Dear Cyclist,

Chuck Ayers, executive director of the Cascade Bicycle here wishing you happy holidays! This Braking News brings you up to date on events and activities going on at Cascade. But first, I have several requests:

Act Now: Port of Seattle Flip-Flopping on Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corridor.

If you read Keith Ervin's November 28 Seattle Times story, "Report: $37 million option for Eastside train" or Al Runte's December 4 opinion piece, "Eastside rail: We just don't get it", you may have second thoughts about King County's BNSF Eastside corridor plan. The facts, however, are far removed from the claims made. If we don't act, this 42-mile rail-trail corridor may be lost.

Read the Real Story

Take Our Survey: We're always looking to serve our members and the cycling public. To do better in 2008, we sent a survey to thousands of cyclists to find out how we are doing and what we can improve. If you haven't filled it out, or if you didn't receive the e-survey, Take the Survey Today.

Support Cascade: Please remember that your Cascade membership (and donation!) advances our commute programs, advocacy, and education and safety work. Your membership also allows you to register first for our great events, like RSVP. If you are not a member, now is the time to join! If you are a member, please make a year-end donation to support our great work.

Thanks,

Chuck Ayers, Executive Director
chuck.ayers@cascadebicycleclub.org
Cascade Bicycle Club

New! Members-only Event Registration
Cascade Members Get First Crack at Online Event Registrations

Registration for 2008 Cascade Bicycle Club events will be open to members only during the month of January. Last season, several Cascade events sold out in advance. Anyone who joins Cascade Bicycle Club is eligible to receive advance registration. Anyone can join the Club anytime, online through Active.com.

Events open for public registration starting February 1.

Call to Action:
Port Getting Cold Feet on BNSF Corridor

After reading Keith Ervin's November 28 story, "Report: $37 million option for Eastside train" or Al Runte's December 4 opinion piece, "Eastside rail: We just don't get it", you may have second thoughts about the County's BNSF Eastside corridor plan. The facts, however, are far removed from trail opponents claims.

Read the Real Story

Unfortunately, the recent push by trail opponents is causing the Port to back away from their signed agreement with King County to include in the Purchase and Sale Agreement (PSA) to have BNSF remove the old rails from the corridor. The Executive's letter (PDF) gives the Port until this coming Friday, Dec. 7 to make a decision on the removal of the old rails in the PSA. If this is not included in the PSA, King County will kill the deal.

The Commissioners meet to discuss this issue at their meeting this Thursday, December 6. So they need to hear from you today!

Act Today!

Let the Port know that you:

• support the Eastside BNSF proposal
• want them to honor their agreement with King County
• want them to complete the Purchase and Sale Agreement in a way the makes construction of the interim trail possible for King County.

• John Creighton - john.creighton@portseattle.org
• Patricia Davis - patricia.davis@portseattle.org
• Bob Edwards - bob.edwards@portseattle.org
• Alec Fisken - alec.fisken@portseattle.org
• Lloyd Hara - lloyd.hara@portseattle.org

Help pick the Burke-Gilman design in Lake Forest Park

Despite continued attempts by the Lake Forest Park City Council to block the improvement of the Burke-Gilman Trail, King County is pressing ahead with its plans to modernize the oldest section of the trail. On November 1st they released a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) that proposes three potential designs. Trail opponents have picked out their favorite. Will King County hear from cyclists?

Let King County know that you support the "Redevelopment Alternative," particularly:

• The use of modern standards for the placement traffic controls like STOP and YIELD signs
• Clear sight lines at intersections to reduce the chance of crashes between trail users and motorists
• Widening the trail to ease interactions between pedestrians and bicyclists

Email your comments to fmd.sepacomments@kingcounty.gov, with "Burke-Gilman Trail" in the subject line. The deadline is December 18th, so don't delay!

To read the DEIS and learn more about the County's efforts to improve the trail, visit www.metrokc.gov/facilities/burkegilmantrail

To learn how you can help CBC resolve this issue, visit www.cascade.org/Advocacy/burkegilmanlfp.cfm.

Metal Cowboy's Holiday Spectacular

WHEN: Tuesday, Dec. 11, 7 p.m.
WHERE: REI - Seattle | 222 Yale Ave N (206) 470-4020
COST: $5.00 (CBC members 2 for $5.00)

Get ready for another holiday evening of humor and humanity with the Northwest's favorite cycling roustabout. Author and performer Joe Metal Cowboy Kurmaskie does not read from his books. (Yes, he CAN read, but we digress) Instead, the Metal Cowboy commands a stage with multimedia shows that are part stand up comedy, digital slideshow, rant, social commentary, audience interaction, Irish Bard style storytelling and above all, an evening you'll talk about long after he's been extradited by the proper authorities.

"A modern day Mark Twain on two wheels." - USA Today.

It's been almost a year since many of you have had your dose of cycling inspiration and comedy. Joe Metal Cowboy Kurmaskie has not been sitting on his hands pining away for you the whole time. He's managed to to log another 10,000 miles of peddaling mayhem; solo, with his pint-sized posse of sons at times, and most recently, pushing and pulling a caravan of five family members cross the length of Canada. Joe will take you on one helluva a travel adventure next month without having to leave your zipcode.

Cascade Constituent Survey

We have received nearly 3,000 responses to the 2007 Cascade Bicycle Club Constituent Survey! If you have not yet sent us your thoughts, please complete the survey by deadline Wednesday, December 12.

Take the Survey

Thanks for your participation; we value your opinion.

Receiving this message does not mean you are a member of
Cascade Bicycle Club!

Add your voice to the thousands of cyclists in the Puget Sound region as we advocate for cyclists' rights to our elected officials, city planners and citizens. With you in our corner, we can be more effective as we educate business leaders, school teachers, adults and kids about the benefits of cycling and the skills that go with it.

Already a member? Please make an extra contribution to our efforts today. Thank you!

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