Absolute Final Results for the 2009 BCC!

Thanks again to everyone who helped make this another great year for the Bicycle Commuter Contest! My stalwart helpers here at Intercity Transit, the many volunteers who helped out with events like the Wrenchers Ball and the Earth Day Ride, the 50 sponsors (mostly local businesses), the local jurisdictions, the Team Captains and EmployeeTransportation Coordinators, and most of all, YOU- the people who got out there on your bikes and rode instead of driving a car!

I have finished entering the data from all the mileage Logs that came in after the deadline, and here are the revised numbers:
1633 people registered to participate.
899 of them turned in a mileage log.
102,379 total miles were logged by those who turned in a log.
11,703 was the number of days those people rode their bikes.
60 teams turned in mileage logs.
695 of the 1182 people on teams returned their log.
194 of the 449 individual participants turned in their log.

We did a mass mailing of coupon packets last week- if you turned in a mileage log, and have not received your coupon packet, please contact me ASAP with all your current contact info, and I will send you your coupons. My last day on the job for this year will be July 9, so if you need to reach me, do so before then! I will be checking in and updating the blog periodically over the summer, but will not be checking my Intercity Transit e-mail account with any regularity. I'll try to post a couple more Commuter Profiles before I wrap up for the year, and I'll be posting interesting links as I find them. Thanks for visiting, and supporting the BCC blog!

2009 BCC TEAM Winner Results

TEAM Total Miles
1 Clean Air Act 10,834.5
2 Evergreen 7,571.1
3 WDFW 6,065.1
4 TEAM BARLEY DAVIDSON 5,547.8
5 Green Wheels 5,530.9


TEAM Average Miles Per Rider
1 TEAM BARLEY DAVIDSON 462.3
2 DOT: Cyclical Psycho Cyclers 255.3
3 Green Wheels 212.7
4 ESRI 203.8
5 PNW Olympia 203.6


TEAM Total Days
1 Evergreen 729
2 Clean Air Act 665
3 WDFW 579
4 City of Olympia 478
5 Green Wheels 304


TEAM Avg Days/per Rider
1 Oly Bikes 28
2 Crossballers 23.5
3 Union Rollers 17.6
4 Team Fish Tale 17.5
5 ESRI 17.3


TEAM First Time Riders Recruited
1 Evergreen 46
2 Green Wheels 26
3 Clean Air Act 24
4 OHS Bikers 21
5Mental Wheelness 16


TEAM First Time Riders, Days Ridden
1 Evergreen 444
2 Pioneer Bear Cubs 223
3 OHS Bikers 187
4 Clean Air Act 177
5 City of Olympia 108


Outstanding Team Captains:
Travis Skinner - Evergreen
Jef Lucero - DOT
Kerry Tarullo - City of Olympia
Margaret Hill - Clean Air Act
Tanna Lambert - Bayview-Ralphs Thriftway
Stephanie Kerr - Green Wheels
Mark Longrie - Barley Davidson
Claire Kunkle - OHS

2009 BCC PRIZE WINNERS ANNOUNCED!

Here is a stripped-down version of the Individual Winners Results for the 22nd Annual Bicycle Commuter Contest. I'll post Team Results separately. Where there is more than one person in the same Place standing, a tie is indicated. I am leaving for a short vacation tomorrow, and will post a more detailed version with complete stats when I get back. Winners will receive a letter in the mail, which they must bring with them to the Intercity Transit Administrative Offices to pick up their prizes.

Thanks again for participating in the BCC this year!

First Time Juniors:
Most MILES
1st Dora Hamilton
1st Amelia Hamilton
2nd ShelbyHageman
3rd Katherine Franklin
4th Dominick Stevenson
5th Leo Gordon
5th Denali Cool

Most DAYS

1st Shelby Hageman
2nd Dominick Stevenson
3rd Forrest Milam
4th Katherine Franklin
5th Amelia Hamilton
5th Dora Hamilton

Veteran Juniors:
Most MILES
1st Lewis Whiley
2nd Quinn Johnson
3rd Ian Cates Doglio
4th AllieBreon
5th William Spidle

Most DAYS
1st LewisWhiley
2nd William Spidle
3rd Ian Cates Doglio
4th Keith Matthews
5th Jack Bowers
5th Aidan Lally
5th AllieBreon

First Time Youth
Most MILES
1st Luke Vannice
2nd ChrisMullen
3rd AshleyHetzel
4th James Kelly
5th TedKnudsen

Most DAYS
1st Luke Vannice
2nd Yoni Browning
3rd Evelyn Carlson
3rd Julia VanDerslice
4th Will Lykins
5th Chris Gage

Veteran Youth
Most MILES

1st Robert Miller
2nd Mirrah Stoller
3rd Claire Kunkle
4th Richard Medeiros
5th Seth Weaver

Most DAYS
1st Skyler Davis
2nd Milo Price
3rd Johnathan Wakefield
4th Lewis Faller
5th Claire Kunkle

First Time Adults
Most MILES
1st Overall Jonathan Hutton
2nd Michaela Favre
3rd Christopher Grande
4th David Van Haelst
5th DaleAckley
5th Jodi Halvorson
5th Mark McArthur

Most DAYS
1st John Paul Kwan
1st Erika Lari
2nd Ken Sutto
2nd Kat Dziekan
3rd Dave Sanford
4th Matthew Anderson
5th EmilyDriskill
5th Mitchell Vorwerke

Veteran Adults
Most MILES
1st Mike Braaten
1st MarkLongrie
2nd Russell Rogers
3rd Bob Kirchmeier
3rd Ann Butler

4th LisaFaker
5th John Hansen
Hon. Mention Rick Kanz

Most DAYS
1st Jacob Austin
1st Sam Kates-Goldman
1st Daniel Saldutti
1st Chris Hawkins
2nd Andrew Gordon
3rd Ann Butler
4th Justin Bombara
5th Jim Dorgan
5th Bil Fleming

FirstTime Seniors

Most MILES
1st Brian Emmons
2nd Bruce Crawford
3rd DonCarr
4th Linda K. George
5th LarryHolt

Most DAYS
1st Linda K. George
2nd Don Carr
3rd Thay Nguyen
4th Larry Holt
5th Bob Zeigler

