About the organization
Washington Bikes represents the 2.5 million people (and growing) who ride bikes for transportation or enjoyment. They advocate for legislation on distracted driving and funding for bicycle infrastructure improvements. WA Bikes also promotes Safe Routes to School which is a successful network of local programs to improve walking and biking infrastructure, so that kids can safely walk and bike to school. This has the great side effect of making walking and biking safer for everyone. WA Bikes has been vocal about the economic impact bicycling has on WA state - 3.1 billion dollars, to be specific - which is something that doesn't get talked about enough in the politically charged discussion about improving and funding bike infrastructure.
Why does it appeal to me?
When I lived in DC I biked a little bit. I was never super comfortable commuting by bike, though, largely because of my discomfort with the way people drive in DC and the poor bicycling infrastructure at the time (which has improved, no doubt, since then.) I also am apparently unable to properly fill a bike tire with air, but that's a story for another time. So, I walked and took transit. DC's best pedestrian advocacy actually came out of the bicycle advocacy group Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA). And here in Washington State I see the same thing, that WA Bikes does great advocacy work for both bicyclists and pedestrians, because so many of the important changes (reduced vehicle speed, better road design, clearer signs, improved intersection infrastructure) impact both of these vulnerable road users.
Want to learn more?
To learn more, click here.
To donate, click here. The donate page is a little confusing, after entering your name and address, click "send your support" and you will be directed to a Paypal donation page.
Follow along with my challenge here on the blog or on Twitter with the hash tag #30daysofcharity. New to this blog? Check out the introduction here.
Want me to see if your favorite organization accepts microdonations, or want me to feature it? Post a comment below.
Showing posts with label vulnerable road users. Show all posts
Showing posts with label vulnerable road users. Show all posts
Saturday, January 24, 2015
Monday, January 5, 2015
Day 5: Smart Growth America and a little primer on streets and pedestrian safety
About the organization
Smart Growth America is a coalition of dozens of economic, housing, transportation and housing organizations that works towards "making communities work for everyone." They tackle a large number of issues from improving rural transportation to revitalizing industrial areas. They've been one of the key players in getting "Complete Streets" implemented across the country as well as playing a role behind the scenes in DC, advocating for Federal laws that improve urban and rural quality of life.
Why does it appeal to me?
When we lived in DC I got to see first hand how hard Smart Growth America staff works to get better policies passed into law in Congress. But they also do really amazing work with local governments, advocating for bicyclists, pedestrians, kids, the elderly and disabled. These groups are called "vulnerable road users" because basically they weigh less than a car and are at risk for significant harm if they are hit by a car. If you're interested in why these users are so at risk, check out how street design can actually create danger for vulnerable users, and an in-depth discussion here about why, in many places, it's not illegal to kill a cyclist with your car. If your community has or is thinking of improving sidewalks, roadway designs, or bike lanes, chances are SGA influenced that decision.
Want to learn more?
To learn more about Smart Growth America, click here.
To donate, click here.
To check out Urbanful, the urban-focused blog and shop that features crafters in cities around the countries, click here.
Follow along with my challenge here on the blog or on Twitter with the hash tag #30daysofcharity. New to the blog and want to learn about the challenge? Click here.
Want me to see if your favorite organization accepts microdonations, or want me to feature it? Post a comment below.
Smart Growth America is a coalition of dozens of economic, housing, transportation and housing organizations that works towards "making communities work for everyone." They tackle a large number of issues from improving rural transportation to revitalizing industrial areas. They've been one of the key players in getting "Complete Streets" implemented across the country as well as playing a role behind the scenes in DC, advocating for Federal laws that improve urban and rural quality of life.
Why does it appeal to me?
When we lived in DC I got to see first hand how hard Smart Growth America staff works to get better policies passed into law in Congress. But they also do really amazing work with local governments, advocating for bicyclists, pedestrians, kids, the elderly and disabled. These groups are called "vulnerable road users" because basically they weigh less than a car and are at risk for significant harm if they are hit by a car. If you're interested in why these users are so at risk, check out how street design can actually create danger for vulnerable users, and an in-depth discussion here about why, in many places, it's not illegal to kill a cyclist with your car. If your community has or is thinking of improving sidewalks, roadway designs, or bike lanes, chances are SGA influenced that decision.
Want to learn more?
To learn more about Smart Growth America, click here.
To donate, click here.
To check out Urbanful, the urban-focused blog and shop that features crafters in cities around the countries, click here.
Follow along with my challenge here on the blog or on Twitter with the hash tag #30daysofcharity. New to the blog and want to learn about the challenge? Click here.
Want me to see if your favorite organization accepts microdonations, or want me to feature it? Post a comment below.
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