Martin Way Bridge to Open Soon

The long-awaited second link in the "Bridge The Gap" project is on track for completion as we head into Spring and the busy biking season. This bike and pedestrian bridge will span Martin Way, connecting the Northern leg of the Chehalis-Western Trail with the bridge over I-5 and the I-5 Bike Path. The last link is a planned bridge over Pacific Avenue, which will link the whole length of the Chehalis-Western Trail with the I-5 Trail and the Olympia-Lacey Woodland Trail. Stay tuned here for updates and an announcement when the ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled.

Another project nearing completion is an extension of bike lanes under the I-5 overpass over Martin Way, about a mile east of the new bridge.

Defensive Riding Tips of the Day

Eyes forward, check from side to side.

A common hazard to the bicycle commuter riding on urban streets is traffic entering or crossing the street you are traveling on, from a side street. This can be a serious danger, but can be avoided if you develop the habit of riding defensively and keeping this hazard in your awareness.

• Remember that motorists are looking for other cars on the through street, and might look in your direction but just not register your presence because you are not a car.
• Watch for cars approaching from the side or pulling out into the through street.
• Be as visible as you can by wearing bright colors and using lights on your bike.
• When there are cars parked on your right, stay 3 feet away from them- this protects you from doors opening unexpectedly, and makes you more visible to side street traffic (as a cyclist, you are legally a vehicle on the road, with all the same rights and responsibilities as a driver of a car).
• If you see a car pulling out, prepare to stop or take evasive action and try to make eye contact with the driver. Don't assume that the driver sees you or will stop unless you make eye contact.
• Also check the vehicle's front wheels to see if they are rolling and which direction they are steering.
• It is tempting to ride fast, especially downhill, or when trying to make it through timed traffic lights. Just remember that the faster you are going, the less time you and another road user have to react when you see each other, the longer it will take you to stop, and the harder you'll crash if you crash. If you are going to ride fast, do it defensively: be even more sure you are visible, be even more vigilant, ride in the center of your lane, keep your hands near your brakes, and obey traffic laws and signals.

Bike Safe, Bike Visible!

Probably preaching to the choir here but still, a little reminder that when you are out biking around at this time of year, visibility is very often limited for motorists and other cyclists. If it is dark and rainy, it is very hard for a motorist to see a pedestrian or cyclist on the road- unless... that is unless you are wearing bright colors with reflective striping, and have at least one bright, properly mounted and aimed white light on the front of your bike and at least one properly mounted and aimed red rear light. The newest and brightest LED lights are very bright and eye-catching, but even they need to be aimed toward the eye of an approaching driver. LED's are bright, but still very directional, meaning they throw a narrow focused beam, meaning that if the light is not aimed properly, much of it's effectiveness is lost. This is especially important for older LED lights which are much dimmer, and are practically useless unless aimed directly toward the eye of an oncoming driver. Clipping a light to your messenger bag doesn't do the trick. Your light needs to be mounted so that it projects its beam nearly parallel to the ground, and as close as possible to straight forward or back from your bike. As always, ride predictably and respect other road users, and I wish you a long life of safe cycling!

Seattle Bike Swap and Bike Expo

Be sure to plan ahead for the Seattle Bike Swap (Feb 27th, 2010) and the Bike Expo (March 13-14), both are great ways to kick start your cycling season. The swap meet features many, many vendors selling and swapping anything to do with bikes (including bikes), and some very good bargains can be had, especially if you wait until near the end, when folks are really ready to get rid of stuff, and not wanting to haul it home. At past swaps, I have bought helmets, raingear, panniers, all manner of bicycle parts, and even complete bikes, all at excellent prices. It is a crowded and hectic affair, somewhat like an old fashioned flea-market, with a little friendly jostling and a lot of friendly bargaining to be expected. Find out more here:
http://cascade.org/EandR/bikeswap/index.cfm

The Bike expo is the place to see and buy all the latest and greatest gear, see demos and photos, sign up for the STP and other rides, and hob-nob with cycling's shining stars. Find out more:
http://www.cascade.org/EandR/expo/index.cfm

2010 Rider Profile #1 Erika Lari

We didn't have a chance to publish all the rider profiles we gathered in 2009, so we'll start posting a few of them now from time to time- maybe you'll see a friend, or find some inspiration to get out on your bike!

Erika Lari:

What is your age?
31
What is your occupation?
Graphic designer
How many years have you been commuting by bike?
1 year
How many times have you participated in the Bicycle Commuter Contest?
First time this year
Describe your current average or usual commute (distance, terrain, urban/rural, etc.)
2 miles, suburban/urban
What got you started bike commuting?
I inherited some bikes after my dad died and it seemed like the easiest option since my husband and I only have one car. the only thing was that I have never commuted by bike and I hadn't even ridden one in over a dozen years. so, it was a challenge, but I'm glad i started. I eventually bought a bike that fit me better, and I've learned an awful lot thanks to the internet and local bike shops.
How have you adapted to make bike commuting work for you?
I can now how haul a bike up a stair case to keep it in my office. it really doesn't take that long and other than getting some cotton stretch pants to wear under dresses, I don't make many accommodations in my wardrobe.
What are some of the benefits you have experienced from commuting by bike?
I live uphill from where i work, so I've certainly gained stamina and muscle tone as well as the fun ride downhill in the morning. It's like my third cup of coffee.
What is it that keeps you going, especially when the going is tough (weather, darkness, inertia, etc)?
My bike has fenders, dyno hub lights, etc. and most of my winter coats are bright primary colors. I have a bern muse helmet that happened to also be certified as a ski helmet, so it came with a detachable lining. It keeps my head very warm. I even prefer to ride in the cold or rain because I don't sweat as much. With the right gear and such a short ride, it's really not that bad. I only don't ride if it's torrential rain or snow. in those cases, I walk or carpool.
How do you choose your route (most direct, least traffic, most scenic, etc)? Direct and least traffic. The more I ride, the more comfortable I am with traffic.
What style of bike do you ride to commute?
Specialized Globe city commuter bike.
Any words of wisdom for the beginning commuter?
Be patient with yourself. I've never been terribly athletic, and people would tell me that it would get easier in a week or a month, but you just have to do it at your own pace and your own way. I don't feel comfortable in a lot of 'bike gear' either, so I found vintage raincoats and things that make me feel comfortable riding. It really does get easier to fit it into your life and the next thing you know, you miss it when you don't do it.

WELCOME BACK! The Bicycle Commuter Contest is alive and well- yawning and stretching a bit after its 6 month hiatus, but raring to go. We're looking forward to a great year for bicycle commuting and the BCC and hoping to increase participation yet again in 2010. Stay tuned for updates and info, and keep an eye on our Links and Events for interesting and informative commuting advice and news. As always, do stay in touch- feel free to post a comment here, or contact me directly by e-mail at:
dgreen@intercitytransit.com
Thanks for stopping by, and I look forward to seeing you at one of our events in April, and seeing your registration form on my desk!

Duncan Green
Bicycle Commuter Contest
dgreen@intercitytransit.com
360-705-5874
PO Box 659
Olympia, WA 98507-0659