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Calling all DIY folks

Wednesday, February 15th, 2012 by Serena Lehman

Do you like to take something old and turn it into something new? Is one of your favorite stores Seattle Fabrics Company?  Does your imagination run wild when faced with a pile of zip ties on a snowy day? Are you an etsy devotee?

Did you answer yes to any of these questions? And do you have a DIY bicycle-related project to show for it? If so, we want to you to share your special skills at Seattle Bike Expo on March 10 and 11.

At the Cascade booth this year, we are hosting demonstrations of the fun, bike-related stuff you can do at home. We will have bracelets made of bike tubes, share how to make your own reflective vest, learn how to scrape out your bike and more!

If you have some special skill you would like to debut email me with the following information:

  • A description of your project.
  • A picture of your finished product.
  • How long your project will take to demo.

Posted in Bike Expo, Events | No Comments »

We’re hiring!

Friday, January 13th, 2012 by Serena Lehman

Do you remember those awesome people at West Seattle Bridge during Viadoom? Were you energized by some enthusiastic bicyclists this fall? Those friendly folks were Cascade’s Bicycle Ambassadors. And now you have an opportunity to become one!

Now hiring: Bicycle Ambassadors

Are you passionate about bicycling? Do you have a desire to keep up-to-date on all things bicycle? Join Seattle’s Cascade Bicycle Club for fun Bicycle Ambassador outreach positions to increase public awareness of the Club, bicycling programs and bicycle safety issues.

Attend city and county events on bicycles to educate and to spread information about safe bicycling and bicycle commuting. Distribute bicycling information to city residents by bike. Help staff summer bicycle events (bike safety rodeos for kids, fairs, community events, helmet sales), set up “Bike to Market” information tables and facilitate “Energizer Stations” to support, encourage and engage bicyclists.

Must have an outgoing personality, bicycling experience, and be willing to initiate conversations with people to talk about bicycle safety. Knowledge of safe bicycling and cycling in Seattle desirable. Training and some equipment provided. See http://www.cbcef.org/ride-ambassadors.html for more information about our program.

DETAILS: 10-15 hours/week, must be able to work at least one weekend day and two days per week through summer. Dates: Training in March; position runs mid-April through Aug. 30. These are paid positions.

Mail or email resume and cover letter by Feb. 6 to

Serena Lehman
Cascade Bicycle Club Education Foundation
7400 Sand Point Way NE, Suite 101S
Seattle, WA 98115

Posted in Bike ambassadors, Jobs | No Comments »

What’s a whistle stop?

Thursday, November 10th, 2011 by Serena Lehman

Back in the day, a whistle stop or a whistle stop tour was where a politician would ride the train around stumping for his political campaign.

Last Saturday I headed down to the Othello light rail station’s very own whistle stop, except it was a little different. All the who’s who of community development of the southend was at the grand-opening of the Whistle-Stop Co-op. Deputy Mayor Daryl Smith, Bike Works, Councilmember Sally Clark, Rainier Valley Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Susan Davis to name a few. All there to celebrate a bike and coffee shop that evolved from the grassroots level. There wasn’t much political soapboxing that I could see. More of a celebration of what grassroots dreams can accomplish.

Dick and Mona, the primary owners of the shop, started the shop with the hopes that it will become a neighborhood gathering space for idea sharing and for wrenching on bikes. This is sure to be helped by the fact that the shop is located right next the Link Light Rail station and the Othello Market.

Mona Lee (co-founder of Whistle Stop) and Darryl Smith (Deputy Mayor)

Sounds to me that this whistle stop will be less like a politicians pulpit and more like a place for all of us to share our passionate ideas.

Not only that, right near the Whistle Stop Co-op at Othello and MLK, Sound Transit has also installed some new bike lockers.

Posted in Around town, Bike shops, Southeast Seattle Bikes, Transit | No Comments »

Othello Street corridor to see improvements, and a new community bike shop opens

Wednesday, November 2nd, 2011 by Serena Lehman

Hey southeast Seattle residents! Did you like the road re-channelization SDOT did to Columbian Way? I thought it was pretty great.

Before

After

Photos courtesy of SDOT

And I am not just talking about the bike lanes. Check out the sidewalk, trees and center turn lane. It’s a Complete Street!

