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improving lives throughbicycling

October 2014 / Vol. 44 No. 10 • cascade.org

As the largest advocacy and riding organization in the country, Cas-cade Bicycle Club maintains a high standard for our events, advocacy and education programs.

With the completion of our new strategic plan (check your mail-box!), we’ve laid out ambitious goals to meet, all aimed at our new mis-sion of “improving lives through bicycling.”

But to visit our office? The expe-rience is currently underwhelming.

Over the years, we’ve simply out-grown our current headquarters, which are woefully inadequate to serve our 36-person staff, volunteers and our community’s needs. Classes take place wedged between over-crowded office cubicles. The space is uninviting and offers little place for our members and volunteers to gather. We even have a windowless space called the “cage” a remnant of our military building’s past. As our classes continue to fill to capacity and beyond, we are limited by the confines of our physical space.

Fortunately, we won’t have to bear

it much longer – and neither will you.

Recently, the city of Seattle pre-sented Cascade with a unique op-portunity to lease 8,000 square feet in Magnuson Park’s Building 11, transforming a historic building into a vibrant community gather-ing space.

On Tuesday, Sept. 2, we broke ground. With our partners, com-munity supporters and members we celebrated this momentous oc-casion with a groundbreaking cer-emony.

Ron Sher, Cascade board member and chair of the Campaign Steering Committee, spoke at the ceremony, describing the Cascade Bicycling Center as “transformative... a place where volunteers and staff can come together.”

Opening mid-November, Cascade Bicycling Center will feature:• community kitchen and dining space;

• community gathering spaces to allow people to rest, refresh and connect;

• auditorium to host classes, movies and events; and

• classrooms to teach safe riding to people of all ages and abilities and provide space for kids’ camps.

• open workspace to accommodate a growing number of staff and volunteers;

Additional features will be constructed as funding is available including:• a bike shop to maintain Cascade’s

educational fleet and teach bike repair skills; and

• a Traffic Garden to give children and new riders an opportunity to learn urban bicycling skills in a safe setting.

Now, with the first weeks of con-struction completed, the transfor-mation of the space is beginning. A new floor has been laid, skylights installed and a green roof construc-tion started on top of the bike shop.

And did we mention the view? The new headquarters is on Lake Washington and has a spectacular view of the Cascade Mountains.

With all this to offer, we will bring our community together and become a premier destination for events and the start and finish of rides, both large and small.

In the next few weeks, there will be several opportunities for com-munity members to visit and en-gage with the space before we move.

Under Construction: The Cascade Bicycling CenterBy Briana Orr, Communications Specialist

Tuesday, Oct. 14 6 - 8 p.m. Annual member meeting and open house

SAVE THE DATE!FEBRUARY 13 - 15, 2015

More details on page 11

We’re proud to be sponsoring the

A Bike-y Halloween

on pg. 6

The all-star team behind the Cascade Bicycling Center: Mike Martinez (Hoffman Construction), Ron Sher (Cascade Board of Direc-tors), Bob Vincent (Hoffman Construction), Tim Williams (ZGF Architects), Elizabeth Kiker (Cascade Bicycle Club), Seamus Kelly (ZGF Architects), Amie Sullivan (KPFF Consulting Engineers), Lyle Martin (Hoffman Construction). Not pictured: Shannon Loew (FIX-Works)

We’d like to thank our partners for donating time, expertise and materials to make the Cascade Bicycling Center a reality

Visionaries & Partners FIX-Works • Hoffman Construction Company • Sher Partners • ZGF Architects

Key Contributors & Supporters Artifacts • Big Ass Fans • DeaMor • Eurocraft • Hart Crowser • Iris Window Coverings •

JS Perrott and Co • KPFF • LiveEdge Woodworks • Luma • McKinstry Company • NCM Contracting Group • Northwest Construction Inc • Onedurr Painting •

PAE • Performance Contracting Inc • Rubensteins Contract Carpet •Sheldrup Building Services Co • Snyder Roofing • Sparling • Sportworks •

Studio SC • TubeArt • VECA Electric

Saturday, Nov. 10 10 a.m.Grand Opening CelebrationAll events will take place at the new space in Building 11 in Magnuson Park, 7787 62nd Avenue NE Seattle, WA 98115

www.cascade.org

October 2014

2

Snapshot of a yearBy Elizabeth Kiker, Executive Director

Almost a year ago today, I got the call that my father had been attacked on a bike trail in Houston, and his beloved Gunnar had been stolen. Six months ago, he was hit by a car while on a borrowed bike. Today, on a new, custom, made-in-Houston bike, my dad wrote me to gleefully tell me that he passed Olympian Superhero Runner Carl Lewis on the bike trail the other day. He says that he ‘dropped’ Carl Lewis, but I imagine Mr. Lewis probably wasn’t going full out. It’s amazing what has happened since last September.

Last September, Sher Kung was a happy new mom and lawyer making a difference in Seattle. Now, she is no longer with us because of a horrific crash that happened just 10 days before the new Second Avenue protected bike lane opened. Her memorial ride—attended by more than 400 cyclists as well as the mayor and city council—was a week later; the grand opening of the bike lane that probably would have saved her life was that following Monday. The timing is terrible, and yet it happened: we have lost an amazing woman, and we have taken a huge step toward creating a safe route for bicyclists through downtown.

Each of you received our strategic plan, and you know it is a bold and strong plan. The only way we can accomplish all that we laid out is by working together. We must stand up and demand better facilities for people who ride bikes across the region. We must show up in force and applaud when new facilities go in. We must ride, and encourage our friends and families to ride. We must teach people how to ride, and reach across neighborhood and color lines to ensure that everyone is riding.

It’s too much for you to do by yourself, for elected officials to do by themselves, or for Cascade to do alone. To accomplish our vision of Bicycling for All, we must work together. We must stand together, ride together, celebrate together and demand more together. We already are. Thank you for your support.

As always, I welcome your comments, questions and feedback. You can reach me at [email protected].

In the past two issues of the Courier, we informed you about the Cascade Bicycle Club Board of Director candidates and the proposed bylaws changes. Voting is now open for all Cascade members. You may vote only once, either online or by using the ballot included in this issue of the Courier. Online voting opens Tuesday, Oct. 7, please check your email for directions. Visit www.cascade.org/board for more information.

KEEP US PEDALING! Renew now at cascade.org/renew

Elizabeth Kiker and Washington Bikes’ Barb Chamberlain at the ground breaking of the new Cascade Bicycling Center

Best,

Elizabeth

Thank you, Second Avenue AmbassadorsBy McKayla Dunfey, Eastside Policy and Government Affairs Coordinator

A huge shout out to our 75+ volunteer ambassadors who enthusiastically lined the streets last month for the grand roll out of the new protected bike lane on Second Avenue.

I had the opportunity to ride up and down Second Avenue to chat with many of our volunteers. I learned a great deal about how this type of new protected bike infrastructure can truly transform a bustling city street.

