The

Advocate
The Bicycle Alliance Advocates for Bicyclists and a Bicycle-Friendly Washington

September 2007

Bike odyssey yields roads report and more

What are the roads like in Winthrop or Walla Walla? How are the fenders are sold in Seattle than
trails in Bellingham? What makes riding a bicycle in Richland Spokane, or that Armadillo tires
different from riding in Seattle? Is there any way to make a rumble sell well in the tackweed coun-
strip that's not an obstacle for a cyclist? try around the Tri-Cities. But I
was surprised and pleased to
In July, Bicycle Alliance’s commute-program director Kent
learn from virtually every shop
Peterson went in search of answers to those and other questions
owner that not only is business
during a two-week odyssey around Washington. In 15 days,
up, the increase is in the area
Peterson rode 1,341 miles, took hundreds of pictures, and chatted
of practical bikes. People are
with dozens of people about cycling in their parts of the state.
riding their bikes to work and to
“The strength of the Bicycle Alliance comes from our members,” the store. People are buying bike
said Peterson, “and I was fortunate to meet up with some of those trailers. More people are choos- Kent Peterson pauses above
members and have them show me around various places — includ- ing to ride instead of drive,” Diablo Lake on the North
ing Port Townsend, Peterson added. Cascades Highway.
Whidbey Island,
His favorite aspect of the trip? “Making connections between
Bellingham,
people. Solutions discovered in one place can help solve problems
Winthrop,
somewhere else,” he explained. “Kyle Morris, who runs the non-
Spokane, Richland,
profit Hub in Bellingham, has information and experience that
Vancouver, Olym-
could benefit John Speare, who recently founded the non-profit
pia and Tacoma.
Pedals2People in Spokane. Todd Boulanger in Vancouver knows
I got to spend an
things about electronic on-demand bike lockers that Seattleites need
evening watching
to know. Every place I went I found people who are turning their
kids race around
energy and ideas into the actions that make Washington a better
the BMX track in
state in which to cycle.”
Walla Walla, enjoy
a quiet morning Inevitably on such a whirlwind tour, Peterson couldn’t dwell
Paul Whitney, a Richland commuter and long- ride on the Yakima long at each stop, and didn’t make it to all the communities he’d
distance rider, guided Kent Peterson along
Greenway Trail, like to have visited.
the Old Inland Empire Highway.
sit in on a planning
“If I didn't make it to your town or didn't get a chance to connect
meeting for the new I-5 bridge connecting Vancouver and Portland,
with you when I was in your part of the state, I'm very sorry. It
chat with Phil Meany about the cycling history of Centralia, and
doesn’t mean we don’t want to hear from you — because we do,”
discuss advocacy techniques with Larry Leveen in Olympia.”
Peterson said.
Peterson rode from the Puget Sound to the Cascade Mountains
Details of Peterson’s journey and acknowledgments to the many
to the Eastern High Desert and back again. His trip yielded solid
people who hosted and helped him on the road, as well as dozens
information about conditions faced by riders throughout Washing-
of pictures can be found on the archive of his personal blog at
ton – from chip-sealing used in Methow Valley to the well-executed
kentsbike.blogspot.com/2007_07_01_archive
rumble strips near Fort Lewis in Pierce County.

“I rode down busy city streets and quiet country roads,” ex-
plained Peterson. “I learned to appreciate the work that goes into
maintaining those roads.”
As well as finding out about good and bad road conditions,
Peterson made contact with bike-store owners and employees. “It's
no surprise that mountain bikes are big in Bellingham, that more
Coming your way
Kent Peterson’s recent trip around the state was just part of the Bicycle
Alliance’s on-going effort to work with clubs and advocacy groups around
the state. In September, executive director Gordon Black will visit Walla
Walla and the Tri-Cities.
If you’d like a staff member or board member from the Bicycle Alliance to
talk to your group, send an email to info@bicyclealliance.org.