But head a little further south to Othello/Myrtle St., and we’ll find a street that could be safer for everybody who uses it. On Thursday night from 6 – 7:30 p.m.  at the New Holly Gathering Hall you have an opportunity as a user, resident, pedestrian, and/or bicyclist to provide input on the changes that will be coming to this corridor.

Per the Rainier Valley Post.

Neighbors in this south Rainier Valley community have been advocating for improvements along the Othello Street corridor for two years.

Now, thanks to a grant from the Neighborhood Street Fund, they’re hoping the east-west arterial that connects the Seward Park and Brighton neighborhoods with Othello Park, Othello Station, New Holly and Beacon Hill will be a safer place for everyone, including vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists.

The project is expected to begin with the design phase this winter and start construction sometime next spring or summer.

Learn more about the project at an open house at New Holly Gathering Hall (3815 S Othello St) on Thur., Nov. 3, from 6 to 7:30 pm.

For more information, contact Neighborhood Street Fund Program Manager Thérèse Casper at therese.casper@seattle.gov or 206-684-8764.

Improvements are coming to S. Myrtle and S. Othello St. between Beacon Ave. S. and Seward Park Ave. S. Project goals include improving safety by reducing speeding and collisions.

While you’re thinking about the great improvements to the area, make sure to welcome Seattle’s newest community bike shop, the Whistle Stop Co-op, where it’s all about bikes, bagels and beverages. Their grand opening is Saturday, Nov. 5 at 1 p.m. See you there!

Posted in Bike shops, Complete streets, Road & Trail News, Southeast Seattle Bikes | No Comments »

#Viadoom WOW!

Friday, October 28th, 2011 by Serena Lehman

Wow is really the only word I have to describe Cascade’s Viadoom Energizer Stations this week. It was far from doom and gloom, and for that, you all deserve a high five.

Cascade Bicycle Club, WSDOT and Alki Bike and Board came out to support people new to bicycle commuting on both Monday and Wednesday morning. I have to admit I was a little nervous when I woke up to pouring rain on Monday morning, imagining that nobody was going to ride.

Thankfully, I was wrong. 381 bike commuters wrong! The city counted 308 bicyclists in 2008 at this particular location. Here we are three years later on a cold, dark October morning with 381 people bicycling. Wow!

Particularly inspiring was that so many of the people I spoke with were new bicycle commuters. One fellow had been training all summer to bike commute during the Viaduct closure, but realized he liked it so much that he was going to continue. Another made a donation to support the work Cascade does. Another woman gave me a hug. Another and another. Wow!

Let’s keep the fun going. To support people continuing to riding after the Viaduct opens, Cascade and Alki Bike and Board will be out again on Monday morning from 6:30 – 9 a.m. with donuts to cheer everybody along. It is Halloween so costumes are encouraged! I will be the one in the cape.

One of the many things I love about my job is that I am also continually learning and here are the top things I learned during the closure:

1. Bicycle trailers are amazing. I was able to get our complete energizer set-up from Southeast Seattle to West Seattle. Multiple times! And it didn’t suck.

2. Don’t wait until it is pitch black to turn your lights on. I noticed that even when the sun was up I could see bicyclists better when their lights were on.

3. “We don’t want no stinkin’s apples” People want sugar and caffeine in the morning. There will be donuts on Monday. Promise.

4. We need better bicycle infrastructure. I rode on the new SODO trail, with had front row seats to the viaduct being torn down. Because I wasn’t near traffic I could relax without the unnerving feeling of freight vehicles breathing down my neck. That said, a truck driver came out of his way to express to me that he doesn’t want to hit bicyclists that we need better ways to share the roads so the most vulnerable of us can be safe. It was an encouraging conversation, and I look forward to more like this. We need more facilities for people to feel safe bicycling on our city streets.

5. Bicycling is more fun when you know are part of something. Hey you out there who bicycled for the first time or for the thousandth time! We are part of a greater community having a positive impact on our community.  Clearly bicycle riders had a big impact on the success of this morning’s commute was said in reference to the car traffic not being that bad on Monday. More bikes on the road means less cars which means less congestion which allows all of us, bikes, car commuters and freight to move faster.

How was your commute during Viadoom?

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Posted in Around town, Commuting | 3 Comments »

#Viadoom nonsense and some real concerns

Friday, October 21st, 2011 by Serena Lehman

I spoke too soon about “Carmageddon 2.0“. Apparently we are going with #Viadoom.

On to more serious matters.

