Mayor Birney's Story: "Bike Days in Redmond"

This story is a little dated but it's interesting and fun.  The pixilated pedestrian 

and bike bridge is shown with the Mayor highlighting it's art. Cool....

"Washington Bike Law" Represents Injured Bicyclists

 Ten Bicyclists Injured on the Burke-Gilman Trail's “Missing Link"

About Washington Bike Law:

 

Washington Bike Law (WBL) represents injured bicyclists statewide and helps make our streets safer for everyone. WBL was the first law office in the nation to be honored by the League of American Bicyclists as a Bike Friendly Business. Find more at www.washingtonbikelaw.com.

Bike accidents are probable in Redmond:  1) no protected bike lanes, 2) the intersection of Redmond Way and East Lake Sammamish Blvd. is hazardous and potentially deadly.  The City of Redmond could be liable.  (B. Yoder.) 

 

SEATTLE – Ten people injured in bicycle crashes on the "Missing Link" of the Burke-Gilman Trail recently filed claims against the City of Seattle for its failure to make the existing roadway reasonably safe for ordinary travel, according to attorneys representing the individuals. The ten riders suffered varying degrees of injury ranging from contusions to broken bones to traumatic brain injury.

 

Washington Bike Law (WBL) and Schroeter Goldmark & Bender (SGB) are Seattle law firms cooperatively representing the bicyclists. “The aim of the claim notices filed today is not simply to achieve compensation for our clients’ injuries, but to prompt action by the City to prevent more people from being seriously injured by this known danger,” said SGB attorney Adam Berger.

 

The Missing Link is a 1.4-mile stretch in Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood where the Burke-Gilman Trail abruptly ends, sending bicyclists onto streets that are still not reasonably safe for travel by bicycle. The ten bicyclists were all injured where many others have crashed before them: the Missing Link’s “Crash Zone,” a dangerous railroad crossing under the Ballard Bridge.

 

WBL’s Bob Anderton has represented multiple bicyclists injured in this same Crash Zone dating as far back as 2001. 

UPDATED OPINION, 2/23/23: Redmond Town Center's New Owner Proposes Amendments Allowing 12-Story Buildings

Imagining a new town center

OPINION:  It's all so confusing and I'm still unclear.  The new owner of Redmond Town Center, Fairbourne Properties, is proposing "zone text amendments" that would allow two 12-story buildings on his property in exchange for "public benefits" such as, affordable housing, environmental stewardship, and business diversity (eg. retail retail, retail; restaurants, entrepreneurs, recreation, small business, commercial,   The benefits are vague and Council is working to clarify them.

A partial summary of the proposed amendments appear as follows:

1) Increase maximum height to 12-stories through an incentive program of 3 extra levels for above grade parking per building, electric bike space and decent pedestrian lighting.   

2) One amendment involves the owner offering "exceptional amenities" for additional height.  I crave colorful, covered plazas and courtyards, eclectic and cultural artworks, sustainable-public-rooftop-patios-with-pristine-views, public spaces for daycare and pets, and above all else, well lit performing arts spaces welcoming and entertaining all, including commercial and retail employees.  Pickleball is a craze and rooftop courts to activate the Center are being looked at.

3) It's my understanding, the final amendment, if passed, could expand "Town Center Mixed Use" into certain parcels along Bear Creek Parkway; serviced by an office gateway.  The expansion plan is unclear; and it may never happen.

-- Bob Yoder, Opinion, 1/30/2023, Updated 2/22/23, Resident of Redmond, WA.

SOURCES:  

Council "Planning and Public Works" Committee of the Whole memo, 1/3/2023, excerpted and edited.  Unfortunately, the city red-lined this memo. 

City Council memo, 1/17/2023 - discusses privately initiated text amendments.

FAIRBOURNE Properties (owner)

Hines, RTC owner's consultant and outreach arm.  (Patrick Woodruff is the Hines lead; he's local and enthusiastically seeking ALL opinions and feedback.) 

Engage with the community and the owner HERE)

Carol Helland, Director of Planning and Community Development.  (Ask for Ms. Helland's contact information at info@redmond.gov or Mayor@redmond.gov)

Arnold Tomac, Past President Redmond City Council, a Town Center founder, and co-founder of the Ped/Bike Advisory Committee.  Arnie's BIO.  

-- Bob Yoder, 2/23/23

Lime e-bikes On Powerline Trail

 

click to enlarge

They're back! (with graffiti.)  This Lime e-bike rests at the bottom of the Powerline trail in the forest near the river.

There's  Lime e-scooter information on the city website but no information on Lime e-bikes.  If you want to report a problem with Lime or make requests and find answers email info@redmond.gov.

