Growing Bicycling
We know we can grow bicycling statewide—we’ve already done it! In 1987 Washington Bikes (formerly the Bicycle Alliance of Washington) was founded specifically with a statewide mission focused on bicycle advocacy. Ever since we have led the charge to shape statewide policies that make riding a bike in Washington more convenient, safe, and enjoyable whether you’re 8 or 88.
Some of our accomplishments:
- As a result of our efforts and those of our partners, the League of American Bicyclists has named Washington the #1 Bicycle Friendly State in America 7 years in a row, 2007-2014.
- Over the past 10 years our advocacy in Olympia has resulted in nearly $100 million in funding for biking/walking projects.
- We’ve passed nearly a dozen laws (and blocked a few bad ones) that improve bicycle education, safety, health, and justice.
- We’ve shaped a biking/walking safety education curriculum that helps teachers in districts all around Washington get kids walking and rolling to school. By 2017 over 100,000 kids will have learned bicycle safety, with tens of thousands more each year.
Today we continue to fulfill our mission by working hard — and successfully — in advocacy, outreach, education, and promotion of bicycling for travel and everyday transportation:
- Legislation and Statewide Issues: We represent you in Olympia, introduce bills and shepherd them through the process, stay in close contact with state agencies to improve bicycling access and infrastructure, represent bicycling interests in working with state agencies, and work on issues around the state that affect your right to ride.
- Bicycle Travel and Tourism: Promoting the bicycle for its economic benefits to smaller towns and rural areas wins us new allies on Main Street who know that bikes mean business. At the same time, the information we compile and create shows you more and more great places to ride, whether you’re taking a day trip or putting together vacation plans.
- Safe Routes to School: Nearly a decade ago we worked with a legislative champion (Ed Murray, later elected Seattle mayor) to create state-level funding for Safe Routes to School. Over the years we’ve provided hands-on training to teachers in over 40 districts around the state, through them reaching well over 56,000 school kids with curriculum designed to help them ride with confidence and follow the rules. We also work to increase funding for Safe Routes to School projects that improve connections around neighborhood schools.
- Share the Road:Our efforts to make the streets safer and friendlier for everyone whether you bike, walk, or drive are supported by the Share the Road license plate. If you’re interested in having Share the Road educational and safety information at your event, contact Louise McGrody.
- Hub and Spoke: WA Bikes staff, volunteers, and board members meet with bicycle advocates around the state. Whether we bring a full workshop or attend a local event, we connect throughout the state to learn about and work on whatever it takes to grow bicycling in your community.
- Resources: Washington Bikes is the #1 source of bicycling information for the state: bicycle clubs in Washington, state laws related to cycling, bicycle maps, local bicycle advisory boards, bicycle blogs, and much more. If you don’t see it on the page, tell us and we’ll add it!
- Washington Bike Laws: Links to Washington state laws on bicycling, a list of bike helmet laws by jurisdiction, information on what to do if you are involved in a collision, and more.