I certainly won’t forget my conversation with Brandon Blake, one of our dedicated ambassadors who stood at the intersection of Yesler Way and Second Avenue. Brandon explained how his passion for bicycle advocacy stemmed from a serious bicycle crash he was involved in last year. Though he is still recovering from brain injuries

Cascade staffer McKayla Dunfey and Second Avenue Ambassador Brandon Blake passed out fliers on how to use the protected bike lanes

after being hit by a car making a left turn on Dexter Avenue—and isn’t yet able to ride a bicycle through the city—he dreams of a day when Seattle has a complete network of protected bike lanes, so he can safely ride through downtown Seattle to the International District where he teaches preschool.

Brandon has made it his “goal and duty to help others out there not go through what [he] went through,” he said.

He believes building protected bike lanes and educating everyone, drivers and bicyclists alike, will be one of the most effective ways to increase safety for all.

Thank you to Brandon, and all of our volunteer ambassadors, for helping make our city safer for everyone.

2014 Board of Directors Election & Bylaws Change

BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTION:

Members may only vote ONCE, either with:

PHYSICAL BALLOT

ONLINEBALLOT

Online voting opens Tuesday, Oct. 7. Please check your email on Tuesday, Oct. 7 for your online ballot.– or –

PROPOSED BYLAW REVISIONS:

Nate Glissmeyer Charles Ruthford Jim Stanton Alexa Volwiler Ed Yoshida

Approve Reject

Vote to approve or reject all the proposed bylaw changes by making a mark in the boxes below. All changes must be accepted or rejected en masse. Full revisions can be found in the August Courier as well as on the Cascade’s website (cascade.org/bylaws).

Vote for a maximum of 5 board candidates by making a mark in the box next to the candidate’s name. Candidate statements are available in the September Courier and on the Cascade’s website (cascade.org/board-elections).

Separate the election of board members from the annual business meeting while moving the annual business meeting to the first quarter of the year Rationale: The bylaws tie the election of the board of directors to the annual business meeting. We seek to separate

the two so that elections are still held at the end of the year, but the annual business meeting is held during a different

part of the year. The proposed change moves the election from early October to early December, allowing the oppor-

tunity for having the end-of-year volunteer party also serve as the time for membership to meet and talk with board

candidates ahead of the election.

Lower the minimum number of times the board must meet each year from twice a quarter to once a quarter Rationale: The bylaws were written at time when the board was a working board and not an oversight board. An over-

sight board does not need to meet as often as a working board. In practice, we suspect we will end up meeting five or

six times a year plus an annual retreat.

Change the budgeting process to eliminate the requirement for a board meetingin October Rationale: The Finance Committee, chaired by the board treasurer, subsumes the bylaws mandated “budget committee.”

The Finance Committee works with staff to develop the annual budget. The October budget board review mandated in the

bylaws will instead be performed by the Finance Committee, reducing the need for the full board to weigh in during October.

Remove conflicting definitions of the Executive Committee Rationale: The Article IX 2007 amendment of the bylaws contradicted Article XIII, Section 3 regarding the makeup of

the Executive Committee. The change removes this contradiction by making reference to that section.

Change the quorum requirement for actions at membership meetings from head-count based to ballot based Rationale: The quorum requirement was 25 members attending a meeting. It is being changed to 300 ballots received

during an election or membership decided issues.

Update what happens to club assets should it cease to exist Rationale: The organizations that are to receive our assets have changed their names since the bylaws were created.

This change simply replaces the archaic names of the organizations with their modern names.

NO. 1

NO. 2

NO. 3

NO. 4

NO. 5

NO. 6

It’s election time!

Improving Lives Through Bicycling

Vol. 44, No. 10

3

Ambassador’s eye-view: Second Avenue protected bike lane by Robin Randels, Community Connections Advocate

curve. Second Avenue is a high profile location in downtown critical for people commuting by foot, bike, transit and car. That’s why Cascade, in partnership with the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), coordinated a team of volunteers as the Second Avenue Ambassadors to educate bicyclists, pedestrians and drivers about how to use and interact with the new bikeway.

As darkness lifted around 6 a.m. Monday, a small army of volunteers (myself included) gathered at the Wells Fargo Plaza. Each ambassador was outfitted with a Connect Seattle T-shirt, stickers, informational cards from SDOT and “I heart Downtown Protected Bike Lanes” postcards. We then dispersed to our five intersections, where car lanes cross the new protected bike lane.

As people began using the new facility, there was some initial confusion about the signage and signals involving the left turn—with noncompliance by drivers and bicyclists alike. SDOT and

ambassadors were quick to realize the problem and helped turn the tide. In educating so many people, by Tuesday, interactions with the new configuration was much improved. Throughout the week, SDOT quickly made key adjustments, such as adding new green arrow signals and “No Turn on Red” signage, which dramatically improved compliance and kept traffic flowing smoothly. SDOT continued to staff the street at rush hour for the remainder of the week to make sure as many people as possible would get the message.

I was pleased to see how quickly people adjusted and impressed by SDOT’s presence and actions to expedite fixes. Thanks to leadership from Mayor Ed Murray, SDOT

I love biking—as a way to get around for errands, as my commute, for exercise or as a weekend get-away. It’s these small journeys that become the experiences of an urban life. And urban life recently got way better with the opening of the Second Avenue protected bike lane in downtown Seattle.

The Second Ave protected bike lane that rolled out on Monday, Sept. 8, transformed this corridor into a comfortable, two-way protected bike lane, complete with separate bike signals for riders and left-turn signals for drivers.

In a single weekend, riding Second Avenue went from a harrowing experience to a casual roll through town. For the first time, I saw smiles on the faces of bike commuters instead of white knuckles; people talking to one another as they waited at the lights and people comfortably riding northbound along a low-grade route.

As I spoke with people the first week of the protected bike lane, I heard that they were feeling like I was: comfortable, safe and happy. Several pedestrians even mentioned that they might start riding now that the protected bike lane was in place.

Suddenly, the prospect of attending meetings in the Rainier Valley or West Seattle became a lot less stressful. I could imagine bringing friends who are uncomfortable mixing intimately with traffic to the First Thursday Art Walk in Pioneer Square, taking them to catch the water taxi to Alki, or leading a newcomers ride to the International District for dim sum.

Here at Cascade, we knew that there would be a steep learning

Director Scott Kubly and the rest of the SDOT staff and the city council for fast-tracking the project and making quick adjustments. And a gigantic shout-out to People For Bikes for investing in the Second Avenue ambassador team through the Green Lane Project.

I am very excited about how the Second Avenue protected bike lane demonstration project is laying the foundation for the future. SDOT is beginning its design for a complete network of protected bike lanes downtown: from South Lake Union to Pioneer Square and Capitol Hill to the Waterfront.

Seattle is leading the way and I am happy to be part of it!

The Second Avenue protected bike lane is a big step forward in making Seattle streets safer

All smiles on the opening day of the new protected bike lane

Cascade is pleased to announce the launch of two new programs serving our allies in the business community: Business Membership with Cascade and a new partnership with the League of American Bicyclists’ Bicycle Friendly Business program. We’ve spent months compiling feedback from local bike-friendly business leaders and learning from our partners around the country to determine how we can best serve the business community and build the bike movement. These initiatives will offer bike-friendly organizations new opportunities to engage with bicycling in the Puget Sound region. Cascade looks forward to forging new partnerships as we build public support for bi-cycling and increase ridership.

