Board plans mobile meetings, prioritizes May ride for Bike to Work Month

The Bicycle Advisory Board agreed to pursue mobile meetings and community rides in 2025, prioritizing a May event to align with Bike to Work Month and maximize public turnout.

Members said mobile meetings provide both engagement and the chance to see infrastructure in context. Suggested May routes included a South Hill corridor along Thurston, the Children of the Sun Trail, and sections tied to the 27 by 27 initiative. The board discussed flexibility on ride length and format — keeping business items brief, then proceeding on a ride — and encouraged routes that foster public participation and discussion rather than long distances.

Board members proposed inviting relevant city council members and project leads to participate in mobile meetings. One member suggested inviting district council representatives and staff such as Spencer Gardner for 27 by 27 discussions, saying local elected officials’ attendance can help connect the board’s recommendations with council awareness. The board also discussed outreach to community riding groups and local organizers to co-promote rides and broaden attendance.

Members discussed scheduling constraints — fewer rides in winter months — and agreed May through November are preferred for mobile meetings. The board asked volunteers to draft potential routes ahead of the next meeting and agreed staff would coordinate dates with city events already scheduled for May.

The board said mobile meetings should emphasize accessibility and public outreach, including attendance by families and nontraditional riders (scooters, skateboards). They recommended promoting rides through existing channels and exploring new outreach methods to boost engagement.