Some of you may have seen this video posted on the Seattle Bike Blog involving dangerous truck-versus-bike intersection in Seattle.

Cascade took these concerns very seriously and took them back to WSDOT to find out what was being done to avoid a crash. Here is WSDOT’s reponse:

Are you planning to ride your bike from West Seattle during the nine-day viaduct closure? Thanks for choosing to use alternate transportation! Here’s what WSDOT and SDOT are doing to support you:

  • Hosting a morning commute meet-and-greet under the West Seattle Bridge with Cascade Bicycle Club. 6:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 24 and Wednesday, Oct. 26.
  • Paving over the existing multi-use path on the west side of the street south at South Massachusetts Street.
  • Draining the big “flood” puddles along the multi-use path near the U.S. Coast Guard.
  • Adding 90 feet of barrier on the multi-use path near South Massachusetts Street.

Also, we’re aware that some northbound East Marginal Way South freight haulers are illegally using the southbound lane to access the Port of Seattle when a train blocks the intersection at South Atlantic Street. I wanted to let you know that WSDOT, SDOT and the Port of Seattle are working together to address the issue while improving safety for all travelers. Here’s what we’re doing:

  • Adding two temporary left-turn lanes on northbound East Marginal Way South between South Atlantic Street and South Massachusetts Street. Trucks will be able to use the two added left-turn lanes to access the port instead of illegally using the southbound lane to jump the line or to turn left into the port.
  • Increasing traffic enforcement by adding two additional officers on East Marginal Way South. Additional traffic enforcement would likely deter northbound traffic from speeding or illegally using the southbound lane.
  • Working with freight haulers to remind them to watch for cyclists and to use extreme caution when sharing the road with cyclists.
  • Asking cyclists to do their part by wearing bright clothing, using lights at night and riding in the multi-use path or striped bike lanes whenever possible.

Thank you, again, for riding your bike during the nine-day closure. Please remember to ride smart and stay visible out there. I’ll look forward to meeting you on the Alki path under the West Seattle Bridge at our WSDOT/Cascade Bicycle Club meet and greet.”

What WSDOT, SDOT and the Port are all doing sounds good and all, but I want to know how you, fellow bike commuter, are feeling out there on the road during #Viadoom. Let us know in the comments.

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Posted in Commuting, Road & Trail News | 3 Comments »

Carmageddon is upon us!

Wednesday, October 19th, 2011 by Serena Lehman

The upcoming Alaskan Way Viaduct closure is the second coming of “carmageddon.” No really, it is. Before you start stocking your basement with canned goods and toilet paper, I would like to remind everyone that the last time carmageddon was upon us, all was not lost. Far from it.

Last summer Los Angeles closed I-405, a major automobile thoroughfare, to expand the highway, and the media freaked out. Stay home! The streets will be a parking lot! Panic was upon L.A. Jet Blue offered $4 flights across the city over the carmageddon weekend. In response, a group of cyclists decided to race the flight to show how ridiculous the whole situation was. Long story short, the bicyclists won.

Now I know the Viaduct issue is a little different. The Viaduct will be closed for nine days, not just a mere weekend. However, one message came out loud and clear during the L.A. carmageddon: you can get places by bicycle. And this wasn’t in bike-town Portland. Or Minneapolis (where they brag that Portland is just a street). This was in Los Angeles, the car-capitol of the country.

L.A.’s take-away is true here, too. We can get places by bicycle. And we invite you to give it a try. Why? Besides the fact that it’s our mission to encourage biking, the word on the street is that the fastest way to get downtown from West Seattle during the Viaduct closure is by bicycle. We want to support everyone who is willing to try bike commuting instead of driving. So in partnership with WSDOT, we’re here to help you bike to work next week.

Viaduct Closure Energizer Stations

Monday, Oct. 24

6:45 – 9 a.m.
Trail on the Westside of the Lower West Seattle Bridge
Stop by for some morning cheer! If your bike hasn’t gotten regular use, you’ll definitely need some air in those babies. We also have a limited supply of bike lights for new riders who really need them. Once your tires are inflated and you’re feeling ready to roll, join the bike train, heading into the city. Additionally, WSDOT will have a representative available to answer questions about the closure and the multi-use trail.

7:30 a.m.
Bike Train to downtown
Cascade’s very own Ed Ewing and Robin Randels will lead a ride downtown for everyone who either wants a little guidance or just wants to ride with others.