*New!* Business Membership with CascadeBy signing up for a Business Membership, organizations of all types will be

able to collectively enjoy the benefits of Cascade membership for themselves and their employees, as well as some extra perks for supporting the bike move-ment. Features include:

• Direct benefits to employees; helps encourage bicycling to work• Visibility with Cascade’s audience• Connects your business to resources for encouraging bicycling• It’s your way to support Cascade’s mission, vision and programs

Bike Friendly Business Certification ProgramPuget Sound employers of all types and sizes are realizing that bike com-

muting is more than just a way employees get to work. Many workplaces em-brace bicycling as a strategy to improve employee physical and mental health, reduce their carbon footprints, and increase their bottom lines by controlling healthcare and parking costs. They’ve jumped to offer quality bike parking, end-of-trip amenities and incentives that create a welcoming environment for people who want to bike.

No matter where you are on the bike-friendly spectrum—whether you’re ready to apply for platinum Bicycle Friendly Business Certification or you just want to improve conditions for bicycling at your workplace—Cascade can provide you with tools and resources to take bicycling at your workplace to the next level.

Cascade Bicycle Club has revamped its bike-friendly business certifica-tion system and is now partnering with the Washington, D.C.-based League of American Bicyclists to guide local employers through a national Bicycle Friendly Business Certification system. Certified businesses will earn a Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum award and will receive both local and national rec-ognition from Cascade and the League. Additionally, each organization who applies will receive a written bike-friendly assessment report.

Cascade staff are prepared to offer bike-friendly site assessments, share workplace best practices, and create networking opportunities to share ideas with other local business leaders. We look forward to helping you increase bicycling at your workplace.To learn more, go to www.cascade.org/business.

Bikes means business: announcing two new business programsBy Alan Van Vlack, Membership Manager,and Mary Collins, Commute Programs Coordinator

www.cascade.org4

October 2014

Editor: Anne-Marije Rook

Editorial Assistant: Diane English and Briana Orr

Layout: Tom Eibling

Photography by: Anne-Marije Rook, Briana Orr, Hub and Bespoke, David Saxen

Contributors: Mary Collins, McKayla Dunfey, Bill Hurley, Elizabeth Kiker, Josh Miller, Briana Orr, Daniel Poppe, Anne-Marije Rook

THE COURIER CREW

We welcome your contributions!

Got an inspiring story or a great photo? We welcome submissions. The edito-rial calendar is planned one month in advance. If you wish to contribute an article to a future issue, contact the editor as early as possible. Articles and photographic submissions are due by the 10th of the month prior to publi-cation. Articles submitted after that will be considered on a space-available basis. All submissions are subject to editing for content and space.

Queries can be emailed to: [email protected].

Advertising:

We welcome ads and inserts. To check availability and inquire about prices, please contact Anne-Marije Rook at [email protected].

Let’s be social! Follow Cascadeon Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

CASCADE CONTACTS

Home Page:www.cascade.org

Office phone: 206-522-3222 Fax: 206-522-2407

Email: [email protected]

Cascade Bicycle Club7787 62nd Avenue NE,

Seattle, WA 98115

BOARD OF DIRECTORSNote: All email addresses are @cascade.org

PresidentCharles Ruthford • charles.ruthford@

Vice PresidentDaniel Weise • daniel.weise@

TreasurerDon Volta • don.volta@

SecretaryGeorge Durham • george.durham@

Executive Committee Member-at-largeCatherine Hennings • catherine.hennings@

DirectorsMaggie Sue Anderson • maggiesue.anderson@

Dr. Rayburn Lewis • rayburn.lewis@

Mo McBroom • mo.mcbroom@

Joe Platzner • joe.platzner@

Merlin Rainwater • merlin.rainwater@

Ron Sher • ron.sher@

Jim Stanton • jim.stanton@

Jessica Szelag • Jessica.szelag@

Ed Yoshida • ed.yoshida@

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORElizabeth Kiker • (206) 523-9495 or Elizabeth.kiker@

SENIOR STAFFJeff Aken, Advocacy Director(206) 300-5932 • Jeff.Aken@

David Douglas, Rec. Riding Director(206) 769-6575 • David.Douglas@

Ed Ewing, Director of Diversity & Inclusion(206) 778-4671 • ed.ewing@

Shannon Koller, Director of Education(206) 696-4425 • shannonk@

Serena Lehman, Director of Membership & Outreach(206) 291-4032 • serenal@

Kathy Mania, Finance Director(206) 498-2607 • kathy.mania@

Robbie Phillips, Director of Strategic Development(206) 229-5187 • robbiep@

Anne-Marije Rook, Communications Director(208) 870-9406 • amrook@

Tarrell Wright, Development Director(206) 240-2235 • tarrell.wright@

@cascadebicycle

@cascadebicycle

cascade.org

facebook.com/cascadebicycleclub

Keep us pedaling! Renew now at cascade.org/renew

Hi Anne-Marije and Elizabeth,I just wanted to send you a quick thank you. I was reading through the

latest Cascade Courier and I'm absolutely in LOVE with Anne-Marije's Women Ride column. In fact last month I cut out and mailed the article about the Diva Cup to my old roommate. It's so refreshing to see topics related to women in print. Thanks to both of you for the inspiration and feeling of empowerment as a woman cyclist. Cheers!

- Haley Woods

Yesterday on a Seattle ride, we encountered a large group of young kids on bikes, passing us on the trail from Golden Gardens back to Ballard. I was quite taken by their politeness and good trail etiquette. Their “leader”—a very lovely young woman—finally passed and I greeted her and asked about the group. She said it was a Cascade summer camp for kids to learn cycling skills. I told her how impressed by their skills that I was.

The other women in my riding group also made comments about the kids and about how well trained they were, particularly how polite and courteous they were as they passed us. What a great experience that was!!! Very nice! We could also tell that the kids were having a lot of good fun!

- Anonymous

Whether you are new to Cascade or a longtime member, there is always something to learn about your club. At our Annual Membership Meeting, held every October, you will have a chance to meet and greet board candidates as well as see a “state of the club” address given by Cascade Staff and Board. The membership meeting is a great way to get to know your club, its staff and its leaders, and vote for the future Board of Directors.

This year’s meeting is extra special. We’re delighted to invite you to check-out our new headquarters in Magnuson Park, Building 11. Staff will be on hand to show you around our future space as well as hear how you would like to be involved.

Even if you are not a member, you can find out why Cascade is the largest and most effective bicycle club in the country. We hope to see you there!

Letters to the EditorEmail your feedback to [email protected]

2014 Annual Membership Meeting and Building 11 Open House

Tuesday, Oct. 14 from 6-8 p.m.Building 11, Magnuson Park, Seattle

Love dedicated bike lanes, thanks CBC for working for them throughout the Puget Sound!

-Matt McGrath

You guys are amazing thank you for your great communication. Loved the Kitsap Color Classic, had a amazing ride and cant tell enough people about how wonderful you are.

- Mason Vandison

Just received a tour of the new @CascadeBicycle facility, amazing work they are doing for our city!

@SharonArides


Vol. 44, No. 10

5

Volunteers of the MonthBy Kelli Refer, Volunteer Coordinator

Chances are you’ve probably had a taste of the great beer brewed by our two volunteers of the month, Haley Woods and David Keller, co-owners of Peddler Brewing in Ballard. Around the same time the brewery opened, Haley got involved with Cascade.

