Advocacy News

Do You See Bicycles in 2040?

Comments sought on vision for future growth          
The Puget Sound Regional Council is updating the official vision for the future growth and development of Snohomish, King, Pierce and Kitsap counties, known as Vision 2040.

The draft multicounty policies are organized into five subjects: Environment, Economy, Transportation, Development Patterns and Public Services. Many of the revised policies support regional efforts to implement bicycle and pedestrian projects and programs and need our support.

The public comment period ends Sept. 7. More information about the project and a comment form can be found online at http://www.psrc.org/projects/vision/index.htm

General Election Candidate Debate

Come hear candidates for County Council and County Executive discuss where they stand on issues related to the Snohomish County’s growth and development and to your quality of life.

Futurewise, Pilchuck Audubon Society, Livable Snohomish County Coalition and KSER 90.7FM Radio are sponsoring a debate from 7 to 9 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 19 at Martha Lake Community Room, 16300 Motor Place, Lynnwood.

The debate will consist of questions from moderator Ed Bremer of KSER (a former BIKES member), plus some questions from the audience.

Bicycle Commuter Act Passes House as Part of Larger Bill

On Aug. 4, the House passed The Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Tax Act, complete with a $20 monthly commuter benefit  for cyclists. This important legislation now moves to the Senate.

While people who commute by bus or vapool have been eligible for a similar federal benefit for years, this cycling legislation has never made it through Congress.

Unfortunately, the current bill says that anyone receiving a benefit for vanpool, transit, or parking cannot also receive the biking fringe benefit.

It might be worth a call or email to Sens. Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell in support of the bill.
 

Shoreline Celebrates Interurban Trail Completion

Join the City of Shoreline in celebrating the completion of the Interurban Trail at a special festival Saturday, Sept. 22, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the Interurban Trail and in the north Walgreens
parking lot on Aurora just north of N 175^th Street.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10:30 a.m. will be followed by a children’s bike parade down the trail. Come at 10 a.m. to decorate your bike with fun stuff provided by the City.

Live music will set the festival atmosphere as you visit booths sponsored by REI, Walgreens, Washington Health Foundation, Cascade Bicycle Club and others providing  information and special giveaways geared towards those who ride their bikes and walk the Trail.

Excerpts from Letters to the Herald

“The Highway 529 bridge was built in 1954. I think it's time for a change; a new bridge with proper facilities for cyclists and pedestrians. Everett and Marysville are growing, and so is the cycling population. The 529 should be 86'd!”

Mike Dahlstrom, Everett

“Running stop signs is also against the law, yet some continue to do so. I think they should have to take a written test on rules of the road. I also think they should have to pay a fee and have a license on their bike, just like we had back in Milwaukee when I was a kid, and that was in the 1940s.”

Chuck Heintz, Snohomish

“I agree with the Tuesday letter stating that people need to be educated about safe riding techniques and follow the rules of the road. That is why the Bicycle Alliance of Washington supports a Mobility Education Bill (HB 1588) that would include instruction on safe biking and walking as part of "drivers" education courses in Washington state.”         Kristin Kinnamon, Marysville

Attend Bike Alliance Auction – FREE

BIKES Club of Snohomish County will be giving away $75 tickets to the annual Bicycle Alliance of Washington Auction at our September and October meetings. That will give BIKES Club auction attendees a little extra money to spend on the many bike rides, dinners out, bike art, family outings, food baskets, weekend getaways and other fun stuff for sale at the Oct. 27 auction in Seattle. Put it – and our club meetings on Sept. 13 and Oct. 11 on your calendars.

If you’ve got an item or experience (like a guided kayak trip or home-cooked meal ) you’d like to donate to the auction, visit www.bicyclealliance.org