Wednesday, Oct. 26 (pretty much the same thing as Monday)

6:45 – 9 a.m.
Trail on the Westside of the Lower West Seattle Bridge
 Now that you’ve rolled a couple of days, you might notice your chain is squeaky and dry. We’ll help fix that and send you smoothly on your way, squeak-free.

7:30 a.m.
Bike Train to downtown
 Tried it on Monday and want to do it again? We’ll be there. Same details as Monday.

Monday, Oct. 31

6:45 – 9 a.m.
Trail on the Westside of the Lower West Seattle Bridge
 Even though the viaduct will reopen by Halloween, this is chance to challenge yourself and keep riding. Wear a costume, trick-or-treat with us and join in the holiday fun!

Need a little more help? Here are our tips for riding on the road, what all the paint means, and the essential gear for riding in Seattle.

So, what do you think? Will you dust off your bike, skip the drive and ride with us next week?

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Posted in Road & Trail News | 11 Comments »

Moving Planet: Day of Action and Safe Streets Social

Wednesday, September 21st, 2011 by Serena Lehman

People ride bikes for many reasons. There are the people who race cyclocross. There are those who ride for exercise. And there are those who ride just because it is fun (that’s me!).

A reason for riding that is rapidly growing in popularity is riding for transportation. Not only does riding to work save you cash and provide exercise, it is also is one of the most environmentally friendly ways to travel. In a time of climate change, it is important for us all to do our part in reducing our impact on the planet.

Moving Planet

This Saturday there will be over 2,000 events all across the globe rallying around the message “Moving Beyond Fossil Fuels”. In my humble opinion we have one of the best events happening here in Seattle.

There will be parades of people all around Lake Union, workshops, a rally, food carts, music and more!

Saturday, Sept. 24

Move Yourself
9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Lake Union
Join the parade of boats and bikes, feet and wheels, pedaling, rowing, sailing, walking, dancing, and skating all around Lake Union. End at Lake Union Park (860 Terry Ave N, Seattle) at 1 p.m.

Take Action Workshops
10 a.m. – 2 p.m., China Harbor Restaurant
Learn how to be a powerful advocate at two concurrent workshops: Power Past Coal and Transportation for Washington. Join with others to take action opposing coal export terminals in our state and supporting good transportation choices for our communities. Sponsored by Earth Ministry, Sierra Club, and Climate Solutions.

Have Fun! Get Active and Learn More
10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Lake Union Park
Lunch at tasty food trucks, get info about climate action from non-profit partners. Join the 350.org parade from 1-2pm while Black Whales play! Try eBikes, get an Undrivers License, Skate Like A Girl, try Stand-Up Paddleboards, do Yoga for Bikers, check out FamilyBike Expo, take FeetFirst walks, join a mini-yacht flotilla, and more! Lake Union Park is at the south end of Lake Union 860 Terry Avenue N.

Rally to Move Beyond Fossil Fuels
2 p.m.– 3 p.m. Lake Union Park, 860 Terry Ave N.
Come jam to music starting at 1 p.m. and rally for a sustainable future at 2 p.m. Show your support for moving beyond fossil fuels while enjoying inspirational speakers, community information booths, and a crowd photo for 350.org.

Speakers will include:

  • Michael McGinn, Mayor of Seattle
  • Christopher Williams, Seattle Parks & Recreation Superintendent
  • Sarah van Gelder, YES! magazine Executive Editor
  • KC Golden, Climate Solutions Policy Director
  • Lisa Quinn, Feet First Executive Director
  • Rev. Rich Lang, University Temple United Methodist Church

Want to go to the events but don’t know how to get there by bike? Rides are being led to the event from all over Seattle to make it easier for you. Riding with a group to an event is always more fun, so please join us!

From the South end:

  • Columbia City: Davey Oil of Bike Works and Serena Lehman of Cascade are leading a ride from Bike Works from their Columbia City location at 3709 S Ferdinand. Leaving 10:30 a.m. sharp!
  • West Seattle: Stu Hennessey and John Reardon lead from Alki Bike and Board 2606 California Ave SW in West Seattle at 10:30 a.m
  • West Seattle: Marge and Ron Evans lead from Jack Block Park in West Seattle at 11 a.m.

