critical link for all types of riders.
• The Hood Canal route attracts bicycle club riders, recreational riders, and cycling tourists from around the world. It is critical for bicycle tourism.
• A fix will save the state money. Ongoing safety concerns about the route make the state liable for future accidents along this improperly designed bicycle connection.
• Safety fixes now will save millions of dollars in potential liability settlements.

Send your emails to Secretary Hammond before March 30th.

Paula Hammond, Secretary of Transportation: HammonP@wsdot.wa.gov
Jerry Lenzi, Chief Engineer, lenzijc@wsdot.wa.gov
David Dye, Chief Operations Officer, DyeD@wsdot.wa.gov
Kevin Dayton – Olympic Regional Administrator, daytonk@wsdot.wa.gov
cc Jeff Cook, Olympia Region, Bridge Project Engineer, cookjd@wsdot.wa.gov
 
Please also send your emails to elected officials in the 23rd and 24th Legislative Districts:
Christine.Rolfes@leg.wa.gov
Sherry.Appleton@leg.wa.gov
Drew@drewhansen.com
Steve.Tharinger@leg.wa.gov
Jim.Hargrove@leg.wa.gov
kevin.vandewege@leg.wa.gov

Thank you again for your support and good work to make the Bridge safe for all of us.

Tailwinds

Ride for Yourself, Ride for all of Us

No doubt about it—bike riding season is upon us. Maybe you attended Bike Expo last weekend or perhaps you’re planning to check out the upcoming Spokane Bike Swap. It’s time to plan which rides to do this year, so be sure to consult our special Ride Calendar.

Why is our Ride Calendar unique? It lists rides that support the Bicycle Alliance’s advocacy and education efforts with a financial contribution. When you sign up for the bike rides listed in our calendar, you ride for all of us who bike!

Consider the McClinchy Mile, which is coming up on March 17. The ride organizer, BIKES Club of Snohomish County, donates $1 per rider to the Bicycle Alliance. These funds support our efforts to make streets safer for bicyclists, bring Safe Routes School to all school districts, and make bicycling accessible to everyone.

The McClinchy Mile is a great early season ride that explores the peaceful valleys and rolling hills of scenic Snohomish County. There are several route options to choose from, including an 8-mile family ride on the Centennial Trail.

When you ride the McClinchy Mile or any other ride listed on our Ride Calendar, you are pedaling for all of us who ride a bike in Washington. So why not sign up for one of these generous bike rides this summer. You’ll benefit all year long from it.

See you on the roads and trails!

National Park Service Makes Bad Design Proposal for the Spruce Rail Road Trail- Olympic Discovery Trail: Make Comment by October 21

The Bicycle Alliance of Washington and the Peninsula Trails Coalition are announcing that the National Park Service (NPS) has released the Environmental Assessment and preferred alternative for the Spruce Railroad Trail (SRRT) segment of the Olympic Discovery Trail (ODT) www.olympicdiscoverytrail.com.

The NPS will be accepting public comment on phase two of the project until October 21, 2011. Phase two is for the last four mile section of the ODT that will complete the shared use path through the Olympic National Park.

At issue is the fact that the NPS is proposing to use a 6 foot minimum width in the design criteria for the last four mile section. The NPS proposal contradicts the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board’s (Access Board) 2011 Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for creation of shared use paths which cites the AASHTO bicycle facilities guide 8-10 ft MINIMUM as a MUST to ensure Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance. If this proposal were implemented, the final section of the ODT would be considerably inferior to the 40 miles of AASHTO compliant shared use path that has already been built and would not be ADA compliant.

The Peninsula Trails Coalition and the Bicycle Alliance of Washington ask that you offer comment to the NPS on the width issue. Specifically, make it clear to the NPS that for a shared use path, the 8-10 foot minimum guidelines established in the AASHTO bicycle facilities guide is a minimum that must be adhered to and as experienced cyclists, we know, based upon our own personal experiences, that a 6 foot path is unsafe for all users.

For your review copies of the EA can be downloaded from the NPS at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/documentsList.cfm?projectID=29848

Comments should be made online at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/commentForm.cfm?documentID=43392

The Peninsula Trails Coalition, and the Bicycle Alliance of Washington thank you for your support. We hope that by sharing your personal experiences as cyclists on shared use paths we can demonstrate to the NPS the complete unanimity of the cycling community, and convince them to change their plans.

Strategic Plan Adopted: shift gears, refine focus, and embrace new goals

Bicycle Alliance Strategic Plan Approved

Creating the 2011-2016 strategic plan was a herculean effort that began at a meeting in the cafeteria at the House of Representatives in March of 2010 and culminates this Thursday, October 6th with a party to celebrate. Stop by between 5-8pm at 309A Third Avenue.