Veteran Seniors:
Most MILES
1st Bob Lang
2nd Wayne Vander Pol
3rd DeweyWeaver
4th Douglas Woollen
5th Burke O'Leary

Most DAYS
1st Doug Woollen
1st Bob Lang
2nd Ted Focke
3rd Dewey Weaver
4th Steve Schroder
5th Lilly Love

2009 BCC Participation Results Are In!

Thanks for being a part of the Bicycle Commuter Contest- it has been another great year!
Thank you for being one of 1633 citizens to participate the 2009 Bicycle Commuter Contest. Your commitment to choose your bicycle as your mode of transportation during the month of May helped make our community a more livable, sustainable and healthy place to call home. This year’s participants recorded 100,836 miles on 11,500 round-trip
commutes, preventing roughly 100,000 pounds of C02 from entering our atmosphere, and measurably reducing pollution and traffic congestion. Your efforts and your transportation choices are greatly appreciated. Thanks for riding your bike, and going the extra mile!
I am tallying the final results of the 2009 Bicycle Commuter Contest today, so any mileage logs received from this point forward (until we mail out coupons) will be gratefully accepted, and you will receive your coupon packet, but it's too late to win any prizes or have your numbers included in our final results totals.
I will be announcing the winners of our many prize categories, and awarding prizes at our Award Ceremony at the Olympia Farmers Market this Saturday, June 20, at 2pm on the main stage.
Please join me in celebrating another great year for the Bicycle Commuter Contest! (you need not be present to receive your prize, if you are a winner)

3rd Annual “Bike the Deschutes” Event

When: July 26, 2009, start any time between 8:00 and 10:00 a.m.
Where: Tumwater Historical Park, 777 Simmons Road SW, Tumwater

Cost: Free!

Celebrate summer at the 3rd Annual Bike the Deschutes event on Sunday, July 26.
The ride offers 5, 20 and 30 mile routes designed for families and recreational cyclists. All three routes begin and end at Tumwater Historical Park. Each route provides opportunities to learn about the Deschutes River watershed. Riders can start any time between 8:00 and 10:00 a.m.

Children and adults who want to join in the fun can make salmon art and a delicious "edible aquifer". The event includes live music, educational displays, free snacks, and a raffle drawing for bike gear and other great prizes donated by local businesses.

New for 2009 is the incorporation of Olympia’s Woodland Trail into the 20 and 30 mile routes. Bike the Deschutes has gone from 100 riders in the first year to 200 last year. The team’s goal for 2009 is 300 riders. Please help make this year’s ride the best Bike the Deschutes yet!

To pre-register for the event or for more information, log on to:
http://web.mac.com/bikeyourwatershed/Site/Welcome.html
Or Google “Bike the Deschutes”

LAST CHANCE!!! TURN IN YOUR MILEAGE LOGS!

Many, many thanks to the many of you who participated in the BCC this year, and have turned in your mileage logs. There are still quite a few of you out there who haven't managed to get that mileage log turned in though, so if that's you, or someone you know, you can still turn it in! We REALLY want to know how much you rode your bike in May! Thanks again, and hope to see you at the Farmers Market on Saturday, June 20 at 2pm for our Award Ceremony!

Counting, Counting, the miles are adding up!

I know, I know, the suspense is unbearable! I am cross-eyed with entering the data into our database, and I still have probably a full day's work ahead of me, just to get the data entered. Then I'll have to tabulate the results for teams and individuals in many different categories, and figure out what prizes to give to which winners, and hopefully I'll be all ready in time for the award ceremony on the 20th! Forgive the lack of entries on the blog- I'm just crunching numbers as fast as I can....

Commuter Profile #6 - Constance Lantagne

What is your age? 55
What is your occupation? Contract Administrator
How many years have you been commuting by bike? First time since the late 90's before the new bridge on Harrison
How many times have you participated in the Bicycle Commuter Contest? Second time
Describe your current average or usual commute (distance, terrain, urban/rural, etc.) 18 miles round trip. Ride up Mudd Bay Rd from Kaiser to Providence St Peter hospital. Terrain urban and well Ralph's Thriftway hill in the morning (let's me know I'm alive at 6:00 am and not too old to pump up that long hill) and back up Harrison at night (I really am able to leave work at work, there's not time to labor over work only labor up the hill)
What got you started bike commuting? St Peter's Environmental Committee joined the hospital commute contest to lower our carbon footprint.
How have you adapted to make bike commuting work for you? (I bought padded bike shorts soft on the tush :) I leave the house at 5:30 am so that I'm basically the only vehicle riding down Harrison hill as a result over the month of May I've gotten more confident manauvering the hill at a fast pace. You see, I have no problem working hard to bike up hills, it's the going down hills fast that I had to get used to. Also, when I'm riding through town if it looks like people driving cars don't recognize me I stand up on my pedals so that they see me. I also stand up in parking lots so that I'm more visable. I learned how to fold cloths so that by the time I get to work they look like I just took them off the hanger. It also helps to have showers at the hospital. And when "that guy" (don't know who he is but he's a power house) bikes by me in the mornings as I'm working my way up Ralph's Thriftway hill and leaves me in his dust in an instant it seems; as the days go by he doesn't leave me in his dust as quickly and that makes me feel like I'm getting stronger and not laboring so much up "that hill".
What are some of the benefits you have experienced from commuting by bike? I am braver going down hills fast, the celulite is turning into muscle, and my husband brags about my bike commute to everyone so even after 31 years around each other, he has new bragging material and it's cool to have a veteran biker like him think that my 18 mile commute is something to brag about. Also, in May the lilacs and rhodies were blooming making it a delicious fragarent ride. When I ride my bike to work in the morning I feel like I'm not in auto pilot (re. wake up, get in the car and presto I'm at work) riding my bike takes personal effort and it's something I do just for me :)
What is it that keeps you going, especially when the going is tough (weather, darkness, inertia, etc)? I don't know if I have to get song rights but, when the hills get tough I break into the song "...I ride my bike, I roller skate, don't drive no car, don't go too fast but, I go pretty far..." that is my mantra and voila I'm up the hill :)
How do you choose your route (most direct, least traffic, most scenic, etc)? The most direct route in the morning, on the way home I ride into the neighborhood to the right of Harrison hill to stay away from the commute traffic and the heat of the road and I have several ways to go home so I don't get bored.
What style of bike do you ride to commute? Nashbar Road Warrior bike -you could say it is a mountain bike.
Any words of wisdom for the beginning commuter? Stay alert!!! Watch for people in parked cars you are going to drive by, they will open their doors without realizing that your bike is rolling by. Buy padded biking shorts. Go ahead and step out of your comfort zone and try commuting once you've done it for a month or so you will find it is one of the best ways to personally lower your carbon footprint, get stronger mentally and physically. It's very empowering.

