Bike Month Event Calendar Pg. 2 May 2014 / Vol. 44 No. 5
cascade.org
You did it! The Seattle City Council passed the Bike Master Plan By Anne-Marije Rook, Communications Director
You did it! On Monday, April 14, the Seattle City Council approved the new Bicycle Master Plan! In its community outreach, the Seattle Department of Transportation received tens of thousands of comments and responses with an overwhelming unified message: Seattle streets need to be safer for all users. The city heard your comments and Seattle City Council members unanimously voted to move ahead with the Bike Master Plan. In the works for more than two years, the new bike plan is a transformative document that will fundamentally reshape how the city plans and builds bike routes to connect its neighborhoods. The plan focus is to make bicycling a convenient, integral part of daily life and to quadruple ridership between 2014 and 2030. The plan includes more than 470 miles of new or upgraded bicycle infrastructure, including off-street paths, bike bridges, protected bike
lanes and neighborhood greenways. The Citywide Network will feature an impressive 608.3-mile network of bicycle facilities including both neighborhood destinations and cross-town connections. Whether you’re an 8-year-old kid or an 80-year-old grandparent, getting around Seattle on a bike should be safe, easy and comfortable. When fully implemented, Seattle’s ambitious new Bike Master Plan will make that vision a reality. A huge debt of gratitude goes out to Councilmember Tom Rasmussen for his steadfast leadership as Chair of the Transportation Committee and shepherding the Plan through to adoption. In addition, Councilmembers Sally Bagshaw, Sally Clark and Mike O’Brien have been great champions for building a complete network of protected bike lanes and neighborhood greenways across Seattle. We also thank the Seattle Department of Transportation for their tireless dedication to the Bicycle Master
Seattle City Council members Mike O’Brien and and Tom Rasmussen celebrate with cake after the Bike Master Plan was passed through council.
Plan and Mayor Ed Murray and his staff for quickly resolving a lawsuit that had held up the plan’s adoption. Last but not least, we want to thank YOU. You and the thousands of Seattleites who attended SDOT’s open houses, spoke up at public hearings and sent letters to council members. We couldn’t have done it without you. So what’s next?
Truth is, our work is only beginning. To realize the Plan’s priorities, the city council will need to re-prioritize budgets and voters will need
to approve new funding through ballot measures. In addition, there are important projects like the Westlake and Downtown protected bike lanes, completion of the Missing Link, and neighborhood greenways in Montlake and the Rainier Valley that need our special attention this year. We’ll need your advocacy to make it happen, so stick around to make sure Seattle funds and builds the new bike network. Visit cascade.org/connect-seattle to get involved.
May is Bike Month: Go Anywhere! coworkers, community members or friends. Invite a friend to join your team and help them fall in love with two-wheeled transport. commutechallenge.cascade.org
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7400 Sand Point Way NE, Suite 101S Seattle, WA 98115 www.cascade.org
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Bike to School
Whether you’re a beginner or a lifelong rider, May is the best time of year to hop on your bike and go anywhere—to work, school, the farmers’ market or wherever your day takes you. Celebrate National Bike Month by participating in Cascade’s great lineup of events. Whether you’re biking to the Mariners game or to the library, this month’s events will help you experience your community from a new
view and give you the confidence to go anywhere by bike. Riding a bike for transportation will get you out of traffic and on the path to a healthier, happier you! Where will you go by bike? Adobe Commute Challenge Presented by F5
Challenge yourself and others to ride as much as possible during May in this fun, friendly trip-tracking contest. Ride solo or form a team of
National Bike to School Month is a time for kids across the country to engage in active transportation. We encourage students to begin their school day with a safe, active commute and to continue these healthy habits throughout the year. Cascade Bicycle Club hosts friendly Bike to School competitions to reward elementary, middle and high school students who track their bicycle trips. cascade.org/bts Find a calendar of events on page 3
IN THIS ISSUE: Elizabeth’s column........................................................................................................................................................................................................ p.2 Heard at the front desk................................................................................................................................................................................................. p.2 Bike Month Events Calendar....................................................................................................................................................................................... p.3 Bikenomics...................................................................................................................................................................................................................... p.7 Commuter Corner........................................................................................................................................................................................................... p.8 Marking the Way..............................................................................................................................................................................................................p.9
May 2014
Toward zero deaths
Heard at the front desk
By Elizabeth Kiker, Executive Director
By Dave Eggleston, Front Desk Operative
When I first heard about the goal to get to zero traffic fatalities, I thought it was an unrealistic goal. But over the years, my perspective has shifted. It began the last time I was in Seattle, in 2006, to start a crosscountry bicycle trip from Seattle to Washington, D.C. Three days into that ride, on a clear, beautiful day on a wide, flat road, one of the riders was struck from behind and killed. The driver was looking at her baby and didn’t see the cyclist, she said. I rode to Spokane that day, subdued and slow. I rode all the way to D.C., past the fearsome logging trucks in Montana, and past the crash that took out two additional riders (both alive, thankfully) in Indiana. After that trip, at my work at the League of American Bicyclists, I started to see that we can make a difference with a goal of zero traffic deaths. I launched a program, titled Every Bicyclist Counts, and personally tried to track the death of every cyclist in the country. It was heartbreaking work. And tonight, I type this from my dad’s hospital room in Houston, Texas. Just seven months ago, he was attacked on his bike, and the kids who took his beloved Gunnar also broke three of his ribs and his collarbone. Now he’s in the hospital again. This week, he was back on his bike, starting to train for STP, when he was struck by a car. He
It happens to all of us. You can’t recall your password when it’s time to register for a class, check out membership status or do an add-on item for STP. If this happens to you, follow these steps: 1. Click “Sign In” at the top of the screen 2. Click “Request New Password” 3. An email will be sent to you with a link to use to reset your password
John Preston recovering in the hospital
sustained six broken ribs, a cracked vertebra and a broken thumb. But he’s alive, and for that I am endlessly grateful. Enough is enough. I know this isn’t just about my dad or my stories—all cyclists, all pedestrians, even most drivers have stories about calls that are way too close, crashes that missed by a hair, or worse, loved ones who did not survive. I’m committed to zero traffic deaths. I’m committed to safer streets for cars, bikes, buses and pedestrians. I’m committed to slower speeds and an end to distracted driving. Cascade is working on our strategic plan and we are talking about road safety and what we can do about it. I want to hear from you. Send your ideas to elizabeth.kiker@ cascadebicycleclub.org.
If you don’t see that email within five minutes, check the junk or spam folders of your email account. The emails sometimes get filtered by the providers into these other folders. If you still can’t find the email from Cascade or if the link in the email doesn’t function for some reason, do not create a new account if you can’t login! Instead, call us at (206) 522-3222 or email info@ cascadebicycleclub.org and we’ll help you. Any future questions for our front desk? Call us at (206) 522-3222 or email info@cascadebicycleclub.org.