-- Bob Yoder, 7/12/2022

Redmond Is Juiced On LIME Scooters

double click to enlarge

This picture shows two positives:  1) The scooters are parked next to a wayfinding sign [they need updating] and 2)  Looking closely, you'll see two new, modernized scooters. They are much more inviting than the scuffed LIMES handed down from Seattle.  They look and probably are safer.  I'm 70 with lousy balance yet might even jump on a new one were it not for the sidewalk issues. Oh, and I need a helmet.  

I didn't understand why the City permitted LIME so early when light rail is three years away.  But, now may be a good time to test scooters for usage on the major trails and downtown sidewalks and streets.  LIME is trying to condition and educate us; and to date, it appears few have learned.  

The program looks like a flop; patience is required. I hope to see many more scooters on the roads. I'm confident the City can make a success of it with the right education.  At least LIME is paying for it -- I hope.  

-- Bob Yoder

    6/5/2021

    Photo:  Yoder

Tour de Redmond 2020 - Bike Back To Redmond And Support Local Businesses

 Ride your bike back to Redmond and support local Redmond businesses with this year’s Tour de Redmond’s community bicycle challenge and weekly scavenger hunt! This year’s Tour de Redmond will be held from September 1-30. Registration is open!

Organized by the Greater Redmond Transportation Management Association,  Redmond's advocate for better streets, trails, and transit, the bike challenge is open to employees, commuters, and residents of all ages and abilities!

The Tour de Redmond is all about encouraging new people to try getting around on two wheels. Create a team of up to 10 of your friends, family, or colleagues. For each day one of your team members rides, you’ll get a point. Participants of the teams with the most points at the end of September will be entered for rewards at local Redmond businesses.

Prefer a different pace? Join our weekly photo scavenger hunt challenge on four scenic trails across Redmond featuring local businesses and Redmond's new trails and light rail.

Learn more and register here - https://grtma.org/tour-de-redmond-2020/. 

"EasTrail" Will Connect Four Light Rail Stations

July 19, 2019 video

"EasTrail," a forty-two mile multi-purpose trail connecting four eastside light rail stations is expected to open in 2023...an amazing amenity for our region! It follows the old rail corridor. One of the goals is to complete the trail from Renton to Redmond and Woodinville by 2025.  The trail will ultimately extend to Bothell, Mill Creek and Snohomish.  

This is so exciting! Especially for recreational bicyclists and commuters! 

-- Bob Yoder

Electric scooters to debut in Redmond July 30th.

Lime, a private bike and scooter share company, is expected to debut electric scooters in Redmond on Tuesday, July 30, and may add bicycles in the future.

This pilot program allows residents and employees to use bikes and/or scooters until May 2020 and then bike and scooter share will be reconsidered.

Vision

Bicycle and scooter sharing support the City’s vision in the Transportation Master Plan (TMP) to improve travel choices and mobility. The scooters will give Redmond travelers new options as the average trip in Redmond is 2.2 miles, which is about a 15-minute bike or scooter ride.

redmond.gov

EDITED: Lime bike shares are here, parking on neighborhood sidewalks

Credit/ Bob Yoder, 7:30 pm

I was surprised and bothered to see my first lime ebike (electric) in my Education Hill neighborhood 5:30pm a few days ago. The cyclist was riding on the sidewalk, not always safe since electric bikes are powerful.  Then, tonight I saw this ebike share parked on a sidewalk in a nearby cul-de-sac' It was left by a college student.  "It only costs a dollar" said the little boy.

According to new city code AND Jill Smith, Director of Communications  bike and scooter share vehicles will be allowed to park on sidewalks in neighborhoods so long as 5 feet of the sidewalk is free from obstruction. “Well, as good citizens we can always move them off the sidewalk.   Though bike shares are useful downtown, as more come up the hill we may find them less than desirable. Please, please stay downtown, where they have the most benefit. If you have questions write: council@redmond.gov 

-- Bob Yoder

My trip to Europe -- Redmond History & urban transportation

Two long rows of "scooters-motorcycles " blanket a plaza
in Sorrento credit/ Pam Yoder

On July 23, our family burst out of the Redmond bubble for an eye-opening visit to Ireland and Italy.  After 40 years of life in Redmond it was about time to gain new perspectives!

Our trip was instigated by my nephew, playing the Irish in a  Aussie Rules Football. tournament.  We lost both games but the Guinness, Jamison and lively pubs made up for it.

I had my eye out for the McRedmonds in Ireland.  None to be found.  Luke McRedmond immigrated to America during the potato famine and homesteaded here in 1850.  Upon becoming postmaster in 1882 he renamed the town from "Salmonberg" to Redmond.  [Click on the hyperlink to read a fascinating account of the early development of Redmond up to Microsoft's presence.]

