Bicyclists/Pedestrians

Emergency Preparedness/Safety

Bike rack ribbon cutting ceremony is June 29

ericm — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 20:33:20 +0000

ericm Wed, 06/19/2013 - 1:33pm

Press release:

 Now it’s easier to hop on your bike, head into town and do your shopping at the local businesses.

We’ve just installed a couple dozen, sparkling new, custom-designed bike racks around town, through the collaborative efforts of WABI Burien and the City of Burien’s Parks and Public Works Departments. And there are more racks coming!

Come to the ribbon-cutting ceremony and give a big, happy shout-out with the rest of the community. These bike racks have been a long time coming and there’s cause for celebration.

Date & Time: Saturday, June 29 at 11:00 a.m. Place: 639 SW 152nd Street (Out in front of Bumbershoot Books)

There will be refreshments and giveaways. A FREE raffle. Discounts offered by local businesses. And plenty of applause and good feelings. (Ride your bike to the ribbon-cutting, wearing your helmet, and we’ll give you an extra raffle ticket.)

Locations for all the racks: Burien Bike Rack Map Bike Rack Project Overview: Bike Racks for Burien Details: ”All things Bike Rack”

The Downtown Burien Bike Rack Project has been a focus project of WABI Burien for almost 2 years, and has involved WABI board members, the City of Burien Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department, Burien Public Works Department, the Washington State Community Economic Revitalization Board and community bike rack sponsors. All thanks goes out to the many people that have taken part in this project.

Neighborhood Groups

City Government

Support station at Burien Town Square for commuters on Next Friday's Bike Day

ericm — Thu, 09 May 2013 23:08:40 +0000

ericm Thu, 05/09/2013 - 4:08pm

Press release:

Friday, May 17th is “National Bike to Work Day”, but WABI has declared it “Burien Bike Day”. We want to encourage local folks to choose pedal-power not just for their commuting when possible, but also for fun and exercise.

In support of the Bike To Work Day event that will be held throughout the Puget Sound region, a Bike Commuter Support Station will be located at Burien Town Square.
Whether commuting by bike or just toodling around town, the Commuter Support Station will offer Burien cyclists coffee and snacks, cool giveaways, and a gathering place for cyclists from Burien neighborhoods.

The Station will also have the mechanical pros from Bicycles West, and experienced bike commuters on hand to discuss routes and safety, and to answer your cycling questions.
Bike Commuter Support Station Friday, May 17th, 6:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Burien Town Square
Many thanks to the sponsors including the City of Burien, and Bicycles West.

Grand Central Bakery, located just a couple blocks up the street, will also be giving away free baguettes to every cyclist that walks into their shop wearing a cycling helmet.

Volunteers needed to count Burien bikers/pedestrians next week

ericm — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 20:58:05 +0000

ericm Wed, 09/19/2012 - 1:58pm

Press release:

The Annual Bicycle and Pedestrian Count will be taken at locations throughout Washington State in nearly 40 jurisdictions, including Burien.

Data collected from these counts will be used to monitor success in increasing bicycle and pedestrian travel as identified in the Washington State Bicycle Facilities and Pedestrian Walkways Plan while also providing critical data to support improvements to bicycle and pedestrian facilities.

Let’s show them how many of us really are on foot or on our bikes!
We at WABI are opening up a rare volunteer opportunity for those who want to contribute to the bicycle and pedestrian counts for 2012. There are only about 18 volunteer spots left, so hurry!!!

The bicycle and pedestrian counts are, as you might guess, a tally of bicyclists and pedestrians at selected intersections. We do the tallies every year, in the same locations and compare and contrast trends over time.

The count is run by Cascade Bike Club and the numbers are all turned in to WSDOT.

