improving lives through bicycling
A test ride on the Pronto Cycle Share Bike pg. 6
September 2014 / Vol. 44 No. 9
cascade.org
From worst to first: Seattle’s Second Avenue Protected Bike Lane Demonstration Project is a game changer By Jeff Aken, Advocacy Director
The protected bike lane and parking lane on Second Avenue will look similar to Dearborn Street in Chicago
Second Avenue through downtown Seattle has seen more than 60 bike crashes in the last four years, according to the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT). One of the leading cycling researchers in the country, John Pucher, found the bike lane “extremely dangerous.” But things are slated to change. Pronto Cycle Share will
PRSRT STD US Postage Paid Seattle, WA PERMIT No. 2172
Second Avenue, which is a oneway street southbound, will feature a 10-foot wide, two-way protected bike lane with a 3-foot buffer from vehicles. On blocks without left turns, the parking lane will provide seven feet of separation from moving traffic. To make these improvements, the roadway will be reconfigured to have a dedicated bus lane, two through traffic lanes and a left turn lane. By reducing conflicts and clarifying everyone’s position on the roadway, all users will benefit. Cyclists and pedestrians will have a dedicated traffic signal to eliminate the left turn conflicts with cars that currently exist along the corridor.
By moving quickly with a demonstration project, SDOT can apply lessons learned and design improvements into the future protected bike lanes in the center city as identified in the new Bicycle Master Plan. Second Avenue is a great start but we will need to continue working to make sure convenient, comfortable routes exist into and through downtown.
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
7400 Sand Point Way NE, Suite 101S Seattle, WA 98115 www.cascade.org
By Anne-Marije Rook, Communications Director
launch in October, and thanks to the leadership of Mayor Ed Murray and SDOT’s hardworking staff, one of Seattle’s worst streets to ride on is now being transformed into downtown Seattle’s first protected bike lane. Protected bike lanes physically separate bikes from fast moving traffic. They make it much more comfortable for the 60 percent of people that want to ride their bikes more, but don’t feel safe on many bike routes.
The Second Avenue Protected Bike Lane will create a comfortable, family-friendly route through downtown.
TIME DATED MATERIAL
Gov. Inslee joins RAW, awards “The Washingtonian of the day award” to event producer
To get involved with Cascade’s work in Downtown Seattle, join the “Connect Downtown” team of caring neighbors and bicyclists working to build a network of protected bike lanes in Seattle’s center city. Learn more at www.cascade.org/connectseattle
Governor Inslee awarding Event Producer Peter Verbrugge with a “Washingtonian of the Day” pin
More than 250 riders participated in the 16th annual Ride Around Washington bike tour in August, kicking off the four-year RAW cycle with great success. The riders were joined by a surprise guest on the second leg, when Governor Jay Inslee jumped in for the 65-mile ride between Port Townsend and Port Angeles. Even Cascade staff hadn’t expected the governor. “I just received a voicemail the night before that he wanted to join and see what RAW is all about,” said event producer Peter Verbrugge. “It was a nice surprise.” Inslee, an avid cyclist, spontaneously jumped in when he heard that State Transportation Secretary Lynn Peterson had registered for the ride but was unable to attend. Inslee was among the first 50 riders to complete that day’s route and thoroughly enjoyed it, calling it “the perfect ride”.
“With RAW, we are providing people with a great opportunity to see all Washington has to offer. Inslee was very excited about it,” said Verbrugge. So excited that Inslee surprised Verbrugge with a “Washingtonian of the Day” award at the end of the afternoon. Recognizing Verbrugge and RAW for making Washington a better place to live and visit, the award is symbolized with an apple pin. “It was totally unexpected!” said Verbrugge. “And I can only accept it on behalf of all the wonderful staff and volunteers that work so hard on these events. But yes, it was a very nice, unexpected surprise.” Learn more about RAW and the RAW Cycle at www.cascade.org/RAW
IN THIS ISSUE: Justice for Caleb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 3 RSVP recap. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 5 Pronto test ride. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 6 Q&A with Scott Kubly. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 8 Board canidates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 10
September 2014
Values
By Elizabeth Kiker, Executive Director
Vol. 44, No. 9
Downtown to Defiance
Justice for Caleb
By Diane Wiatr, Active Transportation Coordinator at the City of Tacoma
Editor’s note: On March 18, 2014, 19-year-old Caleb Shoop was struck by a pickup truck while biking across a Kenmore crosswalk. Caleb died in the hospital a few days later. Caleb’s collision was one of three crosswalk incidents that occurred in Kenmore within just six days, and when Caleb’s parents went to seek justice, they did not get it. The driver was fined a mere $175 for failure to stop at a crosswalk. Now, Caleb’s parents are stepping up trying to improve road safety in their community, and seeking justice for their son.
By Tammy Shoop, Caleb Shoop’s mother
In the mail, any day now, you will receive your very own copy of Cascade’s new strategic plan. This plan is the product of months (years!) of painstaking work with volunteers, members, board and staff of setting out what we want to do and how we will do it. It’s our first strategic plan since 2003, and we’re pleased with the results. Visionary, bold, strong and thorough, this plan gives us an outline for how to work together to create the best region and club for bicycling in the world. The five goals and 10 objectives we’ve outlined, coupled with our values of Respect, Diversity & Inclusion, Tenacity, Collaboration and Transparency, are already transforming how we do work. When we published a more in-depth and detailed annual report than we’ve ever done before in last month’s Courier; that is transparency. When we reach out to Washington Bikes and the clubs in the region to plan how to support each other better; Collaboration in the works. When we expand our Major Taylor program into more schools, partnering with a wider span of volunteers; Diversity and Inclusion. When we’re encouraging the finalization of the East Lake Sammamish Trail and urging Seattle to complete the Second Avenue Bike Lane this month; we’re being respectfully tenacious. These values will be threaded through all the work we do in the coming months and years, and I encourage you to hold us accountable to them. The only way we’re going to continue to thrive as a volunteer-driven, member-led club is together.