My daughter Lexie, and her boyfriend had to leave after the tourney.  Pam and I extended our trip to visit Venice, Rome, Sorrento and Capri.  Great times!! but the biggest negative was a plethora of noisy, invasive "scooters" in Sorrento (pop. 16,500.)  They appeared as a scooter-motorcycle hybrid....not the kind I know...and often drove only feet from back-street restaurants.  As opposed to Ireland, Italian streets have no curbs so the "scooters" can drive and park most anywhere,  Cars had less presence. I saw a handful electric bikes and bicycles but no bike shares.  Rather, the streets and plazas were loaded with many large scooter parking spaces, as seen in the photo.

Electric bikes and bike shares have a smaller parking footprint than scooters and our curbed streets make these bikes less invasive and more controlled.  Electric bikes and bike shares are more appropriate than scooters for our urban centers and are the wave of the future for Redmond.

B. Yoder, opinion

Bike shares in our neighborhoods and parks?

W

Internet photo

Council reviewed the draft "bike share pilot program" at their last study session.  Staff made the following recommendations for the pilot project.  As I read it:

1)  The total fleet (composed of 2 bike share companies) will initially be 400 bike shares. Council member Margeson said "this is a very conservative number."   A minimum amount of electric-bike shares (e-shares) will be 10%, because as Mr. Margeson says "We have a lot of hills in Redmond."  Council member Hank Myers said this regulation is unneeded.  I agree.

Internet photo

2)  "Bike shares shall not be parked within the 5-foot pedestrian walk zones of a sidewalk." Thus, they won't be allowed to park on our neighborhood sidewalks.   However e-shares can climb our neighborhood hills to all of our city parks and park there.

In all likelihood, we can expect bike shares legally available in our city by late August.  These bike shares will change the look and feel of our city.

If you have any questions or concerns contact info@redmond.gov.

B. Yoder, opinion

UPDATED OPINION: Bike Shares could pollute our city

These Lime bikes and other "bike shares" will be invading Redmond.

Well, it looks like the unpleasant "Lime Greens" will shortly be seen on most corners of our downtown and some even polluting our neighborhoods and trails unless the city doesn't put firm regulations on them. The "Limes" and other bike shares coming out of Seattle could pressure our three bike shops out of Redmond; we'd lose the tax income from these shops and our city's character.  But, they do provide short transportation links to and from the transit centers.

Lake Union (Kiro.)  Lake Sammamish next?

I saw a large tangle of about 20 unused Limes at the Bothell bridge over the Sammamish River.  And, I saw one Lime abandoned on the green-belt next to the river.  I guess someone wanted to ride from Bothell, to a nice spot on the river, dump the bike (like trash) and hike back.  And then, there's the safety issue.  People who have never ridden a bike, especially in downtown streets, are more susceptible to a collision. 

The Limes are now electric so have the capability to run through our downtown transportation corridors-- and be left on roads like East and West Lake Sammamish Blvd. 116th and 124th.  Residents could drive them to the Downtown Park and surround it (art?) before heading back up the hill to neighborhood feeders. Same with the soccer fields and community center.

Shelly, a salesperson for Seattle Electric Bike in Bothell said she had some concerns about the bike shares but indicated permitting should solve most problems.  She sells a wide variety of sturdy, aesthetically pleasing electric bikes as does PIM and PEDEGO-Redmond. (PIM is out of Freemont and PEDEGO-Redmond is at 8296 160th Ave, NE.).

"Read More" for the City of Redmond's plans and point of view

Youth Bike Camps at Marymoor Park

When I learned about Pedalheads Bike Camps at the Redmond Town Center Extravagance festival I was blown away.  Twenty years ago when my daughter Lexie was learning how to ride we struggled teaching her, she fell a lot, became anxious about the sport and never tried it again. Had a bike camp existed we would have immediately put her into it.

I rode the PIM ebike to Extravaganza and chatted with
Pedalheads at their booth

Even though Redmond is known as "The Bicycle Capital of the Northwest" it's hard to believe the city's  never offered a bike camp.  We have lacrosse camps, softball classes, flag-football clubs, soccer camps, swim classes, basketball camps, baseball clubs, a variety of community center classes but nothing for parents wanting to teach their kids how to ride safely and securely.

I called Pedalheads to learn about their Marymoor Park classes.  The popular Level One class, June 26-29 is already filled.  They have a special, July 2-6 for $188.00.  July 9-August 27 half day classes cost $235/week and are still open. To register call 1-888-886-6464 or visit their website.

B. Yoder

UPDATED: "Try Something New" at Redmond Town Center

"Try something new" at RTC.  Come to the Extravaganza festival at Redmond Town Center this Saturday at Noon! Lots of fun things to do:  face painting, petting zoo, scavenger hunt, balloon twisters, trampolines, bounce house, basketball and lots of food.