Over a 3 day stretch, each chosen location needs a morning and afternoon count (you only need to do 1!!). The shifts are 2 hours.
What: Bicycle and Pedestrian Count
Dates: Volunteers can choose to conduct their count on Tuesday, Wednesday, OR Thursday, September 25, 26 and 27.
Times: 7am-9am OR 4pm-6pm

Count Locations:
SW 136th & 4th Ave SW
Ambaum & SW 136th St
SW 150th & 4th Ave SW
SW 152nd & 21st Ave SW
SW 152nd & 1st Ave S.
S. 136th St & 8th Ave S
1st Ave S & Normandy Rd
Ambaum & SW 144th
SW 160th & 4th Ave Sw
Des Moines Memorial Dr & S 136th St
SW 116th & 4th Ave SW

So how can you participate?
1) Choose a location from the list.
2) Choose a morning or afternoon shift (7am-9am OR 4pm-6pm). Your shift can be fulfilled on any one of the three days.
3) Email WABI (info@wabiburien.org) with your preferred location and shift, we’ll check its availability then send you a confirmation ASAP. Locations and shifts are assigned on a “first come, first served” basis, so don’t delay. Get the time and spot you want! (Please contact WABI to keep things simple for Cascade.)

Taking part in these counts is also a rare opportunity to just sit and observe your fellow Burienites for 2 hours, and chat with people as they pass by.

Please forward this along to anyone you think might be interested.

Click here for the WSDOT volunteer instructions.

If you have ANY questions or concerns, please Email WABI (info@wabiburien.org).

Neighborhood Groups

UPDATE: Burien/Normandy Park 75-mile Start for “Ride Around the Sound”

ericm — Fri, 31 Aug 2012 22:07:39 +0000

ericm Fri, 08/31/2012 - 3:07pm

Alex Wiljanen, 14, pictured at Marvsta, Des Moines, prepares for the 75-mile Lung Assoc. bike ride. He will join his father, Ken. He rode the Seattle to Portland bicycle ride & said he has no intention of ever smoking.

Photo by Steve Shay

UPDATE: Sept. 15, 6:30 p.m.

The 7-state American Lung Association of the Mountain Pacific Region held its fundraiser. “Ride Around the Sound” Saturday, Sept. 15. Over 200 registered riders pedaled 100 miles from South Seattle Community College, or 75 from Marvista School in Des Moines. The organization helps keep kids from picking up that first cigarette, helps families dealing with lung cancer & asthma, and advocates for clean air. This is ride's the 30th year, but the first with this route. It was in the San Juan Islands in the past.

Press release:

Over 200 cyclists will take part in the inaugural “Ride Around the Sound” bike ride on September 15th. A benefit for the American Lung Association in Washington, the ride features five distance options around Puget Sound, ranging from 100 miles to a family-friendly ride of under 15 miles in West Seattle. Local school Marvista Elementary will serve as the 75-mile starting location.

Burien streets that will be on the route are: 16th Ave SW; SW 107 St; 10th Ave SW; SW 116th St; 4th Ave SW; SW 152nd St; Maplewild Ave SW; SW 172nd St; and Sylvester Rd SW.

The event offers full support including breakfast at all starts, lunch on the course, five rest stops, detailed ride guides, and more. A delicious feast, beer and music await riders at the finish line party at South Seattle Community College. Relaxing coastal lodging is also available for participants who want to make the event a weekend getaway.

“We are thrilled to offer this amazing route with spectacular views of the Sound,” said Renée Klein, President and CEO of the American Lung Association of the Mountain Pacific. “What better way to celebrate clean air and healthy lungs than with a fun event in the beautiful outdoors?”

The American Lung Association in Washington invites the Burien/Normandy Park cycling community to come out and join us on Saturday, September 15th, to help raise funds to for healthy lungs and clean air. Register before event day to reserve your spot and save money on your registration fee. For more information and to register online, visit: RideAroundtheSound.org. “Ride Around the Sound” is proudly supported by local sponsors, including Highline Medical Center, Burien Toyota and Bicycles West.

Normandy Park

Non-profits

Festivals/Annual Events

Healthcare

Normandy Park to be 75-mile Start for “Ride Around the Sound”

ericm — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 00:43:43 +0000

ericm Thu, 07/26/2012 - 5:43pm

Press release:

Over 500 cyclists will take part in the inaugural “Ride Around the Sound” bike ride on September 15th. A benefit for the American Lung Association in Washington, the ride features five distance options around Puget Sound, ranging from 100 miles to a family-friendly ride of under 15 miles in West Seattle.

Normandy Park’s Marvista Elementary will serve as the 75-mile starting location.

For more information and to register online, visit: RideAroundtheSound.org. “Ride Around the Sound” is proudly supported by local sponsors, including Highline Medical Center, Burien Toyota and Bicycles West.