Downtown to Defiance: Sunday Parkways in Tacoma
Sunday, Sept. 28 8 a.m. – Noon
The City of Tacoma and Metro Parks Tacoma are excited to bring you the second Annual Downtown to Defiance, a bike, walk and roll event happening on Sunday, Sept. 28. The ride begins at Pt. Defiance Park and travels along almost seven miles of beautiful shoreline and Tacoma waterfront. Along the ride you can see gorgeous views of Mount Rainier, as well as the Olympic and Cascade Mountain Ranges. You can see also across the Sound to Vashon Island, with plenty of sailboats and the occasional orca whale in between.
Best,
Elizabeth
Elizabeth Kiker and family at last year’s event
The waterfront views are a Tacoma asset that is often underutilized on those passing by in motor vehicles. The city of Tacoma is trying to change this by closing the roadway to vehicle traffic for the Sunday Parkway and opening it to people to enjoy. Open Streets events are happening throughout the country, from small towns like Missoula, Mont., to some of the largest cities in the U.S. like Los Angeles, Minneapolis and Portland, Ore. Each event has its own style and Tacoma is emblematic of this. This
event first took place in 2013 to celebrate the creation of an interim trail connecting Pt. Defiance Park to Tacoma’s Water Walk. The theme turned out to be rain—and lots of it! Despite the weather, hundreds of people came down to take to the street and see what this event was all about. “There were moments when it was raining so hard, I almost couldn’t see where I was going—but I had a smile on my face the whole way!” said Hannah Miner, event participant. Miner was in good company with many of Tacoma’s bicycling groups making an appearance. The event had a Club Rider wave, hosted by the Tacoma Wheelman’s Bicycle Club; and a women’s only wave with the VeloFemmes. The Skid Kings, a vintage bike club riding pre WWII bicycles, did a modified route along Ruston Way to avoid elevation. And Tacoma’s Kidical Mass had an impressive showing with more than 100 kids and their parents riding a one-mile stretch to meet up with pirates at Pt. Ruston. This year’s Downtown to Defiance will take place on Sunday, Sept. 28 from 8 a.m. to noon. Food trucks, entertainment, safety information and hundreds of fellow cyclists will await you at the start in Pt. Defiance Park. This event is free and open to the public, so bring your family and head down to Tacoma! Interested in riding the Sunday Parkways? More info at www.metroparkstacoma.org/downtowntodefiance/
In the days and weeks to come, we drowned in our grief as we came to realize that we would never hold him again, hear his laughter, attend his wedding, hold his children. I still catch myself at night waiting for him to come home. Our grief is debilitating physically and emotionally and accompanied by a gnawing fear of how to survive his death. There is no refuge from this loss, no taking a break, no place we can go where we are not overwhelmed with the rubble that is left of our lives. I would love to have been able to say that in the aftermath of this tragedy, grief was our only chore.
Keep us pedaling! Renew now at cascade.org/renew 2
It is hard to describe my son Caleb in just a few words. In high school he was an active member of the marching band, track and field and water polo team, and in his spare time also enjoyed volunteering. He was a magnificent human being, with a heart of gold, who loved life and thrived on helping others. A few words cannot convey how proud we were of him, how much he enriched the lives of others around him, or how lost we are without him. Oh how we miss you, son. My son Caleb was only 19 years old when he was struck by a truck on a crosswalk in Kenmore on March 18, 2014. According to the detective, he “did everything right”, stopped at the crosswalk, waited for cars in multiple lanes to come to a stop, but was hit by a car in the last lane who failed to stop. He sustained several fatal injuries, but lived another three days before he passed away. I spent those days in the hospital listening to his heartbeat as he lay in a coma, knowing this was the only sound I would ever hear from him again. Every fiber of my being prayed and hoped those beautiful eyes would just open and look at me, but we had been told there was no more hope. His girlfriend Bryn, my husband and I held his hand those final moments, as he took his last breaths, willing for his chest to rise again even as we watched the color leach from his face.
www.cascade.org
Improving Lives Through Bicycling
By Brock Howell, Policy & Government Affairs Manager
Caleb Shoop’s death warrants a just outcome, but his family, friends and community are not going to get it. The second tragedy is Cascade Bicycle Club, Washington Bikes, Feet First and other advocates successfully passed the Vulnerable User Law in 2011 to address this exact problem.
Case closed
Elizabeth showing SDOT’s new head, Scott Kubly, around the city
Not one death is acceptable, and not one death should go without a just outcome
The Vulnerable User Law provides prosecutors with a legal tool to hold drivers accountable for negligently causing a great or substantial bodily harm or death of a pedestrian, bicyclist, motorcyclist or other vulnerable road user. Drivers who are successfully prosecuted can be penalized with a fine up to $5,000, license suspension, driver education and community service.
19-year-old Caleb Shoop
Instead, we found ourselves galvanized into action with the rest of our community to improve safety in our city; wondered how we would pay the medical bills not covered by the driver’s minimal insurance policy; struggled to go back to work and care for our traumatized children; and waited to find out the outcome of his legal case. Months passed, and finally the verdict was out: the driver was fined only $175 dollars for failure to stop at a crosswalk. Case closed. We were heartbroken. We have never meant the driver any harm, but feel our son’s death warrants a just outcome. We reached out to the community for answers as to why the Vulnerable User Law had not been used in his case. His case was reviewed by lawyers who stated it met the statute. We met with the City of Kenmore who decided that since the driver did not see Caleb on the crosswalk (because his view was blocked by the other cars stopped at the crosswalk) it did not constitute negligence. There will never be justice for Caleb.
On his fateful night, Caleb was crossing a four-lane road while riding his bike in a marked crosswalk. Cars in the first three lanes came to a complete stop for him. But in the final lane, despite the other stopped cars, the driver failed to stop and struck Caleb.
User Law in a memo to the the city of Kenmore’s prosecutor, he finished: “Yesterday you commented that the easy thing for you to do would be to charge [the driver] Mr. Tucker with violating the VUL, but that you cannot. This situation cries out for the use of VUL. It is not only the easy thing to do, it is the right thing to do. This horrible tragedy is exactly the situation envisioned when our legislature passed the VUL. The city of Kenmore has a duty to its citizens and to Caleb and his family to charge Mr. Tucker with a violation of the VUL." Unfortunately, we will not be able to change the decision of Kenmore’s prosecutor not to prosecute the driver. That’s why Cascade is working with Washington Bikes, John Duggan, State Senator Adam Kline and others to educate city and county prosecuting attorneys and police officers about the Vulnerable User Law and when and how to apply it.
