To: Washington State University

Date: October 16, 2016

From: Kamara Hoffman
Subject: Memo
This memo is to address with who it may concern that there is a problem with
Washington State University requiring the incoming freshman class to purchase meal
plans and then not providing a healthy choice of meals for all individuals with different
diets in mind.
Washington State University requires all students who live on the main campus
to purchase a meal plan for one of the dining halls located on campus, yet these dining
plans do not accommodate all students. Not only are they expansive and cost on
average almost $2,400 for four months of food for one person, but there is not a full
meal option for vegetarians, vegans, or those individuals who wish to eat healthy. Since
these meal plans are such a large chunk of money students should be fed properly.
The problem that I addressed was like previously stated before, Washington
State University requires students who are living on the main campus, which is required
to purchase a meal plan. Not only are these meal plans cost more than what a family of
four usually spends on food in the same time span, but these meal plans do not provide
students with nutritional food that caters to an array of common diets. These common
diets include veganism and vegetarianism.
I examined what a typical week of food is offered at the dining halls on the main
Pullman campus. I did this by going to a different dining hall each day for dinner and
observing the menus that are posted online. While they did advertise the indigents in
the dishes and had special indications if something offered was vegetarian, vegan or a
healthy option it still lacked to be nutritional. A dining hall serves several things the exact
same every day with a few varying options, like burgers are the same every day, a salad
bar, pizza bar, and then usually a main course that is different every night. For example,
on one particular night one dining hall only served three different vegan options for
dinner. To some that might seem accommodating unless you realized that one option
was a frozen patty that is served daily, and the other two dishes are considered as side
dishes and the portion that is served isnt enough to be considered a main course for
someone who follows a vegan diet. As for vegetarian options there was actually quite a
bite, but it varies depending on the night. There was only one option a veggie burger
offered as an alternative protein source for someone who doesnt eat meat. As for
nutritional value of the meals following the simple protein, vegetable, fruit, starch meal
guide setup by the United States government to promote healthy eating, I observed
over the course of a week that there are alarming number of deserts and carbs being
served and only a limited number of vegetables being offered. As for fruit the options
available all week were very slim picking to none. What was considered a healthy

option was questionable to me. They were just tricks to fool people into thinking they
were healthy. A protein like a chicken breast is healthy grilled with a few spices, but if it
needs to be drenched in gravy then it is not health anymore.
I discovered that there was not enough fruit being offered at the dining halls at
all, especially not enough for a student to get their recommended amount anyways. The
advertisement for healthy options was false advertisement. While some options were
actually healthy, a student could not make a meal out of it. Simply because of the
portion control that is offered, if a student wanted to only eat the healthy options they
would be hungry again in an hour.
As for vegetables there were more options that would be beneficial to support a
healthy diet, but the portion control of these vegetables does not take into consideration
those students who are vegans or vegetarians. Obviously, if these students are not
eating meat then they need to supplement their food intake with more vegetables and
grains which wasnt provided to them. Also there was only one thing offered in replace
of traditional meat. Vegans and vegetarians need other sources of protein like lentils,
beans, protein powders, and different seeds and I saw none of those options being
provided. While there was a salad bar being offered, it was just a basic salad bar, a
really expensive salad bar.
My recommendation is if Washington State University requires students to
purchase a meal plan with the intentions of being their main source of nutrition while
attending school then serious changes need to be made about the type of food offered
and the potion control. A vegan or vegetation should not be limited to a side dish portion
of what would be considered their whole meal just because they dont eat meat. More
nutritional meals should be invested in as well as alternative protein sources.

PREPARED FOR: AMY

PETERSILIE
PREPARED BY: KAMARA
HOFFMAN

Date:

November 9, 2016

To:

Amy Petersilie

From:

Craig Silver, John Gibons, Kamara Hoffman, Tarrin Avey

Subject:

Project Report for Tips for Sharing the Road Around Redmond Pamphlet

Attached is the report for our repurposed product which was a pamphlet on Tips
for Sharing the Road Around Redmond. We completed the pamphlet by creating a list
of six tasks and dividing them up amongst the group. The tasks for creating the
pamphlet were stated on the team discussion board under the thread Checklist of what
needs to be done.
To carry out the tasks, we started by dividing them amongst the group. Using the
information from Johns original report, we were able to complete the tasks and put
together a pamphlet for both drivers and cyclist to promote a safer environment. Due to
the fact that John had most of the research done in his report, we were easily able to
create the pamphlet and had to do little research in the process.
It is possibly for both drivers and cyclist to commute safely and in unison if they
both make some simple changes in their habits and learn to be considerate commuters.
The tips we have mentioned in the pamphlet are just a few ways for this to be possible.
With the help from both drivers and cyclist, the roads can become a safe and fun
environment for commuting.

