Bike To and From Work Day

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What a glorious morning for F5 Bike to Work Day! Stations were buzzing, people were smiling, water bottles were disappearing and the wheels were spinning.

Turn out for the ride from Fremont to Seattle City Hall with Mayor McGinn was amazing! I missed the festive bell-ringing from last year, but there seemed to be more people than ever. Though folks peeled off at various intersections to hit their offices, the crowd was steady all the way to City Hall for the rally.

Sally Bagshaw, Seattle City Councilmember, spoke passionately at the rally about neighborhood greenways. We can't say enough good things about neighborhood greenways -- provided they do not replace vital arterial bike facilities. But adding greenways throughout the city will go a LONG way toward enticing the more casual, less-experienced bike rider to get around by bike from time to time.  I loved it when Bagshaw took a stab at the "war on cars" trope, saying "There is plenty of asphalt in this city. [...] Instead of the war, I'm talking about peace on bikes."

New Cascade board member Emily Moran (who devoted a year of  Americorps service to the Education Foundation!) spoke with a clear call to action: Share the joy... invite a friend on a bike ride. Isn't that how so many of us got started?

Mayor Mike McGinn shared his story about becoming a bike commuter, attributing his switch to two wheels to being on a Group Health Commute Challenge Team. He noted: "I don't ride for fun. It just happens to be fun." I couldn't agree more with his comments about how we all just want to get safely where we are going, whether we're driving, walking, biking or taking transit.

And our man on the mic, John Mauro seemed to be everywhere, making it look too easy. John's also going on KOMO News Radio at 12:35 today to talk up the day.

By now, everyone is having lunch, remarking on what a spectacular day it is. And of course, there is the bike FROM work to consider. We've got a fantastic Bike to Work Day After Party planned in Ballard at Bergen Place Park. The street will be closed, and we'll have booths, games, food, water bottles and a new member special. TotCycle is leading a Kidical Mass ride (leaving from the tower at 5:30). KEXP will also be in the 'hood for the Ballard "Hood to Hood" Party.

Have a great Bike to Work Day... it's not over yet!