Goals of Spokespeople
- Spokespeople will link neighbors with local business districts
- Spokespeople will support sustainable local economies along the spokes of the city.
- Spokespeople will bring together new and experienced urban cyclists
- Spokespeople will help to take some of the mystery out of using a bicycle for daily activities
- Spokespeople will showcase new and proposed urban bicycle improvements
- Spokespeople will follow the implementation of the Seattle Bicycle Master Plan
- Spokespeople will create opportunities for people to gather together in a fun, low carbon activity
- Spokespeople can enjoy a free, healthy, sustainable monthly city event
What will Cascade Bicycle Club contribute?
- Expertise in leading community rides. Bike Ambassadors. Helmet programs.
- Connections to experienced cycling community. Connections to bicycle advocacy activists. Outreach expertise.
Where
- Spokespeople rides will begin at Wallingford Playfield and end each month in a different nearby urban neighborhood park, community center, or schoolyard.
- Routes will be planned using the City of Seattle bike maps and with the cooperation of City departments.
- Activities will take place at the final destination (see below for proposed Activities).
- Routes may vary in length from under one mile up to three miles and could include Wallingford to: Fremont, Green Lake, Roosevelt, University District, Ballard, Phinney, South Lake Union, Eastlake, etc.
When
- First Saturday of every month from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., beginning March 1, 2008.
Target Riders (and future new CBC members)
- All levels of experience from first-time urban cyclists through expert commuters
- All ages from families with infant carriers, children through senior cyclists
- All cycling reasons including exercise, environment, cost, convenience, and fun
Proposed Activities
- Free/low cost bike helmets always available - no participation without helmets
- Free coffee, water, energy bars, bike maps
- Free monthly giveaways: water bottle, light, straps, whistle, mirror, tool, book, passport
- Passport? Passport to stamp with completed rides, business giveaways
- Bike helmet, child seat adjustments
- Bike rodeo/obstacle courses at schoolyards
- Mini-workshops on keeping tires with proper air pressure, adequate night lights
Costs of the program
- Bike ambassadors
- Organizing/PR/Outreach for the monthly rides and destination events
- Website/email list hosting and maintenance
- Refreshments and prizes
Possible Partnerships
- School PE classes/ Bike-to-School programs
- Bike helmet programs incl. Harborview
- Neighborhood Councils and COC
- City Council and Departments: SDOT, DPD, Parks, Police, Neighborhoods
- Bicycle Shops and Local businesses
- Mayor? Office/Sust. and Environment
- High School Community Service programs
Possible Sponsors/Outreach
- Safeco
- Bike helmets from stores/Harborview
- DON Climate grants/ Mayor? Office
- Local businesses in destination sites
- Local media organizations
Future of Spokespeople
- Continue monthly bike ride from Wallingford Playfield each month
- Expand program to be centered at BikeWorks in Columbia City
Obstacles
- Insurance and traffic control
- Conflict with Saturday youth sports
