Cascade Election Endorsements

Mail-in ballots have arrived. Have you cast your votes?

Earlier this month Cascade released its official general election endorsements. During the endorsement process, Cascade issues a questionnaire to assess a candidate's commitment to bicycling in our region. In addition, we look at past votes and positions. Finally, we interview candidates. This extensive process allows Cascade to feel confident that the candidates we endorse are pro-bike.

Two contentious races have emerged in the run for Seattle City Council positions 3 and 7, and we would like to offer more insight into our endorsements.

For position 3, Cascade endorsed Bruce Harrell over Venus Vélazquez.
During our meeting with her, Venus Vélazquez questioned completing the Missing Link of the Burke-Gilman Trail on the preferred route, which will connect the present Trail terminus to Golden Gardens Park. She also disagreed with Cascade's position on Stone Way.

Bruce Harrell, in contrast, came to us with an open mind, a desire to learn more about bicycling and a record of success in his other endeavors. We feel he has a temperament and leadership style that will complement the Seattle City Council, and we believe he will work for better bicycling in Seattle. Vote Harrell for Seattle City Council Pos. 3.

For position 7, Cascade endorsed Tim Burgess over incumbent David Della.
While incumbents usually have the advantage in our endorsements, this is not the case with David Della. We had disagreements with Della in the past, but did not rule out supporting him in advance. However, the fact that Della failed to return his candidate questionnaire is telling - as is his opposition to completing the Missing Link of the Burke-Gilman Trail.

Tim Burgess is an ardent supporter of all of Cascade's priorities and will work closely with our staff to make sure the Bicycle Master Plan and Complete Streets are implemented in Seattle. Vote Burgess for Seattle City Council Pos. 7.

Vote NO on RTID - Proposition 1
In reviewing Proposition 1, the Regional Transportation Investment District/Sound Transit 2 ballot measure, we determined it was not good for biking. Read our top reasons why you should vote NO on Proposition 1 this election.

TURN OUT!
Seattle's Bicycle Master Plan Headed to City Council

On Monday, Oct. 29, the Seattle City Council will be briefed on the ambitious Seattle Bicycle Master Plan. We expect the plan to be adopted by resolution in the weeks following this meeting. The Cascade Bicycle Club has been a driving force behind the plan's development, and we'll be there to hold the Mayor and Council accountable to their pledge to make Seattle the most bicycle friendly city in North America. Its vision: connecting communities via a 450-mile network of trails, bike lanes and bicycle boulevards. View the plan here.

Lake Forest Park "Green Infrastructure" Forum
Monday, Oct. 29, 2007, 7-9 p.m. at Third Place Commons

The City of Lake Forest Park has embarked on a "100 Year Legacy Project" to prioritize future investments in trails, parks, natural drainage, gathering places, and natural spaces. After a summer of work, the Green Legacy Task Force is now ready to present its preliminary recommendations, including a network of "Healthy Connections", like bike routes. If you're in the area, come check it out and let the task force know about the importance of quality bicycle facilities.

For more information, visit the Lake Forest Park Legacy homepage.

It's Bike Rack Season in Seattle

The beginning of the rainy season marks the end of summer paving projects, and our friends at the Seattle Department of Transportation tell us that with the paint back on up the shelves, now is an excellent time to request bicycle racks to be installed in front of your favorite destinations.

To request a bicycle rack for a business or residential building in the City of Seattle, send an email to walkandbike@seattle.gov with:

• a description of the establishment,
• a detailed location,
• and, if possible, the name and phone number of the proprietor or property owner/manager.
  

Check SDOT's website to learn more about bike rack types and rack location criteria.

Bryce Lewis Memorial Ride
Saturday, Nov. 3, 1 p.m.