Bike to School Challenge ramps up! By Shannon Koller, Director of Education
A record 53 schools are registered to participate in the Bike to School Challenge so far this year! A newcomer to the Bike to School arena is Pacific Crest School in the Ballard/Fremont area. A number of dedicated parents at the school have organized an astounding seven events to educate and encourage kids throughout Bike Month, including “Wide World of Bikes” and “Cycles in Nature”. They will also join other Ballard Bikes schools riding in the Syttende Mai parade on May 17. Setting the bar high for middle schools, the programs run by Eckstein and Denny International parents, are also in motion. Twentyseven students turned out for a bike event at Eckstein even before the start of Bike Month! Jose Banda, Seattle Public School Superintendent, will be riding alongside the kids and families of Alki Elementary in West Seattle on Bike to School Day on May 7.
Why would your school want to be involved in Bike to School Month? Not only for the glory of receiving the “Golden Pedal Award”, awarded to the school that accumulates the most minutes of biking, but also for the fabulous prizes. This year the high school student who rides the most minutes in May will be awarded two bibs in the sold-out Seattle to Portland ride. Three new bikes are also up for grabs for elementary, K-8 and middle school students. An overnight bike trip is being offered to the top middle school team as part of the new middle school team challenge. Check out our website for details and to register. It’s not too late to celebrate bike month or Bike to School Day at your school. Contact Shannon Koller at shannonk@ cascadebicycleclub.org to get signed up! cascade.org/bts
Photo by Bryan Urakawa
This is what happens when you take your 3-year-old to see [artistic cyclists] Corinna Hein, Stefan Musu and Lukas Matla at the Seattle Bike Expo. Thanks for submitting this photo, Bryan! If you have a photo you’d like to share, please send it to amrook@cascadebicycleclub.org. 2
www.cascade.org
Vol. 44, No. 5
Don’t miss these Bike Month events: Thursday, May 1 2014 Adobe Commute Challenge presented by F5 starts
Thursday, May 22 UW Trail Party
4 - 7 p.m. Stevens Way at Rainier Vista on the UW campus This annual event will be held on the bike commuter-friendly University of Washington campus. We’ll have music, free drawings every hour for great prizes and other fun giveaways.
Register for this free online triptracking contest and challenge yourself and others to ride as much as possible during May. Form a team of coworkers or friends, log your miles and earn great prizes (and bragging rights) just for riding your bike. Invite a newbie to join your team and help them fall in love with bicycling! Sign up at www.cascade.org/commutechallenge.
Bike Happy Hour
5:30 p.m. at Cafe Racer in the U District
Bike Happy Hour
5:30 p.m. at Schooner Exact Brewing in SODO
May 24-31 Shop by Bike Week
Sunday, May 4 Seattle Bike-n-Brews Ride
Sold out! Volunteer opportunities still available.
Tuesday, May 6 Bike to Work Breakfast
7 - 9 a.m. Sheraton Seattle Grand Ballroom Elected officials, business leaders, and community members like you gather for an inspiring breakfast featuring special guests like former Seahawks QB Jim Zorn and Brad Tilden, Alaska Airlines CEO. All proceeds benefit the Cascade Bicycle Club Education Foundation.
Wednesday, May 7 National Bike to School Day
Ride with your child to school! Encourage your school to get involved today. Captains Bash
5 - 8 p.m. Pike Brewery, 1415 1st Ave, Seattle Commute Challenge team captains are invited (+ one guest) to this legendary happy hour party at Seattle’s iconic Pike Brewery. The first beer is on us. Awesome door prizes compliments of our generous Bike Month sponsors. Thursday, May 8 Bike Happy Hour
5:30 p.m. at Von Trapp’s near Capitol Hill
Friday, May 9 Bellevue Bike Appreciation Day
Ride on, Eastside! Throughout the day, Choose Your Way Bellevue will be giving away vouchers for commuter products to randomly-selected cyclists spotted in downtown Bellevue. Bikes and Bagels
7 - 9 a.m. McGraw Square (5th Ave & Stewart St, Seattle) Bike commuters are invited to stop by a celebration station hosted by Commute Seattle at McGraw Square to receive complimentary coffee, bagels and fun prizes on your way to work. Thursday, May 15 Bike Happy Hour
5:30 p.m. at Spinnaker Bay Brewing in Hillman City Friday May 16
Bike to Work Day Commute Stations 6 - 9 a.m. All around the Puget Sound region If you only commute by bike on one day per year, make it Bike to Work Day presented by F5. Stop by one of dozens of Commute Stations throughout the Puget Sound region
to pick up free swag, treats and local bike maps. Have your bike checked for free by our fantastic bike shop partners, and enter the Bike Month drawing for your chance to win great prizes. Find a station on your commute route on our online map. Everett Celebration Ride
7:30 - 8 a.m. Depart from Wall and Oakes Ave for a fun-filled ride to Everett Station. All participants receive a special gift and are eligible to win prizes. Bike to Work Day After Party
4:30 - 6:30 p.m. Velo Bike Shop at Sixth Avenue and Blanchard in downtown Seattle Roll over for bites and beverages from Tom Douglas Restaurants, tunes from KEXP DJ Greg Vandy and tours of ViaBike and Via6 apartments. Bring your friends and colleagues to celebrate a day of twowheeled happiness! Sunday, May 18 Bike to Ballard Farmers’ Market Day
First 50 cyclists get a free gift, and enter fun contests like most creative produce transport!
Running errands or dining out by bike benefits your wallet, your health and your local economy. Enjoy cyclist discounts at participating Seattle retailers.
Friday, May 29 Ballard Bike Street Party
Cascade Bicycle Club is partnering with Seattle Summer Streets to cap off Bike to Work Month with a sweet street party celebrating biking and walking. Come hang out with us in the street, mingle with neighbors, and support Ballard businesses. Don’t miss this massive bike block party celebrating the end of Bike Month. Grab a friend and take to the streets of Ballard for an evening of bicycle-themed fun for everyone. Come check out the live music stage featuring family-friendly local bands and a bike inspired fashion show mc’d by Hub & Bespoke. We’ll have rad bike performances all evening long with the BMX Ride and Glide Team and NW Trials team and plenty of activities for the kiddos with the Cascade Education Foundation.
Friday, May 31 Commute Challenge ends
Log your final trips by June 5! Mark your calendars and get all the details at www.cascade.org/bikemonth.
Thank you to our generous sponsors!
Creating a Better Community Through Bicycling
3
May 2014
THE COURIER CREW
Bike Swap part two!
Anne-Marije Rook, Editor Diane English and Chris Partridge, Editorial Assistants May contributors: Jeff Aken, Mary Collins, Kailey Duffy, McKayla Dunfey, Dave Eggleston, Elizabeth Kiker, Shannon Koller, Miranda Kubasti, Matt Metcalf, Josh Miller, Chris Partridge, Kelli Refer, Anne-Marije Rook. Layout by: Tom Eibling
We’re excited to announce a second Bike Swap for 2014! Because the snow storm in February caused a lot of people to miss Bike Swap, we want to give the cycling community another chance to buy and sell bikes and cycling gear at a bargain price.