“Through the process of gearing our business to support bicycling I learned about Cascade’s advocacy efforts and was excited to volunteer,” said Haley. “It’s exciting to talk to people in the community and city about the need for bicycle infrastructure and learn how the process works.”

One exciting moment for Haley was when she was at the City Council meeting where the Bike Master Plan was adopted.

Haley and David both volunteer with Connect Seattle, our city-wide team dedicated to creating a complete network of safe streets. Haley and David’s work focuses specifically on Ballard, Westlake and Downtown.

“One day, Haley and I were out on the street informing cyclists about the Westlake protected bike lane project and a rider was telling me they didn’t agree that it should be built. Just then, her chain broke and she was forced to pull over. I happened to have a chain tool and repaired her chain for her,” recalled

David. “I may not have changed her mind, but it did give me a chance to explain that Westlake is an important corridor for riders of all ages and abilities.”

In September, the duo helped as Second Avenue Ambassadors. When I asked them what keeps them motivated to volunteer, David explained, “successful project completions like the Second Ave protected bike lane show that changes are happening. There seems to be a building momentum of cycling improvements in the city and it’s exciting to be part of that.”

Peddler Brewing offers a great community gathering space where bike advocacy can take root. Its proximity to the Missing Link makes completing the Burke-Gilman Trail a hot topic of discussion over a pint of beer.

“I really enjoying talking to customers at the brewery and asking them to fill out postcards to the mayor about the Missing Link because many of them have had negative experiences and this is one little way they can advocate for a change,” Haley said. “The more people speak up, the more we’re noticed as a bicycle community.”

“The only way to get more people riding their bikes is to make the city safer and more accessible for cyclists,” David added. “The

Haley and David sporting the new Connect Seattle T-shirt

Your Cascade membership gets you 10 percent off purchases at Recycled Cycles, Redmond Cycle, Cycle University, Velo Bike Shop and many more locations. There are also touring operators and an assortment of other businesses who honor this discount. To learn about them all, please visit www.cascade.org/membership-discounts

This month, we would like to highlight a brand new discount! Peddler Brewing Company in Ballard is offering $2 off growler fills to all Cascade members! In order to redeem the discount, you must have your membership card. If you do not have one, e-mail me and I will get a new one to you as soon as possible.

Are you using your member benefits?By Alan Van Vlack, Membership Manager

MEMBERSHIP CARD

changes needed won’t happen on their own, it takes a lot of work and persistence. Cascade does a great job organizing and prioritizing our efforts to have the most impact, so I feel my time spent volunteering is really making a difference.”

Visit Peddler Brewing to meet Haley and David or spot them around town at Connect Seattle events.

We are super excited to have them be part of our Connect Seattle team and want to extend a huge thank-you for building a wonderful bicycle friendly business!

Nominate your volunteer(s) of the month by emailing Kelli at [email protected]

Have a member benefit you want to highlight? Or a new benefit you want to offer? E-mail me! [email protected]

$2Off

www.cascade.org

October 2014

6

Have a bike-y HalloweenBy Madi Carlson, Cascade member and author of FamilyRide

My reign as queen of the bikey kid costumes started four years ago with an old-style “man-in-a-house” sharrow costume. I can’t remember what gave me the idea—it may have been as simple as finding the large piece of black felt at the thrift store for three bucks. I cut a cardboard box into two “houses,” (my crafty friends will gasp at my technique now) stapled on the black felt, and taped on paper cut into the shar-row design. The shoulder and side straps were from an old, holey reus-able shopping bag, also stapled on. Absolutely zero sewing involved.

Since I’m a benevolent dictator, I honored my sharrow’s love of trains and made a train-themed trick or treat bag with left over felt: a plas-tic cookie container with white pa-per taped to the inside, and a little battery-operated flickering candle light glowing through cut-out train shapes in the felt, with old ribbon tied through holes in the lid as a handle.

Some tips• Incorporate the helmet! It makes for a great perch.

• If you’re riding to your trick-or-treat zone, make sure the costume fits on the bike--or can be removed and carried along.

• Don’t mind the confused looks. Your costume is awe-some! I love it! We can’t all be Spidermans and Minecraft characters.

• Take pictures of the costume. Also, take pictures of the bicy-cle infrastructure that inspired the costume.

The following year we moved on to better bike infrastructure with bike box (the green box at the front of an intersection where bicyclists wait in front of cars dur-ing red lights) and bike lane icon. The favorite-thing-themed trick or treat bags (yellow puppy and blue train) weren’t enough to keep the kids from messing with my brilliant ideas: bike lane icon kid insisted on adding fairy wings to his costume while bike box kid wanted a balloon on his head, too. I don’t think they would have been more recognizable without the extra stuff so I didn’t fight it. This was my first attempt at covering their helmets (with fabric from old T-shirts), which isn’t very easy for the non-crafty parent, but came in handy this year when I re-used the skill for an R2-D2 helmet on our Star Wars Day Kidical Mass family ride.

In costume as a bike box and bike lane iconPhoto courtesy Hub and Bespoke

In costume as a mailman and Sharrow

In costume as neighborhood greenways

Stenciling the costumes

And finally, Halloween 2012: two Seattle Neighborhood Greenways kids! I thought these ones were pretty fun. I affixed traffic circles to the tops of their helmets and made velcro-on black felt strips of road (so I could remove them when donning jackets) shared by bikes, motorcycles, and dogs. Even with the signage on their backs, I had to explain the costumes to many people. But in doing so, I was able to educate my neighbors about our Greenways group.

Sadly, my days of dictating the kids’ Halloween costumes are over, but I had a good run, which includ-ed three years of bicycle infrastruc-ture outfits.

As far as I know there are no ready-made bicycle infrastructure costumes for purchase (yet). I’m not very crafty, but as long as I recog-nize the end product and the kids are happy enough, I’m satisfied. And when that one in 100 passerby shouts, “Hey! Bike lane guy!” It’s ic-ing on the candy corn cake.

My kids will be in boring store-bought costumes this year—and they’re ecstatic! But I hope to catch a glimpse of something creative and bikey as we wander the streets of Wallingford.

Show your Puget Sound pride with our new stickers!*Available at our office

Where does your bike take you?follow us on

Instagram!@cascadebicycle


Vol. 44, No. 10

7

After 10 amazing weeks of bike camp this summer, it is somewhat of a letdown to show up to work and not have any campers to greet. We had an incredible group of camp instructors and an enthusiastic group of campers in three age groups. Throughout the summer, we had approximately 100 campers who collectively experienced more than 2,500 hours of bike education. Cascade bike camps center on fun, safety and whole child development.

In addition to bike handling skills and traffic safety, camps also focused on social skills, including: group decision-making, respect, group awareness, self-reflection and complimenting others. Campers also learned equipment safety and bike maintenance skills. Another central theme of our camps is choice. The Urban Riders group were able to choose their own adventure, decide on a route and then plan that route.