About the American Lung Association in Washington The American Lung Association in Washington is a non-profit, voluntary public health organization, working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease in Washington. Our programs focus on the areas of asthma, clean air, tobacco prevention and lung disease.

For more information about the American Lung Association in Washington or to support the work it does, call (206) 441-5100 or visit www.alaw.org.

Normandy Park

Healthcare

Fitness

Group working to bring bike share program to Ballard

michaelh — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 18:09:11 +0000

michaelh Thu, 10/14/2010 - 11:09am

The Bike Share Group wants to bring a pilot bike sharing program to Ballard by November. Here they demonstrate one of their stations during Sustainable Ballard's 10-10-10 Work Party Oct. 10.

Mike Leavitt

Ballard resident Mark Hulscher and the Bike Share Group want to create the first Seattle bike share system that will support the community's long-term goals for livability by providing transportation alternatives that reduce people's environmental impact.

Hulscher plans to implement a 20-bike pilot system in Ballard by November. Ballard visitors and residents will be able to check out a bike from of the the five to 10 stations. After taking a trip, the bike is returned to a station and automatically locked at an empty dock.

The pilot program will experiment with various use and payment concepts to help create better models for future operations, according to a Groundswell NW press release.

The Bike Share Group recently received a $5,000 matching grant from Groundswell NW.

"A shared bike system reduces our dependence on fossil fuel sources, creates efficient movement from place to place and improves vehicular congestion," according to the press release. "A pilot bike share project in Ballard will enable a new experience with public transportation that is healthy, fun and easy to use."

The "plaza" station model is the first of several designs to be showcased in the pilot program and was unveiled at the Global 10-10-10 Work Party hosted by Sustainable Ballard at Ballard Commons Park.

While providing shelter from the rain, the green roof of the station will absorb storm water, provide habitat for wildlife and improve the aesthetic quality of the urban experience, Groundswell NW's Elizabeth Dunigan said in the press release.

Ballard company revolutionizes bicycle braking

michaelh — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 18:34:28 +0000

michaelh Fri, 10/08/2010 - 11:34am

David Hawkins and Ballard resident David Krafchick with a bicycle installed with Brake Director, their invention that allows both front and rear brakes to be controlled with one lever.

Michael Harthorne

Back in the 80s, Ballard resident David Krafchick's girlfriend at the time enjoyed bicycling. But, Krafchick's physical disability prevented him from using his right hand to properly apply a bicycle's brake, keeping him from joining in on her rides. He needed a solution.

Twenty-two years later, Krafchick is the co-creator of Brake Director, a power-braking system that utilizes a single hand control to engage both the front and rear brakes on a bicycle, allowing cyclists with physical disabilities, as well as other riders, to get on the road with greater safety and ease.

Krafchick met his partner in Brake Director, David Hawkins, when a number of bicycle shops told Krafchick they couldn't help him find a one-handed solution for his braking problem, but they knew someone who could.

For more than 15 years, Krafchick funded the development of Brake Director himself while Hawkins, who has more than 30 years of experience in bicycle technical service, designed and engineered prototypes, which Krafchick tested and analyzed.

The final result was Brake Director, the first market-ready solution for riders with upper body limitations, such as arthritis, birth defects, heart attack, stroke, amputation and injury.

Hawkins said before Brake Director there was no product on the market that truly addressed the difficulties faced by disabled riders. Their invention is a full solution that gives one hand the strength and control of two, he said.

"It's just been a resounding success," Hawkins said. "It works great."

Krafchick said he recently heard from a Brake Director user in London who is excited to now be able to ride his bike to his physical therapist. He no longer has limited transportation options, Krafchick said.

That kind of response from disabled riders is why he spent his time on money on Brake Director, Krafchick said.

"It empowers them," he said.

Brake Director is installed at the front of any regular bicycle and increases control and braking power, Krafchick said. Even in an emergency stop, the worst that will happen with Brake Director is the rider will stop and then tip over, he said.

Hawkins said it is nice to have complete control of the bicycle and not be distracted by having to use two hands to brake.

That is one of the reasons Hawkins and Krafchick are marketing Brake Director to all riders, not just those with physical disabilities.

Krafchick said his braking system is great for novice riders or those who are nervous about braking. He was off his bicycle for 10 or 15 years before he was able to ride again, and Brake Director greatly simplified the process, he said.