S hare the R oad license plates available at any vehicle licensing office or get a mail - in application at B icycle A lliance . org
The Advocate (  )
Trails capture the
public imagination
Trails have captured the public’s imagination. With a refreshing
absence of hype, trails for biking and walking have become a key
factor in the public’s measure of what makes a place livable.
According to several studies, proximity to trail adds to both the appeal and
the resale price of a home. That, in turn, means that trails contribute to the tax
base of municipalities by generating higher assessed values. Whether you live
in Spokane, Snohomish, Seattle, Chehalis or any of dozens of other communities
around the state, I’d bet that you’ve been drawn to riding on a trail because it
offers a safer, quieter, car-free environment that puts you closer to nature.
As your new executive director, I was invited to attend a ground-breaking
ceremony for a new segment of the Burke-Gilman Trail in July. Seattle Mayor
Greg Nickels spoke of the importance of trails in creating a place for healthy
exercise while also helping to reduce carbon emissions. To make his point before
the media, he unveiled a model of a coal pile (borrowed from the Seattle Opera
props department), representing carbon which ends up in the atmosphere when
fossil fuels are burned.
A couple of months earlier, Nickels cut a ribbon to mark the completion of
the Chief Sealth Trail, a four-mile route along a utility right-of-way. East of
the mountains, Spokane mayor Dennis Hession and other officials have made
completion of the Fish Lake Trail a legislative priority.
Associating with trails is good politics, and the photo-op that comes with
turning a shovelful of dirt or snipping a ribbon solidifies officials’ connections
with something that’s hugely popular. Of course, it’s almost always the vision of
citizen-advocates and their unflagging advocacy for trails that make them happen
in the first place (more about citizen involvement in trails next issue).
Trails — and how they contribute to healthier lives, community connections
and reduced pollution — were front and center at a conference hosted by the
Rails to Trails Conservancy in Portland in August. The keynote speaker at the
conference was King County executive Ron Sims, who is championing acquiring
33 miles of little-used freight rail line and converting it to trail between Renton
and Snohomish. Sims has proposed selling King County Airport (aka Boeing
Field) to the Port of Seattle, then having the port buy the right-of-way from
Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railway, which has issued its intention of
abandoning the route.
Sims made an impassioned case for the county’s acquisition and conversion of the
rail line at the conference in Portland. Days before he did so, the port’s executive
director Tay Yoshitani said the port was not interested in buying King County
Airport. The Bicycle Alliance strongly endorses this great opportunity to get an
inter-urban trail through the heart of Seattle’s burgeoning suburbs. Sims remains
unfaltering in his support of the idea. He’s already shown his mettle on trail
issues by defending King County’s right to develop another rail-trail — despite
11 separate lawsuits filed by neighboring home owners. The BNSF eastside trail
won’t come without a fight either. But then, not a trail in the state has been
built without consistent, tireless advocacy on its behalf. That’s where you can
and do make a difference. I’ll look forward to keeping you posted on this and
other issues around the state in the coming months.
September  2007
Spokane Reception
set for S eptember 20
The Bicycle Alliance of Washington’s new executive director will
make his first official visit to Spokane in September. Gordon
Black is planning to meet with elected officials, jurisdictional
staff and local cycling advocates to discuss regional cycling
issues.
The Bicycle Alliance will be hosting a reception to give our
Spokane members and the local cycling community an
opportunity to meet Black, as well as to explore the possibility
of establishing a sub-office for Eastern Washington in Spokane.
The reception is slated for Thursday, September 20, 6:30-
8:30 pm, at the Mountain Gear office building in Spokane
Valley. All members and cyclists are invited. Please check
bicyclealliance.org for additional details.
Big Demand for Seattle Bike Map
The Bicycle Alliance distributes the Seattle Bicycle Guide Map on
behalf of the City of Seattle. Since the beginning of the year, we
have given out or mailed more than 11,000 maps, including to
people in over 40 states and 20 countries.
We have also distributed maps at events such as Bike Expo, Tour
de Fat, and transportation fairs. Maps have been provided to
libraries, shops, neighborhood service centers, and employers that
promote bicycle commuting. Many maps are also picked up at
our offices in the Bikestation. Providing this service has resulted
in increased exposure for the Bicycle Alliance.
In addition to the Seattle Bike Map, we also have the following
route maps in stock:
Bainbridge Island
Bellevue
Clark County
Interurban (Snohomish County portion)
King County
Redmond
Skagit Valley
Snohomish County
Vancouver/Portland metropolitan area
During the next few weeks we will receive route maps for
Washington State and Pierce and Kitsap Counties.
To receive one Seattle map via mail, go to seattle.gov/
transportation/bikemapform. Or if you are interested in obtaining
multiple maps, please call Dave Janis at 206.224.9252 or email
Davej@bicyclealliance.org. There is no charge for maps.
 September  2007 Bicycle Alliance of Washington
(  ) The