2,500 hours of bike educationin just 10 weeksBy Josh Miller, Classes Coordinator

Teaching campers how to fix a flat tire

It was a great summer for commuting, and those of us who ride the Dexter highway into downtown in the mornings have been greeted every day with a wave, a nod, and sometimes a “Have a nice day” from Jimmy, pictured right in his usual outfit and holding that all-too familiar sign. I finally had to stop and talk to this friendly hard-hatted guy, as I appreciated the gesture each morning as I pedaled past.

He told me he has a philosophy that acknowledging other humans and passing on a little positive thought can really improve attitudes, and one’s perspective on the day. I think he is right! He has actually paid enough real attention over the summer that he recognizes us individually now, and probably appreciates the return nod or thumbs-up from us as well. He has been out there every day! He noted that even the grumpy cyclists that were first frustrated with having to ride through the construction zone, and didn’t particularly like seeing him (or the other side of the sign which says “Stop”), have come around with improved attitudes.

One of the great things about being on a bicycle is the ease of connecting with others who are out there.

Thanks Jimmy, your good cheer and friendly attitude has really been appreciated.

Bike-friendly Jimmy, out there every dayby Bill Hurley, Dexter Avenue Commuter

We had considerable, nearly universal, positive feedback from campers and parents. Quite a few parents were effusive with their praise of the camps and what their kids got out of their experience. One mother, Rebecca Hoyt, wrote:

“I just wanted to take a moment to thank you, on Owen's behalf, for such a wonderful week. He came home each day perfectly exhausted, and by ‘perfectly’ I mean satisfied to the bone that he had used his whole being in ways he thor-oughly enjoys. He gave bike camp 10 thumbs up today and while he attributed it to the rare chocolate milk in his lunch box, I think it was because of something much more. “I strongly believe y’all are helping to fulfill an important niche for kids who, like mine, love the outdoors, love physical challenges, love camaraderie, but don't love organized sports.”

There are many other similar stories that we heard from parents and camp-ers, and we are already looking forward to next year’s summer camps.

Keep your eyes peeled for an announcement for 2015 summer camps regis-tration early next year.

One hundred campers visited Cascade Bicycle Club this summer

Jimmy greets hundreds of cyclists daily with a friendly wave or nod

Work PartyThanks to everyone who came to our new building work party. We got a ton done—including some work by people who we didn’t expect to contribute quite as much as they did. Pictured here is Quinn, son of ZGF architect Seamus Kelly.

www.cascade.org

October 2014

8

Like many Pacific Northwest-erners, John Rizzardi loves hiking, kayaking, cycling and just being outdoors. What sets Rizzardi apart, however, is his desire to share these passions with friends, family and underserved communities in the Seattle area.

John first met Cascade’s Director of Diversity and Inclusion, Ed Ew-ing, back in 2004 when Ed coached spin classes at All-Star Fitness. John was already a skilled cyclist and the two quickly became good friends. John has been a strong Cascade supporter ever since.

As a former youth coach and avid supporter of youth athletics, John was immediately drawn to Cas-cade’s Major Taylor Project, a youth development program that fos-ters self-efficiency and goal-setting through the lens of bicycling. Over the years, John has been a key fund-raiser for the program.

While John has made multiple generous donations, he supports Cascade most by connecting Major Taylor with future staff, donors and community members.

“People are excited to support Major Taylor,” he said.

For example, at this year’s Major Taylor Spinathon —the program’s largest annual fundraiser—John raised thousands of dollars in sup-port from friends, colleagues and family. His Spinathon donations came from contacts in eight states outside of Washington.

“I’ve lived and worked in Seattle a long time,” said John, “and through my career and volunteer work, I’ve been fortunate to have made con-nections with many generous and like-minded friends and colleagues in Seattle and around the world.”

Supporters like John Rizzardi help further the mission of Cascade Bicycle Club by going beyond the traditional donor role. John has of-

Connecting Cascade to ContributorsBy Daniel Poppe, Development Coordinator

fered his time, money and talent to help the organization grow into the national leader it is today. The suc-cess of Cascade is directly linked to the passion and drive of our volun-teers and supporters who propel the organization into the next genera-tion.

When asked what he envisions for the future of Cascade, John said that Cascade is “perfectly posi-tioned to have a broader and deeper social impact.”

“Supporting Major Taylor touch-es so many of my values – educa-tion, improvement and community – it makes fund-raising and donat-ing a positive experience for the do-nors, and for me,” he said.

Like John Rizzardi, you can support Cascade in a variety of different ways: volunteer your time, make a donation, encourage your connections to spon-sor you in events; or participate in a ride to support our work. No matter how you support us, you will ultimately improve lives through bicycling.

To learn more visit www.cascade.org/donate.

When Hub and Bespoke owners Juliette Delfs and Aldan Shank re-leased their “Women’s Riding Coat” in Winter 2013, it was the topic of conversation among female Cas-cade staffers. It was stylish enough for fall fashion, yet functionable for rainy Seattle bike commutes.

And as women oohed and awed, Hub and Bespoke’s male customers were feeling a little left out.

“One of our customers from Port-land emailed, called and stopped by three times asking for [a male ver-sion of that coat]… on one visit he pitched why it was the perfect coat,” Delfs explained.

Delfs and Shank says most jack-ets designed for bicycling are “quite sporty”, which is fine for on-the-bike, but it’s not what either of them would want to wear to a busi-ness meeting or going out for a drink with friends.

So what’s a guy to do? Bring-ing an extra jacket to work can be a nuisance at best, so many who commute by bike just settle for one or the other. That’s why Delfs and Shank are releasing a coat that “doesn’t compromise,” with the hopes to not only serve their cus-tomers but to perhaps change the way people perceive bicycling.

The new jacket, simply called “the men’s riding coat” features a fashionable look but also a bike-friendly cut, venting, hide-able re-flectivity, waterproof fabric and ex-tra coverage.

What’s more, this coat is not only customer-inspired, it’s also cus-tomer-funded. Hub and Bespoke recently launched a crowdfunding campaign on Crowd Supply—a platform that specifically supports product developers—to support the project. The campaign seeks to raise $15,000 to fund material procure-ment and coat production in Seat-tle. The financial backers benefit by getting the yet-to-be-released jacket at a discount price.

For Delfs and Shank, it is a lot less risky than a business loan, they ex-plained.

“I’d rather not borrow money – I’d rather know where I’m at. So [crowdfunding] this at least allows us to break even, validate what we are doing and then take it to the next step,” says Delfs.

NORMALIZING THE RIDEWhen talking with Delfs and

Shank, it is apparent this jacket is more than just a piece of clothing; it’s about turning heads, safety and changing minds.

“There’s a lot of people who would like to ride but aren’t. If it looks like something that is really aggressive and sporty and exclusive, it is going to be harder to get those folks off the side-lines and riding.” -Aldan Shank

The act of turning a head is worth more than a compliment to Delfs, who says “people looking at you – that creates safety.”

She’s also personally experienced how her clothing can start what she calls “happy conversations,” these are the kinds of interactions that change people’s mind about who a cyclist is. A concept she studied in graduate school, Delfs says things like her helmet covers “bring people along instead of creating resistance.”

A very different approach from what many have tried before her - most notably captured by Portland-ia TV series in the short “Bicyclists’ rights!”

WHAT’S NEXT?Delfs and Shank say if this is suc-

cessful, they will move on to fill other “holes” in the marketplace, especially for women.

