The writer HG Wells said, “When I see an adult on a bicycle, I no longer despair for the future of the human race.” He’d probably like it here.
Last month, we had the pleasure of working with a reporter from Al Jazeera on a piece about bicycling in Seattle. They've been noticing a North American shift away from car culture to one that embraces bicycling. The network looked to Seattle as an example.
We showed Rob Rynolds around and introduced him to Shannon, who has made the shift to regular bicycle commuting the way many people do: giving it a try one day, realizing how wonderful it feels and getting hooked.
Rob also toured the Pine Street Group's exciting new Via6 project, where the developers are constructing a bike-friendly building with an eye toward residents who are looking to save money by living car-free. This bike-friendly housing trend is happening across the country.
I'm pleased to see Councilmember Mike O'Brien and Mayor Michael McGinn get the message out on an international stage that American cities -- and businesses -- are seeing benefits by supporting bicycling. And true, Seattle has done a good job at moving the dial over the last decade. But I'm looking forward to Seattle doing the next chunk of work to position our city as a vanguard for bicycling, and making our city streets safe and appealing for people of all ages and abilities to choose bicycling. That's going to take embracing innovation, steady leadership through change and your continued support through the process.
Seattle, I know you can do it. I'm counting on you.
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