Rider Profile #4

Meet Keith and his girls, Acadia & Sierra!

Keith Edgerton, Acadia (8), Sierra (5)

Age: 38

Occupation: Commercial Construction Project Manager

Years Commuting: 3 years 2 months or 401 hours and 5,387miles : )

Current Average Commute: Just under 5 miles roundtrip. I use Intercity Transit almost every weekday in combo with bicycle commuting. Starting my day off by riding up Courthouse Hill is not always appealing. It’s always nice to have options with non-car commuting. When I have meetings or errands to run, my max ride will be about 13 miles a day.

What got you started? I became legally blind on March 10, 2005. My brother and I were born with a degenerative disease of the retina (Retinitis Pigmentosa). Our peripheral vision is slowly deteriorating and I crossed the threshold of legal blind status in March ’05. It happened earlier than I thought and it was a big adjustment at first but it has be so rewarding. I still have excellent central vision but my blind spots in my periphery could continue to grow. I was feeling less safe driving and my doctor confirmed that it would be best to stop driving. He agreed that cycling would be great for me because I would be moving at a slower speed than a car and I would be able to hear what’s going on around me.

What keeps you pedaling? I still have a sense of independence without driving. I absolutely love cycling. What most people considered a tragedy in my life has turned into such a blessing. I love being in shape. I love the sights (@ slower speeds than a car), sounds and smells of the different seasons. It’s always a stress reducer for me. I also hope that my girls are learning that there is always a way to do what you want even if the most convenient or obvious option is not available. All (3) of us have really learned how to get around without a car, whether it’s a vacation to the San Juan’s or bowling on the west side. The fringe benefits are no car payments, gas/maintenance, car insurance and less of an environmental impact. It’s such a win/win for the girls and me.

Is the route you chose the safest, fastest, most fun or only route? I would say all of the above. I always look for the less car traveled road or the most beautiful route when I am running errands, going to project meetings, shopping or taking the girls to school. Being safe around cars probably trumps all options, especially when my girls are riding with me. As I tell my girls, “whether you are right or wrong, the car will always win!” Being defensive cyclists is always a priority in our house.

What style of Bike do you commute on? I had a company truck before I stopped driving and my employer, Andy Johnson & Co. bought me a company bike for my first ride. It was a 2005 Jamis Coda Comp. But a year later, I fell in love with my current bike. It’s a 2005 LeMond Tourmalet or as I like to call it, my Orca Bike! I can race with it or pull a 100lbs of groceries in the bike trailer. I hope to be riding my Orca Bike for years to come as long as I can hold onto the vision I have left. Acadia rides the Raleigh Rowdy (not in picture) and Sierra is decked out on the Dora bike.

How many BCC's have you participated in? This is my 4th Commuter contest and the girls 2nd. I love all the stats that come out at the end, especially the total miles. You can really see how a group of people can make a huge difference for the health of themselves and the planet!

Thanks for sharing this with us Keith, Acadia and Sierra! What a positive outlook you have, thanks for showing us how a loss was a gain for you in a way. It really seems like you know how to get around car-free! Keith shared a story with me of a car-free vacation he took with his girls in the San Juan's. He told me it was filled with Bikes, Buses, Ferries, etc., and was a total blast and his girls had a fantastic time. How inspirational! With the seriousness of high gas prices around, some of us are having trouble making those vacation plans, among other things, because of the additional expenses. Thanks for showing us that it's not only possible, but fun to live and vacation without using your car! Thanks for pedaling and see you on the road Keith, Acadia and Sierra! ~KT

For more information on how to bike and bus, click here: http://www.intercitytransit.com/page.cfm?ID=bikesOnBuses

Bike the Deschutes Event: July 27!

Want to learn more about your watershed area while cycling? Come join cyclists of all ages and abilities on the 2nd Annual Bike Your Watershed event hosted by a team of individuals dedicated to improving our community and environment. This FREE family and friends event is designed to create watershed awareness and to promote bicycling as an environmentally friendly form of transportation. After registering, come to the Tumwater Historical Park anytime between 8am and 10am on Sunday, July27. Registration is limited, so register early!

Registration info here: http://web.mac.com/bikeyourwatershed/Site/Registration.html

See you there!

Contest Ends, But the Pedaling Continues!