“I still don’t think anybody’s [exe-cuted] the women’s pant perfectly,” says Shank.

Know a bike business that should be featured? Email us at [email protected]

Normalizing the ride through fashionBy Briana Orr, Communications Specialist

Business Hub and BespokeOwners Juliette Delfs and Aldan ShankIndustry Bicycle apparelFind them At their shop in the Fremont neighborhood in Seattle

John Rizzardi

Hub and Bespoke

Improving Lives Through Bicycling 9

Vol. 44, No. 10

FREE GROUP RIDES

Weather conditions may cancel the ride. Helmets are required on all rides. Earbuds/headphones are not allowed on any Cascade ride. All riders are required to sign a waiver

form. Children 16 and under must be accompanied by parent or guardian. Riders are expected to be ready to ride at the time listed. Participants do not have to RSVP, simply show up to join the fun!

This is a sampling of this month’s rides.For a complete listing, see cascade.org/calendar.

For full details of the listed rides, see cascade.org/grouprides. This is also where you’ll find ride guidelines to help you

select a ride that suits your style, skills and energy level.

RIDE LEADER CERTIFICATION CLASS EASTSIDE FAMILY BIKE HAPPY HOUR

SEATTLE BIKE HAPPY HOUR

On Twitter? Tag your tweets and twitpics with

#grouprides.

6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 7, Cascade Bicycle Club Office, 7400 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, 98115

Ride leaders are the heart and soul of our rides pro-gram. Our 300+ ride leaders keep the Free Group Rides calendar filled throughout the year, and you are invited to join the ranks. If you have an idea for a new ride, are interested in helping others ride or don’t see your favorite ride listed, consider joining our leaders’ team. Please see the requirements on the website at www.cascade.org/become-ride-leader

Date/Time: Saturday, Oct 18, Noon – 3 p.m.Start Point: South Kirkland Park & Ride (10610 NE 38th Pl, Kirkland)End Point: Zeeks Pizza (124 Park Ln, Kirkland)

Details: www.cascade.org/happyhour

EASY PACE (UNDER 10 mph)

Saturday, October 25SLOW Ride with Senior Ladies On Wheels11 a.m. 5 miles from Northwest African American Museum, by I-90 Trail, Seattle • Ride Leader: Merlin Rainwater

LEISURELY PACE (10-12 mph)

Friday, October 3, FRIDAY RIDERS: To Kubota Gardens10 a.m. 25 miles from Gas Works Park, Seattle • Ride Leader: Norm Tjaden

Saturday, October 4Gas Works Saturday Bakery Ride9:30 a.m. 18 miles from Gas Works Park, Seattle • Ride Leader: Scott Kralik

Sunday, October 5Sunday Crepes Ride9:30 a.m. 35 miles from Gasworks Park, Seattle • Ride Leader: David Bordewick

Friday, October 10FRIDAY RIDERS • Mill Creek Parks and Neighborhoods10:00 a.m. 21 miles from Martha Lake Airport Park, Lynnwood • Ride Leader: Astrid Bear

Saturday, October 25 S.P.O.K.E.S. 2014 Halloween Ride Goes Country 10 a.m. 27 miles from Quigley Park, Fall City • Ride Leaders: Michelle Burton, Jim Hunt

Friday, October 31 FRIDAY RIDERS to Halloween Street, etc. 10 a.m. 20 miles from Gas Works Park, Seattle • Ride Leader: William Lemke

STEADY PACE (12-14 mph)

Tuesday, October 7TREATS - Kitsap Peninsula and Sawdust Hill9:15 a.m. 42 miles from Edmonds Ferry ock, Edmonds • Ride Leaders: Peter Hallson, Jim Hunt

Tuesday, October 14TREATS go to Port Orchard10 a.m. 30 miles from Lincoln Park, Seattle • Ride Leader: Bruce Zunser

Tuesday, October 21 TREATS: Bainbridge Island10:30 a.m. 32 miles from Bainbridge Island Bike Barn, Bainbridge Island • Ride Leader: Patty Lyman

Tuesday, October 28TREATS - Coffee in Pioneer Square10 a.m. 25 miles from Mt Baker Beach Park, Seattle • Ride Leader: Lily Reid

MODERATE PACE (14-16 mph)

Friday, October 24FRUMPS: Kent to Black Diamond10 a.m. 45 miles from Russell Road Park, Kent • Ride Leader: Jim Taylor

BRISK PACE (16-18 mph)

Thursday, October 2Eastside Tours Evening Ride6:30 p.m. 25 miles from Overlake Transit Center, Redmond • Ride Leader: Eric Gunnerson

Monday, October 6MUMPS: Head Up North10 a.m. 55 miles from Tracy Owen Station/Log Boom Park, Kenmore • Ride Leader: Craig Mohn

Tuesday, October 7Eastside Tours Evening Ride6:30 p.m. 25 miles from Overlake Transit Center, Redmond • Ride Leader: Eric Gunnerson


Monday, October 13 MUMPS: Head Up North10 a.m. 55 miles from Tracy Owen Station/Log Boom Park, Kenmore • Ride Leader: Craig Mohn





Thursday, October 23

Eastside Tours Evening Ride6:30 p.m. 25 miles from Overlake Transit Center, Redmond • Ride Leader: Eric Gunnerson




VIGOROUS PACE (18-20 mph)

STRENUOUS PACE (20-21 mph)

Please review our online calendar cascade.org/calendarfreegrouprides for rides at these paces

SUPER-STRENUOUS PACE (+22 mph)

Thursday, October 2More Cycle Tuesdays5:45 p.m. 35 miles from Gene Coulon Park, Renton • Ride Leaders: Tom Baker, Vincent Haag, Lola Jacobsen, Russ Moul

Tuesday, October 7Cycle Tuesday5:45 p.m. 35 miles from Gene Coulon Park, Renton • Ride Leader: Stephen Else





Thursday, October 23More Cycle Tuesdays5:45 p.m. 35 miles from Gene Coulon Park, Renton

Ride Leaders: Tom Baker, Vincent Haag, Lola Jacobsen, Russ Moul



www.cascade.org

October 2014

10

As women, there are a lot of topics relating to cycling comfort which are either not frequently talked about or just too embarrassing to ask a male salesperson at the local bike shop. Topics like: “I’m hurting down there” or “Do you have any tips about riding while menstruating?” or “Why can’t I find cycling clothes that fit?”

You get the idea: personal, women-specific and potentially awkward to explain. We’ll do our best in addressing these topics here.Today’s topic: bibs or shorts

If you’re spending more than an hour on the saddle, a good pair of cycling shorts or bibs can make a world of difference. Even if spandex is not your thing, your lady parts will thank you for hiding a pair of chamois liners or shorts underneath your skirt. A good pair of padded shorts help prevent chafing, reduce pressure and hot spots, and are simply more comfortable.

If you’re comfortable wearing padded lycra, you face the next question: regular shorts or bib shorts?

Budding cyclists will quickly note that experienced riders and racers—men and women alike—prefer bib shorts, and there are good reasons why.

Yes, the leotard look takes some warming up to and the bathroom visits take more time, but the overall comfort and functionality of a good pair of bib shorts will certainly improve your ride. Bib shorts are designed to follow the natural contours of your body with a tight yet comfortable fit for a seamless transition between your bottoms and jersey. And thanks to the bibs you’ll experience:No waistband, no muffin top.