We welcome your contributions! Got an inspiring story or a great photo? We welcome submissions. The editorial calendar is planned one month in advance. If you wish to contribute an article to a future issue, contact the editor as early as possible. Articles and photographic submissions are due by the 10th of the month prior to publication. Articles submitted after that will be considered on a space-available basis. All submissions are subject to editing for content and space. Queries can be emailed to: amrook@cascadebicycleclub.org.
The event will be held Sunday, Sept. 28, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Seattle Center Exhibition Hall. The Seattle Bike Swap is a bike bargain hunter’s paradise. This huge bike garage sale will have great deals on new and used bike related goods of all types and sizes. This sale is one day only so don’t miss it! Vendor registration opens in June. www.cascade.org/bikeswap2
Join the Cascade Board! Cascade is looking for new board members. If you’re interested in the Club and want to help shape a better Puget Sound region through bicycling, we’re looking for you! Cascade is now accepting applications and nominations for the Cascade Board of Directors. As a Cascade board member, you represent the voice of our members and help ensure that Club resources are being used to the greatest benefit for all members as well as the larger cycling community. The board meets six times a year, has an annual retreat and is made up of a variety of committees. If you are committed to creating opportunities for everyone to ride bikes, have leadership experience
and are willing to commit the time and energy to help guide a multifaceted not-for-profit organization, please consider board service.
“Serving as a Cascade board member is a very rewarding way to help others realize the better life that comes from bicycling for fun, fitness and friendship,” said Don Volta, a two-term Cascade board member. “It’s an opportunity to have a real impact on all the great things the Club does.”
If you are interested, please send your resume by June 2 to jointheboard@ cascade.org. We look forward to hearing from you!
Bike to the Mariners game for discounts, gifts and fun May 10
Advertising: We welcome ads and inserts. To check availability and inquire about prices, please contact Anne-Marije Rook at amrook@cascadebicycleclub.org. Let’s be social! Follow Cascade on Facebook and Twitter. @cascadebicycle facebook.com/cascadebicycleclub
CASCADE CONTACTS Home Page: www.cascade.org Office phone: 206-522-3222 or 206-522-BIKE Fax: 206-522-2407 Email: info@cascadebicycleclub.org BOARD OF DIRECTORS Note: All email addresses are @cascadebicycleclub.org President Charles Ruthford • charles.ruthford@ Vice President Daniel Weise • daniel.weise@ Treasurer Don Volta • don.volta@ Secretary George Durham • george.durham@ Executive Committee Member-at-large Catherine Hennings • catherine. hennings@ Directors Maggie Sue Anderson • maggiesue. anderson@ Dr. Rayburn Lewis • rayburn.lewis@ Mo McBroom • mo.mcbroom@ Joe Platzner • joe.platzner@
Cascade Bicycle Club 7400 Sand Point Way NE, Suite 101S Seattle, WA 98115
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Elizabeth Kiker • (206) 523-9495 or Elizabeth.kiker@ SENIOR STAFF Ed Ewing, Director of Diversity & Inclusion (206) 778-4671 • ed.ewing@ Thomas Goldstein, Advocacy Director (206) 799-7775 • thomasg@ David Lee, Events & Rides Director (415) 203-4578 • david.lee@ Shannon Koller, Director of Education (206) 696-4425 • shannonk@ Serena Lehman, Director of Membership & Outreach (206) 291-4032 • serenal@ Kathy Mania, Finance Director (206) 498-2607 • kathy.mania@
Merlin Rainwater • merlin.rainwater@
Anne-Marije Rook, Communications Director
Ron Sher • ron.sher@
(208) 870-9406 • amrook@
Jessica Szelag • Jessica.szelag@
Tarrell Wright, Development Director
Ed Yoshida • ed.yoshida@
(206) 240-2235 • tarrell.wright@
By Mary Collins, Bike Month Coordinator
Calling all baseball fans! Join us and Puget Sound at Safeco Field on Saturday, May 10, at 6:10 p.m. to watch the Mariners take on the Kansas City Royals and celebrate biking to the game! Cascade is partnering with Puget Sound Starts Here night at Safeco Field to promote bicycling and a healthy Puget Sound. Discount tickets are available for purchase, as well as a free themed T-shirt and games and prizes. Fans who ride to the game and present their helmet at the Puget Sound Starts Here booth will receive a special gift from 4
Cascade Bicycle Club. A portion of ticket proceeds will directly benefit local nonprofits working to protect Puget Sound including Cascade Bicycle Club. It’s guaranteed to be a great event, so rally your friends, grab your bike and join us! To purchase discount tickets for this family-friendly event, please go to www.mariners.com/pugetsound and use promo code “salmon.” Tickets are available for $20 for View Level (normally $25) and $34 for Main Level (normally $40). Go Mariners!
Need to renew your membership? Renew now at cascade.org/renew www.cascade.org
Vol. 44, No. 5
Innovative Infrastructure: A closer look at the Broadway Protected Bike Lane By Jeff Aken, Principal Planner
Photo courtesy of SDOT
Imagine riding neighborhood to neighborhood across Seattle on flat, direct bike lanes that are fully protected from traffic. Bicycling would be so easy that it’d become an integral part of daily life for people of all ages and abilities. That’s the vision of Seattle’s new Bicycle Master Plan. The plan prioritizes more than 100 miles of protected bike lanes across Seattle, transforming Seattle’s streets into a safe, comfortable network to ride your bike. In fact, Seattle’s already created several segments of this network over the last year. There are now protected bike lanes on Linden Avenue in North Seattle that connect to the Interurban Trail; between the Burke-Gilman Trail and Magnuson Park; on NE 40th Street in the University District; on NW 45th Street in Ballard, as a temporary improvement to the Missing Link of the Burke-Gilman Trail; and on Cherry Street under Interstate 5 in Downtown. During May, Seattle will open its biggest protected bike lane yet: the Broadway Protected Bike Lane on Capitol Hill. Part of the First Hill Streetcar project, the bike lane includes many of the most sophisticated elements of protected bike lanes around the country. In addition, Seattle is designing a protected bike lane for the Westlake Corridor to connect Fremont to South Lake Union and beginning design work for protected bike lanes in Downtown. Broadway will give us a sneak peek of the new infrastructure and the design features that increase safety and comfort for people who are uncomfortable riding in traffic. While all protected bike lanes vary based on context and local factors, they include many of the following features seen on Broadway. Physical Separation
Bikes enjoy a 10 foot wide lane (2-way) and are separated from
traffic by a two foot curb and in many places a row of parked cars. This physical separation from traffic makes a protected bike lane comfortable for less confident riders. This separation also keeps bikes away from the First Hill streetcar tracks—we all know that bikes and streetcar tracks don’t mix.