Under state law, drivers must stop for pedestrians, including bicyclists, crossing any marked or unmarked crosswalk at an intersection. In addition, when other cars are stopped at an intersection, other drivers cannot overtake and pass the stopped vehicles.
We are writing a letter to prosecutors across the state, working to make sure prosecutors can take a training on the Vulnerable User Law as part of their education requirements for their bar membership, and working to incorporate the Vulnerable User Law into trainings for sheriffs and police officers.
Negligence, the legal standard for the Vulnerable User Law to apply, essentially means doing something different than what a reasonably careful person would do under similar circumstances. The factual circumstances of failing to look and stop for a pedestrian at an intersection should satisfy this legal standard.
Proper administration of the Vulnerable User Law also requires coordination between police and prosecutors. To make this a high priority for both, we will also need local elected officials to make the law a priority for their communities. So we will be working to educate city and county councilmembers across the region about this issue.
But the driver that struck Caleb also violated two relevant state laws. Failure to comply with actual state law should be more than enough by itself to constitute negligence.
Both Seattle and Kenmore have adopted a goal of achieving zero pedestrian and bicyclist deaths or serious injuries as the result of a vehicle collision. Not one death is acceptable, and not one death should go without a just outcome. With proper enforcement of the Vulnerable User Law, we can get a little closer to those goals.
John Duggan, a personal injury attorney for bicyclists and pedestrians, agrees. After laying out the legal application of the Vulnerable
Kirkland Greenways and Lakecity Greenways are hosting a Memorial ride for Caleb Shoop on
Wednesday, Sept. 17 at 5 p.m.
Meet at the Church of Redeemer -Episcopal • 6211 NE 182nd St., Kenmore, Wash. 3
September 2014
Vol. 44, No. 9
What Bike Month tells us about Puget Sound bike commuting patterns By Mary Collins, Commute Programs Coordinator
A bike commuting data analysis of the 2014 Adobe Commute Challenge presented by F5 revealed interesting patterns about what kinds of people commute by bike and where they bike during May. You can find our full analysis and maps on the Cascade blog at www.cascade.org/blog, but here are a few highlights. Where women ride the most:
According to our data, women made up the highest proportion of participants in Downtown, North, and West Seattle; Downtown Bellevue, and Burien. Fun fact: women represented 36% of the 16,000+ Commute Challenge participants. This is significantly higher than Washington state's estimated 20% gender split. Bike commuting:
Not just for 20-somethings. The average Commute Challenge bike commuter is 38 years old, but folks of all ages rolled with us last May. The average male commuter is 39 years old and the average female commuter is 35 years old. People traveled by bike most often in
Downtown Seattle and Everett during Bike Month. The average commute rate for all 16,000 participants was 40%, and riders traveled an impressive average of 6.5 miles one-way. Way to go! Where to recruit new riders:
Based on the high density of new riders in Downtown Seattle, Fremont, Greenlake, SODO, the University District and Downtown Bellevue, these areas are probably where people are most likely to start bike commuting. During May, almost 2,400 people tried bike commuting for the first time. Cascade would like to thank everyone who participated in 2014 Bike Month! Your efforts are inspiring, and we hope you continue to enjoy the myriad benefits of two-wheeled transportation all year round.
Bikes Count! Sign up for the 2014 Bike/Ped Counts
THE COURIER CREW Editor: Anne-Marije Rook Editorial Assistant: Diane English and Briana Orr Layout: Tom Eibling Photography by: Anne-Marije Rook, Briana Orr, Alan Van Vlack, Contributors: Jeff Aken, Diana Bryant, Dave Douglas, McKayla Dunfey, Elizabeth Kiker, Serena Lehman Brock Howell, Briana Orr, Anne-Marije Rook, Tammy Shoop, Daniel Weise
We welcome your contributions!
Advertising:
Got an inspiring story or a great photo? We welcome submissions. The editorial 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 publication. Articles submitted after that will be considered on a space-available basis. All submissions are subject to editing for content and space.
We welcome ads and inserts. To check availability and inquire about prices, please contact Anne-Marije Rook at amrook@cascadebicycleclub.org.
Queries can be emailed to: amrook@cascadebicycleclub.org.
You can help us make a difference! Community participation is vital to the success of this project. Sign up to be a volunteer and encourage your friends to do the same. Please use and pass along this link: http://goo.gl/vUDBP9 The link lists all of the locations and times available for counting, making it easy to find a location convenient for you. 2014 Count dates/time:
Tuesday, September 30 Wednesday, October 1 Thursday, October 2 AM count times: 7-9 a.m. PM count times: 4-6 p.m. Count cities include:
Bainbridge Island, Bellevue, Bellingham, Bothell, Bremerton, Burien, Ellensburg, Everett, Ferndale, Gig Harbor, Issaquah, Kelso, Kent, Kirkland, Lake Forest Park, Lakewood, Longview, Lynden, Mercer Island, Milton, Mountlake Terrace, Oak Harbor, Olympia, Orting, Parkland, Puyallup, Redmond, Renton, Richland, Seattle, Shoreline, Spokane, Tacoma, Tukwila, University Place, Vancouver, Vashon Island, Walla Walla, Wenatchee and Yakima.
We rode along and heard from many folks who were on their first big ride. All ages, too. We were just as impressed with the 14-year-olds as we were with the 74-year-olds. Congratulations to all on this accomplishment! Thanks to all of our hardworking volunteers and staff who worked long hours to make this a smooth ride!
One of the many father-daughter teams en route
The two gals on the left came all the way from North Carolina and were joined by two seattleites!
For some of these folks, RSVP was their first organized ride ever.