Hawkins said he has heard from users who think it should be on every bike. One response from a customer who used Brake Director for downhill mountain biking raved about it, saying it keeps his bike from pitching forward when he brakes hard, Hawkins said.

Brake Director can work for cyclists who want to maintain full brake control while signaling with their hands or reaching for items, such as drinks or maps.

Hawkins said the goal is to increase the visibility of Brake Director through word of mouth and by putting it in front of people as another approach for braking.

"Bicycle culture has laws of what is and what should be," Hawkins said. "Two brakes had been written in stone. You have two breaks on a bicycle, and thou shalt use them this way."

Ballard's Brake Director is looking to change that.

For more information, visit the Brake Director website.

Brake Director

Ballard

Business

Solving the Missing Link with elevated structure

michaelh — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 15:56:27 +0000

michaelh Fri, 10/08/2010 - 8:56am

I have a possible solution to the Missing Link [of the Burke-Gilman Trail].

When I lived in Los Angeles, I read quite a lot about it's history. Around 1912, somebody envisioned an elevated bicycle way between downtown Los Angles and nearby Pasadena, and the project proposed showed an artist's concept – a narrow wooden viaduct with bicyclists riding their bikes on it.

The then-powerful Pacific Electric Railway killed the idea because it would take away passengers.

Here there are similar elements. The Ballard Terminal Railway and surrounding businesses trying to kill [the Missing Link].

There is a simple solution, which is again an elevated bicycle viaduct, not made of wood this time but heavy plastic tubes suspended in the air by concrete posts and joining supports.

There are several routes this could be erected over.

From a photo I saw in a book about Ballard and the Ballard Locks in the Locks book store, there were once railway tracks on Market Street adjacent to the industries closer to the Locks area. So, choice one is to put up this elevated bicycle way in the middle of Market Street in part.

Choice two is along the wide meridian between the sidewalk and Market Street on the north side of the street created when the railway tracks were removed.

Choice three is adjacent to the Ballard Terminal Railway with more than 90 percent of the elevated structure off of the ground so as to allow vehicle traffic.

If the idea can be sold to the parties in question, the Missing Link problem will be solved.

Charles Forsher
Phinney

Missing Link

Burke-Gilman Trail

Ballard

14th Avenue Northwest Visioning Project

Update on 14th Ave. Planter Project

michaelh — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 19:37:58 +0000

michaelh Fri, 10/01/2010 - 12:37pm

Volunteers install planters along 14th Avenue Northwest in April. The project is continuing with an upcoming cleanup event and involvement from Ballard High School and St. Alphonsus.

Michael Harthorne

The beautification of 14th Avenue Northwest using city-donated planters, which were installed last spring, is continuing to build steam with an upcoming cleanup events and recent commitments from nearby schools.

Older students from St. Alphonsus School are adopting the intersection of Northwest 58th Street and 14th Avenue Northwest. Younger students from the school will be installing their artwork in the planters using fixtures donated from the RE Store. And, St. Alphonsus fourth graders, who started a school garden last year, will be growing starts for the planters.

In addition, India Carlson, the horticulture teacher at Ballard High School, has committed her students to growing replacement and enhancement plants for the project and to adopt a number of the planters.

From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 16, the East Ballard Community Association is hosting the 14th Avenue Adopt-A-Street Cleanup, one of its twice yearly events to clean up the street. Volunteers will be picking up trash and taking care of the planters. Cass Turnbull from PlantAmnesty will be conducting a hands-on clinic for weeding and pruning.

Before that, on Oct. 14, Turnbull will be providing a clinic on weeding and pruning. The presentation will be open to the public and will include wine and snacks.

Shannon Dunn of the East Ballard Community Association said it is important for neighbors to attend the clinic because in order for the planter project to succeed, the neighborhood needs people who want to adopt them and know how to care for them

Turnbull's clinic will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 14 in the St. Alphonsus cafeteria. located at 5816 15th Ave. N.W. The cost is $5 or free if you adopt a planter.

"All of this community partnering is a major reason that the vision to turn 14th Avenue Northwest into a park boulevard is becoming reality," Dunn said.

Seattle Parks and Recreation has recommended 14th 14th Avenue Northwest as the Ballard urban village project slated for acquisition funds from the Parks & Green Spaces Levy, Dunn said.

East Ballard Planter Project

East Ballard

Gardening