Bob Lang, last year's overall winner with 1218 miles, commuting to work.


I want to Congratulate all of the BCC participants for a GREAT month of bike commuting. I have never seen so many bikes and received so many comments on the vast abundance of bicycles on our streets this May. And I have been noticing during these first few days of June, that you all are keeping it real out there. Congratulations because once again, we have received record participation with over 1450 participants. Now make sure to get those mileage logs to me so I can tally up our stats to see as a community how many miles & commute trips we conquered and fuel & air pollution we saved. If you have not received one, you can print one here, or email me and I will send you one: ktarullo@intercitytransit.com. You can send them in any of the following ways, but please get them in by Wednesday, June 4th:

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


2. Pedal or walk it in to the Olympia Transit Center 6:30am-7pm and weekends 9am-7pm


3. Scan and email it to me: ktarullo@intercitytransit.com


4. Fax it to: 306-357-6184

Every participant whether they rode one day or 31 will receive a very awesome coupon packet in the mail, please expect these around mid-late June.

Winners will be announced at Super Saturday at the Evergreen State College, June 14th at 10:45am on the main stage. Please come join us to celebrate bicycle commuting, find out our 2008 BCC results and winners, and not to mention the good food and festivities.

I truly hope this BCC has created a rewarding pattern in your lifestyle and you will continue this pattern throughout the year. Once again, thank you for participating, you are contributing to a healthier community. ~KT

Rider Profile #3

Meet Tonya!

Age Range: 30-40

Occupation or place of work: Unclaimed Property Auditor

Years of bike commuting: 11 months

Current average bike commute trip: 50 miles round trip

What got you started bike commuting?
This is a funny story. I have 2 coworkers (Mark & Mike) who have been riding from Lakewood to Olympia for a few years now. I would see them on the road and would think these two are nuts! Isn't that why God invented motorized transportation? So like a crazy person I agreed to ride to work with them on a tandem bike. Off we went, it’s dark and cold when we hit Dupont. I was thinking this was a big mistake but I had no other option because my feet were locked into the pedals like a prisoner. As we approach a busy intersection in Olympia Mark say’s, “ Ok I’m going to just grab the post and wait for the light.” YEAH right, easier said than done . Next thing I know I’m sitting on my bum and Mike and Mark are laughing. “They call this fun.” Well we made it to work I was exhausted – broke out in hives and all I could think was there is now way I’m going to make it home, Mark is just going to have to ride that tandem bike by himself. After being guilted into going back home the only thing I could think of was a small side bet I had made with my husband. It was for $100 because he did not think I could make it either. And I made it hives and all.

What keeps you pedaling instead of driving?
It’s the best on a hot sunny day when traffic is at a dead stop on I-5 and you ride by everyone! The other is riding with Lisa...girl rides are the best.

Is the route you choose the fastest, safest, most fun, or the only route available?
It’s the only route I know, haha!

What style of bike do you ride on your commute?
Thanks to Old Town Bikes I have the best road bike in the world!! SPECIALIZED for women !

What are a few pieces of gear that you find very useful on your commutes?
The most useful in my commute is my Team Barley Davidson – Mark, Mike & Lisa. Without someone to change my flat tires and wait for me at the top of the hills I would never have never guessed in a million years I would be riding my bike to work !!! Thanks guys.

How long have you been a BCC participant?
It will be my first year this May!

Thanks for sharing your commute with us Lisa, funny story too! Now, do not get discouraged by Lisa's commute. This is a long one and hectic, riding on that stretch of I-5. This is legal to ride on this stretch as it is the only way to get through the Fort Lewis area. There is a proposed trail plan that will connect our existing I-5 trail with Tacoma, but do not know when this will happen. Tonya rides with a group that makes it much safer too! ~KT

BCC REACHES NEW RECORD!

As of right now, we have over 1450 participants registered for the Bicycle Commuter Contest!


This is a feat worth recognizing, as our community has increased its participation by 45%! Last year set our previous record of 1005 participants. Since May 1st, I have seen more bikes on the roads than ever before. It is great pulling up to a stop light beside fellow cyclists and being able to say hello and chat about the day. We don't really get to do that in our cars...

I have heard a lot of great stories of how people are getting used to their routine of cycling instead of driving and making record times to work. Thanks for all of the support and input. I love hearing about your commutes!