Last year when I attended the National Bike Summit and the Alliance for Biking and Walking board meeting, I learned that there was grant funding available to plan and implement a strategic plan. The Bicycle Alliance applied for and was awarded the grant which included support for staff reorganization, and development of a draft mission, vision, and values document early in the spring of 2011.

In April, 40 stakeholders from all across Washington including representatives from health organizations, elected officials, bike clubs, planners, board members and staff, came together for two days to help the Bicycle Alliance shift gears, refine its focus, and embrace new goals for the organization.

Thanks to the many people who contributed to this plan, and who will provide guidance as we begin implementation.

VISION:
By 2020, bicycling is an everyday, mainstream activity in communities across Washington. Bicycling is recognized, accommodated and funded as a legitimate and essential mode of transportation. Washington residents embrace a healthy and active lifestyle that includes safe and convenient active-transportation options. As a result, Washington communities enjoy lower health-care costs, a cleaner environment and more transportation choices. Washington is a national model for innovative bicycle-friendly transportation facilities and programs.

MISSION:
The Bicycle Alliance of Washington advocates for a bicycle-friendly state, educates people of all ages to increase transportation safety, develops more inclusive communities for cycling, builds a coalition of organizations, and seeks to make bicycling accessible to everyone.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES:
• Bicycling is healthy, safe, affordable, and fun.
• Everyone should feel safe while riding a bike.
• Everyone has a right to transportation choices.
• More people bicycling more often make roadways safer for bicycle riders.
• Education, legislative changes, and improved infrastructure increase bicycle ridership rates.
• The bicycle provides a simple, elegant and inexpensive tool to achieve multiple goals.

GOALS:
G-1 The Bicycle Alliance of Washington shall develop and implement strategies that effectively increase bicycle ridership and helps Washington State achieve the highest bicycle ridership rate in the country.

G-2 The Bicycle Alliance of Washington shall develop and implement outreach and communications strategies that: emphasize bicycling as an everyday activity, successfully encourage more people to “go by bike,” and make bicycling appeal to a broader segment of the public, so that bicycle ridership more closely reflects the state’s demographic diversity by 2016.

G-3 The Bicycle Alliance of Washington shall continue to actively develop and pass strong, relevant legislation on behalf of bicycle riders and pursue increased funding to improve the environment for bicycling in Washington.

G-4 The Bicycle Alliance of Washington shall cultivate strategic and mutually beneficial partnerships with: State, county and municipal governments and organizations that advocate on behalf of bicycling, active transportation, health, the environment, diverse communities and business by 2016.

G-5 The Bicycle Alliance of Washington shall aggressively take action to increase the organization’s membership and unrestricted revenue each year.

The Bicycle Alliance board of directors voted to approve the Strategic Plan, objectives and tasks at its August board meeting. In the next steps, staff will develop action items for top priority objectives as part of the 2012 work plan, recognizing that every objective may not be addressed with an action plan until 2013 or 2014 based on resources. The plan document can be found here: http://www.bicyclealliance.org/aboutbaw/Strategic_Plan_10042011.pdf.

Make Your Pedaling Worth More: Rides that support statewide bicycle advocacy and education

Photo by Carla Gramlich

It’s the middle of August, Labor Day is just around the corner, and there are still some great bike rides coming up!  If you want to get the biggest bang for your pedal power, sign up for one or more these rides.  They support the statewide advocacy and education work that the Bicycle Alliance does, so not only will you be getting a healthy workout but you’ll also support a safer and friendlier biking environment.

RAPSody – Ride Around Puget Soundon August 27-28.  With 170 miles of rolling hills, RAPSody is challenging fun.  Organized by BIKES of Snohomish County, Capital Bicycling Club, Cyclists of Greater Seattle, Tacoma Wheelmen Bicycle Club and West Sound Cycling Club, all proceeds from this ride benefit the Bicycle Alliance of Washington.  Registration closes this Friday, August 19.

 

PROS –Perimeter Ride of Seattle on September 5.  PROS offers a challenging and scenic course with lots of hills and views.  The full route is 80 miles with 4500’ of gain, and a shorter 56-mile option is available.  Organized by the Cyclists of Greater Seattle and all donations benefit the Bicycle Alliance..

People’s Coast Classic, September 11-16.  This 6-day event is a benefit for the Arthritis Foundation and travels along the scenic coast of Oregon.  This tour averages 50-70 miles each day, with rest stops and activities along the way.

Cycle the WAVE on September 18.  This event ride is  non-competitive and for women only.  All riding levels welcome, from the 25-mile Girly Girl to the 62-mile metric century with lots of climbs.  The ride starts and ends in Issaquah and benefits domestic violence programs.

WaCanId (International Selkirk Loop) Ride, September 20-24.  This scenic 5-day ride is fully supported and benefits 7 local rotary clubs.  The ride traverses around and through the acclaimed International Selkirk Loop route through Washington, Idaho and British Columbia.  Ride is limited to 150 riders starting in two locations (Sandpoint, ID or Nelson, BC).