" Bridge the Gap" Phase II Ground-Breaking a Success!

City, County and State elected officials prepare to dig in as community members look on, at the June 6 Ground-Breaking Ceremony for the bridge over Martin Way, the second of three bridges which will connect the northern segment of the Chehalis-Western Trail with the southern segment, and the Lacey Woodland Trail, further enabling both recreational and practical cyclists and walkers to move safely and efficiently around our community.
(Pictured, left to right: Tumwater City Council Member Pete Kmet, Thurston County Commisioner Karen Valenzuela, Olympia Mayor Doug Mah, Lacey Mayor Graham Sacresen, Thurston County Commisioner and Intercity Transit Board Member Sandra Romero, and Congressman Brian Baird)

Today is the Day!

Time to Turn in that Mileage Log!

We had a record turn-out for the 2009 Bicycle Commuter Contest,

now let's make sure we follow through and record a record level of participation.

A big part of the impact of the BCC comes from the data that we collect about the cycling habits of our community. It is also a great way to provide feedback to us about the contest, and to the local jurisdictions about cycling conditions in our area. So please, turn in your Mileage Record at the Olympia Transit Center today!

They are open until 7pm, and if you left your log at home, they are downloadable here:

http://www.intercitytransit.com/files/13/Bicycle_Commuter_Contest_2009_mileage_log.pdf

Thanks so much for helping make this a great year for the Bicycle Commuter Contest, and stay tuned for more info about our Award Ceremony, and the winners of the different categories in the contest!

Bridging the Gap - Phase II Ground Breaking

SAVE THE DATE!
June 6 at 3:00 pm
Chehalis-Western Trail
‘Martin Way Bridge’ Ceremony
Saturday, June 6th is National Trails Day and Thurston Regional Planning Council is celebrating it by breaking ground on the Chehalis-Western Trail ‘Martin Way Bridge’!
This is the second of three bridges that will connect the Chehalis-Western Trail over I-5, ultimately linking this trail with the Woodland Trail and the I-5 Bike Trail. Congressman Brian Baird will be on hand for this event, joining local dignitaries to kick-off this important regional trail project.
Festivities begin at 3:00 on the north side of Martin Way, where the Chehalis-Western Trail currently terminates. The location is readily accessible by bike from throughout the metropolitan area, and is served by Intercity Transit routes 62A and 62B. Please plan on joining us as we celebrate the start of the second ‘Bridging the Gap’ project, the bridge over Martin Way. For more information please contact Thera Black at 360.956.7575 or email at blackvt@trpc.org.
June 6, 2009
Ground-breaking Ceremony
Martin Way Bridge
3:00 pm
Chehalis-Western Trail
At Martin Way
Brought to you by:
Thurston County
Thurston Regional Planning Council

Commuter Profile #5 - Lilly Moneer

What is your Age? 38
What is your Occupation? Administrative Assistant
How long have you been commuting by bike? 6 years
Describe your current average or usual commute (distance, terrain, urban/rural, etc.) About 12 miles round trip, from rural to urban. Most of the commute has a bike lane, except the Deschutes River bridge on Henderson Boulevard. I’ve learned to take my part of the lane to dissuade cars from passing me while we cross.
What got you started bike commuting? Cycling to work is a great way to sneak in additional workouts. It doesn’t take that much longer than when I drive and I arrive to work fully awake and in a great mood. Plus I’m already committed to an afternoon workout – no talking myself into napping instead of exercise.

What is it that keeps you going, especially when the going is tough (weather, etc)? I’m not a year-round bike commuter. My bike commute season begins when it’s light outside for the morning ride. Appropriate clothing layers make wet and chilly days much more tolerable.
How do you choose your route (most direct, least traffic, most scenic, etc)? Least traffic and most direct.
What style of bike do you ride to commute? Hybrid
How many times have you participated in the Bicycle Commuter Contest? 4
Any words of wisdom for the beginning commuter? Practice riding your commute on a weekend to get a feel of the terrain and how much time your ride will take. I found that the easiest route to drive to work is not the best cycling route. Wear bright, reflective clothing and a helmet. Use your lights even in the day and signal your intentions. Anything that will make drivers notice you is good.

2009 Bicycle Commuter Contest Ends, Bicycle Commuting Keeps on Rolling!

Many thanks and congratulations to everyone who participated in the 2009 Bicycle Commuter Contest!! We set another new record for the number of participants this year, with 1623 people commiting to ride their bikes to work school or on errands during the month of May, and to turn in a mileage log at the end of the month. Now is the time to see how many miles we rode, how many trips we made, how much cleaner our air is as a result, and how much we reduced our "carbon footprint"- and then to celebrate with prizes and awards! We'll have a gala Award Ceremony on Saturday June 20, at 2pm, at the Olympia Farmers Market. So please, turn in your mileage log ASAP (deadline June 8). If you have not received one, you can download and print one by navigating to: http://www.intercitytransit.com/files/13/Bicycle_Commuter_Contest_2009_mileage_log.pdf

or email me and I will send you one: dgreen@intercitytransit.com

You can send them in any of the following ways, but please get them in by Monday, June 8th:

• Mail to the Olympia Transit Center (address on your mileage log)


• Pedal or walk it in to the Olympia Transit Center 6:30am-7pm and weekends 10am-7pm


• Scan and email it to me: dgreen@intercitytransit.com


• Fax it to: 306-357-6184
• If you are part of a Worksite Team, turn in your log to your Team Captain

2009 Commuter Profile #4 - Michael Braaten

What is your age? 41.

What is your occupation? I supervise the Property Tax Exemption and Deferral Programs for the Department of Revenue.

How many years have you been commuting by bike? I've been commuting by bike on and off for more than 30 years.

