Vol. 43, No. 5
Do It Yourself! Host a commute station on Bike to Work Day by Mary Collins, Bike Month Coordinator
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ould you like to show your support for bicycle commuting in your community this May? Host a DIY (do-it-yourself ) commute station for bicyclists on the morning of May 17, F5 Bike to Work Day, and turn your neighborhood or workplace into a bicycling hotspot. Bike to Work Day is a nationally-recognized day on which thousands of people around the Puget Sound region and beyond ride their bicycles for transportation. Individuals and organizations set up dozens of commute stations on popular bicycling routes between 6 and 9 a.m. on May 17, and offer treats, giveaways and encouragement to riders on their way to work. Hosting a morning commute station is a great way to engage with bicyclists and build a sense of community amidst the festive atmosphere of F5 Bike to Work Day. Who knows, 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. Check out our DIY station toolkit on the Bike Month webpage (www.cascade.org/bike-month) to find: • Step-by-step instructions • Sample donation solicitation letter • Downloadable posters and graphics The following materials will be available in limited quantities at Cascade Bicycle Club,
Thursday, May 2
Bike to Work Breakfast
7 to 9 a.m. Sheraton Seattle Grand Ballroom Elected officials, business leaders and community members like you gather for an inspiring breakfast featuring keynote speaker Governor Jay Inslee. All proceeds benefit the Cascade Bicycle Club Education Foundation.
Friday, May 3
Free Bike Commuting Class
12 to 1 p.m. DubSea Coffee, 9910 8th Ave SW, Seattle Drop in to a free, fun and informative class on how to get around town by bike.
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Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. • Bike maps • Brochures • Safety print materials If you are interested in hosting a station, please review the station guidelines online and register with Mary at btw@cascadebicycleclub.org. Your creativity and enthusiasm
Friday, May 10
Bellevue Bike Appreciation Day
Ride on, eastside! Choose Your Way Bellevue prize patrol will be giving away great prizes all day to people on their bikes in Downtown Bellevue.
Bikes and Bagels
7 to 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 (5th and Stewart streets) from 7 to 9 a.m. to receive complimentary coffee, bagels and fun prizes on your way to work.
Tuesday, May 14
Free Bike Commuting Class
Tuesday, May 7
Free Bike Commuting Class
Friday May 17
Wednesday, May 8
National Bike to School Day
Ride with your child to school! Encourage your school to get involved today. www.cascade.org/bike-to-school.
Captain’s Bash
5 to 8 p.m. Pike Brewery, 1415 1st Avenue, Seattle Commute Challenge team captains are invited (+ one guest) to this legendary happy hour party at Seattle’s iconic Pike Brewery. The first two beers and hors d’oeuvres are on us. Awesome door prizes compliments of our generous Bike Month sponsors.
will help make Bike to Work Day—and Bike Month—even more fun for your community. DIY community events can be simple, fun and can happen any time of year. See our website for other easy DIY event ideas and toolkits at www.cascade.org/bike-month.
oin us to find out all you need to know about Cascade’s fabulous event, the World Bicycle Relief Red-Bell 100 ride. Last year’s sophomore event drew rave reviews from riders. An amazing 95 percent said they would recommend this ride to their friends and families. On this final REI presentation night of the season, World Bicycle Relief will be on hand to talk about their amazing work in Africa-you’ll also see one of their cool Buffalo bikes on display. We’ll then give a short presentation on what to expect on the ride, an overview of the route and fun, quick and easy tips from the pros on how to raise the minimal funds you’ll need to ride. Need extra incentive? We’ll be giving out free Theo’s Chocolate to all attendees!
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12 to 1 p.m. Bicycles West, 804 SW 151st St, Burien Drop in to a free, fun and informative class on how to get around town by bike.
12 to 1 p.m. Frances Anderson Center, 700 Main St, Edmonds Drop in to a free, fun and informative class on how to get around town by bike.
World Bicycle Relief Red-Bell 100 Tuesday, May 14, 7 p.m. at REI - Seattle
May is Bike Month - Make Tracks! online trip-tracking 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. Reach out to a newbie and invite them to your participate.
Cascade Presentation Series:
F5 Bike to Work Day Commute Stations
6 to 9 a.m. All around the Puget Sound region If you only commute by bike on one day per year, make it F5 Bike to Work Day. 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 F5 Bike to work Day drawing for your chance to win great prizes. Find a station on your commute route on our online map.
F5 Bike to Work Day Mayor’s Ride
KEXP radio station to ride downtown together in an awe-inspiring mass of cyclists. While you’re at KEXP, you be able to enjoy music and complimentary coffee, Seattle Bagel Bakery mini-bagels, and bike checks from Performance Bicycle. After a live on-air interview from the mayor, we will be joined by several prominent local government officials and depart by bike to City Hall at 7:45 a.m. for the big rally!
F5 Bike to Work Day Rally
8 to 8:30 a.m. Seattle City Hall, 600 4th Ave, Seattle Join Cascade Bicycle Club, your elected officials and other fun guest speakers for an inspiring program to recognize Puget Sound’s F5 Bike to Work Day.
Everett Celebration Ride
7:30 to 8 a.m. Depart from Wall and Oakes Ave for a fun-filled ride to Everett Station. All participants receive a commemorative gift and are eligible to win prizes.
Thursday, May 23
UW Trail Party
4 to 7 p.m. On the Burke-Gilman Trail at the UW campus This annual event will be held in a bike commuter-friendly University of Washington park, adjacent to the Burke-Gilman Trail between Brooklyn Ave and University Way. We’ll feature music, free drawings every hour for great prizes, bike tune ups, and other fun giveaways.
Friday, May 31
Commute Challenge ends Log your final trips by June 3!
Ballard Bike Street Party
3:30 to 7 p.m. Bergen Place Park, Ballard Don’t miss this massive bike block party in one of Seattle’s coolest neighborhoods to wrap up Bike Month. Bring your enthusiasm, grab a friend and take to the streets for an evening of bicycle-themed fun for everyone. In partnership with KEXP we’ll have a live family-friendly music stage featuring local bands, and at 6:30 p.m. you’ll have the opportunity to get up on stage and show off your riding outfit in our “Share Your Style” Fashion Show sponsored by Hub & Bespoke. Great prizes for all who participate! We will also announce several special Bike Month awards, including Team Captain of the year and the Top School from Bike to School Day.
You’ll also be able to:
• Sample food and beverages from Clif Bar, Nuun, and Theo Chocolate; • Get free bike assistance from mechanics from Second Ascent and Bike Sport; • Enjoy the official Bike Month Happy Hour party at The Balmar with great beer specials including Ballard’s own Peddler Brewing Company, 5 to 8 p.m.: • Saddle up and take a spin on take a free ride on the original beer bike – Cycle Saloon • Up your bike style with gear from Bern Helmets and Sweet Spot Skirts; • Participate in fun arts and crafts activities (great for younger riders!); • Learn about local bike infrastructure from SDOT and some of their community partners; • We’ll have a huge bike corral to park your ride while you check out the party, and children, pets and families are welcome at this fun, all ages event. National Bike Month lasts from May 1 to 31, but the joy of riding extends all year round. Make every month Bike Month, and every day Bike to Work and School Day.
KEXP Radio Station, 113 Dexter Ave N, Seattle, 7 a.m. Once again this year, riders will meet at
“Creating a Better Community Through Bicycling”
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