Make your donation go further this May 6 by making a donation through the Seattle Foundation GiveBIG program. For one day only, all donations to Cascade Bicycle Club will be partially matched by the Seattle Foundation. To contribute, visit the Cascade Bicycle Club page on the Seattle Foundation website at www.seattlefoundation.org
Bicycle Traffic Signals
These are similar to regular traffic light, but function for bicycles. They can be used to give priority to bicycle movements and to reduce turning conflicts between motor vehicles and bicycles. Bicycle traffic signals are essential to improve safety at intersections. “Rave Green” Street Paint
The Seattle Sounders and Seahawks use “Rave Green” on their uniforms to look sharp on the field; the city of Seattle (and all American cities), uses the same color of green on its streets to improve safety for bicyclists. The Broadway protected bicycle lane uses green paint in conflict areas such as intersections, driveways and other pinch points to inform drivers to expect bicyclists. Research has show that motorists are more likely to yield in these areas painted green, and ensures all users have a clear understanding of how the bike lane functions. Two-Stage Turn Boxes
Broadway makes use of two-stage turn queue boxes. These offer riders a safe way to make left turns (and right turns for people riding south) on the Broadway protected bike lane. Since protected bike lanes separate bikes from traffic, a twostage turn box is a design feature that allows safe, comfortable turning movements. The end goal of protected bike lanes is to get more people on bikes by creating comfortable areas for them to get to work, shops and schools. Take a spin on Broadway’s protected bike lane this May and let us know what you think.
With Bike-n-Brews just around the corner, it is important to remind participants of the presence of Cascade Bicycle Club’s Ride Referees. Ride Refs will be on course in black-and-white striped referee jerseys. They are there to encourage riders to follow safe riding behavior and traffic laws while riding on Chilly Hilly, Bike-n-Brews, Flying Wheels, STP and other Cascade events. Ride Refs are instructed to encourage riders to: •
Stop at stop signs and lights
•
Pass on the left and call out when passing
•
Signal and call out turns and obstacles
•
Ride no more than two abreast.
•
Ride without earphones/headphones or without using a cell phone.
Email comments to organizer@cascadebicycleclub.org.
Creating a Better Community Through Bicycling
5
May 2014
Biking and walking up 17 percent By McKayla Dunfey, AmeriCorps Volunteer
Basics of bicycling: a success story By Miranda Kubasti, AmeriCorps Volunteer
I was born and raised in Seattle. Having attended three elementary schools, a middle school and a high school that each pulled from all over the city, I thought I had a pretty good idea of the layout of the region and the schools within it. Now that I’ve been involved with Cascade’s Basics of Bicycling Program, I realize that I was only aware of a fraction of the schools within the city, and I continue to be impressed by just how many people this program reaches. The Program
This past fall, 250+ volunteers counted more than 66,000 bicyclists and pedestrians from 38 cities and 386 site locations around Washington. Our most recent findings from 2013 reveal a 17 percent increase in biking and walking over the past five years. Between 2009 and 2013, biking increased by 7 percent and walking increased by nearly 20 percent. Many Washingtonians are choosing biking and walking over driving, and we’re unsurprisingly noticing declining trends in per-person motor vehicle miles traveled at the state and national level. Since 2005, Washington has experienced a 5.5 percent decrease in driving, according to a 2013 report from the
WashPIRG foundation. Similar findings exist on a national scale. Statewide bike/ped documentation is becoming ever more crucial as our transportation trends continue to shift away from motor vehicle travel. As our bike count technology improves, we envision a future with hundreds of year-round permanent bicycle counters, like those currently operating on the Fremont Bridge in Seattle. This valuable data will not only inform policy makers, planners and the general public on emerging trends in biking and walking, but will significantly influence how Washington state allocates funding for bicycling and pedestrian-related infrastructure projects.
Once a year, Cascade provides a teacher training to give physical education teachers the information they need to teach Basics of Bicycling’s three-week bicycle safety curriculum to 3rd through 5th grade students. We then supply them with bikes and equipment. From September through June (with the exception of a maintenance break during the winter), I spend every Friday coordinating “bike deliveries”, which means safety checking our fleet of bikes and hauling them to elementary schools. With four bike fleets serving two regions of Seattle, we’ve already been to 27 elementary schools since September—and that’s in the Seattle Public School District alone! Who knew there would be so many elementary schools in a city
that is known for having more dogs than children! With additional bikes in Edmonds, Lake Washington and Highline School Districts, we were able to reach nearly 16,000 students last year and and we will have been in a total of 73 schools this school year.
Keeping The Program Running
Sometimes it takes a lot to keep such a big program running smoothly. We rely on volunteers to help us clean and maintain our 300 bikes in the off season, and we wouldn’t be able to handle all of the broken derailleurs and testy shifting that comes with our one set of middle school bikes without the great work from Bicycle Joe’s in Lynnwood. And really, it isn’t our staff that keeps the program going: it’s the fiercely committed PE teachers who bravely put 30 eight-year-olds on bikes at the same time. Many of these teachers offer extra time before school, at lunch and recess to help kids who are learning to ride for the first time. I wish that Basics of Bicycling had been in my school growing up! We get nothing but shining feedback from teachers and students alike. I can’t wait for the program to expand until it reaches every school in the Puget Sound area.
Key facts from the 2013 Washington State Bicycle and Pedestrian Documentation Project: •
2013 bike/ped count data reveal a 17 percent increase in biking and walking over the past 5 years.
•
In 2013, we engaged 250+ volunteers to help us count over 66,000 bicyclists and pedestrians from 38 different cities and 391 site locations across the state.
•
Ninety-two percent of riders wore helmets in local jurisdictions with helmet laws. 57 percent of riders wore helmets in jurisdictions without helmet laws.
•
Out of 55,000 total bicyclists counted, 81 percent were males and 19 percent were female.
•
The intersection at Beacon Ave S. and the Chief Sealth Trail in Seattle had the most bike/ped traffic (2,207 bike/peds) counted at one location during one twohour count period in 2013.
t to Shout ou e’s! o J e l c y Bic Thanks for keeping our bikes running www.bicyclejoes.com
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www.cascade.org
Vol. 44, No. 5
Bikenomics: Pedaling for the hungry Business
2014 Founders
Laura Biren, Tim Jenkins, Helen Katich Volunteer Tim picking up one of SFR’s first food loads from Stockbox grocery store in Capitol Hill
Bike Happy Hours Start at 5:30 p.m. Policy rides start at 4:30 p.m.
Schooner Exact Brewing in SoDo Marginal Way Policy Ride starts at Occidental Park
Spinnaker Bay Brewing in Hillman City Rainier Valley Policy Ride starts at Occidental Park two routes for fast & furious cyclists and Riders of all ages & abilities
Got some free time to bike around food or a bike trailer to spare? Contact to seattlefoodrescue@gmail. com to volunteer and learn more. Also find them online at seattlefoodrescue.appspot.com Bikenomics is a feature series to spotlight the greater Seattle area’s growing bike-friendly businesses. Know a business that should be featured? Send me an email at amrook@cascadebicycleclub.org.