My favorite part of my bike commute to and from work is being able to ride with a couple friends down the road, as if we were kids again riding bikes after school. A great alternative to sitting in my car by myself! Leave a comment and tell me your favorite part of your commute to work or school, or wherever! Keep up the good practice of bike commuting, we are contributing to a healthy environment!

How to Lock Your Bike

I have been getting some questions about how to effectively lock your bike, so I thought I would go over a few tips on locks and how to best use them.

First and foremost, the best styles of locks are the popular U-Lock or a hefty metal chain lock. The cable style locks can be a deterrent, however, they can be cut quite easily. Although they are a little more pricey and heavier, I highly recommend the U or chain style locks over the cable style.

Depending on whether you are in a high risk or low risk area you can choose how thoroughly you want to lock your bike up. The most simple way is to place your bike next to a pole and run the U-Lock or Chain through the front wheel and frame at the same time, and then through the pole itself. A cable lock can be a nice partner to a U-Lock as shown below:

These photos are courtesy of Kryptonite Locks.

The most secure way would be to remove your front wheel, line it up with the rear and run the U-Lock through both tires and the frame. This will entail disengaging your brakes on most bikes, see your local bike shop if you do not know how. Locks are sold at all local bike shops and they vary by brand in size and locking mechanism (combination or key). Hope this was helpful, please let me know if you have any questions about this or any other topics you would like discussed.
 

Leaving your bike parked outside is always a risk, but with a good lock and a few other tricks, the risk can be lessened. Use the best lock you can afford and always lock your bike TO an immovable object. Try not to leave your bike locked in the exact same location every day, or for a prolonged period. One view is that an old ratty-looking bike is less likely to be stolen, but I am not sure this has been proven. Olympia Police have told me that most of the bikes stolen here are lower-end bikes that have been left unlocked. If your bike is stolen, DO report it to the police. A significant number of bikes are actually recovered. It helps to have recorded your serial number, and to have a photo of your bike! You can also register your bike at nationalbikeregistry.com 

The Contest Has Started, Not Too Late to Sign Up!

Happy First Day of the BCC to Everyone! It is NOT too late to sign up if you have not yet, you have until May 3rd! Just print out the registration form here, and mail it in or visit the Olympia Transit Center downtown at 222 State St.

I forecasted some nice weather for you all, I hope you enjoyed your first logged commute trip. I saw a lot of bikes out on the road today, good work!

Tell me how it went...leave some comments of your trips to the store, work or school...or where ever you rode!

Here are some great ways to find routes and count your miles:

• The Thurston County Bike Map: Find a trail entrance near you or a calmer route through a neighborhood.
• Google's Pedometer (mileage counter): To calculate mileage: type in your zip code and then press "Start Recording". Double click on where your trip starts, then the next point in your trip, then the next. Every double click will draw a linear point on the map, it does not know how to follow the road. You can view elevation gain and loss with this tool as well, click on Elevation "small" or "large". You can save your routes and share them!

Let me know if you need help finding a less busy route. Good luck and stay safe. See you out there!

May 1st Bike Ride...where? Anywhere!

Ride your bike…
to work.
to school.
to shop.
for fun.
for health.

On May 1st stop by the Decatur Street Bike Station on your way to or from. Decatur Street is the quickest, safest route between “here” and “there.” Stop and write a poem, post a note, grab a snack. Two wheels are good in the Southwest Neighbor ‘hood!

Help start a chain reaction.

WHO: The Southwest and Northwest Olympia Neighborhood Associations in collaboration with the South Puget Sound Community College’s Sustainability Committee . . . and everyone who lives in West Oly and regularly travels outside.

WHAT: Use the Decatur Street Bike Connection to ride to work or school in the morning, and to return home in the afternoon. Stop at the SW Neighborhood Walking Park’s "Poetry Post" – leave a bike poem, a bike pic – grab a coffee, water, juice, bagel or cookie – mark your start and finish on an aerial map of the city. Live the life bikeful!

WHY: To kick off the May Bike Commuter Contest, to promote use of the Decatur Street Bikeway, to promote SPSCC’s Sustainability Committee and to introduce the SWONA Poetry Post Walking Park stop. breathe clean air, meet your neighbors, get healthier, spend less on gas, help save Puget Sound, halt global warming, write a bike poem, have some fun on a beautiful work day. Yes!

