Vote No on I-2117 If You Love Bikes and Trails

Washington has been named the nation's most bicycle-friendly state many times over–and that’s not just because it’s so beautiful. It’s because we invest in it. 

That’s why we’re urging you to vote NO on Initiative 2117 on your fall ballot. I-2117 is a misleading initiative that would slash investments we’re making in bike, pedestrian, and active transportation projects across Washington. 

Remember two years ago when we passed that epic transportation package with funding for bike trails like Eastrail, Safe Routes to School, and more? I-2117 would devastate Move Ahead WA, a historic funding package that would invest $16 billion over 16 years into our transportation infrastructure. Critically, that includes nearly $1.3 billion in investment in 56 bike and pedestrian projects–all potentially on the chopping block if I-2117 passes. And when you look at “active transportation” more broadly on the Risk of Repeal map, that number balloons to 155 projects at risk–from Spokane to Seattle, Yakima to Bellingham, and everywhere in between. 

Here’s What’s At Risk 

• $290 million for Safe Routes to School, which supports projects that improve safety and mobility within two miles of primary, middle and high schools–like crosswalks, and signage near schools and playground;
• $216 million for the School-Based Bicycle Safety Education Program, which teaches kids of all ages to be more confident cyclists and to understand street safety;
• $591 million to bicycle and pedestrian projects and grants, including sections of the 42-mile Eastrail multi-use trail, extensions of the Interurban Trail, work on the Mountains to Sound Greenway Trail;
• $313 million in Complete Streets grants to make streets safer for people on bikes, in cars, waking, and riding transit

• And more!

  There are no two ways about it: ​​I-2117 would slash funding for walking, biking, and trail projects across our state. It would make Washington a worse place to ride bikes–especially for our kids. 

  Learn more about the dangers of 2117 from Cascade and WA Bikes Board member Brice Maryman:

I-2117 Is Also a Bad Deal for Air Quality 

If these cuts aren’t enough, I-2117 would mean more air pollution and will result in more kids and seniors suffering with asthma and heart conditions in Washington. Dirty air = less time to ride your bike.

I-2117 would end funding for expanding our state’s air quality monitoring network, as well as assistance to local governments and organizations to purchase air quality monitoring equipment and air filters to improve public health. Worse yet, it would cut nearly $30 million in funding for programs that help protect our communities from wildfire. These include a Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife program to remove downed brush and a Department of Natural Resources program to reduce fire risk in overgrown forests. 

When air quality gets worse, it becomes less safe–and less enjoyable–for all of us to get outside and ride, but especially for the most vulnerable among us. 

I-2117 would mean more pollution across Washington state, plain and simple. And that’s bad for all of us. 

Vote No on I-2117 

We love bringing people together to experience the joy of bicycling across this beautiful state. Biking should be safe and accessible for all of us–but I-2117 would roll back so much of the progress we’re making toward that vision. 

We’re proud to be part of a broad coalition of more than 400 organizations and Tribal Nations who are standing up against the megamillionaire and special interest groups behind this harmful initiative. 

We hope you’ll join us in voting NO on I-2117 this fall and keep cycling towards a better future, together. 

Want to learn more? Join us on Sept 17 at 1 p.m. PT at a webinar for people who love bikes on why we should vote NO on I-2117 this November. 

REGISTER NOW