Describe your current average or usual commute (distance, terrain, urban/rural, etc.) My usual commute varies depending on traffic conditions and the weather. It's part suburban, part rural, part urban, part freeway. I have a number of great route options to choose from. Some are relatively flat, but my usual route has some good hills.

What got you started bike commuting? I started commuting seriously in college. I attended the University of Washington and worked at a restaurant in Ballard. I didn't have a car, and since it was only 5 miles to work, it was much faster by bike than by bus. In my current job, I am really fortunate to have excellent support at work for bike commuting, including bike parking, alternative commute incentives, and shower facilities. I also get a lot of support from my wife. She is really tolerant of our Friday post-ride "transportation" meetings at my house with my commuter friends.

What is it that keeps you going, especially when the going is tough (weather, etc)? I use bike commuting as a way to train for racing cyclocross and mountain bikes. If you've ever seen an early season mountain bike race or a cyclocross race in December, you know that the conditions we faced in early May are typical racing conditions. I also commute with a good friend, and I know he is going to show up at my door to ride every morning, rain or shine.

How do you choose your route (most direct, least traffic, most scenic, etc)? Weather and traffic conditions are the biggest factors. Some of the roads I ride have little to no shoulder, so while they might be fine on a clear morning with light traffic, they aren't such a good choice with high traffic volumes and bad visibility. When I-5 backs up, it's a lot of fun to ride on the shoulder past hundreds of stopped cars. Most people are supportive and I'm sure a lot of them wish they were riding too.

What style of bike do you ride to commute? I have a Specialized road bike that I ride when it's reasonably dry out, and a Cannondale disc brake cyclocorss bike that has been converted to a wet weather commuter. I have also ridden my Cannondale Scalpel mountain bike to work a few times. My friends and I have a longstanding joke that all of my bikes are mountain bikes.

How many times have you participated in the Bicycle Commuter Contest? I have participated in the commuter contest every year since 2004.

2009 Bicycle Commuter Contest Draws to a Close

Yikes! I don’t know how it happened, but it’s almost June, and the 2009 Bicycle Commuter Contest is almost over! I hope your experience of riding your bike this month to work, school or on errands has been successful and enjoyable. I especially hope that you will share your experience with us by sending in or dropping off your Mileage Log at the Olympia Transit Center before June 8!

Two of the biggest objectives of the BCC are:

1. Getting people out on their bikes for utilitarian purposes, and reaping the many benefits of having fewer cars on the road.
2. Having a record of how much you bicycled, and adding to what we know about the bicycle commuting habits of our community.

To that end, when you signed up, we asked you to ride your bike, and we asked you to keep track of your miles and turn in your log. It doesn’t matter how little you think you rode- even if you only rode once in May, we still want to know about it. Your feedback about road conditions is also very valuable, and the cities and the County take it seriously.
On top of all that, when we receive your log, we can send you your coupon and discount packet, and possibly a prize!

So please, send in or drop off your BCC Mileage Log
(or turn it in to your team captain)
to the Olympia Transit Center, 222 State Ave Olympia, WA 98501
hours: M-F 6:30am-7pm, Sa-Su: 10am-7pm

Make Your Miles Count!

And, come to our grand Awards Ceremony
Saturday, June 20, 2pm at the Olympia Farmer’s Market Main Stage
If you wear your 2009 BCC T-shirt, you can have your picture taken with your bike after the award ceremony. T-shirts are still available at the Olympia Transit Center, and are on sale for $7.50 each, or $5.00 if you buy more than one.

2009 Commuter Profile #3 - Dorothy Lyons

What is your age? fifties
What is your occupation? Programmer/research
How many years have you been commuting by bike? Two years
How many times have you participated in the Bicycle Commuter Contest? 3
Describe your current average or usual commute (distance, terrain, urban/rural, etc.) I ride about 5 miles, an urban/rural mix, not too hilly.
What got you started bike commuting? My co-worker got me into it. For years I felt I couldn’t bike, because I was carpooling kids. Once the kids were older, I wanted to bike as a more environmentally friendly commute option, but it was hard to make that leap. However, I was inspired by my co-worker’s example. The commute trip reduction incentives then in place also helped provide a little added motivation.
How have you adapted to make bike commuting work for you? Little by little, as my biking days increased, I have added commuting gear – glasses, mirror, visible rain coat, fenders, light. I use a cobb bucket for easy carrying of lunch, clothes, etc (and easy on/off the bike). When it is cold, I wrap a scarf around head/neck under my helmet and wear inexpensive thick ski gloves, and I am cosy even when it is below freezing.
What are some of the benefits you have experienced from commuting by bike? It has done wonders for my knee, which had been bothering me for years and now feels great (I am much more comfortable hiking now). It works a little exercise into my schedule, so it actually happens without my needing to think about it. And it forces me out of a potential rut—I get some outdoor sensory input, feel the air, hear the birds, and get a sense of the greater world around me before (or after) settling into work at my desk. It also gives me time for my mind to wander, something I think we don’t do enough of these days. I feel independent and good about getting around on my own power, and that I am decreasing at least a little bit my use of energy resources and output of polluting emissions. And sometimes, especially on a beautiful day, it just feels good! I began riding intermittently because I felt that I should—but I kept it up, and rode more often and in more varied conditions, because of all those additional benefits.
What is it that keeps you going, especially when the going is tough (weather, darkness, inertia, etc)? When it’s super nasty or really inconvenient, I don’t ride, but on those in-between days, or times when inertia is making other transport sound good, there are three things that can push me on: I know that my body benefits (don’t want my knee to start bothering me again!), my surroundings benefit (and so, secondarily, do we all), and I think about how, when I first started riding more consistently, my daughter told me she was proud of me.
How do you choose your route (most direct, least traffic, most scenic, etc)? It’s a combination of those.
What style of bike do you ride to commute? I ride my 35-year old road bike. I started commuting on a family hybrid, but I find my old road bike is a lot more fun to ride.
Any words of wisdom for the beginning commuter? Remember that it doesn’t have to be all the time. Whatever you manage is a benefit to you and to the rest of us. Thank you!