Solar Cycles
Spring brings with it Daylight Savings And Easter and Mother’s Day, too It also comes with two-wheel-cravings when the cycling season begins anew Pedals start dancing all over town That solar motivation never fails Those who have ridden the whole year ‘round have loads of new company on the trails
Bike to Work Day Ride & Rally starts at fremont bridge at 7:30 a.m. ends at the parks department.
It’s the time of year to visit a friend, run errands, and go to work by bike The list of possibilities is without end: Try a century or summer tour if you like!
Cafe Racer in the U District Portage Bay Policy Ride starts at Roanoke Park early ride starts at 4:00 p.m. at the Cal Anderson Park fountain
Ballard Bike Street Fair Westlake Policy Ride starts at McGraw Square
Creating a Better Community Through Bicycling
other soon-to-expire foods. Seattle Food Rescue volunteers however, pick up the soon-to-perish foods from restaurants or grocers on a daily basis and directly distribute it to those in need an hour or two later. No storage required. And while they are reducing hunger, they’re also reducing their carbon footprint, transporting all food by bicycle. “We’re self-supported and totally human-powered,” Biren stated. Just two months into their operation, Biren said the nonprofit is still small but expanding quickly. “We’re already in need of more trailers, and we’ve been spreading the word among university students to get more volunteers,” she said.
It seems to have happened overnight The Springtime energy has indeed begun Everywhere I turn, a smiling Seattleite As we all rejoice the return of the Sun
Downtown Policy Ride starts at McGraw Square
#bikemonth
Nonprofit
By Matt Metcalf, AmeriCorps Volunteer
Von Trapp's near Capitol Hill
cascade.org/bikemonth
The city of Seattle reports that in 2013, Public Utilities collected 46,892 tons of food and compostable waste from the commercial sector alone. Restaurants, supermarkets and grocery stores dump tons of perishable food every day. A new Seattle nonprofit has set out to ‘rescue’ fresh food before it hits the dumpster and redistribute it to those in need. “The concept is simple: we collect perishable food waste from businesses and restaurants to feed the hungry and needy,” said co-founder Laura Biren. “But unlike other food banks and services, we are focused on direct rescue and redistribution of fresh and healthier food that would be discarded otherwise.” Seattle Food Rescue takes its mission and business model from the successful Boulder Food Rescue, a Colorado-based nonprofit that saves and redistributes thousands of pounds of food per week. With a goal to create a more just and less wasteful food system, the Boulder and Seattle Food Rescue organizations are, in many ways, more of a transport service than they are a food bank in that they focus on direct distribution. Larger food banks use warehouses to store their food, which means many lack fruit, vegetables and
Industry
#bikehappy
As we find ourselves swept up in the craze Smile as you ride; if you’re happy show it And take a deep breath during these longer days ‘Cause it’ll be Fall before we know it! Do you have bicycle-related drawings, poems or Vine videos to share? We’ll put the cleverest and/or cutest submissions in the June Courier or on the blog. All ages are encouraged to submit. The artwork just needs to be yours! 7
May 2014
Commuter Corner: The Small Stuff By Chris Partridge, Communications Specialist
As a writer for a bicycle club, I think a lot about the benefits of bike commuting and how to pitch them to new and returning cyclists. In that process, I often find myself listing off the same true, but sometimes predictable reasons – it’s good for the environment, it’s good for your health, you save money on gas, it’s fun, etc. But I realized something: the reasons I started bicycling aren’t the same as the reasons I continue to bike. The health, environmental and financial benefits are happy side-effects, for sure, but they aren’t the things that come to mind when I think about why I truly love bike commuting. What keeps me riding? There are potent moments, these micro-interactions on the trail that refill my enthusiasm for cycling, even in the April drizzle. Here are a few of my favorites: When a bicycling friend takes the long way home so you can keep riding together
There’s something about riding bikes that’s conducive to great conversations. And they’re even better when they don’t get cut short. It’s a small sacrifice for a friend to make, but one that’s surprisingly impactful. This is the two-wheeled equivalent of catching the next bus or ordering dessert. Realizing you didn’t use your granny gear to get up a hill
As the work-week rolls on, it’s easy to feel sluggish and worn down
Tour Thailand on two wheels Off-Bike Fun
on your commute. But every once in a while, I can tell I’m actually getting stronger as a cyclist. Maybe it’s toughing it out on a hill I usually have to walk up, maybe it’s doing a steady incline in my big chainring—small, but unexpected victories.
Unspoken trail friends
We’ve all got these. They’re the people doing your reverse commute that you see every morning, often in the same spot. There’s something great about knowing I’m running late because I see the beardy guy with aviator goggles earlier in the ride than usual. It’s a unique kind of social connection. Plus it’s fun to make up backstories for them. Hitting all the traffic lights just right
But do you know what can be even better? Red lights just long enough to shed a layer. Bicycling has made me more of an optimist in this way. Sunny mornings are great, drizzly ones are refreshing. Detours are a chance to see my commute with fresh eyes. As a driver, I’m easily frustrated, but as a cyclist, I’m a zen master. If you’re considering bicycle commuting, you probably already know the compelling reasons there are for starting up. But my advice? Just try it. It’s a different way of seeing and experiencing what’s familiar. And that, more than anything, is why I still love riding a bike.
Win a riding kit and free Nuun for a year by registering for four or more 2014 Cascade events! Our partners at Nuun & Company, a Seattle-based manufacturer of electrolyte drink tablets, are offering a special promotion for anyone who registers for four or more Cascade Bicycle Club events this year. To enter, post the names of the 4+ events you’ll be riding and a line about why you want to ride with Nuun on Facebook or Twitter and use the hashtag #RideWithNuun. On Friday, May 23 , we’ll pick one lucky winner to receive a branded Nuun riding kit (shorts and a jersey) and free Nuun for a year (52 tubes). To win you must have already registered for four or more qualifying events. Qualifying events are:
People come from all over the world to experience the transcendent wonders and vibrant culture of Thailand. This November, Cascade’s international partners are offering a 10-day bicycle tour through Northern Thailand crafted specially for Cascade Bicycle Club. The Route
Breathtaking Buddhist temples dot the countryside along a route that is quintessentially Thai. The diverse scenery offers a nice crosssection of Thai geography, from flat agrarian plains to sheer cliff faces. This trip is rated easy to moderate, so throbbing quads shouldn’t keep you from attaining inner peace at UNESCO World Heritage sites like Kamphaeng Phet and Chiang Mai. The daily routes—all paved— are typically around 50 miles, and the longest day is a 72-mile ride through flat farmland.