This pamphlet will be benefitted most if it is distributed throughout Redmond, WA

in as many locations as possible. As cycling becomes a more popular way to commute
it will help tremendously if the pamphlet is seen by anyone and everyone who drives or
cycles. The DOL would be a great place to start for way to reach drivers and contacting
local cycling clubs can help with cyclists.
Overall, this project will help all that drive or cycle to work and help promote road
safety for Redmond. We look forward to distributing the pamphlet after it receives
approval and hope that you enjoy the finished product. If you have any questions or
comments, you can send a group email to Craig Silver, John Gibons, Kamara Hoffman,
and Tarrin Avey.

Table of Contents
Title Page.. 0
Letter of Transmittal. 2
Table of Contents. 3
An Executive Summary.. 4
Introduction... 5
Research Methods... 5
Results... 6
Conclusions... 7
Recommendations.... 8
Appendices.... 9

Executive Summary
To help promote safety on the roads for cyclist and drivers our team created a
pamphlet with tips to inform people on helpful ways to be safe. To create the pamphlet,
we divided up the tasks amongst the group and put together our work. Thanks to John's
original report on cyclist risk in Redmond we had research already done to create the
pamphlet. Having the research done allowed for the group to focus on the pamphlet and
made creating the pamphlet to be a fairly easy task. We hope to distribute this
pamphlet in locations across Redmond so people can become more aware of the
hazards that are present. By informing the public on the hazards and sharing tips for
safety, it will prevent accidents from happening and create a better commute for
everyone.

Introduction
Our projects main goal was to provide all individuals in Redmond, Washington
with the knowledge of how to share the road in a safe and productive manner. By
sharing the road, we are specifically referring to cyclist and drivers. Redmond is
commonly referred to as the Bicycle Capital of the Northwest. The product we chose
to do was an informational pamphlet that would be the most beneficial to our target
audience. Our teams end goal is ensuring that everyone in Redmond who chooses to
drive or ride is informed on how to stay safe and enjoy themselves at the same time.

Research Methods
Much of the research I conducted for my original project was repurposed for the
pamphlet. Surveys had been given out to Redmond citizens that formed the basis of my
original research, this would make up the tips provided to cyclists and motorists in the
City of Redmond. One of our group members, Kamara Hoffman, had also taken a class
on bicycle safety and brought her experience into the creation of the final product.
Our group took a piecemeal approach to designing the pamphlet, the basic template
was designed, and members contributed their parts to the makeup of the written portion
of the repurposed product. The design of the pamphlet itself was made to look
simplistic, something that could be quickly digested by someone going about their busy
day who had picked up the pamphlet between errands. This philosophy on design kept
us from spending unnecessary time making a dazzling design, as some students are

like to do when given creative opportunity. Working this way allowed for a very individual
work structure to emerge, one that is conducive to the online class structure.

Results
This product, based on the original recommendation proposal
conducted on bicycle safety in Redmond, Washington, was an informational pamphlet
intended to provide citizens with tips on safe biking and driving. As a group, we put this
together using information I gathered for the recommendation report, this was especially
useful when it came to the tips section of the pamphlet. The Pamphlet itself contains a
table of contents, an introduction, tips for both cyclists and motorists, as well as
graphical design elements (logos, photographs and simple art). We see this pamphlet
being especially useful to young cyclists and motorists who perhaps have less
experience behind the bike handle or car wheel and may need some advice on how to
safely manage themselves in the city. The usefulness of this product is not limited to the
young of course, as cyclists and motorists of all ages can benefit from the reminders
and tips included in the pamphlet. This pamphlet has the qualities of one produced by
the city itself, and I could easily see the pamphlet being distributed at public libraries,
city halls, or similar places where it could reach the hands of the people whod be
interested in giving it a look.