2009 Commuter Profile #2 - Sean McLaughlin

What is your age? 37
What is your occupation? Transportation Technician III, WSDOT State Materials Laboratory, Bituminous Materials, Bituminous Technology Office
How many years have you been commuting by bike? Consistently for 1 year
How many times have you participated in the Bicycle Commuter Contest? 2
Describe your current average or usual commute (distance, terrain, urban/rural, etc.) 2 miles one way, Olympia/Tumwater city streets
What got you started bike commuting? I live so close to work that I really don’t have an excuse not to bike to work.
How have you adapted to make bike commuting work for you? I bought high quality rain gear!
What are some of the benefits you have experienced from commuting by bike? It’s a great way to get the blood pumping and wake up in the morning.
What is it that keeps you going, especially when the going is tough (weather, darkness, inertia, etc)? My legs keep me going...
How do you choose your route (most direct, least traffic, most scenic, etc)? I take the most direct route.
What style of bike do you ride to commute? I ride a Trek Model EN14766 Series 4 Mountain Bike.
Any words of wisdom for the beginning commuter? It seems motorists are generally not really looking for bicyclists, especially when there is no designated bike lane. Wear bright colored reflective clothing even during daylight hours. Stay alert. Don’t expect to be given the right of way even when it legally is yours and, likewise, don’t take it when it’s not.

Bicycle Commuter Contest T-shirts on sale!

We still have at least some of all the sizes of T-shirts available at the Olympia Transit Center, at $7.50 each, or $5.00 each if you buy more than one. Head on down to the OTC and grab t-shirts while they last! The T-shirts are a nice sturdy-weight natural cotton, sweatshop-free manufacture, and locally printed with water-based inks. What a deal, and what a great way to show your support for the Bicycle Commuter Contest, and the rightful place of the amazing BICYCLE as one of today's best transportation solutions!!

Olympia Transit Center 222 State Ave, open 6:30am-7pm weekdays, 10am-7pm weekends.

PLUS - a photo Op!

I will soon be announcing our 2009 BCC Award Ceremony -

and get this: if you show up to the Award Ceremony (having turned in your mileage log, of course!) wearing your BCC t-shirt, I will take a portrait of you in your BCC shirt with your bike and e-mail it to you- FREE!

Stay tuned for details about the Award Ceremony

2009 Commuter Profile #1: Linda Weaver

Linda and her Diamondback on a rainy trip to Portland

(Good thing the weather is better here in Olympia!)

What is your Age? I'm in my Fifties
Your Occupation? Information Technology Specialist (developer)
How many years have you been commuting by bike? Regularly 9; irregularly longer.
Describe your current average or usual commute: I ride about 5½ miles each way, it takes me between half an hour & 45 minutes, depending on how much I want to push myself, the route I take, whether I’m stopping for groceries, etc. My route has a mix of rural, including some nice bike trails, and urban-through the heart of downtown Olympia. The toughest part of my ride, getting started, was the hill up to West Olympia. I use 5th Ave, now, or Sherman St (the first right after the second roundabout going up Harrison from downtown), these are the two mildest routes, with Sherman being the easiest.
What got you started bike commuting? I have two kids and I am concerned about Global Warming and air quality. I felt that talking about these things wasn’t enough: to be a good role model, I needed to also walk the walk. I am grateful to my kids for providing this stimulus.
What is it that keeps you going, especially when the going is tough (weather, etc)? Good rain gear—a waterproof coat!—and fenders, tires with a little tread, as well as visibility gear (bright clothing, front and rear flashing lights) are essential, including some kind of safety glasses (car & truck tires can throw rocks up in your face). Being able to feel dry—including keeping the rain out of your eyes—and safe makes bad weather much more pleasant to be out in. Also, I feel guilty wasting gas & polluting the air when I drive–-people who don’t walk & bike don’t understand how much smelly pollution a single car going by puts out. Also, I need the on-my-own thinking time. So I just feel better—all around—when I ride my bike.
How do you choose your route (most direct, least traffic, most scenic, etc)? I take all of these factors into account, but I’m really lucky that way. Most people don’t have as many choices. I certainly try to get to work & back home as quickly as possible, but I like being able to go on bike trails, where they’re available, and through neighborhoods whenever possible, versus sharing the road with cars, as it’s quieter, safer, and less stressful.
What style of bike do you ride to commute? It’s not my recommendation, but I ride a mountain bike. When I started out, all I wanted was a bike that could get me up the hill. So, my bike’s a bit heavy, but I’ve got a crate on the back and I can carry two full bags of groceries, plus my backpack (with my work essentials), on shopping days. Saddlebags or buckets are an even better solution for carrying stuff, as you are more balanced.
How many times have you participated in the Bicycle Commuter Contest?
Maybe 10 or 11 times. The Bicycle Commuter Contest is what got me started commuting by bike. I tried it for a month and found out it was doable. I commuted now & then for a couple of years before I committed to year-round riding.

Bike To Work Day and Interagency Ride a Success!

Crank IT! Team Riders and Dept of Revenue Team Riders

Crank IT! team representatives to Interagency Ride

Interagency Bike Ride Group Photo by Bruce Ikenberry

It has been a great day for bicycle commuting in Olympia today, with lots of events and incentives, and GREAT weather! Here's a big Thank You to everyone who biked to work, school or on errands today, and to all the volunteers who made today's events possible. A group of seven Intercity Transit employees (pictured above), including General Manager Mike Harbour, took part in the Interagency Bike Ride, which was a huge success, with well over a hundred riders from a variety of state and local agencies.

Pioneer Elementary Rocks Bike-To-School Day!

Bicycles are everywhere! Pioneer Elementary students filled the bike racks on Bike to School Day. 171 students (approx. 46 percent) rode their bikes to school and countless students walked or rode their scooters.

Submitted by Paul Brewster

Bike To Work and School Day Off to a Great Start!

I've been all over town on my bike this morning, and I'm seeing bikes everywhere! I was one of many volunteers handing out Thank You packets from Intercity Transit to students arriving at local schools by bike. Then I rode around and checked out the Bike Stop hospitality stations being offered by the City Of Olympia- they were handing out bananas, bike maps, muffins, coupons to local bike shops, bike maps and reflective belts! Next it's off to the Interagency Bike Ride at 11:30 starting in the GA building parking lot. Yay for Bike To School and Work Day!

Bike to School and Work Day Tomorrow!

The weather is forecast to be great tomorrow- keep your fingers crossed, and if it rains, get out there and ride your bike anyway, whaddya say!