I'll be there too with this PIM electric bike in the afternoon for show and tell. I may may sign up some some interested people for a test drive!  They're easy to ride   Look for me by the Archer Hotel near the Sammamish Trail.  Ebikes are recreational and also great for sweat-free commuting and avoiding all that nasty traffic.

PIM isn't the only ebike company in town.  Seattle Electric Bike in Bothell has a wide range of ebikes.  Shelly Bowman sells their bikes.  She's an amazing community volunteer and knows everything local and regional when it comes to bikes.  Shelly's a City of Redmond Parks commissioner, she's on the city "PED/BIKE" advisory committee, she's V.P. of WheelLab, a youth bike program, and is a "Community Servant Leader" in Bothell.

Try Something New, Try Electric Bikes!

B. Yoder

The Redmond Derby Days Criterium Bicycle Race - "Then and Now!"

The second Derby Day Bicycle race was held in 1941 at this starting point.  What will your photo look like?
Courtesy of Redmond Heritage Society

It's hard to pinpoint the exact location of the race in this photo but the Derby Days Bicycle races are so symbolic of Redmond that "The Friends of Redmond Library" (FB) want to include it in their photo contest.  $100 Grand Prizes!

The races began in 1940 and this is a photo of the second year they took place. Note the starting ribbon being held across the competitors to ensure a fair start.  Question?  Will Mayor Marchione hold a ribbon this Centennial year?  The name has changed to The Swedish Medical Center Criterium but the tradition continues.   According to the City of Redmond, the races are in their 72^nd year and are the longest running bicycle race in the nation!  

The Swedish Medical Center Criterirum is a series of multi-lap races running through the downtown and starting at the Courtyard.  Races will be held between 1:15 to 4pm on Saturday.  A kid's race is at 3:15.  Don't miss the Pros's from 7-8pm!  

This photo is one of six historic Redmond photographs being featured in the Redmond Library's "Then & Now Photo Contest." From June until August 15th residents of every age and background will be vying for a chance to have their photographs be the "Now" representations of six Redmond scenes, including this one. Two Grand Prize Winners will receive $100 - one adult, one child.  Read More to See Contest Details >>

Redmond history highlights from the '50's

1952 Lake Sammamish fishermen complain a seal is eating all of the fish, but state fisheries agents are unable to catch it, and the seal continues to live in the lake for the next 22 years

1955 Redmond's population increases to 792 

1957 Nike Missile facility is built in Redmond by the US Army. The control center is located behind Hartman Park.

1960 US Census records Redmond population as 1,426, almost doubling in just 5 years.

 Read these and other fun Redmond facts in this month's issue of the Centennial Chronicle

 Read More in the Chronicle!

Redmond Derby Days is coming July 13, 14, 15

Graffiti art in "Edge Skate Park"

A few slides show a chipped "Free Wall" with about an inch of graffiti paint!  The wall has been painted over so many times that you can find layers of paint dating back 15 years.  The walls you see have been painted more than once in the last month.  

Graffiti art has been painted on the “Free Walls” of Redmond’s downtown Edge Skate Park from the day it was dedicated, over 15 years ago.  Anyone is free to paint graffiti on the walls.  These walls are special not only for their art, but for mitigating unwanted graffiti tags from migrating into the skate arena itself.

The skate board and BMX community and neighborhoods have great pride in Edge Park. Skaters say the creative graffiti art usually lasts on the Free Walls for 2-4 weeks before it has to be painted over again.  An unidentified community of passionate graffiti artists re-paint the walls.  According to Ken Wong of the Teen Center, the graffiti artists aren't managed by the City.

Redmond's one-of-a kind Edge Skate Park is located a stone's throw from the downtown Fire station and Metro Bus Park & Ride on 8420 161st Ave. NE.  The Free Walls facing the Park & Ride usually have the best graffiti art. Their tags are probably painted over more often owing to their visibility to commuters.  The paint thickness shows it.

Redmond Parks Operations Manager, Dave Tuchek, says the Park was conceptualized in the mid-1995's by Nick Lovell of the Redmond Police Department.  It was built during the Rosemarie Ives Administration. Dave says, periodically - less than 5-6 times/year - obscenities or graffiti are tagged in the concrete skating arena by outsiders.   Dave says, if the tags aren't removed within about 24 hours it gets worse and spreads.  He takes pictures of the tags for the police report.  Police and Fire have presence too; their refueling station is next door.  

By Bob Yoder
Seattle Times Communities Partner
Photos by Yoder (35 photos)

The Seattle Times graffiti story (4/26) is here