Let’s be social! Follow Cascade on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. cascade.org facebook.com/cascadebicycleclub @cascadebicycle @cascadebicycle
Home Page: www.cascade.org Office phone: 206-522-3222 or 206-522-BIKE Fax: 206-522-2407 Email: info@cascadebicycleclub.org BOARD OF DIRECTORS Note: All email addresses are @cascadebicycleclub.org President Charles Ruthford • charles.ruthford@ Vice President Daniel Weise • daniel.weise@ Treasurer Don Volta • don.volta@ Secretary George Durham • george.durham@ Executive Committee Member-at-large Catherine Hennings • catherine. hennings@ Directors Maggie 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@
Cascade Bicycle Club 7400 Sand Point Way NE, Suite 101S Seattle, WA 98115
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Elizabeth Kiker • (206) 523-9495 or Elizabeth.kiker@ SENIOR STAFF Jeff Aken, Advocacy Director (206) 300-5932 • Jeff.Aken@ Ed Ewing, Director of Diversity & Inclusion (206) 778-4671 • ed.ewing@ Shannon Koller, Director of Education (206) 696-4425 • shannonk@
The 17th annual Chuckanut Lemonade stand raised money for her college fund.
Made it to Vancouver!
Black Butte Porter troop
Riding in memory of his wife
Before RSVP, Erin (right) had never been outside the country before.
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@
Email McKaylaD@CascadeBicycleClub.org with any questions or if you’re interested in being a volunteer count coordinator for your city.
4
RSVP is a one-of-a-kind ride that spans two countries and follows such beautiful countryside.
CASCADE CONTACTS
Get ready to count! Fall is just around the corner and that means it’s once again time for the Washington State Bicycle and Pedestrian Documentation Project. On September 30 - October 2, volunteers (like you) will be standing at key intersections in cities around the state to count bicyclists and pedestrians as they ride and walk on by. Last year we counted over 66,000 bikes and pedestrians. This important project helps the state collect valuable bicycle and pedestrian data that informs state policy.
3,000 riders, 188 miles across two countries
Train Crossing makes for a great break
www.cascade.org
Improving Lives Through Bicycling
Chuckanut Drive
5
September 2014
Bike share to launch in Seattle next month!
Women Ride: Sports bras
By Anne-Marije Rook, Communications Director
Pronto Cycle Share is launching on October 13, and membership sales have already started! We were so excited about the launch of bike share in Seattle that we simply couldn’t wait any longer. We had to give these bikes a try! Holly Houser, executive director of Puget Sound Bike Share, was kind enough to invite us down to her South Lake Union office last month to take a prototype bike for a spin. A product of Alta Bicycle Share, the bike is similar to the bike share bikes you’ll find in New York, Minneapolis and D.C., meaning they’re sturdy, upright and utilitarian. But the Seattle version has one important addition—well four to be exact—and that is a seven-speed internal hub instead of the more common three-gear. This should help most anyone tackle the hills of Seattle.
By Anne-Marije Rook, Communications Director
Growing bicycling and improving lives together By Barb Chamberlain and Elizabeth Kiker
Basket with Bungee
Bell Adjustable seat height
Dynamo front and rear lights Full fenders Flat-resistant tires
7 internal gears & roller brakes
Chainguard
We didn’t take the bike up Queen Anne or anything, but we did take it up an 8 percent grade and it spun uphill surprisingly easily (while seated), given that it weighs about 40 pounds.
The Pronto Cycle Share Bike
“It’s kind of like a cruiser,” commented Tim O’Connor, tech manager at Cascade, “but without the drag.” And the gearing isn’t the only feature that will please Seattle users. The bike has full fenders to keep you dry; a chain guard to keep your pant leg or skirt from getting greasy or worse, torn; and bright front and rear lights that are powered by a dynamo hub. The lights turn on the moment the bike is moving and stay on even after the bike is stopped.
Vol. 44, No. 9
#GoPronto
#SEAbikes
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: sport bras We received a few questions about choosing the right sport bra for cycling and how to prevent chafing. While comfort and support level are personal, here are a few tips to help you find the right sports bra. Try them on Shopping for a bra isn’t always easy. Sizing varies among brands and your own cup size changes over time as well. What fit a year ago, may not be the right fit anymore. I suggest going to a store to try some on instead of guessing your fit online. When trying them on, jump up and down, move your arms and take a deep breath. Sure, you want to keep jiggling to a minimum, but you still want to be able to move freely. Support
The front basket seems like an odd design at first glance, but with the provided bungee cords, works splendidly. Other features include flat-resitant tires, a bell and adjustable seat height.
The overall verdict: we love it! And we think you will, too. The first 500 bikes and 50 docking stations of Pronto! Emerald City Cycle Share will launch next month
and link the University District, South Lake Union, Downtown and Capitol Hill neighborhoods. Stay tuned for specific dates and locations to be listed on Pronto! Cycle Share’s Facebook page.
Help us transform the Puget Sound. Renew now at cascade.org/renew
Road riding is generally considered a low to medium impact sport, meaning that the amount of jostling and full body movement is limited. This means that you won’t need as much support or compression as you would if you were mountain biking or doing cyclocross. Many manufacturers will identify the impact level on the tag, and a medium impact sports bra will fit more loosely and be less restricted than a high-impact bra. They are usually made of slightly thinner materials as well.
