It's halftime in Washington
It’s halftime in the legislature. Both chambers are in their respective caucuses discussing what they can do to advance their agenda in the second half.
It’s halftime on Washington’s streets too. People have gotten hurt and many are too scared to ride because we lack safe bicycle infrastructure. And they’re all wondering what can be done to make our streets safe again, like they were when we used to ride our bikes to school. And we’re all scared, because this isn’t a game.
Cascade Bicycle Club knows a little something about this. The defeat of Proposition 1 was a lost opportunity to secure $14 million for bicycle infrastructure over the next ten years. But we pulled together to work on our legislative agenda, and now HB 1217 – the Neighborhood Safe Speeds Bill, SHB 1700 – Safe and Flexible Design Guidelines, and HB 2370 – Adding Health to Washington’s Transportation Goals, have all passed the House and are up for consideration in the Senate. Cascade is fighting again.
I’ve seen a lot of tough political fights, experienced a lot of defeats in my life. And, times when we didn’t understand each other. It seems like we’ve lost our heart at times. When the fog of division, discord, and blame made it hard to see what lies ahead.
But after those trials, we all rallied around our legislative agenda, and acted as one. Because that’s what we do. We find a way through tough times, and if we can’t find a way, then we’ll make one.
All that matters now is what’s ahead. How do we come from behind? How do we come together? And, how do we get our bills through the Senate?
Cascade’s showing us it can be done. And, what’s true about Cascade is true about all of us.
Bicyclists can’t be knocked out with one crash. We get right back on our bikes and when we do the world is going to hear the joyful noise of thousands of bicyclists riding on Washington’s streets.
Yeah, it’s halftime Washington. And, our second half is about to begin.
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