We need more than two percent to build a bikeable Seattle

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Our city’s budget should reflect our values and priorities. That’s why the City of Seattle’s annual budget hearings are often packed to the walls with interest groups and individuals trying to get their needs met with limited public dollars. Usually, Council doesn’t go into budget deliberations until fall. But this May, you have three opportunities to avoid the crowds and get your voice heard early by the same City Council that will decide what we’re spending money on in 2013.

The Seattle Bicycle Master Plan is up for an overhaul this year and we’ll need bucks set aside next year to help make our plans for a more bikeable Seattle into a reality. Dedicated bikeways will help keep us safer on the roads while encouraging other people to dust off their bikes and go for a spin – but cycle tracks and neighborhood greenways aren’t free. With only about two percent of the City’s transportation budget typically going towards bike improvements for the last few years, we need people advocating for more bicycle infrastructure funding early and often in this year’s budget process.

Please come to one of Seattle City Council’s three budget conversations across town and let them know you want to our money spent on high-quality, efficient, and safe connections for people to bike. Pick a meeting time and location that works for you and please RSVP so we know you are coming:

North Seattle
May 7, 6 – 7:30 p.m.
North Seattle Community College
9600 College Way North
College Center, Room 1161
RSVP HERE

Central Seattle
May 14, 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Seattle Central Community College
1701 Broadway, Room BE1110
Broadway Edison Building
RSVP HERE

South Seattle
May 21, 6 - 7:30 p.m.
New Holly Gathering Hall
7054 32nd Ave S.
RSVP HERE

City Council wants to know how you want your tax dollars spent – so let your voice be heard and join us for an early conversation about why we need more funding for bicycle safety in Seattle.