• Bicyclce CommuterContest participants enter the actual miles you ride on your log, and then DOUBLE them in the space provided!
• Be sure to stop at one of the Bike Stations around town, see the poster below for exact locations.
• *Kids! If your school is participating in Bike-to-School Day activities, there will be volunteers from Intercity Transit at your school in the morning, handing out goodies to arriving bike riders!

Ecology Team Bike-to-Work Convoy

The Washington State Department of Ecology is participating in the Bicycle Commuter Contest as the Clean Air Act team again this year, and they have 100 riders signed up! Their Team Captain Margaret Hill organized a "Bicycle Convoy" ride-to-work day on Wednesday, May 13, in which over 20 team members took part including Jay Manning, Ecology’s Director.

"Go, Clean Air Act!!"

*If your team is organizing a similar "get-out-the-bikes" event, send me the details and a photo, and I will post it on our blog!

Olympia Bike To Work Day Events

National Bike-To-Work Day Coming up this Friday!

Ride your bike to work, school or on errands on Friday and earn double miles in the Bicycle Commuter Contest!
The City of Olympia will be hosting three Bicyclist Hospitality Stations offering refreshments and goodies for bike commuters. They will be at Heritage Park downtown, Ralph's Thriftway on the Eastside, and the Woodland Trail trailhead at Eastside Street. For area Agency employees, there is the Interagency Bike Ride, starting at 11:30 in the parking lot behind the GA building.
We'll be posting more info later today and tomorrow about these local events, and you can learn more about National Bike-To-Work Day by visiting the League of American Bicyclists site as well. http://www.bikeleague.org/programs/bikemonth/

Remember to keep logging those miles, and keep riding, never mind a little rain! See you out there pedaling!

Bicycle Drawing Winners!!!

We are pleased to announce the winners of the 2009 Bicycle Commuter Contest Bike Drawing!! We performed a random electronic number selection drawing for the two bikes so generously donated by sponsors Jamis Bicycles (thanks to OlyBikes), and New Belgium Brewery.

• Eric Tonder of Olympia won the New Belgium Brewery bike. Eric is a contest veteran, having participated last year, and several past years as well. Eric does his 4-mile one-way commute by bike as often as possible, but also balances a busy schedule and sometimes takes the kids to school in the car. He plans to ride his new bike to work tomorrow, to show all his envious colleagues!
• The winner of the Jamis Comfort Bike is Meg Spidle, a young (4-year-old) but intrepid bicycle commuter! Meg rides her own bike to school, and on longer errands, rides along in a bike trailer. Four members of Meg's family are signed up for this years Contest, and all ride their bikes regularly. Meg's dad commutes year round, regardless of the weather. Though it will be a few years before Meg can ride the Jamis bike on her own, other members of the family will be putting it to good use it in the meantime, according to mom Holly Davies.
  Congratulations Meg and Eric- lucky winners of the BCC Bike Drawing for 2009!!
  Many thanks to Jamis, OlyBikes and New Belgium Brewery for providing the bikes!!

Last Year's Record Participation Surpassed!

Pioneer Elementery School has submitted their team roster with 118 riders, propelling our registrations beyond last year's record of 1488, to a new record of 1575 participants registered so far, with one day left to register. It's not too late to get in on the fun, and benefits to the health of your planet, your community and yourself- sign up today or tomorrow for the 2009 Bicycle Commuter Contest! Registration closes at 7pm Friday, May 8.

For those of you already signed up, remember to keep up with entering your miles on your mileage logs, and most important, keep riding and riding safely! Be brave about the weather, it's still early in the month, and it will improve. This might be just the time to head to your friendly local bike shop to see about fenders, rain gear and expertise on riding in the elements.

*In-Person Registration Deadline Extended*

• We had a successful weekend at two local events- the Lacey Alternative Energy Fair on Saturday, and the Outdoor Life Fair on Sunday- between the two events I signed up 57 more participants for the Bicycle Commuter Contest!
• We have extended the deadline to register: if you are willing to make it down to the Olympia Transit Center, and bring cash or check for $5.00, you can still register for the BCC, until 7pm Friday, May 8. Please do not mail your form in at this point.
• It is now too late to be entered for the drawing for the bicycles we are giving away. The drawing for the bikes will be held today or tomorrow, and results will be posted here, as soon as we are able to contact and notify the winners.
• Our awesome T-shirts are still available at the Transit Center, make sure to pick one up while you're there!

Registration Deadline Approahes!
Saturday May 2 is the official deadline to sign up for the 2009 Bicycle Commuter Contest. We'll be at the Lacey Alternative Energy Fair from 9am - 3pm with Registration Forms, T-shirts and free giveaways for those who sign up. If you can't make it to the fair, there is still time to get down to the Olympia Transit Center and register there. Sign up, ride safely, and ride often!

The 2009 Wrencher's Ball was a huge success! We signed up 85 participants for the Bicycle Commuter Contest and checked over and adjusted 85-90 bicycles for people who had signed up. We had an amazing team of volunteers including five mechanics from four local bike shops.

• Larry Leveen and Ken Sutto from OlyBikes
• Bill Stevenson from the Bike Stand
• Jason Wennstrom from Old Town Bikes
• Derik Archibald from Joy Ride Bicycles

Other excellent independent wrenchers came out to help as well:

• Matthew Mullinix, Dane Clay, Tom Skjervold and Lee Peterson all did heroic service on the wrenches.
• Kris Fransen, Kerry Tarullo, James Wancha, Linda Lawson and Mark Kallas helped with logistics and with keeping track of the bikes and signing people up for the BCC. This event could have never happened without this fantastic and dedicated team! Thanks everybody!

Also big Thank-Yous to those contributing with sustenance for our team:

• San Francisco St. Bakery provided pastries for the morning wrenchers
• Caffe Vita kept us fueled with coffee
• Old School Pizza provided three delicious pies for our lunch

The Wrencher's Ball is Just Around the Corner!

Volunteers from local bike shops will be on hand at the Olympia Transit Center, 222 State Ave in Downtown Olympia, Friday, April 24, from 7am until 4pm (pick your bike up before 5pm) to give your bike a checkover, if you sign up for the Bicycle Commuter Contest.

