In 1990 Seattle had considerably more cycling as Portland; we're falling behind

As John Pucher was waiting for his flight home to the East Coast after the Seattle Bicycle Urbanism Symposium came to an end last Friday, Pucher realized there was one important point he forgot to mention during his keynote address:

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In 1990 Seattle had considerably more cycling than in Portland but by 2011, Portland’s bike mode share was about twice the amount of Seattle mode share (6.8 percent vs 3.7 percent), Pucher pointed out in an email.

“That is a truly stunning reversal.  From the nation's leader in cycling, Seattle has fallen behind many other cities in North America.  I certain hope that Seattle implements the right policies in the coming years to catch up,” Pucher said. “Otherwise, Seattle will fall further and further behind its main competitors, not just in the world of cycling, but also in terms of its overall livability and regional economic competitiveness."

"From the leader in North American cycling, Seattle is now in the unfortunately position of being left behind by the vastly superior cycling infrastructure and programs in Vancouver and Portland," he continued. "I hope this is a WAKE UP CALL to Seattle to actually gets this implemented on the ground and start moving forward on the right path, not in ten years but NOW.  Good luck.

"Wishing you all the best of success in promoting cycling and walking for everyone here in Seattle.  Everyone should have the right to safe, convenient, comfortable walking and cycling conditions."

Read more about Pucher’s symposium talks, here: "Cycling to the Future".

How far is Seattle falling behind? Check out the 2012 Seattle Bicycle Report Card to find out.