Conclusion

To conclude, our pamphlets have a lot of easy to apply tips for

cyclists and for drivers that will make the roads safer to be on when bikers are involved.
Such tips include stopping before crosswalks and not on them to give a direct marked
path across the street. The information on this pamphlet as it might not be new
information its information and guidelines that people have been lacking or that have
been forgotten. These tips should be a good reminder to drivers and bikers that the road
is a dangerous place but together if we can all use this pamphlet and put into action
these tips the roads will be a safer and more ease of mind when youre on a less
protective bikes. City of Redmond we want to make your roads safer for all residents
especially your strong biking community.

Recommendations
When reviewing this project and trying to see what ways you could
upgrade this in the future is to take away the paper aspect. In the future moving to make
this all electronically would be more efficient and cost effective then paper. This has
huge upsides because almost everyone has a smartphone and is always checking
social media so social media ads could increase traffic. The possible downsides of this
future idea is that ads on social media can be overlooked and could make little impact if
not done right. This world is all becoming electronic and the sooner we can catch up
with that trend the better this product will work. Pamphlets are a little old fashioned but it
is an easy way to keep it on you and to make sure people get it in their hands. Online is
the future but we dont have that same power of putting it in their hands. These are the
changes that we would want to make for the future of this project.

Appendix A
Pamphlet

Appendix B
Johns Report
Date:
To:
From:
Subject:

October 12, 2016

Public Works Department, City of Redmond
Planning and Community Development Department, City of Redmond
John Gibons
Recommendation memo for cyclist risk study in Redmond

Purpose:
This is the recommendation memo based on research on cyclist safety in Redmond,
Washington. Research which included surveys on bike safety in the city from both cyclists and
motor drivers, as well as observations of troublesome areas in the city.
Summary
Following voiced concerns of bicyclist safety in the city of Redmond, a research proposal
was authorized by municipal departments in the city of Redmond to investigate what could be
done to improve bike safety and reduce mortalities. Research into this topic has been completed,
via: statistical research into fatalities and cyclist injuries in Redmond, learning about both cyclist

and motor vehicle driver etiquette on the roads of Redmond, and finally the quality of roads and
busy intersections was determined through study and survey.
The results of these studies are laid out in this memo, as well as recommendations to the
municipal government.
Introduction
Following approval by the City of Redmond to begin research on cyclist safety in Redmond,
research began on October 2nd 2016 to investigate the issue.
From 2008 to 2012, an average of 3 bicyclists died per year and 45 were injured from collisions
with motor vehicles (Bike Helmets). In Redmond, concerns have also been raised over the safety
of the city for bicyclist following injuries and deaths (Open Letter). In light of this, the Public
Works and Planning Communities Departments of Redmond have allocated resources for a study
into what steps the municipal government can take to improving cyclist safety in the city.
My proposal for research into this topic was approved by the aforementioned municipal
departments into the matters of bicycle safety statistics as they stand in the city, and what can be
done to improve conditions for cyclists in the city, whether it is a matter of influencing behavior
and etiquette on the part of drivers or cyclists, or improving infrastructure, or a mix in between,
was the focus of this study.
Research methods:
Preliminary research was in relation to understanding the risks bicyclists faced in Redmond, WA.
This research involved learning where accidents and fatalities had occurred by looking up
accident reports, city files, and newspaper editorials. Information of Redmond itself was the most
sought after, but information pertaining to the whole Eastside area was considered in this
investigation.
Next, in regards to tasks 2 and 3, surveys were sent out to known bicyclists in the Redmond area,
who reported that they ride their bicycles for their daily errands (going to work, grocery
shopping, etc) while another survey was sent out to people who drove motor vehicles to perform
said tasks. Both samples were groupings of ten people and are listed respectively below.
Cyclist Survey:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

Do you wear a helmet every day? (Y/N)

Do you typically use bike trails to get around (Y/N)
When biking on the road, do you use bike lanes (Y/N)
Do you feel that bike lanes give adequate spacing in high traffic areas? (Y/N)
Do you typically feel safe at busy intersections? (Y/N)
Do you feel safe when a car is passing you in the bike lane? (Y/N)
Do you typically signal that you are turning when preparing to make a turn? (Y/N)
Do you ride with more caution during stormy conditions? (Y/N)
Do you believe roads are adequate for cycling? (Y/N)