• Be prepared to leave your bike for a few hours.
• We will inspect your bike for safety issues, and make minor adjustments as needed.
• Typical check-up includes airing up the tires, lubing the chain and cables, minor brake and gear adjustments, making sure nuts and bolts are tight. If we have time we might straighten out a wheel, or adjust a bearing if needed.
• We won't reliably have spare parts on hand, so if your bike needs a replacement part, you'll have to go to a nearby bike shop (there are three within a few blocks) and buy the part.
• If your bike needs major repairs, we'll refer you to a local bike shop.
• PLEASE RETREIVE YOUR BIKE BEFORE 5pm - we'll be packing up to go home after that.

Come on down to the Wrencher's Ball, and get ready to ride!

2009 Earth Day Market Ride A Success!

Sponsored by Intercity Transit and Group Health Coop

Thanks to everyone who came out on Saturday for the Earth Day Market Ride! We had an estimated 75-85 riders from every corner of Olympia and beyond. The day was perfect, and a good time was had by all (well at least by me!). Once we got to the Farmer's Market, there was a rush of people signing up for the Bicycle Commuter Contest, and receiving their free goodies, including blinky lights from Planet Bike, leg bands from Jandd and water bottles from Group Health. There was a well attended, participatory Flat-Fix Demo by Lee Peterson, and many other volunteers helped out too. Stay tuned for news about our next event, the Wrenchers Ball, coming up this Friday!

Earth Day Neighborhood Rides- Routes and Details

This is a map of the rides that are organized so far- feel free to contact me for more info, and I will update the map on Friday to include any more routes that are added! See blog entry below for more details as well.


View 2009 Neighb­orhood Ride Map in a larger map

From our friends at the Southwest Olympia Neighborhood Assn

Earth Day Market/Neighborhood Ride Coming Up!

The Earth Day Market Ride, sponsored by Intercity Transit & Group Health is just around the corner, on Saturday, April 18.
This event is a great way to kick off the Spring cycling season and get in gear for the Bicycle Commuter Contest. You’ll meet cycling friends old and new, perhaps discover a new route, have some fun and count your miles toward your BCC total, in the special box on your mileage log!

Groups of cyclists will convene at designated spots in various neighborhoods around the Olympia area, depart between 10am and 10:15, and converge at the Heritage Park Fountain. We’ll have a few announcements, and then at around 11 am, proceed all together to the Farmers Market. We’ll have some tables set up at the Market, where you’ll be able to register for the BCC and receive a free water bottle from Group Health, plus a reflective leg band or flashing safety light when you sign up for the BCC(while supplies last)!

Note: The Earth Day Market and Neighborhood Rides are sponsored by Intercity Transit and Group Health Cooperative. For liability reasons, all riders will need to sign a release form, and wear a helmet for this event. Thanks in advance for your cooperation!

At noon, we’ll have some brief presentations:
A flat-repair demonstration
Safe Cycling techniques and Rules of the Road
Gearing up: what gear do you really need to commute successfully?

THE RIDES: We’re still getting ride leaders lined up, but we already have confirmed rides from the following locations:
South Sound Center: Dane Clay dclay18@comcast.net will lead this ride from South Sound Center to Heritage Park, using the I-5 bike path, Eastside Street, and Legion Way. Ride departs South Sound Center at 10:15 am. Meet by the flags in the NE corner of parking lot, near Sleater-Kinney Rd. and the bike tunnel.
TESC and Northwest Olympia: Student Transportation Coordinator Travis Skinner stuctr@evergreen.edu will lead this ride from Evergreen to the Heritage Park Fountain. Ride departs at 10:00 am.
Southeast Olympia: Olympia’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Specialist Kerry Tarullo ktarullo@ci.olympia.wa.us and IT vanpool coordinator Lee Peterson LPeterson@intercitytransit.com depart Olympia High School Carlyon Ave parking lot at 10:15 am
Eastside Bike Trails Tour: Led by Jack Horton jack_horton@hotmail.com Start time - 9 AM, Sat Apr 18 San Fransisco St Bakery in NE Neighborhood Conditions: Mostly paved with some packed gravel Pace: Social, Purpose: Show best commute routes from NE Neighborhood using trails as much as possible. Will include some short interpretive stops.
Bigelow Highlands (NE Olympia): Leader, Chris Hawkins. Meet at Bigelow Park Shelter, depart at 10:30 am. Route: South on Puget, West on Thurston, South on Eastside Street to Legion Way, then West down Legion all the way to Water Street. North on Water St. to 5th, West on 5th to Fountain.

West Side Ride: Led by Robert Kam, This kid-friendly ride meets at Garfield School parking lot. Departs at 10:30. Route: Madison to Percival, Jackson to Sherman, Sherman to Harrison, sidewalks through the roundabouts and across bridge to the fountain.

Stay tuned here for further developments and feel free to call Duncan at 705-5874, or email dgreen@intercitytransit.com for more information, or for help setting up a ride of your own.

IT's OFFICIAL!!

Registration for the 2009 Bicycle Commuter Contest has begun!
Visit the Olympia Transit Center at State and Washington streets in downtown Olympia to register for the contest and buy your T-Shirt.
You can also register by mail- download a PDF version of our registration form at:
http://www.intercitytransit.com/files/13/onlineregistration.pdf
and mail it with your check for $5.00 to
Bicycle Commuter Contest
Intercity Transit
222 State Ave
Olympia, WA 98501
New for 2009: In an effort to make the process more efficient and reliable, and so that everyone can get a t-shirt in the size they desire, we have eliminated the pre-ordering option for t-shirts this year. T-shirts will be available for purchase while supplies last, at the Olympia Transit Center, and at select events, like the Wrencher's Ball, and the Lacey Alternative Eergy Fair. For best selection, go to the OTC soon to buy your t-shirt!
Stay tuned here, and visit our website
http://www.intercitytransit.com/page.cfm?ID=0350
for more information and breaking news about the 2009 Bicycle Commuter Contest!

New Belgium Commuter Special Edition Arrives!

This year we are going to give away two bicycles to two lucky BCC registrants!

(Thanks to New Belgium Brewing Co., Jamis Bicycles and OlyBikes!)

Just check the box on your registration form to indicate which bike you would like to be entered for, and turn in your registration form before the MAY 2 deadline to be entered to win either this New Belgium Brewing Co. 3-speed commuter bike, or the Jamis comfort bike shown below.