What makes Northern Thailand (and this tour) truly special is the people. You’ll have the chance to explore Thai markets buzzing with life and fragrant spices. Learn to cook authentic Thai food from the locals, and meet butterfly farmers and elephant trainers. Riders also have the opportunity to visit ornate Buddhist temples and impressive statues nestled in the cliffs. Amenities
The tour operators will provide full van support, bilingual guides, meals, wayfinding and comfortable accommodations. Riders will even have the chance to stay in quaint teak huts nestled in peaceful gardens. If you’re looking to dive into Thai culture and enjoy world-class sightseeing, this just might be the tour for you. Visit cascade.org/Thailand for a full trip itinerary and details.
Northern Thailand Tour 10-day tour November 17 – 26 cascade.org/thailand
New Cascade event ride! Sunday, June 8
With their paid registration, riders receive two complimentary beverages. Plus, register by May 28 and get a free Bike-n-Brews t-shirt! With only 350 feet of total elevation gain and route options of 12, 38 or 48 miles, El Norte will be a blast for riders of all ability levels. So rally your friends and register today at cascade.org. EMONT FR BREWING
F
, E
• Chilly Hilly • Seattle Bike ‘N Brews • Flying Wheels Summer Century • World Bicycle Relief Red-Bell 100 • Group Health STP • Ride Around Washington • RSVP 1 or 2 • High Pass Challenge • Kitsap Color Classic Email Anna at annat@cascadebicycleclub.org for more information.
Sponsored Content 8
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Vol. 44, No. 5
FREE GROUP RIDES Friday, May 9 Walla Walla Weekend Springtime Edition Day 1; 9:30 a.m. 57 mi from Castella de Feleciana, Milton-Freewater OR Ride; Leader(s): Dorothe Reijnders, Jenny Anderson, Paul Soreff
EASY PACE (under 10 mph) Saturday, May 31 SLOW Ride to Hidden Gardens; 11 a.m. 4.5 mi from Northwest African American Museum by I-90 Trail, Seattle; Ride Leader: Merlin Rainwater
Saturday, May 10 Walla Walla Weekend Springtime Edition Day 2, 8:30 a.m. 80 mi from Walla Walla Community College - Center for Enology & Viticulture Walla Walla; Ride Leader(s): Dorothe Reijnders, Matthew Wong, Jenny Anderson
LEISURELY PACE (10-12 mph) Friday, May 2 FRIDAY RIDERS: Go to Klondike Gold Rush Museum; 10 a.m. 20 mi from Gas Works Park, Seattle; Ride Leader: William Lemke
Sunday, May 11 Walla Walla Weekend Springtime Edition Day 3, 9:45 a.m. 30 mi from Pioneer Park, Walla Walla; Ride Leader(s): Dorothe Reijnders, Matthew Wong, Paul Soreff
Sunday, May 4 Sunday Crepes Ride; 9:30 a.m. 35 mi from Gas Works Park, Seattle; Ride Leader: David Bordewick Friday, May 9 FRIDAY RIDERS: Go North from Ballinger Playfield; 10 a.m. 28 mi from Ballinger Playfield, Mountlake Terrace; Ride Leader: Jan Johnson
Wednesday, May 14 MEETS - South Bellevue; 6 p.m. 24 mi from South Bellevue Park and Ride, Bellevue; Ride Leader(s): Alexa Volwiler, David Fisher
Saturday, May 24 SPOKES Goes on a Forked Ride; 10 a.m. 21 mi from Quigley Park, Fall City; Ride Leader(s): Michelle Burton, James “Bud” Hunt
Wednesday, May 2 MEETS – South Bellevue; 6 p.m. 25 mi from South Bellevue Park & Ride, Bellevue WA; Ride Leader(s): James Coliz, David Fisher, Bob Cornwell
STEADY PACE (12-14 mph)
Thursday, May 22 THUMPS: Home for Lunch; 9:30 a.m. 30 mi from Leschi Starbucks, Seattle; Ride Leader: Mike Nelson
Tuesday, May 6 TREATS: Gas Works to Edmonds; 10 a.m. 35 mi from Gas Works Park, Seattle; Ride Leader: Peter Hallson
Friday, May 23 FRUMPS - Brown’s Point and the BPA Trail; 10 a.m. 40 mi from Russell Rd. Park, Kent; Ride Leader: Jan Van Fredenberg
Friday, May 9 Walla Walla Weekend Springtime Edition Day 1; 9:30 a.m. 57 mi from Castella de Feleciana, Milton-Freewater OR; Ride Leader(s): Joni Griffis, Jane Volta, Don Volta
Wednesday, May 28 MEETS – South Bellevue; 6 p.m. 25 mi from South Bellevue Park & Ride, Bellevue; Ride Leader(s): James Coliz, David Fisher, Bob Cornwell
Saturday, May 10 Walla Walla Weekend Springtime Edition Day 2; 8:30 a.m. 80 mi from Walla Walla; Community College - Center for Enology & Viticulture, Walla Walla; Ride Leader: Joni Griffis Sunday, May 11 Walla Walla Weekend Springtime Edition Day 3; 9:45 a.m. 30 mi from Pioneer Park, Walla Walla; Ride Leader(s): Joni Griffis, Jane Volta, Don Volta Tuesday, May 13 TREATS: Ride by Some Seattle Parks; 10 a.m. 32 mi from Gas Works Park, Seattle; Ride Leader: James Shedd
MODERATE PACE (14-16 mph) Friday, May 2 FRUMPS: Kenmore to Snohomish; 10 a.m. 45 mi from Log Boom Park, Kenmore; Ride Leader: Daniel Garretson Wednesday, May 7 MEETS – South Bellevue; 6 p.m. 25 mi from South Bellevue Park & Ride, Bellevue; Ride Leader(s): James Coliz, David Fisher, Bob Cornwell
Friday, May 9 Walla Walla Weekend Springtime Edition Day 1; 9:30 a.m. 57 mi from Castella de Feleciana, Milton-Freewater OR; Ride Leader(s): Timothy McCarthy, Wilfried Mack, Paula Froke, Doug Hinschberger, Alexa Volwiler, Cathy Henley
RAMROD Training Series - 10th Annual - Ride #7; 8:30 a.m. 77mi from Newport Hills Park & Ride, Bellevue; Ride Leader(s): Per Sunde, Shana Sunde , Grant McAlister, Paul Franks, Francis Gan