Seriously though, no waistband means no elastic uncomfortably cutting into your waist, no drawstrings, less chafing and more comfort.

Women Ride: bibs versus shortsBy Anne-Marije Rook, Communications Director

No saggy buttMost cycling shorts will end up

slipping down, riding up or get saggy over time, and that means the chamois (padding) moves as well. Keeping the chamois in place is important to prevent chafing and saddle sores. No exposed skin

Whether you’re stretching mid-ride or throwing your hands up as you cross the finish line, your jersey will ride up and your belly is exposed. This is especially a common problem for tall women.

Bib shorts are cut higher than traditional shorts, and make for a seamless transition between shorts and jersey. No more catching your shorts on the saddle

For those who ride/race cyclo-cross and/or mountain bikes, bib shorts provide an added bonus: you won’t snag your shorts on your saddle while (re)mounting your bike or transitioning between riding in and out of the saddle.

There is one big downside of bib shorts however, and that is the limited availability of women’s specific bib shorts. Most brands will manufacture a dozen different bib shorts for men and few —if any— bib shorts for women.

But as the number of women riding and wearing bib shorts increases, women’s apparel grows as well. Some brands, like Louis Garneau for example, are even coming up with designs to deal with the bathroom problem women face by adding a front clip to quickly detach the shoulder straps.

So, next time you go shopping for a new set of shorts, consider bib shorts. And let us know what you think!Thanks for the positive feedback to this column. We’re happy to help! Please continue to email me your questions at [email protected] and I’ll answer them anonymously.

At the very moment of my depar-ture from Eugene, Ore., I ran into my friend and fellow bicycle-en-thusiast, Al Hongo. We were both hopping on the Amtrak Cascades, headed north. He was joining his girlfriend for a tour; I was mov-ing to Seattle with two panniers, a duffle and one of my bikes in hand.

(Hold your applause. I’m not re-ally that hardcore. I had to go back for my boyfriend and all our stuff, which only barely fit into a 12-foot U-Haul.)

This sort of chance run-in was typical in the town that I called home for seven years. It was hard to go anywhere without seeing some-one you knew. And when you did, you probably saw them on a bike.

In Eugene, we have a bicycle mode share of just over seven per-cent; the University of Oregon has an impressive student bike mode share of 23 percent.

Running into someone on bike (figuratively speaking) is always a highlight of my commute. It pro-vides just enough time to ring your bell hello, wave, give a shout-out or my personal favorite: the pass-by high-five.

This simple, small chance act of seeing friends and neighbors along my commute rooted me in my Eu-gene community.

As Al stepped off the train in Corvallis, Ore., I figured that I was leaving that sense of community behind.

Community through commutingBy Briana Orr, Communications Specialist

Since starting at Cascade how-ever, I’ve had a number of these friendly run-ins with fellow staffers along the Burke-Gilman Trail. We are normally headed in the same di-rection, so the commute turns into a conversation.

It got me thinking: what is a com-munity, if not a series of conversa-tions?

When commuting by bicycle, we also share a common backdrop and shared experiences for our conver-sations. If the sun is shining, our conversation might just consist of exchanging happy, appreciative smiles. If a flat tire stops you in your path, someone else will undoubted-ly stop to help.

So with Seattle as our stage, I look forward to our future conversations on the bike path.

Run-ins with friends on bikes makes the ride sweet


Vol. 44, No. 10

11

The Youth Bike Summit creates a space like no other. It’s a space where everyone has something to teach, to learn and to share. At the Youth Bike Summit, everyone is welcome and every voice is heard. It’s where ideas are born, where vi-sion is cultivated, and where the process of working together can make dreams for a healthier future come true. What’s more, the Youth Bike Summit is coming to Seattle for the first time ever—join us!

The Youth Bike Summit (YBS) is a three-day national conference geared toward youth, bikes, edu-cation, advocacy and leadership. People from different disciplines, backgrounds and ages gather to-gether to learn, share, network and explore how bicycling can be a catalyst for positive social change. The 2015 program will feature key-note speakers, innovative hands-on workshops, engaging panel presen-tations (many led by youth) and a collective visioning session.

YBS started in 2011 with the help of two teenage interns at a community-based bike shop in Brooklyn, NY called Recycle-A-Bi-cycle - a sister-organization of Bike Works. The teens had just traveled to Washington, D.C. for the first time to attend the League of Ameri-can Bicyclists’ National Bike Sum-mit. While they were awestruck by all they had learned—from the Safe Routes to School bill; lobby-ing elected officials on Capitol Hill; exploring the nation’s capital by

Coming Soon to Seattle for the first time ever: The National Youth Bike Summit!By Pasqualina Azzarello, Founder & Director of the Youth Bike Summit

bike; and even meeting mountain bike pioneer Gary Fisher—they couldn’t help but wonder where all the young people were. For if bi-cycle policy affects all cyclists, then why weren’t all cyclists represented at the table? As the team debriefed their experiences, a blueprint for the Youth Bike Summit emerged.

While the teens initially hoped for a moderate showing of youth, educators and bicycle advocates from the New York area, it rapidly became clear – the Youth Bike Sum-mit would attract a much broader audience, from near and (very) far! Each and every year, the Youth Bike Summit’s impact and momentum continues to grow and galvanize a new generation of bicycle advocates. Last year, more than 500 youth and adult participants from 26 states and four countries joined us.

Recycle-A-Bicycle, Parsons, The New School for Design and New York City have proudly hosted the summit for the last four years, but it’s time to share the Youth Bike Summit with young people across the US. We are thrilled to bring the Youth Bike Summit to Seattle.

This will be the first year the Youth Bike Summit travels nation-ally, making the 2015 conference especially meaningful.

With generous sponsorship from Cascade Bicycle Club and the Se-attle Department of Transporta-tion, Bike Works will host the 2015 event.

Join the movement!

We are excited to announce that David Douglas has been hired as Cascade Bicycle Club’s new Recre-ational Riding Director.

A long-time Cascade employee, Douglas has served the club for over 16 years as event producer, and brings an illustrious background in cycling—both competitive and rec-reational—to his new position.

In the bike racing community, Douglas is known for produc-ing high-profile bike races like the Microsoft Gran Prix and Olympic Trails Road Race as well as local clas-sics like the Seward Park Criterium series and Mason Lake Road Race. He also served as the president of the Washington State Bicycling As-sociation for 10 years.

As Cascade’s event producer, he has grown the annual Chilly Hilly and Seattle to Portland Bicycle Clas-sic rides into the highly-successful bucket list events they are today.

“Our Recreational Riding Team is a tightly knit and successful team that serves as a strong backbone of the club,” said Elizabeth Kiker, Executive Director. “We couldn’t imagine anyone more qualified and respected to lead them. We are so excited to move David Douglas up into this senior leadership role.”

Douglas said it’s his goal to con-tinue to put on world-class events and to get more people riding bikes.