Many of you have read about the tragic Eastlake Ave. collision between a dump truck and two cyclists on Friday, Sept. 7 that killed 19 year old cyclist, Bryce Lewis. Seattle Likes Bikes is organizing a memorial ride to honor Bryce, his friends and his family. The ride will start at the Cal Anderson fountains in Capitol Hill and end on the University of Washington campus. Please join us. [more info...]

Members and friends are welcome at Cascade Bicycle Club's Annual Membership Meeting! Following the meeting, we'll launch the 2008 Cascade International Tours program.

2008 Cascade International Tours
New Zealand || Switzerland || Chile

Cascade Bicycle Club is in the fifth year of offering a slate of international tours to members. In the last four years, more than 250 cyclists have traveled to locations far and wide, with members benefiting from low rates on high quality trips. This year we are offering three new destinations:

Come out to our next Presentation Series on Tuesday, Nov. 13 at 7:30 p.m. following the Annual Membership Meeting at the REI - Seattle to learn more about these exciting bike touring adventures!

Legal Spin with John Duggan
Stop! Stop! Stop

There has been a lot of discussion on the Cascade Message Boards regarding cyclists and stop signs . While everyone seems to have an opinion regarding compliance with and enforcement of the stop sign statute, the law itself is clear.

RCW 46.61.755(1) states in pertinent part as follows: “every person riding a bicycle upon a roadway shall be granted all of the rights and shall be subject to all of the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle….”

RCW 46.61.190(2) states in pertinent part as follows: “…every driver of a vehicle approaching a stop sign shall stop at a clearly marked stop line, but if none, before entering a marked crosswalk on the near side of the intersection or, if none, then at the point nearest the intersecting roadway where the driver has a view of approaching traffic on the intersecting roadway before entering the roadway, and after having stopped shall yield the right of way to any vehicle in the intersection or approaching on another roadway so closely as to constitute an immediate hazard during the time in which such driver is moving across or within the intersection or junction of roadways.”

RCW 46.04.565 states: “"Stop" when required means complete cessation from movement.”

In simple terms, whenever you see the red octagonal sign facing you, you need to come to a complete stop and not venture out into the intersection until it is safe to do so. Contrary to popular rumor, there is no statute that says you have to put your foot down in order to make a lawful stop. Like any traffic statute, however, enforcement is within the discretion of the police officer. Putting your foot down is generally sufficient notice to all concerned (motorist, officer, prosecutor, judge, etc) that you had “complete cessation from movement.”

Enter into any discussion with a cyclist regarding stop signs and you will undoubtedly hear a lengthy reason why he/she does not stop at certain signs... [more...]

John Duggan is an avid cyclist and Seattle attorney who represents injured cyclists. He is a member of the Cascade Bicycle Club, Bicycle Alliance of Washington and the Washington State Trial Lawyers Association. He is also a sponsor and member of the ByrneInvent/Jet City Velo Cycling Team.

Legal Spin questions for John can be sent to legalspin@cascadebicycleclub.org.

The Clif Bus Stops Here
Tuesday, Oct. 30, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., University of Washington

In the last Braking News, we introduced you to Clif Bar's outstanding website, the 2-Mile Challenge, which challenges visitors to ride their bikes to fight global warming.

On Tuesday, Oct. 30, the Clif Bus, a tricked-out 1959 GMC 100% biodiesel bus, will roll into Seattle at the University of Washington. Stop by to learn more about the 2-Mile Challenge, enter to win gear, snag some Clif Bar samples and hear tunes by the Ginger Ninjas! The bus will be on campus from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Don't miss it!

WE NEED YOU NOW MORE THAN EVER!
Receiving this message does not mean you are a member of Cascade Bicycle Club.

Please join!

Add your voice to the thousands of cyclists in the Puget Sound region as we advocate for cyclists' rights to our elected officials, city planners and citizens. With you in our corner, we can be more effective as we educate business leaders, school teachers, adults and kids about the benefits of cycling and the skills that go with it.

Already a member? Please make an extra contribution to our efforts today. Thank you!

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