Cup size There are two types of sports bras: compression bras and encapsulated bras. Compression bras compress the breasts against the chest, and are best suited for A and B cups. Encapsulated bras on the other hand will support each breast individually, and are best for larger cup sizes. Band
The two of us agree: It’s no accident that the #1 Bicycle-Friendly State is home to the nation’s largest bike club. The people of Washington savor the beautiful outdoors, a history of citizen activism and more miles of trails than any other state in the West. Put those together and you have all the necessary ingredients for improving lives through bicycling—Cascade’s new motto—and growing bicycling statewide—Washington Bikes’ motto. That winning formula is why Cascade Bicycle Club has recently become a Gold Wheel organizational member of Washington Bikes, aligning themselves with the statewide mission of WA Bikes. “Success depends on working well with others and we know how important it is to have strong local and regional bike organizations working closely together and speaking in a unified voice when they go to the legislature. As we transform the region for bicycling, we are grateful to have a strong partnership with WA Bikes to ensure a coherent voice in Olympia is speaking up for cycling,” —Elizabeth
If you have chafing issues below the breasts, where the band rubs against your skin, the band may be too loose. The band should not be moving, even when you’re sweating. Also, a wider band provides more support than a narrow band. Seams, wire and snaps Every wire, hook, snap, seam or crease is a potential chafing point, go for the bra with the fewest seams. I’d also suggest a bra without a snap or closure for minimal pressure points. Material Similar to a base layer, a good sports bra needs to wick moisture away from the body to keep you cool and sweat free to reduce chafing. Stay away from cotton as it tends to stay wet for a long time. Range of motion Shoulder straps should neither slip off nor dig into your skin. Like the band, wide straps are often more comfortable than narrow spaghetti straps. You should be able to comfortably put your arms above your head. Also, make sure the bra isn’t too tight around the armpits. When trying on bras, place your arms ahead of you in the riding position to check tightness. Thanks for the positive feedback to this column. We’re happy to help! Please continue to email me your questions at amrook@cascadebicycleclub.org and I’ll answer them anonymously.
Cascade and WA Bikes have complementary programs in areas such as bicycle safety education and we’re constantly exploring new opportunities to join forces. A few examples: • We’re working together to plan a statewide bike conference to be held in 2015. • Washington Bikes volunteers now staff a booth each year at the packet pick-up for Cascade’s sell-out Seattle-to-Portland (STP) ride. • As WA Bikes works to promote bike tourism, Cascade’s great organized rides such as the Ride Around Washington and the new Cascade Bicycling Center all boost Washington’s profile as an incredible destination for bike travelers. • For a while in 2012-2013, we even had a board member in common—Joe Platzner served on both boards, then stepped down to serve as the interim executive director at Cascade. • The two of us meet almost weekly to compare notes so that more gets done for bicycling and we don’t miss an opportunity to work together. “The partnership with Elizabeth and Cascade just keeps growing. We collaborate on grant proposals, we visit elected officials together, we talk about the strengths each organization brings to the partnership and how we can leverage those. The work that Washington Bikes does to grow bicycling statewide builds on the strong foundation of Cascade’s years of bike advocacy in the greater Seattle region,” —Barb
Just as a bike ride can be more fun when you ride with friends, Cascade and Washington Bikes are rolling together into the future of bicycling.
Fun fact:
Women represented 36% of the 16,000+ Commute Challenge participants. This is significantly higher than Washington state's estimated 20% gender split. 6
www.cascade.org
Improving Lives Through Bicycling
7
September 2014
Vol. 44, No. 8
A quick Q&A with Seattle Department of Transportation’s new head, Scott Kubly
FREE GROUP RIDES
By Anne-Marije Rook, Communications Director
Name Job title Wheels
RIDE LEADER CERTIFICATION CLASS
Scott Kubly Director of Seattle Department of Transportation Van Moof and Trek Madone
CBC
What cities are you looking to for inspiration in terms of bikefriendliness and safety? SK
• Copenhagen for quality of infrastructure and long-term commitment. • New York for making big changes in an environment with lots of competing needs and under a media glare. • Chicago for speed of implementation. CBC
Cascade Bicycle Club Office, 7400 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, 98115
Ride leaders are the heart and soul of our rides program. Our 290+ 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
CBC
Protected bike lanes are increasingly viewed as an economic development tool that attracts young talent to cities. Cities like San Francisco, Denver, Chicago, Minneapolis and Vancouver are building bike infrastructure and are outpacing Seattle in building their networks. With so many of Seattle’s flattest, most direct connections being on arterials, how will Seattle increase the funding and construction of protected bike lanes across the city?
Seattle has adopted the Vision Zero goal of achieving zero bicycle or pedestrian deaths and serious injuries by 2030. How will this goal influence SDOT’s decisions under your tenure?
SK
SK
• Need to build the case that bike infrastructure is not a war on all modes and benefit all.
• Safety particularly for pedestrian and bicyclists should be the first.
6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 9,
Seattle has one of the most challenging geographies.
EASY PACE (UNDER 10 mph)
Elizabeth and Cascade crew on a weekend ride with Scott Kubly. Kubly is the the new Director of Seattle Department of Transportation.
• The hills and water that make it so beautiful also make it challenging.
• Focus on education, enforcement engineering. Who would you like to hear from next? Email us at amrook@cascadebicycleclub.org
Tuesday, September 2 TREATS: Ride to the Nouveau Bakery, West Seattle
Saturday, September 27 SLOW Ride to Chief Sealth Trail 11 a.m. 11 miles from Northwest African American Museum, Seattle • Ride Leader: Merlin Rainwater
Tuesday, September 9 TREATS Skagit County Outing 10 a.m. 40 miles from Edgewater Park, Mount Vernon • Ride Leader: Teresa LehrFranks
@cascadebicycle
Tuesday, September 23 TREATS: Puget Ridge Revisited 10 a.m. 27 miles from Jack Block Park, Seattle • Ride Leader: Michael Moreland
Volunteer of the month: Dorran McBride by Kelli Refer, Volunteer Coordinator
LEISURELY PACE (10-12 mph)
Dorran is one of our volunteers that likes to dabble. You can find him everywhere from at the office fixing bikes and stuffing packets, marking the routes before the ride or loading bags at the start line of RSVP. Volunteering gives Dorran a little variety in his days now that he is retired. On behalf of the whole club, I'd like to thank Dorran for being one of our great volunteers!
Volunteer of the Month, Dorran McBride
September 7
His favorite memory from volunteering is riding STP this year with Alan Ohlson (last year's Volunteer of the Year) who had bib #1. You can spot Dorran sporting one of the lowest bib numbers on our rides. STP is currently his favorite bike ride, but you can see him riding weekly around Magnolia, Golden Gardens and Woodinville. For him, cycling is a great do-able fitness activity even when you have bad knees!