“My overarching goal as Recre-ational Riding Director is to look at more ways to get people riding through daily rides, through events and, ultimately, through making cycling more mainstream cultur-

On Friday,Sept. 19, Cascade Bi-cycle Club celebrated PARK(ing) Day by creating a pop-up protected bike lane along 9th Avenue in South Lake Union. Like many other par-ticipants in this annual community event, Cascade temporarily trans-formed parking spaces from car storage into public spaces to play, create and enjoy.

PARK(ing) Day is a worldwide design event aimed at temporar-ily redesigning and re-imagining streetscapes to experience a more playful, livable city.

Using cornstarch, flour and food coloring, we painted a green bike lane on either sides of the streets, separated from car traffic by a buf-fer and potted plants.

We heard from riders about the joy and relaxed comfort they felt when riding through the bikeway, and that it felt safe even for families.

Cascade Bicycle Club welcomes new Recreational Riding Director By Anne-Marije Rook, Communications Director

PARK(ing) Day recapBy Mary Collins, Commute Programs Coordinator

Photo by David Saxen

While the rain soon washed our temporary bikeway away, you can ride through Seattle's more perma-nent protected bike lanes on Second Avenue, Broadway, Linden Avenue and 65th Street.

Thank you to the fantastic volun-teers, Seattle Department of Trans-portation and a generous donation of materials from Jackson Com-mons for making our pop-up proj-ect possible!

ally," commented Douglas. "I’d like to see cycling play a bigger part in people’s lives –not just recreation-ally or as a sport but as a way to get to work or to the supermarket.”

A little known fact about Doug-las – who so many people know as “the man behind STP” – is that he himself got into cycling through training for the STP when he was a college student.

“I bought a bike for my 21st birthday, and with a bunch of guys in my fraternity, started training for the Seattle to Portland Classic,” re-called Douglas. “We did it in one day (because it was only a one-day event back then), got hooked and started racing.”

Douglas continued to ride and race bikes for 25 years.

“I can’t think of a better, more knowledgeable person for the job,” said Jerry Baker, a Cascade found-ing member and the only person to have ridden all 35 Seattle to Port-land events.

WHEN: February 13-15, 2015

WHERE: Various venues in the Columbia City neighborhood, SE Seattle

HOSTED BY: Bike Works, 3709 S. Ferdinand St., Seattle WA 98118

ADMISSION: $25/youth; $50/adult

Photo courtesy of the Youth Bike Summit

David Douglas

www.cascade.org

October 2014

12

Sher Kung memorial ridesMore than 400 hundred individuals gathered Friday to honor and re-member Sher Kung, who was hit and killed recently on Second Avenue while bicycling to work. Several individuals paid tribute to Kung, includ-ing Mayor Ed Murray. “By cycling, [Sher Kung] was making the streets safer. She was making the city healthier. Regrettably that very simple act cost her her life... I’m so sorry we didn't act sooner.”- Mayor Ed Murray

This summer was one of the longest, warmest and all-around greatest one we’ve had in Seattle in recent years. And while Mother Nature gave us sunny day after sun-ny day, the summer had to end at some point. So on the first day of autumn, on September 23, we got rain. Time to dig out that rain gear! Rain is no reason to keep you off your bike. Here are some basic tips to keep you riding year-round:

1. Stay dry Being wet is not only uncomfort-

able, it also cools you down. Being wet and cold increases your chance of getting sick and it’s just flat-out miserable.

You're less likely to continue riding a bike after a miserable ex-perience so consider adding the fol-lowing items to your wardrobe and bicycle to stay dry:

Fenders: While they won't keep you completely dry when it's actu-ally raining, fenders will quadruple your comfort level as they keep your legs, back and butt relatively dry and clean. Fenders also help protect your bike by keep dirt and road grit away from your frame and out of your moving parts.

Buddy flaps/mud flaps: While these little fender add-on won't necessarily increase your comfort, other riders will thank you for it.

Fall is here. Get ready to ride in the rain!By Anne-Marije Rook, Communications Director

Mud flaps helps prevent the rider behind you from getting sprayed in the face and covered in road grit.

Booties: Cover your shoes with waterproof or neoprene booties to keep your feet dry, clean and warm. Alternatively, putting plastic bags around your feet before your slip on your shoes will keep them dry and warm.

Rain jacket: In steady rain, a wa-terproof jacket is essential. From fashionable water-proof pea coats to clear-plastic rain capes, there is a vast assortment of rain jackets on the market. I suggest getting one that covers your backside, is wa-terproof (not just water-resistant), breathes (you don't want to arrive all wet from sweat); and packable so you can have it with you at all times.

Rain pants: For maximum dry-ness, consider getting some rain pants. Again, you want to make sure the material breathes, and get a reflective band to put around your ankles to keep the pant legs from getting caught by your chain.

Cycling cap: The brim of a cy-cling cap will help you see by keep-ing the rain out of your face, espe-cially useful if you wear glasses. 2. If not dry, then at least stay warm

It’s crucial to keep your core warm. Wool or polypropylene won’t keep you dry but it will keep you warm, even when wet. Wear a wicking wool underliner as well as wool socks to keep you warm even when you are soaked. If you don’t have waterproof gloves, wear fleece or wool liners underneath a wind and water-resistant pair of gloves for warmth, comfort and safety.

3. See and be seenSkip the shades and wear clear

lenses: In low light, clear, orange or yellow lenses for eye protection can make a big difference. When riding in the rain, normal sunglasses cut out too much light and can make road obstacles harder to see.

Light up: In rainy conditions, all users of the road have a hard time seeing, so make sure they can see you. It’s smart to have one good, re-chargeable light set as well as some blinky lights on both the front and the rear of the bike. 4. Be aware of slippery roads:

Rainbow patches: The road sur-face will be the slickest and most dangerous just after the rain starts, as oil buildup rises to surface. Keep an eye out for rainbow shimmer on the street. This is an indication of an oil patch.

Road paint, sewer covers, metal surfaces, and wet leaves will all be slippery when wet.

Puddles are fun to ride through but also indicate a potential pothole or uneven surface.

Corners: Cornering in the rain can seem scary in the rain. Try not to brake while cornering and shift as much your weight on the outside pedal when cornering. Also, lower-ing your tire pressure will increase traction.

5. A clean bike is a safe bikeYour bike will need extra attention

after being exposed to water and road grit all fall and winter long. A

mixture of road grit and water is the quickest way to erode rubber brake pads and rust your components.

Check your brake pads frequently and be prepared to brake earlier than you would in dry conditions.

After a particularly wet ride, give your bike a quick post-ride rinse with fresh water and then towel dry. This will rinse off all the dirt and debris, and drying it will prevent rust.

Lube your chain with waterproof lube. Make sure you have a good lube on your chain before head-ing out in the rain to prevent your chain from rusting.

Give your bike a deep clean if se-rious grime has built up. 6. Pack your ORCA card or Car2Go pass.

Hey, it’s always good to have a backup plan.

Of course there are plenty of days where the rain is light and all of these items are not necessary. But if you want to ride continuously through the wet season, you may find that the above tips will keep you more comfortable on the roads and trails in the Pacific Northwest.

Cascade staffers Briana Orr and Daniel Poppe after their morning commute during Seattle’s first rain of the season

cascade courier - october 2014

Documents

windowless space

physical space

dining space community

cascade mountains

new headquarters

cascade board member

new riders

new floor