From the Central area:

  • Capitol Hill: Allyson Welsh and Albert Meerscheidt leave  Cal Anderson Park at 9:45 a.m. Because it is such a short ride, the group may circle the lake before stopping at Moving Planet Seattle.

From the North end:

  • View Ridge: Jim Mathieu and Al Miller lead from Bryant Park across the street from the PCC at 10:15 a.m. They intend to meet the group from Wallingford at Gas Works Park around 11:15 a.m.
  • Ravenna: Sander Lazar leads from Ravenna’s Cowen Park Grocery, 1217 NE Ravenna Blvd 10:30 a.m.
  • Ballard: Michael Snyder leads from Ballard Commons Park at 22nd and 57th at 11 a.m.
  • Wallingford: Cathy Tuttle and Cindy Riskin assisted by Cascade’s Robin Randels leave Wallingford Center at 45th and Wallingford Ave N at 11 a.m. They will stop at Gas Works Park around 11:15 a.m. to meet other bike groups including the E-Bike Network Ride with Larry Gales and Seattle Electric Bike Co.

Wow. You have no reason not to ride!

After all the day’s excitement, a group of people will also be doing a slow bike ride honoring those that have recently died while bicycling. Says Tom at the Seattle Bike Blog: It’s planned to be slow, welcoming and respectful. All are encouraged to join the ride, whether you’re a seasoned biker or haven’t touched a bike in years. The ride is about respecting and protecting life on our roads.

Posted in Around town, Daily Rides, Events | No Comments »

A better connection from Queen Anne to the waterfront

Wednesday, September 7th, 2011 by Serena Lehman

I can hear the groans out there when you read the words “construction”  and “detour.” But the West Thomas Street Pedestrian and Bicycle Overpass is a pretty cool project that will end up being great for bicyclists and pedestrians.

The West Thomas Street Pedestrian and Bicycle Overpass will:
  • Provide a dedicated structure for pedestrians and bicyclists traveling to Myrtle Edwards Park.
  • Connect communities on the east side of the BNSF railroad tracks to Myrtle Edwards Park.
  • Help make walking and biking easier and more pleasant ways to get around Seattle.
  • Connect the Myrtle Edwards Park bicycle trail to the Lake to Bay Loop, a future bicycle route linking the waterfront with South Lake Union and Seattle Center.

Ultimately, the bridge will help make bicycling safer, which is something I know we all want.

Now what you have all been waiting for, construction details!

Per the Seattle Department of Transportation:

The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) started construction in Myrtle Edwards Park on the West Thomas Street Pedestrian and Bicycle Overpass Project the week of August 29.

Bicycle access through Myrtle Edwards Park will be maintained during construction, with the following changes:

  • The existing paved pathway will be designated for bicyclists and wheelchair users
  • A temporary unpaved path will be created adjacent to the paved bike trail for pedestrian.
  • Additional temporary and/or partial closures of sections of the trail may also occur.
  • There will be pinch points along the trail – please use caution.
  • Expect noise and vibration during certain construction activities and large equipment in the area during construction.

Bicyclists riding on Elliott Avenue West may experience temporary lane closures on Elliott Avenue West in the vicinity of West Thomas Street outside the hours of 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

SDOT will update its website and send email alerts to help bicyclists and pedestrians prepare for construction impacts, detours and keep up to date on the project’s progress. For more information or to sign up for email alerts contact Maribel Cruz at 206-684-7963 or Maribel.Cruz@seattle.gov.

When construction is completed in spring 2012, the overpass will provide a direct connection for pedestrians and bicyclists traveling between lower Queen Anne and Myrtle Edwards Park.

Posted in Commuting, Road & Trail News | No Comments »

Dear pint-sized bicycle advocate,

Tuesday, September 6th, 2011 by Serena Lehman

I was so touched when you showed up with your dad last weekend at Bicycle Sunday. You had to come to buy one of Cascade’s $10 helmets. You opened up your piggy bank and emptied the contents, which totaled a whooping $10.63. That is a lot for a 5-year-old.

Even though your dad graciously decided to buy the helmet for you, you insisted on donating all the money in your piggy bank to Cascade so that other little kids could ride bikes too. Your gesture made my day. Maybe my week.

From the bottom of my heart and from everyone at Cascade Bicycle Club, thank you for your generous gesture.

If you need a helmet, drop by one of our three remaining helmet sales of the season. And remember, donations like this one help keep all our programs going strong!

Posted in Around town | 2 Comments »

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