Putting Your Style on a Great variety among auction items

PERSNL Auto Plate From beautiful pens sculpted out of machined wood to an Alaskan
cruise; from weekend cabin retreats to a class on sketching: The
Calling BIKERDR or TANDEMS or maybe even CYCLIST. If those 2007 Bicycle Alliance Auction and Dinner will offer a broad variety
aren’t your style, how about DOWNHL? That’s right, starting next of items up for bid.
month, you can personalize your devotion to bicycling by put-
“You don’t have to donate an item you can see and touch,” said
ting your preferred letter
auction co-chair and BAW board member Jillie Priest. “In the past,
combination on your Share
experiences have also sold well. We encourage everyone to be cre-
The Road license plate. WASHINGTON ative in their donation – maybe leading a ride to a special place
Washington’s Depart-
ment of Licensing will be
B and providing a lunch. Maybe you have
a special skill to teach others — that
accepting applications in K would make a great donation.”
October for custom letters
Got an idea for a donation but want
and numbers on these
to discuss it first? Or simply want to
license plates. Part of the proceeds from the Share The Road plates
make a donation?
helps to support programs at the Bicycle Alliance. By late August,
over 2,340 plates had been purchased. Since the legislation creat- Call Louise McGrody at 206.224.9252
ing the plates went into effect in 2006, BAW has received around or email louisemc@bicyclealliance.org.
$50,000 from this program.

Share the Road plates can be used for trailers and motorcycles,
as well as cars and trucks. Seven characters are permitted for larger
plates and there is a limit of six characters for motorcycle and other
small plates. The cost of the plates varies based on local fees and
taxes collected in the county where you live. For additional infor-
mation, contact dol.wa.gov/vehicleregistration/sppersonalized.
Of course, you can still show your support for bicycling by sign-
ing up for a regular numerical Share the Road plate. Download an
application from bicyclealliance.org/shareplate/share_plate.
The check that gives more
When you come to the Bicycle Alliance Auction October 27, you
can increase your gift by four percent very easily. Last year, we
had to give more than $2,000 of your generous donations to our
bankers in the form of credit card fees. Help us keep more of the
money from your purchases by writing a check instead of using
a credit card or bank card. Of course, we will still welcome your
purchases by credit card — but if you can remember to bring your
checkbook, we’ll be banking that extra four percent.

Support A Bicycle-Friendly Washington Join the Bicycle Alliance of Washington Today!

YES! I would like to become a member of the Bicycle Alliance of Washington

Name

Address
 $25 Individual
 $50 Sponsor
City, State, Zip
 $100 Patron
 $250 Sustaining Please charge my:
 $500 Life  American Express  Visa  Mastercard
 $15 Student/Senior or Living Lightly Card #
 $150 Affiliate (Clubs, organizations and businesses) Expires Signature

 I am already a member – this is a renewal. Phone E-mail

 I am interested in monthly giving.
 My check is enclosed
 I would like to volunteer.
 I would like to receive email alerts.  My gift will be matched by my employer:
Please include employer form.
 I would like more information.
Make/Send checks payable to: The Bicycle Alliance of Washington
The Bicycle Alliance occasionally exchanges its mailing list with organizations involved in PO Box 2904,
similar issues. If you DO NOT want to have your name exchanged, please check here.  Seattle, WA 98111

Thank you! The Bicycle Alliance of Washington is a 501(c)(3) organization. Your donation is tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.
 The Advocate (  ) September  2007

T i p s f r om m e m b e r s h i p d i r e cto r M a r k C a n i z a r o

Unload the car, help bicycling and yourself
Looking for that great tax write-off to aid your favorite bicycling organization? We’ve
got it for you. If you are commuting to work by bike, you might no longer need that
second car parked in the driveway—or maybe even the first car! You can now donate
your little-used car to the Bicycle Alliance of Washington (and save yourself a pile
of dough on insurance, repairs, and parking). While you can ride with a smile about
the tax write-off, there are other benefits, too. Proceeds from the sale of the car
go directly to supporting programs at the Bicycle Alliance. If you live in Seattle, the
national car-sharing program Flexcar will provide credit towards use of their vehicles.
Make bicycling programs part of your legacy
If you believe in the goal of creating a better Washington State for
bicyclists, consider including the Bicycle Alliance of Washington in
your will. Join a growing group of riders who want to ensure that
improved riding conditions for bicyclists is part of their legacy.
For a d d i t i o n a l i n f o r m at i o n o n t h e s e
a n d o t h e r m e m b e r s h i p i s s u e s , c o n ta c t
M a r k C a n i z a r o at 2 0 6 . 2 2 4 . 9 2 5 2 o r
markc@bicyclealliance.org