WHEN and WHERE
Thursday May 1st, 7-9 am & 4-6 pm
am: coffee, juice, bagels; pm: 4-6 juice, cookies.

BYOC (cup); BYOP (poem); BYOBP (bike photo)

Aerial map and poetry post available all day long.

End of Decatur St SW, south off 9thAve,
at the Caton Way cul-de-sac

More information or to help staff the "Poetry Post" – contact swona2007@yahoo.com

May 10 - Third Annual Bike & Hike Trail Day

Come celebrate the Chehalis Western Trail on Saturday May 10th!

Thurston County Parks and Rec is putting on their 3rd Annual Bike and Hike Day to kick off their Friends of the Trail Program! Get out your bike, or walking shoes...even roller skates and come and join the community in celebrating our trail system. Event starts at 9am, at the Chambers Lake Trail Head off of 14th Ave, and goes until noon. Starbucks and Jamba Juice are a couple of the sponsors and will be there giving away free samples!

What fun, see you there!

Earth Day Market Ride Huge Success!

We had over 100 people attend the 3rd Annual Earth Day Market Ride, despite the forecast for snow! Thank you to all of the kids, families and individuals who came out and pedaled!

Everyone rode from our six designated neighborhood spots down to the fountain downtown and we proceeded on to the Farmers Market together. Once there, people registered for the contest received their free 2008 BCC waterbottles and did some grocery shopping. A lucky individual won the New Belgium Cruiser Bike we gave away, and has been contacted. Thank you everyone who entered in the drawing!

BCC IN THE NEWS!!!

Biking to work yields rewards: Cyclists enjoy health benefits, skip gas station, have time to reflect

From The Olympian 4.13.08

Last May, Dr. Bob Lang parked his car in the garage of his Johnson Point-area home at the beginning of the Bicycle Commuter Contest. "And I didn't take it out for the month," the neurosurgeon said.

Not only did Lang, 60, ride his bike more than 20 miles round trip to Providence St. Peter Hospital almost daily, he also used pedal power to run all of his errands.
The result: Lang biked a whopping 1,218 miles during the month of May, the most miles reported i n the competition, which drew more than 1,000 participants.

Registration is open for this year's Bicycle Commuter Contest, also known as the BCC. It begins May 1 and is open to all Thurston County residents.

In its 21st year, the contest offers cycling education, free bike tune-ups, and prizes and awards. To participate, riders need to register, record and report their mileage during the month of May. The contest began in 1988 as a challenge between a few workplaces in Olympia and about 30 participants.

These days, it's organized by Intercity Transit and features an assortment of related events, such as next Sunday's Earth Day Market Ride, which encourages people to form neighborhood rides to Olympia Farmers Market, and the Wrencher's Ball, a free bicycle safety check at the Olympia Transit Center on April 25.

Organizers say the contest has grown mainly because more people are choosing to run their errands by bicycle and bike to work.

Surveys show bicycle commuting has increased more than 75 percent during the past decade, according to the state Department of Transportation.

"The level of interest in alternative travel modes has jumped substantially," said Meg Kester, a spokeswoman at IT. "... Commuting is expensive, and is getting more expensive every week."
Lang bikes to work during the spring, summer and fall. Besides saving gasoline money, he said it allows him to view wildlife and get a good cardio workout every day.

"I lost 17 pounds during the last contest," he said.

But riders say a lengthy commute isn't required to benefit from the experience. For example, Kathy Chapman only rides about two miles from her home to the state Department of Health in Tumwater, where she is a manager for the Women, Infants and Children Nutrition Program.

It usually takes less time to ride than it does to drive.

"It's also easy to park," said Chapman, 42. "I don't have to worry about parking in the parking garage. I have front-door parking."

Last year's participants pedaled more than 87,000 miles during May, Kester said.
"There was a cumulative reduction of 80,000 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions," she said. "Anytime there is a reduction in CO2 emissions, that helps offset the greenhouse effect and the contribution on global warming."

Riders collectively saved more than $14,000 in gasoline money, as well, IT officials said.