Saturday, May 10 Walla Walla Weekend Springtime Edition Day 2; 8:30 a.m. 80 mi from Walla Walla Community College - Center for Enology & Viticulture, Walla Walla; Ride Leader(s): Timothy McCarthy, Wilfried Mack, Paula Froke, Doug Hinschberger, Alexa Volwiler, Cathy Henley RAMROD Training Series - 10th Annual - Ride #5; 9 a.m. 67 mi from South Sammamish Park & Ride, Sammamish; Ride Leader(s): Per Sunde, Shana Sunde, Grant McAlister, Paul Franks, Francis Gan CATS Magnuson #8: May Valley & Redmond Ridge; 9 a.m. 84 mi from Magnuson Park, Seattle; Ride Leader: Mark Keithly Sunday, May 11 Walla Walla Weekend Springtime Edition Day 3; 9:45 a.m. 30 mi from Pioneer Park, Walla Walla; Ride Leader(s): Wilfried Mack, Paula Froke, Doug Hinschberger, Alexa Volwiler, Tim Thomas, Cathy Henley Monday, May 12 MUMPS: Head Up North; 10 a.m. 65 mi from Tracy Owen Station/Log Boom Park, Kenmore; Ride Leader: Craig Mohn Small Chainring Monday; 6:30 p.m. 19 mi from Sam Smith Park, Seattle; Ride Leader: David Longdon Wednesday, May 14 MEETS - South Bellevue; 6 p.m. 24 mi from South Bellevue Park and Ride, Bellevue; Ride Leaders: James Coliz, Alexa Volwiler
Friday, May 30 FRUMPS: Snohomish, Granite Falls, Lake Stevens; 10 a.m. 45 mi from Centennial Trail, Maple and Pine, Snohomish; Ride Leader: Saul Snatsky
Saturday, May 17 CATS Magnuson #9: Monroe & Lake Stevens; 8 a.m. 95 mi from Magnuson Park, Seattle; Ride Leader(s): Sandi Gold
Saturday, May 3 RAMROD Training Series – 10th; 9 a.m. 67 mi from South Sammamish Park & Ride, Sammamish; Ride Leader(s): Per Sunde, Shana Sunde, Grant McAlister, Paul Franks, Francis Gan
Tuesday, May 27 TREATS: Redmond to Issaquah and back; 10 a.m. 35 mi from Redhook Brewery, Woodinville; Ride Leader: Clarice Sackett
Saturday, May 24 CATS Magnuson #10: Enumclaw 111; 8 a.m. 111 mi from Magnuson Park, Seattle; Ride Leader: Mark Gringle
Thursday, May 29 THUMPS: Home for Lunch; 9:30 a.m. 30 mi from Leschi Starbucks, Seattle; Ride Leader: Mike Nelson
BRISK PACE (16-18 mph)
Tuesday, May 20 TREATS: Kirkland to Issaquah and back; 10 a.m. 39 mi from Crestwoods Park, Kirkland; Ride Leader(s): Jane Volta, Don Volta
Wednesday, May 7 MEETS – South Bellevue; 6 p.m. 25 mi from South Bellevue Park & Ride, Bellevue; Ride Leader(s): James Coliz, Alexa Volwiler
Annual – Ride #4 CATS Eastside Week 5: Lake Joy; 9 a.m. 75 mi from Marymoor Park, Redmond; Ride Leader(s): Carl Wainwright, Laurie Bakke CATS Magnuson #7: Elliot Rd. & Union Hill; 9 a.m. 75 mi from Magnuson Park, Seattle; Ride Leader: Mark Keithly Monday, May 5 MUMPS: Head Up North; 10 a.m. 65 mi from Tracy Owen Station/Log Boom Park, Kenmore; Ride Leader: Craig Mohn Monday, May 5 Small Chainring Monday; 6:30 p.m. 19 mi from Sam Smith Park, Seattle; Ride Leader: David Longdon
RAMROD Training Series - 10th Annual - Ride #6; 8:30 a.m. 76 mi from Newport Hills Park & Ride, Bellevue; Ride Leader(s): Per Sunde, Shana Sunde, Grant McAlister, Paul Franks, Francis Gan CATS Eastside Week 7: Renton Buckley; 8:30 a.m 85 mi from Renton Old City Hall, Renton; Ride Leader(s): James Coliz, David Mattson, Carl Wainwright, Cathy Henley
CATS Eastside Week 8: Lake Roesiger; 8:30 a.m. 90 mi from Wilmot Gateway Park, Woodinville; Ride Leader(s): Joe Shih, James Coliz, David Mattson, Cathy Henley Wednesday, May 28 MEETS – South Bellevue; 6 p.m. 25 mi from South Bellevue Park & Ride, Bellevue; Ride Leader(s): James Coliz, Alexa Volwiler Saturday, May 31 RAMROD Training Series - 10th Annual - Ride #8; 8:30 a.m. 93 mi from Ron Regis Park, Renton; Ride Leader(s): Per Sunde, Shana Sunde, Grant McAlister, Paul Franks, Francis Gan
STRENUOUS PACE (18-21 mph) Saturday, May 3 CATS Eastside Week 5: Lake Joy; 9 a.m. 75 mi from Marymoor Park, Redmond; Ride Leader(s): Wilfried Mack, Alan Tagstrom Wednesday, May 7 MEETS – South Bellevue; 6 p.m. 25 mi from South Bellevue Park & Ride, Bellevue; Ride Leader(s): James Coliz, Robert Dennis, Keith Hovda Friday, May 9 Walla Walla Weekend Springtime Edition Day 1; 9:30 a.m. 57 mi from Castella de Feleciana, Milton-Freewater OR; Ride Leader(s): Timothy McCarthy, Robert Dennis, David Mattson Saturday, May 10 Walla Walla Weekend Springtime Edition Day 2; 8:30 a.m. 80 mi from Walla Walla Community College - Center for Enology & Viticulture, Walla Walla; Ride Leader(s): Timothy McCarthy, Wilfried Mack, Paula Froke, Doug Hinschberger, Alexa Volwiler, Cathy Henley Sunday, May 11 Walla Walla Weekend Springtime Edition Day 3; 9:45 a.m. 30 mi from Pioneer Park, Walla Walla; Ride Leader(s): Timothy McCarthy, Robert Dennis, David Mattson Wednesday, May 14 MEETS - South Bellevue; 6:00 p.m. 24 mi from South Bellevue Park and Ride, Bellevue; Ride Leader(s): Robert Dennis, Alexa Volwiler
Monday, May 19 MUMPS: Head Up North; 10 a.m. 65 mi from Tracy Owen Station/Log Boom Park, Kenmore; Ride Leader: Craig Mohn Small Chainring Monday; 6:30 p.m. 19 mi from Sam Smith Park, Seattle; Ride Leader: David Longdon Wednesday, May 21 MEETS – South Bellevue; 6:00 p.m. 25 mi from South Bellevue Park & Ride, Bellevue; Ride Leader(s): James Coliz, Alexa Volwiler
Weather conditions may cancel the ride. Helmets are required on all rides. Earbuds/headphones are not allowed on any Cascade ride. All riders are required to sign a waiver form. Children 16 and under must be accompanied by parent or guardian. Riders are expected to be ready to ride at the time listed. Participants do not have to RSVP, simply show up to join the fun!
On Twitter? Tag your tweets and twitpics with #grouprides.
This is a sampling of this month’s rides.
For a complete listing, see cascade.org/calendar. For full details of the listed rides, see cascade.org/grouprides. This is also where you’ll find ride guidelines to help you select a ride that suits your style, skills and energy level.