September 21
Tuesday, September 30 TREATS: Snohomish to Lake Cassidy 10 a.m. 28 miles from Snohomish city restrooms, Snohomish • Ride Leader: Jan Johnson
Moonlight Meander 9 p.m. 15 miles from Burke Museum, University of Washington, Seattle • Ride Leader: Scott Kralik Sunday, September 7 Sunday Crepes Ride 9:30 a.m. 36 miles from Gasworks Park, Seattle • Ride Leader: David Bordewick
High Pass Challenge
Saturday, September 13 WOMEN RIDE: Cycle the WAVE Training Ride - Preview Little Sister Route 11:30 a.m. 13.20 miles from Tibbett’s Valley Park, Issaquah • Ride Leader: Louise Johnson
September 14 & 21
Helmet Sales @ Bicycle Sunday Kitsap Color Classic September 30, October 1 & 2
Saturday, September 27 Fall City-Carnation Romp 10 a.m. 18 miles from Olive Quigley Park, Fall City • Ride Leader(s): Michelle Burton, Jim Hunt
WA State Bike Count happening in your neighborhood.
If you would like to volunteer, check out our website for upcoming opportunities: www.cascade.org/volunteerportal
On Twitter? Tag your tweets and twitpics with #grouprides.
www.cascade.org
Improving Lives Through Bicycling
SUPER-STRENUOUS PACE (+22 mph) Tuesday, September 2 Cycle Tuesday 5:45 p.m. 35 miles from Gene Coulon Park, Renton • Ride Leader: Stephen Else Thursday, September 4 More Cycle Tuesdays 5:45 p.m. 35 miles from Gene Coulon Park, Renton • Ride Leader(s): Tom Baker, Stephen Else
BRISK PACE (16-18 mph) Sunday, September 7 Meet the High Performance Cycling Team 9 a.m. 35 miles from Pert's Deli, Seattle • Ride Leader: David Longdon Monday, September 8 MUMPS: Head Up North 10 a.m. 60 miles from Tracy Owen Station/ Log Boom Park, Kenmore • Ride Leader: Craig Mohn Monday, September 15 MUMPS: Head Up North 10 a.m. 60 miles from Tracy Owen Station/ Log Boom Park, Kenmore • Ride Leader: Craig Mohn Monday, September 22 MUMPS: Head Up North 10 a.m. 60 miles from Tracy Owen Station/ Log Boom Park, Kenmore • Ride Leader: Craig Mohn
11:30 a.m. 14.50 miles from East Lake Sammamish Trail (behind Whole Foods), Redmond • Ride Leader: Louise Johnson
Upcoming volunteer opportunities:
Dorran McBride has been a volunteer for Cascade Bicycle Club since 2012. He learned that he could volunteer and receive complimentary registrations for our annual rides.
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Saturday, September 6 WOMEN RIDE: Cycle the WAVE Training Ride - Marymoor/Woodinville Loop
October 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)
10 a.m. 45 miles from Magnuson Park, Seattle • Ride Leader: David Bordewick
Tuesday, September 16 TREATS - Lake Sammamish Coffee Run 10 a.m. 34 miles from Redhook Brewery, Woodinville • Ride Leader: Scott Boggs
Instagram!
September Date/Time: Saturday Sept 20, Noon – 3 p.m. Start Point: 132nd Square Park (132nd Ave NE & NE 132nd St, Kirkland) End Point: Fiesta Mexicana, 14338 124th Ave, Kirkland
STEADY PACE (12-14 mph)
Saturday, September 20 Public Art Bike Tour Along the Interurban Trail 12:30 p.m. 5 miles from Greenwood Park, Seattle • Ride Leader: Cathy Tuttle
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EASTSIDE FAMILY BIKE HAPPY HOUR
Monday, September 29 MUMPS: Head Up North 10 a.m. 60 miles from Tracy Owen Station/ Log Boom Park, Kenmore • Ride Leader: Craig Mohn
MODERATE PACE (14-16 mph)
VIGOROUS PACE (18-20 mph)
Friday, September 5 FRUMPS - West Seattle to Kent 10 a.m. 52 miles from Statue of Liberty on Alki, Seattle • Ride Leader: Monica Zaborac
Please see the Cascade website for ride listings at this pace
Wednesday, September 10 WOMEN RIDE: Seattle Cycle Sirens Ride around Mercer Island 6:30 p.m. 14 miles from Luther Burbank Park, Mercer Island • Ride Leader: AnneGigi Chan
Please see the Cascade website for ride listings at this pace
Wednesday, September 17 WOMEN RIDE: Seattle Cycle Sirens Ride around Mercer Island 6:30 p.m. 14 miles from Luther Burbank Park, Mercer Island • Ride Leader: AnneGigi Chan
STRENUOUS PACE (20-21 mph)
Tuesday, September 9 Cycle Tuesday 5:45 p.m. 35 miles from Gene Coulon Park, Renton • Ride Leader: Stephen Else Thursday, September 11 More Cycle Tuesdays 5:45 p.m. 35 miles from Gene Coulon Park, Renton • Ride Leader(s): Tom Baker, Stephen Else Tuesday, September 16 Cycle Tuesday 5:45pm 35.00 miles from Gene Coulon Park, Renton • Ride Leader: Stephen Else Thursday, September 18 More Cycle Tuesdays 5:45 p.m. 35 miles from Gene Coulon Park, Renton • Ride Leader(s): Tom Baker, Stephen Else Tuesday, September 23 Cycle Tuesday 5:45 p.m. 35 miles from Gene Coulon Park, Renton • Ride Leader: Stephen Else Thursday, September 25 More Cycle Tuesdays 5:45 p.m. 35 miles from Gene Coulon Park, Renton • Ride Leader(s): Tom Baker, Stephen Else Tuesday, September 30 Cycle Tuesday 5:45 p.m. 35 miles from Gene Coulon Park, Renton • Ride Leader: Stephen Else
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. 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!
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September 2014 Prior to my retirement, I was a regular commuter with a 44-mile round-trip commute from Maple Valley to Boeing field. As the proud owner of two metal knees, cycling is very important to me as it remains the one exercise that gets me outdoors and keeps me fit and healthy. I believe it’s my key to a longer and healthy life. I try to repay the multiple benefits I’ve gotten from the club by being involved and volunteering to help continue and increase the club’s successes.