Brian Mitchell, 35, of Olympia used last year's contest to begin a major lifestyle change - one that makes little use of his Nissan Frontier truck, which burned through more than $120 a month in gasoline. (read more)

What great coverage of the BCC and bicycle commuting! The article touched on three main points of bicycle commuting, and the contest, and why it exists:

First, the long hauls that Dr. Lang endures on his daily commute are very beneficial in that he saves a ton of money in gas prices and stays fit.

Second, the short trips that Kathy Chapman makes to her worksite, merely two miles away benefit her in a major way. She spends ten minutes biking to work, and ten minutes back, which does not seem like a lot, but adds up to 20 minutes a day of exercise that she would not get sitting in her car, AND she does not have to find parking once she gets there, she gets front row...and it's free.

Third, Brian Mitchell has started bike commuting because of the BCC which encouraged him to start when he joined for the first time last year. THIS is precisely what the BCC is all about. Way to go Brian, for starting a lifestyle change that spawned from the BCC.

Let's ALL get out and ride this year, and ditch those gas prices! ~KT

How to Fit a Bicycle Helmet

Easy Instructions from the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute:

Time invested in fitting a helmet pays big safety and comfort dividends!

Your objective: Snug, Level, Stable
You want the helmet to be comfortably touching the head all the way around, level and stable enough to resist even violent shakes or hard blows and stay in place. It should be as low on the head as possible to maximize side coverage, and held level on the head with the strap comfortably snug.

Be Prepared for the Worst
Heads come in many sizes and shapes. You should be prepared for the possibility that the helmet you are trying to fit may not be compatible with this particular head. And unfortunately, you should expect to spend ten to fifteen minutes to get your helmet properly fitted.

1. Adjust the fit pads or ring
Helmets that fit with pads come with at least one set of foam fitting pads, and if you got a second set of thicker pads it can be used to customize the shape. For starters, you can often remove the top pad entirely or use the thinnest ones. This lowers the helmet on the head, bringing its protection down further on the sides. It may reduce the flow of cooling air slightly, but probably not enough to notice.

Adjust the side fit pads by using thicker pads if your head is narrow and there is a space, or add thicker pads in the back for shorter heads. You may also move pads around, particularly on the "corners" in the front and rear. Leaving some gaps will improve air flow. The pads should touch your head evenly all the way around, without making the fit too tight. The pads may compress slightly over time, but not much, so do not count on that to loosen the fit. The helmet should sit level on the head, with the front just above the eyebrows, or if the rider uses glasses, just above the frame of the glasses. If you walk into a wall, the helmet should hit before your nose does!
There are also helmets on the market that use a fitting ring rather than side pads for adjustment. With these one-size-fits-all models you begin by adjusting the size of the ring. Some of them may require the ring so tight for real stability on your head that they feel binding, but loosening the ring can produce a sloppy fit, indicating that the helmet is not for you.

2. Adjust the straps
Now put the helmet on and fasten the buckle. Be sure the front is in front! You want to adjust it to the "Eye-Ear-Mouth" test developed by the Bicycle Coalition of Maine:

• When you look upward the front rim should be barely visible to your eye
• The Y of the side straps should meet just below your ear
• The chin strap should be snug against the chin so that when you open your mouth very wide you feel the helmet pull down a little bit.

With the helmet in position on your head, adjust the length of the rear straps, then the length of the front straps, to locate the Y fitting where the straps come together just under your ear. That may involve sliding the straps across the top of the helmet to get the length even on both sides. Then adjust the length of the chin strap so it is comfortably snug. If it cuts into the chin and is not comfortable, it is too tight. Now pay attention to the rear stabilizer if the helmet has one. It can keep the helmet from jiggling in normal use and make it feel more stable, but only a well-adjusted strap can keep it on in a crash.

When you think the straps are about right, shake your head around violently. Then put your palm under the front edge and push up and back. Can you move the helmet more than an inch or so from level, exposing your bare forehead? Then you need to tighten the strap in front of your ear, and perhaps loosen the rear strap behind your ear. Again, the two straps should meet just below your ear. Now reach back and grab the back edge. Pull up. Can you move the helmet more than an inch? If so, tighten the rear strap.

For a final check, look in a mirror or look at the wearer whose helmet you are fitting. Move the helmet side to side and front to back, watching the skin around the eyebrows. It should move slightly with the helmet. If it does not, the fit pads are probably too thin in front or back.
When you are done, your helmet should be level, feel solid on your head and be comfortable. It should not bump on your glasses (if it does, tighten the nape strap). It should pass the eye-ear-mouth test. You should forget you are wearing it most of the time, just like a seat belt or a good pair of shoes. If it still does not fit that way, keep working with the straps and pads, or try another helmet.