10. If not, any roads in particular (Fill in)

11. In general, are the roads too crowded? (Y/N)
12. During the last year, have you even been on a bicycle while under the influence of
alcohol or drugs? (Y/N)
Motor Vehicle survey:
1. Are you ever irritated when you share the road with a cyclist? (Y/N)
2. Do you signal when passing by a cyclist? (Y/N)
3. In the past year, would you say you have been in a close call with a cyclist, nearly
colliding? (Y/N)
4. Have you ever witness a near collision in the past year? (Y/N)
5. Do you believe bike lanes in Redmond are adequate for cyclist-motorist road sharing?
(Y/N)
6. Do you believe roads in Redmond are adequate for sharing the roads? (Y/N)
7. Are roads too crowded? (Y/N)
8. During the last year, have you driven under the influence of drugs or alcohol (even under
legal limits)? (Y/N)
Each sample size was a sample of ten people.
Following the surveys, research was done into busy intersections and areas that were mentioned
by cyclists in survey 1 that created problems. This research had overlap with the research related
to task 1, in which patterns of accidents and the areas they occurred in could be established.
From here, research into what improvements could be made was performed.
Results
Task 1: preliminary research
As a result of preliminary research into troubled areas for cyclists in Redmond, there were some
consistent areas of trouble, as noted by injury reports. Troubled areas divided themselves neatly
into two categories as per the data, both anecdotal and statistical; the bottoms of major hills in
Redmond and two busy intersections, one on Avondale road, a ways off from Union Hill, and the
second at the bottom of Education Hill. This data allowed for a focused research into areas in
task 4, following the surveys.
Task 2: Give out surveys to cyclists
The sample group of ten residents were given this survey and the major results indicated that
some (2/10) reported not wearing their helmet every day, a factor considered the most vital to
preventing collision fatalities. 4 out of 10 reported that they do not always signal when making
turns and 5/10 responded that they do not feel safe at busy intersections in Redmond. 8 in 10
agreed that the roads are too crowded.
Task 3: Give out surveys to motorists

A similar survey was given out to motorists, they too agreed that the roads are too busy (9/10)
and five out of ten responded that they grow irritated when they share the road with a cyclist. 1
reported that they had driven under the effects of alcohol.
Task 4: Conduct research into trouble spots
Research into the areas mentioned in task 1 revealed that studies into preventing accidents for
both cyclists and motorists on the busy intersections of Education Hill had been performed
before, these reports recommended policing speeding more heavily, as well as performing
community outreach to reduce driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol (City of
Redmond). In other Areas of Redmond; Avondale, and Union hill, the problem appears to be that
of volume and poor conditions, large amounts of traffic go through these areas, and in the case of
poor conditions, rainfall has caused accidents at the bottom of hills, even among experienced
cyclists.
Conclusions:
The major conclusion gathered from this study is one that many locals express in their surveys
and in generalized discourse; that the roads in king county are too crowded, making it an unsafe
environment for both motorists and cyclists. There are other factors in play as well, driver
irritability makes for unsafe conditions for cyclists, as well as resulting in the Seattle road rage,
a danger for everyone. The irritation factor among motorists is something to be very aware of, as
it is not something seen in traffic reports or statistics, the interactions between motorists and
cyclists are the fundamental difference in making a safe environment for the cyclist in the city.
Recommendations
As per the research of this memo, this researcher recommends that the City of Redmond target
road rage tendencies via educational outreach programs, as well as increased policing. Catching
events of road rage or even improper coordination with cyclists is key to creating safer roadways.
In other cases, at these heavily loaded intersections, reducing the amount of traffic is key to
ensuring biker safety, this can, and is being done in a variety of ways in the Redmond area
already, and can be expanded. At the bottom of Union Hill road, roads are being improved, and a
traffic circle has been built, a step to drastically decrease the volume of car backup, reducing
frustration and increasing safety.
Finally, back on the subject of outreach, continuing to educate about the important of helmets is
vital, getting the message out via advertisements, community outreach programs, is vital to
ensuring safety. These steps can be taken while at the same time encouraging people to take up
cycling as a daily habit, a win-win scenario, in the minds of any involved.
I would like to thank the municipal departments of Redmond for supporting my research, and I
look forward to biking back in my hometown.

Citations:
Bike Helmets and Safety last updated July 15, 2016,
http://www.kingcounty.gov/depts/health/violence-injury-prevention/traffic-safety/bicyclesafety.aspx
Anonymous, Discussing Reporter story on bike safety in The Redmond Reporter, published
September 11, 2016.
Various authors, City of Redmonds Junior High Safety Program in Traffic Safety Digest U.S.
Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2001