Members: meet your board candidates By Daniel Weise, Chair of the Board Governance Committee
The board is pleased to present you five candidates for board service with terms that run from January 1st, 2015 through December 31st, 2017. We advertised the elections and board openings in the April and May Cascade Couriers and many people came forward to offer their service. We thank everyone that came forward and offered their time and expertise in service of the club! The board next year will have 13 directors, eight still serving their three-year terms and five directors from this election. Board service is a serious commitment, requiring many hours each month, and even more hours for those in board leadership positions. The board is responsible for oversight of the organization and for working with the executive director to create the best club possible for our members and everyone who uses our services or helps us enact public policy that moves the cause forward. Board members are volunteers, we are not compensated for our efforts on behalf of the club. Please vote! Voting starts in October. At that time, members will be asked to vote on the board candidates as well as the proposed bylaws changes as mentioned in last month’s Courier (and online). A physical ballot is dropped with the October Courier and online voting starts when the October Courier is mailed out.
Candidates I personally enjoy just riding my bike, and I’m grateful to Cascade for rides like STP that proved to me I can go further than I thought, and for looking out for infrastructure and public policy decisions that I couldn’t change on my own.
Nate Glissmeyer My name is Nate Glissmeyer and I would like your support to serve as a member of the Cascade Board of Directors. I view Cascade as a uniquely multi-faceted asset for our community. Many people love the weekly rides calendar. Others love the emphasis on making commuting easier. Some love the environmental benefits and there are many other reasons to love Cascade.
The most important thing to know about me, though, is what my wife says. “You can always tell when Nate has been on a bike ride. It’s that unmistakable smile on his face.”
I became involved with Cascade several years ago when I registered for the Seattle to Portland ride and needed to find an avenue for training. I found the Cascade Training Series which brought not only a great training opportunity, but also opened my eyes to the joy of group riding. In my 10
Jim Stanton My interest in serious cycling and Cascade was sparked by riding the 1996 STP with my 12-year-old son on mountain bikes. That wonderful experience led to joining a regular cycling group, which in turn opened up a whole new world of cycling adventures in the Pacific Northwest, Europe, and Alaska, including regular participation in Cascade’s organized rides.
I’m asking for your vote. I have the knowledge, skills, expertise and most of all the long-term commitment to serve the club in the interest of all the members.
Come check out the new space! By Serena Lehman, Outreach and Membership Director
By Dave Douglas, Event Producer
Go for gold at the High Pass Challenge
Sunday, Sept. 7
Leaves at 7 a.m. from Packwood, WA Feeling strong this season? If so, this one’s for you: the High Pass Challenge! A rendering of the future lobby of the Cascade Cycling Center
The move begins! Our new headquarters, the Cascade Bicycling Center, begins construction next week and will open its doors this fall. As Cascade Bicycle Club members, you have the chance to check out the space and mingle with other members prior to our public opening. All events will take place at the new space in Building 11 in Magnuson Park. We hope to see you there! Saturday, Sept. 13, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Build Stuff Party. Are you feeling crafty? Come by and help build parts of our new building with bike parts. Lunch Provided.
Tuesday, Oct. 14, 6 p.m.- 8 p.m.
Member meeting and Open House. Join us for the annual member meeting to hear about the state of the Club, the new space and meet other members like you.
Geared toward experienced cyclists, the High Pass Challenge route climbs more than 7,500 feet in elevation over 114 miles. You'll be rewarded with dramatic views of the Cascade mountain range and Mount St. Helens National Monument and a complimentary barbecue at the finish line. Medals are awarded based on how quickly riders make it to the top of Windy Ridge. Are you up for the challenge?
Saturday, Nov. 15, (tentative)
Grand Opening Celebration. Construction on the new space will be complete and we want you, our members, to be the first to to check it out. Stay tuned for more details. Please RSVP to the above events to Serena Lehman, serenal@cascadebicycleclub.org.
Join our season finale at the Kitsap Color Classic
Sunday, Sept. 21
Prior to joining the Cascade board, I worked for more than 30 years developing early stage companies in the United States and in countries around the Pacific Rim. Additionally I have served for several years as a member of Cascade’s Finance Committee, and have also served on a wide range of for-profit and nonprofit boards. Most recently I served as treasurer and board member of Water1st International.
Leaves at 8 a.m. from Kitsap Peninsula Autumn is almost here. The morning air is crisp and the leaves are turning shades of gold and scarlet. Don’t hang your bike up just yet, there is riding to be had! Pedal along the gorgeous Kitsap Peninsula and through some of the best riding country in the state! Friendly communities and terrific fall scenery make this a fun, must-do event. You are welcome to register in advance (to save some money) or on the morning of the ride at the start line.
infrastructure, which I have appreciated as a bike commuter.
A rendering of what the future kitchen may look like
I have attempted to contribute to help fulfill the Cascade mission by serving on the board during this past term. Over the last several years, Cascade has continued to evolve and grow into a stronger organization. Your club has expanded its reach through new members, new partnerships, and a view to doing business in a more collaborative and inclusive manner. We continue to educate new riders, provide many opportunities for members and nonmembers to ride bikes, and advocate for a safer and more extensive bicycle infrastructure for the region. Ed Yoshida I’ve been cycling for the past 40 years and have been cycle commuting in Seattle regularly for the past 10. Cascade has played a big role in my cycling activities. First with its organized rides, then promotion of Bike-to-Work Month, and later with its advocacy for a safer bicycle
Fall rides
Let’s end the riding season the same way you started it: on the bike, of course! We’ve got two great rides coming up that you don’t want to miss!
I have a special interest in safety for the most vulnerable on our roads: cyclists and pedestrians.
I believe that the board of directors is the guiding hand for the organization, whose purpose is to support the mission and goals of the organization through oversight and professional resources. The board members each bring a unique perspective to the organization but all have a common purpose of wanting to better the organization. My professional career is in accounting and my passion is in recreational riding. I have a strong skillset to offer as a board candidate. This is an exciting time for the Club – a time to introduce a new strategic plan that incorporates all facets of the Club. From Daily Rides to Advocacy to Education, it is a time to work together for the common goal of getting more people on bicycles able to ride safely in our communities. I am asking for your vote because I firmly believe that together we can improve lives through cycling.