Creating a Better Community Through Bicycling
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May 2014
Kids love bike camp!
Celebrate Summer with Flying Wheels
This summer Cascade is offering fun and exciting specialty youth camps for three age groups. These week-long day camps run Monday through Friday at Magnuson Park, and campers will learn and practice individual and group bicycling skills for recreational, utilitarian and transportation bike trips. If you have any questions contact our classes and camps coordinator, Josh Miller, at joshm@cascadebicycleclub.org.
DATES FOR 2014 CAMPS ARE:
Saturday, May 31 Marymoor Park, Redmond
Wheelie Fun Camps (6-9-year-olds)
Routes options: 25, 45, 65 and 100 miles
June 30 - July 3 (no camp on July 4 holiday) June 30 - July 3 July 21 - 25 August 11 - 15 Gearheads Camps (9-12-year-olds)
June 23 - 27 August 4 - 8 August 25 - 29 Urban Riders Camps (11-15-year-olds)
July 7 - 11 July 28 - August 1
The open road is calling! Now that spring weather has arrived, let’s get out of the city and enjoy some of our region’s finest rural riding on our Flying Wheels event, Saturday, May 31! Washington State’s best-attended century ride, the Flying Wheels Summer Century, is a true celebration of summer cycling with scenic routes and a Finish Line Festival featuring food, a beer garden and more. In addition to the century ride
(100 miles), this event also offers shorter distances for full-on fun, no matter your speed or distance. This event is frequently used as training for our longer distance Group Health STP and RSVP rides. Start early to ride the 100 miles or sleep in to ride 25 or any distance in between! Online registration closes at midnight on May 29, but there will also be day-off registration at the start line on Saturday morning.
August 18 - 22
Registration for camps is now open at cascade.org/camps
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Vol. 44, No. 5
Meet Volunteer of the Month: Ed Yanez
Marking the Way
By Kelli Refer, Volunteer Coordinator
By Kelli Refer, Volunteer Coordinator
Last April Ed Yanez learned to ride a bicycle through Cascade’s Major Taylor Project. Ed wanted to learn before attending college and quickly fell in love with cycling. Now he rides his Bianchi Forza 4550 miles per day. After graduation, Ed didn’t want to leave the Major Taylor community behind, so he decided to volunteer at the Cascade office. He makes phone calls and assists with whatever tasks are needed that day. Ed is a frequent face in the office, bringing laughter and smiles wherever he goes. When I asked Ed to name a favorite memory in his time with Cascade he couldn’t pick just one.At last year’s Flying Wheels, after only two months of biking, Ed went on his first big ride of 68 miles. Liz Johnson, our MTP Coordinator, stayed by Ed’s side and was so supportive. His other favorite story involves Liz, too. The second day of STP was off to a bad a start for Ed. He wasn’t feeling so well and took a
rest in one of the support vehicles. After a little rest, Ed was able to ride the rest of the way. He rode so fast he made Liz pedal hard to keep up, which is a big accomplishment. These days Ed prefers to take bike rides by Lake Washington or on the I-90 trail. When he feels like showing off his biking skills, he heads downtown. Ed is inspired by positive changes he saw in his peers during the Major Taylor rides: “I think Major Taylor is a place where everyone can speak their mind and be who they are. They helped build leadership skills, giving everyone the opportunity to be a leader, which builds your confidence and makes you believe you can do many other things. Then I came to the office and felt the same thing. It is an amazing to be a part of the biking community.” We are so thankful to have Ed as a part of our community, too! If you know a volunteer who would be a great volunteer of the month, please submit their name to Volunteer@cascadebicycleclub.org
Creating a Better Community Through Bicycling
One of the many joys of attending one of Cascade’s major rides is that we’ve taken out all the guesswork about finding a fun, safe bicycle route. We use the Dan Henry system of markings to help guide cyclists leaving little need for a map. Dan Henry markings are usually circles with an arrow indicating which direction cyclists should take at intersections. A good marking system is consistent in style, size and color. For each turn three markings are required. The first marking is one hundred feet prior to the intersection to prepare riders, the second is at the intersection. The third is after the intersection to confirm that riders made the correct choice. On long straightaways, there is often a marker that tells riders to keep going, which puts their minds at ease. A circle with an x in the center lets riders know they made a wrong turn. With an easy to follow route, riders can keep their smartphones in their pockets, except to take selfies and scenic ride photos. Route marking is a vital volunteer position for every major ride at Cascade. We provide ecofriendly paint and directions. On your own time prior to the ride, you and a buddy will travel along your designated part of the route painting the Dan Henrys. Along the way you will have the chance to enjoy the scenery and get to know the route
ahead of time. In the past we’ve had volunteers use their own automobile, but for Bike-n-Brews El Norte, which is routed mostly along trails, it would be easy to map by bicycle. If you are interested in helping with this role you can sign up online at Cascade.org/volunteerportal. Riding a bike inspired Dan to write poetry. The one below features a nod to his routemarking system:
“Tomorrow”
No matter how you plan it Lay out everything just so, In the excitement to get started You’ll forget it when you go. Then Way out in the Boondocks When there’s no one at your side, A road split – ahead – is coming Which way? You can’t decide. With no map or route description These were also left behind, Many twists and turns yet coming How can I hope? My way to find. It’s then these little markers Of this I can confide, Turn a really serious problem Into a wondrous, carefree ride.
- Dan Henry -
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May 2014
Become Involved In Bike To Work Day. Host a Do It Yourself Commute Station By Kailey Duffy, AmeriCorps Volunteer
May is a great month to show support and enthusiasm for all things bicycles. If you’re one of the many who would like to celebrate people on bikes, consider hosting a DIY (do-it-yourself ) commute station for bicyclists on May 16, Bike to Work Day presented by F5, and turn your neighborhood or workplace into a bicycling hotspot. Bike to Work Day is a national day of celebration, on which thousands of people around the Puget Sound region and beyond ride their bicycles for transportation. Organizations, businesses and individuals set up dozens of commute stations on popular bicycling routes during commute hours and offer treats, giveaways, smiles and support to people on bikes. Hosting a commute station is a wonderful way to engage with bicyclists and to play a supporting and encouraging role in the bicycling community. Who knows, perhaps your encouragement could turn someone from a one-time rider to a year-round commuter. Cascade has provided a simple online guide to help you get started.
The Bike Month webpage (cascade. org/bikemonth) is a great resource and can offer: • Step-by-step instructions • Downloadable posters and graphics • Guidelines for DIY Stations • An interactive, commute Station map If you are interested in hosting a DIY commute station, please review the station guidelines and register with Kailey at cmpa@cascadebicycleclub.org. Your passion, enthusiasm and creativity will help to make Bike to Work Day an even more fun and positive event for your community. DIY community events can be simple, fun and can happen any time of the year. See our website for other DIY event ideas and toolkits at Cascade.org/bikemonth.
Join the Adobe Commute Challenge presented by F5 at commutechallenge.cascade.org
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