F i rst S u m m i t D ra w s 1 0 0 P l u s
The Center for Safe
Routes to School in
Washington State, a
partnership of pedestrian
advocacy group Feet First
and the Bicycle Alliance
of Washington, held its
first statewide safe routes
to school (SRtS) summit.
The free event, held in
Lynnwood, was attended
by over 115 people from
throughout the state,
representing public
safety, education, public
health, design, and numerous other stakeholders. Bicycle traveler
and public radio commentator Willie Weir addressed the gathering
over lunch.
will next lead a training in Fern-
dale in September, and is helping
plan other events around the
state. The Bicycle Alliance’s Dave
Janis, who is administering the
Center, will be participating on
a panel at the first-ever national
SRtS summit to be held Novem-
ber in Detroit.
The Center would love to work
with you and your community
to get people biking and walk-
ing. Let us know how we can
help! You can learn more about
the center and its work at: visit
saferoutes-wa.org to learn more,
or contact Dave Janis at 206.224.9252 or Davej@bicyclealliance.org.

Comments from participants demonstrated the passion for SRtS
and the need for additional assistance. “Great conference - a lot of
energy and new ideas,” wrote one attendee. “I really appreciated
the quality of the breakout sessions.”
The Center is currently assisting Oak Harbor’s SRtS program,
Middle-school students get genuinely excited about riding
their bikes to school. Pictured are students from Auburn Middle
School in Auburn who turned out for a Saturday morning ride
with Bicycle Alliance staff and volunteers in 2005. The Center
for Safe Routes to School in Washington State works towards
making it easier for students to ride their bikes.

The Advocate wants to cover news and issues from your hometown.
Had success recently? Learned something about advocacy you’d like to share?
Drop us a note at info@bicyclealliance.org
September  2007 Bicycle Alliance of Washington
(  ) The

Tour de Fat Galleria

Part circus, part concert, part ride — and lots of fun. The Tour de
Fat, sponsored by New Belgium Brewery, rolled into Seattle in early
August to celebrate bicycling and low-impact living. The event drew
hundreds to a closed-off street in Seattle’s Fremont neighborhood.
Bicycle Alliance volunteers and staff poured the beer — and helped
bring in close to $7000 for the Bicycle Alliance.

Jeremy Vrablik (right), proud owner

of a new custom-made Black Sheep
bike, which he received in exchange for
trading in his car. On his left is Bicycle
Alliance board member King Cushman.
 The Advocate (  ) September  2007

Hounding authorities to make your ride safer

If you’re a regular rider or commuter by bike, you’ve probably got photos, and explore
a list in your head of problem roads you traverse. The menu might an interactive map of
include sunken drain-covers, sizable pot-holes, construction debris, the location.
poorly designed trails, uneven pavement, cracked concrete and worse.
Once hazards are
“I would be on a ride and see a problem, but then get home entered into the site,
and forget about it until the next time I was out riding in the same Slivka has volun-
spot,” said Rebecca Slivka, Bicycle Alliance web-master and tarily taken on the
regular volunteer. task of following
up with the respon-
Slivka realized that other riders were likely having the same
sible government
experience—being annoyed by poor roadways, but not having an
agency throughout
easy way to log a complaint with the government department
Washington. “Some
responsible for fixing things. Slivka has since created a web tool,
jurisdictions are
bicyclewatchdog.org, to make the task of logging problem roadways
responsive and some
easier. Now by logging onto the site she created, any rider
are not. It does not
can enter information on hazardous road conditions.
solve the problem completely, but now we have a written record and
“It was in my mind for many years that this should be done and can keep pestering them. If they get some media attention out of it,
finally I decided to do it,” said Slivka. “Bicycle Watchdog aims to maybe it will make a difference,” said Slivka.
facilitate communication between bicyclists and those responsible for
You can help by becoming a registered Bicycle Watchdog user and
the design, construction, and maintenance of our streets — and most
entering information about bicycle hazards around the state. To regis-
of all, to get the problems fixed.”
ter, go to www.bicyclewatchdog.org.
Since creating the site over a year ago, Slivka has recently enhanced
it with mapping. Now you can read a description of the hazard, view

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