Most importantly, as someone who has benefited from Cascade’s rides, I will bring the riders’ perspective and the operational aspects of the club to board discussions and planning.
This interest arose from raising three bicycling sons coupled with witnessing several bicycling accidents. Over the years, I have put this interest into action by helping to arrange volunteers for road counts, putting on bicycle rodeos, and participating in safe bicycling educational events at local schools. Six years ago a group of fellow concerned cyclists and I formed “Neighbors in Motion,” a community that advocates for improved facilities and courteous, safe behavior on Mercer Island roads. To this end NIM has organized community meetings on road safety and worked with the city on a range of cycling issues, especially funding for road improvements for cyclists and pedestrians.
I believe I am able to help the board because of my many years in general management at Amazon.com across operations, retail, and now in the Kindle group, where I lead a team of software engineers and product managers creating new software and services for Amazon’s devices. I have also served two terms as a Cascade board member previously, including roles on the Executive Committee. If you elect me, I will make a strong personal investment in helping the club realize its goals and serve its members.
desire to give back, meet new people, and teach others how to be good cyclists, I become a ride leader leading free group rides on a regular basis, including several popular series rides. I later was nominated and accepted as a member of the Rides Committee – the oversight committee of the Rides Program. The Rides Program, through its many volunteer ride leaders, offers more than 2,000 free group rides every year!
Alexa Volwiler I am excited to be running for the Board of Directors of the Cascade Bicycle Club! As one of the largest bicycle clubs in the country, Cascade is in a unique position to promote positive change in our region.
Charles Ruthford My first experience with the Club, riding the 2004 Chilly Hilly with my son, was eye-opening. I had a fabulous experience and found the ride’s organization and the volunteers’ enthusiasm impressive. I was hooked. The hook sunk even deeper when we participated in the 2005 Ride Around Washington. The club seamlessly and flawlessly managed the six-day logistics of getting 200 riders, 20 support personnel, all their camping gear and clothing, food and that wonderful shower truck from Bellingham to Ilwaco. I have been a volunteer and member of the Ride Around Washington organizing committee since 2006. The ride is now a family affair for us with the completion of our tenth RAW.
I’m running for a board seat to continue the process of helping and strengthening the club and advocating for safe places to ride. I believe that bicycling can play an important role in everyone’s lives. I’m looking forward to a community where bicycling is the norm Imagine when cycling needs are naturally included in planning activities. I want the club’s advocacy to create a world where bicycling is supported by residents, cyclist, drivers, transportation planners and public officials as a valuable element of a healthy community.
Vol. 44, No. 9
Where does your bike take you?
It has been a privilege to be on the Cascade board and work with the other board members and dedicated staff of the club to work on our mission. I look forward to helping the club to stay on this path over the next several years by serving on the board for another term.
www.cascade.org
Show your Puget Sound pride with our new stickers! *Available at our office
Improving Lives Through Bicycling
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September 2014
Bikes for business: swapping the delivery van with a cargo bike By Anne-Marije Rook, Communications Director
Business Owners Industry Find them
Freewheel carbon free cargo Dan Kohler, Zach Silk and Thomas Bates Delivery Around Capitol Hill, South Lake Union and Downtown Seattle delivering The Stranger, Victrola Coffee, Skydottir Cookies and more.
“It’s actually really practical for moving small goods over small distances,” said Kohler. “With a bike you experience no traffic and parking is not an issue. You actually save time, which means saving money.” Offering delivery rates competitive to delivery companies that utilize trucks and vans, Freewheel has been gaining new clients every month, and even acquired a second bike. “It’s a new, innovative and just a cooler way to do deliveries,” said Dan. “It turns heads and it’s an easy way to do good with the last step of delivery.” And while their primary service is deliveries, Freewheel uses the sides of their cargo bikes as ad space, selling green advertising to companies looking for a non-traditional way to market their business.
to help reduce climate pollution and traffic, while talking about using bikes for different purposes and hopefully, help make the city safer to bike and walk.” “The experience of riding around and talking to people is just great,” Kohler continued. “We constantly get waves, shout-outs and thumbs up from people.” As Freewheel grows rapidly, check their website at www.freewheelcargo.com for more information, job announcements and business opportunities. Know a bikey business that should be featured? Email us at amrook@ cascadebicycleclub.org
“Our bikes are definitely distinctive and get lots of eye balls. It’s great green ad space,” said Kohler.
Founder Dan Kohler delivering the Stranger in Capitol Hill
UPS, USPS, FedEx, DHL, TNT. Chances are you see a number of these delivery trucks around town and in your street on any given day. You may even be expecting a package today. But if Dan Kohler has his way, you’ll soon see fewer delivery trucks and more delivery cargo bikes. Starting with Seattle’s Downtown Center, South Lake Union and Capitol Hill, Kohler is delivering coffee, food and even the weekly newspaper —The Stranger—by bicycle. “With local and organically sourced foods, recycling and energy-efficient practices, Seattle companies are already doing amazing things to do sustainable business. We’re showing them that the last
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step – the delivery – can be sustainable as well,” said Kohler. Kohler founded Freewheel with Zach Silk and Thomas Bates to offer a sustainable, last-mile delivery option free of carbon emissions.
Kohler, the primary driver of the bikes, said he’s riding between 15 and 20 miles a day. And while he’s getting fit, he’s also on his way to save an estimated six ton of carbon pollution over the first year and taking another car off the road. “I’m really excited about our business model,” said Kohler. “We get
“Environmental work is my passion, specifically climate change,” said Kohler. “I knew I wanted to make a difference in regards to the climate issue. The transportation sector is the biggest source of our emissions and I’m so excited about the bikes for business model.” Looking to Europe and even Portland for inspiration, Kohler and his partners invested in a cargo bike that can carry 400 pounds of goods and is supported by an electric assist.
www.cascade.org