King County approves use of e-bikes on regional trails

The 175-mile network of paved trails in King County may become more of an integral piece of the region’s commuter transportation network. Seattle Times.

 

The Metropolitan King County Council last week updated the criteria the parks director uses to set fees, the changes include new rules allowing e-bikes and e-scooters on regional trails, as well as the approval of a study that could open up the trails to riding after dark. 

 

When the changes take effect later this month, the county’s vast network of trails — from the celebrated 27-mile Burke-Gilman Trail to the little-known 3.6-mile East Plateau Trail — will be governed by the same rules the state, Seattle, and Snohomish and Pierce counties have for trails allowing e-bikes and e-scooters.

 

See entire article plus map in Seattle Times.

Bike Everywhere Day Coming Up

This Friday, May 17 is Bike Everywhere Day - this annual celebration encourages bike riding of all types, whether it be for fun, exercise, commuting, or sport. Islanders are invited to take part in or support cycling in our community as a fun and sustainable activity. For this year's event, team members from the King County North Mercer Island/Enatai sewer upgrade project will be tabling at North Mercer Way and SE 36th Street by the I-90 trail to share the latest information on this work, including impacts to bike routes and what's ahead. Riders can stop by from 9:00am - 11:30am and get project fliers, information on active detours, plus giveaways and snacks. You can learn more about this project on the County's website.

Washington’s Statewide E-bike Rebate Program Is Still on the Way

In 2023, Washington State took a big step toward joining the growing ranks of other states and cities around the country that are providing cash rebates for residents to purchase electric bikes. With a $5 million allocation in the state transportation budget, the legislature signaled its intent to start to incentivize the purchase of e-bikes. Already, e-bike sales nationwide have outpaced the sales of electric cars, despite much larger subsidies for the latter.

E-bike rebates are taking off across the US as localities seek to find a way to quickly encourage more walking and biking trips, and e-bikes grow in popularity as many households increasingly turn to them as a way to replace at least one car in an urban environment.  Thanks to the Urbanist.

Mercer Island City Council to Discuss TIP on June 4

The 2035-2030 Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) if on the Mercer Island City Council's agenda for June 4.  Comments from the public can be registered on Let's Talk Mercer Island.   While the draft plan has not yet been released, a key issue will be to insure that work continues to create a safe bicycle route through the Island Crest Way Corridor.  Doing so will connect students with our schools and all residents with the city center and new light rail station.  Your support is needed to move this project forward. 

Ramrod Is Back, But in September

According to the Seattle Bike Blog "After a couple months of butting heads with officials at Mount Rainier National Park and negotiating with the help of Rep. Kim Schrier, the Redmond Cycling Club announced this week that the ride is on for September 4, the Wednesday after Labor Day. This sets the ride date after the end of the park’s new timed entry program and peak visitor season, though it does introduce some new variables like late season weather and less daylight."

Washington State Bicycle Laws and Safety

As a bicycle is a legal vehicle, just like a car, bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers.  State bicycle laws are listed here on this WSDOT resource page. 

State-wide Bicycle Education - What to Know

Washington State's new bicycle program is being rolled out now.  A pilot program began with the 2023/24 school year.  Designed to reach 95% of the state's school children, it will arrive on Mercer Island in a year or two.  

The Statewide School-Based Bicycle Safety Education Program, created as part of Move Ahead Washington legislation, includes two programs: One for elementary and middle school students (grades 3-8) to be implemented in school physical education classes, and another for middle and high school youth (grades 6-12) to be implemented out of school or after school. The purpose is “to develop students’ skills and street safety knowledge to be more confident bicyclists for transportation and recreation.”

2024 Ramrod Ride in Doubt

Rep Kim Schrier has asked the US Forest Service to reconsider it's decision to cancel the 39 year old ride.