Note: with a helmet that fits this well on a child, you must be sure the child removes the helmet before climbing trees and playing on playground equipment. Otherwise there is a risk of catching the helmet and being strangled! That doesn't happen in normal bike riding, even in crashes, but it can happen while climbing trees or monkey bars. Here is a page with details on that problem.

Finally, you want the straps to stay adjusted. Some helmets--even expensive ones--do not have locking pieces on the side where the straps come together under your ear. If you can move the side buckle with your hand, it will migrate in use. We call that "strap creep," and it is a major problem. If your helmet has non-locking side pieces, that means you have to either put on a rubber band and snug it up under the side buckle, or you will need to sew the straps when you have the fit just right. If you use heavy thread you only need five or six stiches to hold it. It's an extra chore, but worth it. We have a page on strap creep if you need more details.

You're Done!

We hope it worked for you. Let the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute know how they can improve these instructions.

DOT Seeking Comments

The Washington Department of Transportation is seeking the publics' opinion about the 2008-2027 draft plan for state bicycle facilities and pedestrian walkways.
See details here: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/bike/bike_plan.htm

Please take this chance to comment about your opinions on our community's bicycle/pedestrian future! Click on the link above and you can download the draft plan and leave comments through email or phone. There are public hearings planned for the month of April as well, anyone can attend these hearings and speak their mind about the plan for our state's bike/ped accessibility:

April 22, 6:30 – 8 p.m.
WSDOT, Southwest Region Office
11018 NE 51^st Circle
Vancouver

April 23, 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Hal Holmes Center
209 N. Ruby Street
Ellensburg

April 24, 7 – 9 p.m.
West Central Community Center
1603 N. Belt Street
Spokane

April 25, 4 – 6 p.m.
REI – Downtown Seattle
222 Yale Avenue N.
Seattle

WSDOT staff will open the hearing with a short presentation and take testimony from individuals who sign in. Speakers will be asked to limit their comments to three minutes to ensure everyone has an opportunity to be heard.

Be Nice to Budd - Nikki McClure Tote-Bag Give Away

The City of Olympia is hosting a promotion for Budd Inlet. Attend three of several events that include clean-up workshops, informational lectures and of course participating in our Bicycle Commuter Contest, and get a free hemp tote bag with a Nikki McClure print! Details here.

Student Cyclists Making a Difference

Eco-bikers begin 5,400-mile journey

From The Seattle Times 3.31.08

For 22 days they'll meet with big-city mayors, christen biodiesel buses and plant ceremonial trees like eco-Johnny Appleseeds. For 22 days they'll blog, shoot video and call attention to global warming.

All while riding bicycles across the country.

And one more thing: They've got to turn in homework, too.

The six West Seattle students who will set out today are nothing if not ambitious. The youngest is just 10; the oldest, 18.

It's all part of what they call "An Inconvenient Ride," led by Chief Sealth High School teacher Gary Thomsen, who has organized similar student bike trips, including two that paid tribute to the legacy of Negro-leagues baseball.

"We want to show people that teens and youth can make a difference," said Arielle Washington, 15, who is not riding but making the trip to help organize meetings and speak with news media.
"If we can bike across America, hopefully it will get people thinking, why not turn off that light bulb or unplug that computer they're not using," said Jacob Kenny, 15.

The journey is scheduled to conclude with an Earth Day return to Seattle, where the students will be feted by Mayor Greg Nickels and acclaimed nature photographer Art Wolfe at a Benaroya Hall fundraiser with the goal of planting 2,500 trees in the city. (read more)

These kids are motivated to make a difference! They have a lot of distance to cover and a lot of people to influence. And it looks like they will be in Olympia April 21! I wonder if we could give them a welcome to our city and state capitol to show them we support their efforts! ~KT

Wrencher's Ball 2008!