NBB Commuter bike spec's:

• Comfy saddle and handlebars
• 29" standover height, and long seat post- suitable for riders up to 6' tall
• Sturmey-Archer 3-speed internal gear hub, w/coaster brake
• alloy rims with 700x35c tires
• spring-loaded rear rack with reflector
  

Sign up soon and GoodLuck!

Jamis Explorer bike donated by Jamis, courtesy of OlyBikes

Win this Jamis Comfort Bike!

Register for the 2009 Bicycle Commuter Contest, and check the appropriate box on your Registration Form to be entered to win either this 15.5" frame Jamis Explorer Comfort Bike (for riders up to 5'4"), or an Adult-sized Cruiser bike from New Belgium Brewing. A drawing will be held on Monday May4, after the May 2 registration deadline, so all registered riders will have a chance to win!

EARTH DAY MARKET RIDE SCHEDULED Saturday April 18, Presented by Intercity Transit and Group Health Cooperative

The Earth Day Market Ride is a great way to show your support for alternative transportation, meet other cyclists, and register for the Bicycle Commuter Contest! Organize your own group to ride with, or ride with one of the many veteran cyclists leading neighborhood rides downtown from neighborhoods all over the Olympia metro area. Riders from the different neighborhoods will converge in downtown Olympia at 11am Saturday April 18 before continuing on together to the Farmers Market for live music, free giveaways when you sign up for the BCC (while supplies last) and other fun stuff!

Remember to obey all traffic laws as a group (see our link to Washington Bicycle Laws), and that every cyclist is an ambassador for all the cyclists on the road. Be confident and predictable, hold your own, and obey traffic laws, which are there for everyone’s safety.

Stay tuned for further developments and information, coming soon!

URBAN CYCLING WORKSHOPS - Check this out!

The City of Olympia, partnering with the Capitol Bicycling Club, is holding Urban Cycling workshops in March and April, just in time for Spring cycling and May’s Bicycle Commuter Contest! The workshops instruct on:

negotiating with traffic,
navigating through intersections,
fitting your bike,
basic maintenance,
emergency maneuvers and more.

The workshops are available for adults (16 +), youth (ages 12-15) and a women-only course is offered. Adult courses are broken into a weekend, two part workshop with classroom time and parking-lot drills the first day, and more classroom discussion and a group ride the second day. Youth workshops are offered as a two part, Monday/Wednesday course after school on weekdays. A bike in good working order and helmet are required for both sessions. There is a $5 fee for each adult session and a onetime $5 fee for the Mon/Wed youth workshop. Sign up through Olympia Parks and Recreation: 753-8380. For more information, visit our website www.ci.olympia.wa.us/cityservices/par/recreation/activityguide.htm

SCHEDULE:

Adult-Ages 16 and up
Urban Cycling I: Sat March 7, 10am-2pm
Urban Cycling II: Sun March 8, 10am-2pm

Urban Cycling I: Sat March 21, 10am-2pm
Urban Cycling II: Sun March 22, 10am-2pm

Women’s Workshops-Taught by Women! (this class is filled, but please call and ask to be placed on the waiting list, we will hold another if there is enough demand)
Urban Cycling I: Sat April 4, 10am-2pm
Urban Cycling II: Sun April 5, 10am-2pm

Youth-Ages 12-15 (2 day course)
Urban Cycling: M/W April 6 & 8, 4-6pm
Urban Cycling: M/W April 13 & 15, 4-6pm

These workshops are offered as a part of the Olympia Walks, Olympia Bikes campaign: a grant funded program to increase the safety of walkers and cyclists and encourage more people to try walking and biking.



On a more personal note; I highly recommend these courses to anyone who rides a bike on our urban roads. As a part of my training to teach these courses I had to take the two part workshop myself. I have been an avid cyclist and bike commuter for 7 years now, commuting in urban settings such as San Diego, CA and now Olympia. I went into the course thinking I knew everything I needed to know about cycling with traffic. The course changed my riding style immensely. I did not realize I was uncertain in many traffic situations on where to place myself or how to navigate through a multi-lane left turn. I now ride with much more confidence and can say that I offer motorists a more pleasant view of cyclists by following traffic laws and riding predictably.



Kerry Tarullo
Bicycle & Pedestrian Education Specialist
City of Olympia, Public Works Transportation
360.753.8575
Mail address: PO Box 1967, 98507-1967
Street address: 924 7th Ave SE, Suite A
Olympia, WA

Worth The Weight

Worth The Weight, originally uploaded by duncan herondancer.

I like to see and be seen! Winter commuting has it's hazards, and darkness is one of them at this latitude. Perhaps I go a bit overboard, but I really like being able to see where I am going on a dark road in the rain.
I have a dynamo light (old bottom bracket generator), a cateye LED light and a cygo-lite battery-halogen set (on this particular bike). Planet Bike Superflash on the back!

Bike Lane Rearview

IMG_0569, originally uploaded by duncan herondancer.

Rearview mirrors can be handy for commuting!

Welcome to the 2009 Bicycle Commuter Contest!

Hello Everyone,

Welcome to the 2009 Thurston County Bicycle Commuter Contest, hosted by Intercity Transit! This will be the 22nd year that the contest has been encouraging and inspiring people of all ages and walks of life to benefit the health of the earth, their community and themselves, by making the choice to ride a bike instead of driving.

As always, the BCC runs for the month of May, with signups beginning in April. My name is Duncan Green, and I’ll be coordinating the BCC this year, so feel free to get in touch. You can e-mail me at dgreen@intercitytransit.com, or call me at 360-705-5874. I’m looking forward to a great year for the Bicycle Commuter Contest, and hoping you’ll join me to make it so!

A quick heads-up about an imminent (and eminent) event:

The Seattle Bike Swap is this coming Saturday (Feb 21, 2009)- a great event with many, many vendors selling every imaginable type of bikes, parts and gear, often for garage sale prices.

Seattle Bike Swap Magnusen Park Hangar #30 (off Sand Point Way at about 70th St. NE)
Saturday Feb 21 9am-2pm (arrive early for good selection, stay late for the best prices)
$5.00 from 9am-1pm
free from 1-2pm
kids under 15 free all day