Looking back at 2012 In 2012, Cascade Bicycle Club crested 15,000 members. With that kind of pedal-power behind us, it’s no surprise that we reached more people, built more partnerships and pedaled more miles than ever before.
HIGHLIGHTS • Coordinated more than 1,500 free daily rides for people of all ages and abilities. Our 200 volunteer ride leaders put in hundreds of hours, leading rides nearly every day of the year in communities across the Puget Sound region. • Organized another great Group Health Seattle to Portland Bicycle Classic (STP). In 2012, we boasted our earliest-ever sell-out date: February 21, 2012. The event drew 10,000 riders from three countries and 40 states. • Reached a record 15,000 people through our major riding events: Chilly Hilly, Flying Wheels, the Group Health STP, Ride Around Washington (RAW), Ride from Seattle to Vancouver and Party (RSVP), Flying Wheels Summer Century, High Pass Challenge and Kitsap Color Classic. • Held our first-ever benefit ride, the Red-Bell 100. Our first ride was a huge success, drawing nearly 300 riders who pedaled the scenic route from Redmond to Bellingham in support of two great causes. • Helped convince Seattle City Council to adopt a resolution for a bike-friendly 520 Bridge. Thanks to members and supporters like you, who wrote 1,500 letters to the Seattle City Council, the Council passed a resolution that will ensure the 520 Bridge will be safe and convenient for people on bikes.
• Pushed elected leaders to invest in infrastructure that will make bicycling and walking safer. Seattle usually spends about $6 million a year – about 2 percent of its transportation budget – on bike improvements. We saw huge progress in 2012 and will be working with our Connect Seattle campaign to nearly double that funding in 2013. • Developed the Legislative Scorecard, a resource that educates voters about whether their legislators supported bicycling during the 2012 legislative session. The report recognizes bicycling champions and calls out “broken chains” who consistently opposed bicyclefriendly legislation. • Endorsed 66 candidates and ballot measures in the 2012 general election, 75 percent of which went on to win their respective races.
Our members make this work possible. Thank you for pedaling behind us during 2012 and beyond!