Come join bike commute enthusiasts at the downtown Olympia Transit Center (222 State Ave) on Friday, April 25 from 7am - 5pm. Register for the contest, get a free water bottle with the 2008 BCC theme (while supplies last) and best of all, get a free bicycle safety check and mini tune-up! We will have a bus bike rack demo available if you'd like to learn how to put your bike on the bus. Local bike shop mechanics will be volunteering to tune-up bikes from:

• The Bike Stand


• The Evergreen Bike Shop


• Joy Ride


• Old Town Bicycle


• OlyBikes
  

Bikes will be tuned-up on a first come, first served basis, so be prepared to leave your bike with us for a while. We close up shop at 5:15pm sharp, so please pick your bike up by this time, we are not responsible for bikes left at the Olympia Transit Center.

Earth Day Market Ride 2008

Get a head start on the contest at our 3rd Annual Earth Day Market Ride scheduled for Sunday, April 20. You may count your miles for this ride on your mileage log!

This event is for people who are new to bike commuting and want to become familiar with riding in traffic, but anyone can come, we encourage it! Experienced ride leaders will start a ride from various parts of our community and will lead them downtown to Heritage Park (the fountain). If you would like to ride with someone for your first time out or learn some commute tips from experienced riders, join one of the rides below! And if you are an experienced rider and want to join us to promote bicycle transportation, everyone's welcome! All rides will keep a slow pace and will be about 2-7 miles long. Once all rides converge at Heritage Park, we will proceed on to the Earth Day Celebration at the Olympia Farmers Market and visit the Intercity Transit tent where we can:

• register for the contest and enter to win a NEW BELGIUM Adult Cruiser Bike, drawing held at 1pm


• get free water bottles with the 2008 BCC theme! while supplies last!


• learn how to fix a flat tire and what to carry with you at the 'flat fix demos'


• get free bike maps and more bike commute info

1 Evergreen Ride, students and area residents invited
Where: Evergreen State College, Red Square
Ride Leader: Ava and friends from the Evergreen Bike Shop
When: Ride leaves at 9:45am

2 Westside Ride
Where: 6th Ave SW and Decatur (1609 6th Ave SW)
Ride Leader: Chris Jennings
When: Meet at 10am

3 Eastside Ride
Where: Roosevelt Elementary, meet in front of school
Ride Leader: Kris Fransen
When: Ride leaves at 10:15am

4 Olympia/Tumwater Ride
Where: Olympia High School, North St. parking lot near stadium
Ride Leaders: Ann & Brian Mitchell
When: Ride leaves at 10am

5 Lacey Ride
Where: South Sound Center, by the flag pole
Ride Leader: Dane Clay
When: Ride leaves at 10am

6 Northeast Olympia/Boston Harbor Ride
Where: Shincke Rd Trailhead, Chehalis Western Trail Ride
Ride Leader: Lee Peterson
When: Ride leaves at 10am

2008 BCC T-Shirts are Available!

The 2008 Bicycle Commuter Contest theme is Start a Chain Reaction...Go Green by Cycling! This theme was thought up by Rob Bricel, avid bike commuter from DOR, and Barbara McConkey, graphic designer from InForm Design. Purchase a contest t-shirt with registration!
T-shirts are $15 and are available at the downtown Olympia Transit Center and select pre-contest events. They can be ordered along with your registration on the registration form or you can walk in to the Olympia Transit Center and register in person and pick yours up there. T-shirts will not be mailed out if you order yours through the mail. They will be available for pick up from April 1-May 31. Questions? Email Kerry Tarullo at ktarullo@intercitytransit.com

Enter to Win a New Belgium Cruiser Bike!

The 2008 Bicycle Commuter Contest is holding a drawing for a free, New Belgium Adult Cruiser Bike!

To enter the drawing you must be registered for the Bicycle Commuter Contest. Print a registration form here, pick one up at the Olympia Transit Center or any local bike shop. Check the box on your form to enter in a chance to win this bike ! It's that easy!


If you would like to see this bike in person, visit Ralph's Thriftway at 1908 East 4th in Olympia where they will have it on display for the month of April. You can pick up a registration form here as well. The drawing will take place after our Earth Day Market Ride at the Farmers Market at 1pm Sunday, April 20. You must register before then! You do not have to be present to win. This bike was donated by New Belgium Brewing. This is an adult sized, single speed w/ coaster brake cruiser bike with a front and rear rack and battery powered headlamp. The bike is not intended for use by children.

And now for a word...film from our sponsor, New Belgium Brewing: