"Why did the pass close?" Common triggers behind winter pass closures and what we do to get the roads back open

 By: Scott Klepach and Lauren Loebsack

You can count on three things to happen every winter in Washington: Long nights, short days and closed passes.

Some mountain passes – like SR 20 North Cascades Highway, SR 410 Chinook and SR 123 Cayuse – close for the season. Others, like I-90 Snoqualmie Pass and US 2 Stevens Pass require year-round work to remain open for winter travelers.

Clear roads ahead on Christmas morning on Stevens Pass.

During the warmer months, Snoqualmie and Stevens crews repair roads, prepare equipment and make improvements from last winter’s wrecks. Once winter arrives, their focus turns to snow and ice operations.

But even with all this preparation, sometimes the weather, avalanche control or crashes cause a pass to close. Let’s look at what causes closures and how crews work to get roads open again.

What triggers a pass closure?

Pass closures happen every winter. In most cases, closures happen because drivers aren’t prepared for the conditions.

“It’s the (drivers) failing to follow traction requirements and speed limits,” said maintenance superintendent Jason Pratt, who has worked 17 winters in WSDOT’s maintenance area 1 in South Central Region, which oversees Snoqualmie Pass. “That’s what causes most of the closures. Our team is the best in the business. We know how to handle a storm.”

Pratt adds that safety risks and traffic issues come from drivers who don’t have good tires, drive too fast or don’t know how to drive safely in snow and ice. Some people ignore the chain-up rules or simply don’t know how to use chains.

In this scene from December 2020, multiple semi-trucks failed to chain up, got stuck and closed Snoqualmie Pass for more than an hour. Closures of this nature happen every winter.

This is also true on Stevens Pass, where weather-related closures are rare. Only three closures in the last five years were due to weather conditions. But that doesn’t mean the pass is always bare. During and directly after snowstorms, roads may have snow or compact snow and ice on the road, which is why it’s important for drivers to be prepared before they head out.

“Usually, we have to close because someone didn’t check the forecast, or thought they could get across the pass on bad tires,” said Aaron Byrd, maintenance supervisor for Stevens Pass. “My advice is check the pass report. We update at 7 (a.m. and p.m.), 11, and 3, day and night. That’s our crew out on the pass, reporting conditions in real time.”

Working quickly – and safely – to reopen

One spin out can close an entire pass for hours. During that time, Incident Response, Highway Maintenance and other first responders and tow truck operators work together to clear vehicles or debris. If there’s a big crash or if material is spilled onto the roadway or waterways, the cleanup can take even longer.

“Our crews work as quickly and safely as possible to reopen a highway,” Pratt said.

We work closely with Washington State Patrol to safely close the roads. Our crews use special trucks called “push pickups” to push vehicles out of the way and to the shoulder. When we need to move a large vehicle like a semi-truck, we need to call in big tow trucks that come from further away, which adds more time.

Crews work from the top of the summit to clear snow, but plows can’t get through if there are vehicles blocking the road. All of this takes time and resources to shift crews to the greatest needed area for storm response.

“This is what crews try to do with vehicles – move blocking vehicles to just try and get traffic flowing again,” said Scott Montgomery, maintenance supervisor at Snoqualmie Pass.

When weather-related closures are necessary, it isn’t a quick process. Our crew “sweeps” the road, traveling the area between the closure points to clear traffic.

On Stevens Passs, we coordinate with the ski resort to assist skiers down the mountain. Depending on the severity of conditions, skiers have had to travel east toward Leavenworth and double back around on US 97 Blewett Pass to get home.

Closure points are staffed, unless it’s expected to be a longer closure – for example longer than 24 hours – in which case, the crew will build a snow berm at the closure points to prevent drivers from trying to sneak through the closure.

Working with the weather

Before a snowstorm, crews might close a pass to conduct avalanche control – which can take from 30 minutes to two hours to complete depending on how much debris comes down.

“Avalanche missions are a delicate balance,” said Harlan Sheppard, North Central Region avalanche supervisor. “(Do them) too often and you don’t get results that are worth the cost, not often enough and it could be tipping over into avalanche danger.”

During avalanche control missions, traffic is held on either side of the summit while crews use explosives to trigger avalanches. The maintenance team follows the avalanche control team, using loaders, blowers and plows to clear the road. Even though the closures can be short, the team typically schedules missions for early in the morning – when there’s usually the least amount of traffic.

Snowplows clear snow from Stevens Pass following an avalanche control mission.

We’ve also installed defensive strategies to keep falling snow off the roads. Across the summit of US 2 Stevens Pass, structures referred to as “passive protection” are designed to lessen the potential for snow slides to reach the highway.

Deflection berms, like the one constructed in 2019 at Tunnel Creek, and gabion baskets such as those installed at East Portal and Tunnel Point are defensive strategies to collect and redirect snow. They also work to catch debris such as rocks that come down year-round.

Once snow begins to fall, crews build snow trenches in areas know to have smaller slides, shaping the piled-up snow on the side of the road into a basin that can then be cleaned out.

Defensive measures have also been implemented at Snoqualmie Pass. As part of the I-90 Snoqualmie Pass East project to enhance the highway between Hyak and Easton, crews constructed avalanche bridges east of the summit, positioned over sections of the road prone to avalanche risk. Instead of allowing snow and debris to fall directly onto the road, the bridges allow the snow to pass underneath, essentially diverting the avalanche away from the highway. This prevents road closures and reduces the risk to motorists. However, avalanche control work is still needed west of the summit.

How can I prepare for winter driving across the passes?

Winter preparation messaging can seem excessive until drivers are in a serious winter storm.

“It’s why you really need to understand and be prepared for winter travel,” Byrd said.

Here’s how you can do your part to be prepared for whatever you encounter during a winter drive across the passes:

1. Be prepared for possible delays and ensure you carry appropriate winter travel gear.
2. Stay informed . Check weather and conditions before you leave and during travel – if you are driving, never check from behind the wheel, pull over to a safe spot or ask a passenger to check. Use WSDOT’s tools to stay informed of conditions and possible closures.
3. Drive for the conditions : Slowing down and leaving plenty of following distance for other drivers and plows help reduce the potential for collisions and spin outs that are the primary reason the pass closes.
4. Carry chains. Requiring chains be installed in certain conditions allows travelers to continue moving during storms rather than closing a pass or roadway. If you haven’t before, look into getting chains or traction alternatives recommended for your vehicle. Practice installing chains at home or driveway. You do not want to install chains for your first time along the side of a highway during a winter storm.
5. Always expect winter travel conditions. Drive knowing and expecting that snow and ice conditions could be present. Roads that appear wet could be black ice.
6. Even if you don’t see them, our crews are out there. Plows must travel slow and often are plowing other roads or sections of highway if you don’t see them while driving. Our crews take great pride in their work. Many live in the areas that they work.

Know before you go

• Download the WSDOT mobile app.: https://wsdot.wa.gov/travel/travel-information-phone
• Sign up for email and/or text updates about road conditions – or sign up to receive text message alerts about significant delays on Snoqualmie Pass by texting "START" to the number 85107.
• Follow WSDOT across a variety of social media platforms including Facebook, Threads, X/Twitter, Instagram and TikTok.
• Check current traction and chain requirements for mountain passes, which are also available on highway-advisory signs and highway-advisory radio.

The One Where We Revive I-5 (just a little later than planned)

By: RB McKeon

Ok, so maybe this won’t be the most famous “PIVOT!” in history, but it’s a big one and we want to share all the details with you about some important changes to the Revive I-5: Yesler to Northgate project.

What’s happening?

Let’s cut right to the chase. We originally planned to begin major preservation work on Interstate 5 on the Ship Canal Bridge (just north of downtown Seattle) in March 2025. The long-term lane closures and critical preservation work on the I-5 Ship Canal Bridge is now expected to begin in 2026.

We are actively working with our contractor to refine the project to align construction spending with available funding and balance long-term preservation needs while minimizing the impacts to the public.

… and let’s just say up front, that in support of Seattle’s success as a 2026 World Cup host city, all lanes of I-5 will reopen to traffic for several weeks starting in early-June 2026 and will resume in mid-July 2026, once Seattle area World Cup matches have concluded.

Why the change?

The decision to adjust the schedule and scope of the project comes as WSDOT works to align construction spending with available budget. A significant gap in funding, driven by changes in the financial environment, meant that the original plan would exceed budget projections. By focusing the scope of the project to our top priority – preserving the Ship Canal Bridge deck – we can balance the immediate needs of the I-5 corridor with what can be accomplished within our current financial constraints.

This shift also gives us more time to work with our community and business partners to prepare for future closures. We are committed to providing regular updates as the details of our new plan are available.

What does this mean for travelers?

Although the months-long double-lane closures are postponed until 2026, travelers can still expect some traffic impacts this year, including overnight work, weekend closures, and possible lane reductions. In 2025, our contractor may work to accomplish things that can be done without long-term lane closures and that will support the work we have shifted to 2026. We’ll continue to keep the public informed with real time updates via our travel map, email newsletters and social media channels.

2026 FIFA World Cup

With Seattle set to host FIFA World Cup matches in 2026, and thousands of visitors coming to Washington we’ve committed to not implementing long-term lane closures or full closures on I-5 during the World Cup matches in Seattle and Vancouver B.C. This decision will allow for smoother travel and keep our roads open for fans and visitors from around the world.

We acknowledge that with the delay in starting this project, there are risks of emergency repairs causing disruptions leading up to and following World Cup. But, rest assured, we’ll continue to monitor the situation and take action as needed to keep I-5 operational.

Bridge deck repairs during the delay

While we are adjusting the timeline for major preservation work, we will continue to prioritize the rehabilitation of the Ship Canal Bridge as our first order of business.

Our contractor is prepared to address any emergency needs quickly, just as our WSDOT maintenance crews have.

It is important to note that the bridge’s integrity is not compromised and that while this work is critical, this is about rehabilitating and preserving the bridge deck, or the roadway surface, not the bridge structure.

Emergency repairs on the Ship Canal Bridge for deck repair are not uncommon. Since 2019, nearly 200 emergency repairs have been made. And given the current condition of the bridge deck, we are likely to continue to need to fix failing expansion joints, fill large potholes or make other emergency repairs.

Working together to keep you informed

There’s no perfect time to carry out the extensive preservation work needed on I-5, especially considering its current condition. The region is already juggling multiple large-scale transportation projects, the upcoming FIFA World Cup, a return to pre-COVID traffic levels, major events and more. But the good news is this pivot gives us more time to communicate and collaborate with our partners, businesses, and communities.

We’ve been working with key transit partners for over two years in preparation for this project, and we’ll continue to work closely with them over the next year to ensure the region is ready for this critical work.

Once negotiations with our contractor are complete and key details of the revised plan are confirmed, we’ll focus on tried-and-true communication tools to make sure the public and our partners can “Know Before You Go.” This will include targeted outreach to Environmental Justice communities to ensure their needs are considered and they’re fully informed about how this work may impact their travels.

We’ll continue to work closely with our regional partners to spread the word, leveraging their existing channels and relationships to ensure as many people as possible are informed and prepared. This way, no matter where you are or how you choose to travel, you’ll have the information you need to plan ahead.

Beyond the pivot

This pivot is the best path forward, and it’s what’s needed right now. The work on the Ship Canal Bridge remains our primary focus, and it’s an important step in a much larger effort to Revive I-5. It may not be easy, and there are still challenges ahead, but this approach ensures we tackle the most urgent needs first.

Looking ahead, we’re setting the stage for long-term work to preserve the lifeline that I-5 has become for our region. We know that I-5 connects people to their jobs, families and communities, and it keeps our economy moving. That’s why, even as we focus on this critical work now, we’re already planning for the next steps to keep the entire corridor safe and reliable for generations to come.

We’re committed to working closely with you to ensure this vital work is done right. Together, we’ll get through this, and in the end, I-5 will be stronger and more resilient than ever.

Fare-free transit boosts youth use of public transportation

By Mathew Willoughby

Seventh graders riding a Whatcom Transit Authority bus home from school.

It’s now easier for kids to ride public transportation than ever before. Why? Because it’s free!

In 2021, lawmakers helped transit agencies get rid of fares for youth 18 and under. As a result, kids took nearly 15 million trips on public transit in 2023. If you include rides on Washington State Ferries, that number shoots up to a whopping 16.5 million.

Youth can now go to school, get home, hang out with friends and not pay a dime. Kids don’t have to depend on someone else for their rides if they don’t have the money. Even better, families no longer have to set aside income for bus rides for their kids.

To get kids eager to ride the bus and take advantage of this new program, transit agencies in Washington and their partners used after-school field trips, social media posts and in-school presentations.

Don't know how to ride the bus? No problem! Our partners even stepped up to the plate to teach kids how to navigate confusing bus routes. Now, youth have greater access to what our state has to offer.

A student loads their bike onto the bus rack after school, ready for their free ride home.

Spreading the news

The results speak for themselves at King County Metro. To help get the word out, they launched the Free Youth Transit Pass program in 2022. In the program's first year, kids took over 7 million rides. But they didn’t accomplish this feat alone. They partnered with eight public transportation providers and our very own Washington State Ferries to pull this off.

King County Metro and its partners used TV ads, in-person events and the internet to get the word out. Their outreach got an average of 990 people to visit FreeYouthTransitPass.com daily. This was a 700 percent increase in visits than when they weren't directly reaching out to youth. Through working with their partners, they got kids eager to explore public transportation.

With more kids interested in taking advantage of this exciting program, King County Metro makes sure kids know how to use public transit safely and reliably. They come directly to the classroom to teach students all about bus safety during their education program. They even provide educational safety videos for grades 2-5 and 6-12 free for anyone to watch.

Further north in Whatcom County, the Whatcom Smart Trips program has been inspiring students to ride public transportation for over five years. The program teaches students how to safely and reliably use public transit at a young age. Now that kids can ride the bus for free, they are one step closer to achieving their big goal: Getting every seventh grader in the county to ride the bus at least once!

But why seventh graders? This bunch is too young to drive, and they depend on someone else for a ride unless they can walk, bike or ride the bus.

“Each year we find students to be more eager to ride the bus than the year before. Faces light up when suggested destinations are shared in our presentations,” Whatcom Smart Trips Program Manager Michelle Grandy said. “They’re especially excited when they learn the bus is free for them to ride.”

After students complete the program, Whatcom Smart Trips sees more kids on the bus. Now, instead of waiting for a ride to go home or hang out with friends after school, students can ride the bus for free.

These are just two of the many stories about improving access for everyone in Washington from our annual 2024 Public Transportation Mobility Report. In the report, you can read about the programs, partners and plans that work to bring people together through access to public transportation. Interested in getting into the data? Check out our annual 2023 Summary of Public Transportation.

Riders on the Cheney High Performance Transit Line.

For generations to come

Teaching kids how to safely and reliably ride the bus creates a new generation of public transportation riders. That means fewer drivers on the road, fewer carbon emissions and more access. Without our public transportation grants and Washington’s Climate Commitment Act, programs like this would not be possible.

Along with free rides, our funding gives kids (and grownups!) more access to jobs, healthcare, food and community in rural and urban areas.

And it's not only buses and city and county transit services: free youth fare started at Washington State Ferries in October 2022  and on Amtrak Cascades this past summer. Nearly 11,000 youths benefitted from fare-free trips on Amtrak Cascades between June (when the program was implemented) and August 2024. Implementation on Amtrak Cascades service was delayed while Amtrak updated its national ticketing system to align with the fare-free program.

Youth under 18 using public transit for free is an exciting milestone for the industry in Washington. We look forward to this new generation of bus, ferry and train riders.

Future I-405 bridges take shape at Northeast 85th Street

By: Julie Moon

A new year brings continued progress towards a new look to the I-405 interchange at Northeast 85th Street. Crews are working on the I-405/Northeast 85th Street and Inline BRT Station Project. From January 10 through January 13, they will finish setting 16 bridge girders for the new northbound I-405 bridge. Bridge girders are concrete beams that support the driving surface. They are the main structural component of a bridge. Crews will also conduct drainage work on the right shoulder of northbound I-405.

This complex work requires the weekend closure of Northeast 85th Street, just as we did last November. This closure is essential for ensuring the safety of both workers and the public.

January full closure details

Northeast 85th Street will close in both directions beginning at 11 p.m. Friday, January 10 to 4 a.m. Monday, January 13. The closure is between Kirkland Way/114th Avenue Northeast and 120th Avenue Northeast. The I-405 on- and off-ramps from Northeast 85th Street will also be closed during this time. Crews will begin to reduce lanes and close ramps as early as 9 p.m. on Friday night.

Signed detours will be in place for drivers and detour maps can be viewed by clicking on the links below:

Northeast 85th Street vehicle detour routes. The linked image shows a map of the detour route for Northeast 85th Street Closure:

• Eastbound: Use Sixth St SE, NE 68th Pl, and 120th Ave NE.
• Westbound: Use 120th Ave NE, NE 68th Pl, and Sixth St SE.

Northeast 85th Street pedestrian and cyclist detour routes. The linked image shows a map of the pedestrian and cyclist route during the Northeast 85th Street closure:

• Eastbound:
• Use crosswalk at Kirkland Way/114th Ave NE.
• Turn right, go south on the pedestrian path.
• Keep left to continue on 116th Ave NE.
• Left onto pedestrian bridge.
• Left onto NE 80th Street.
• Left onto 120th Ave NE.
• Westbound:
• Left onto 120th Ave NE.
• Right onto NE 80th Street.
• Right onto pedestrian bridge.
• Right onto 116th Ave NE.
• Keep right on the pedestrian path.
• Use the crosswalk at Kirkland Way/114th Ave NE if needed.

Northeast 85th Street to northbound I-405 on-ramp closure detour routes. The linked image shows a map of the detour route for the northbound I-405 on-ramp closure:

• Eastbound: Use Central Way, Sixth Street South, then on-ramp at 116th Avenue Northeast.
• Westbound: Use 124th Avenue Northeast, then on-ramp at Northeast 124th Street.

Northbound I-405 off-ramp to Northeast 85th Street closure detour routes. The linked image shows the detour route:

• Use Exit 20A to 124th Ave NE, then return to NE 85th St.

Northeast 85th Street to southbound I-405 on-ramp closure detour routes. The linked image shows the detour route:

• Eastbound: Take Sixth Street Southeast, then Northeast 68th Place, using the on-ramp at Northeast 70th Street.
• Westbound: Take 120th Avenue Northeast and use the on-ramp at Northeast 70th Street.

Southbound I-405 off-ramp to Northeast 85th Street closure detour routes. The linked image shows the detour route:

• Eastbound: Take southbound I-405, Exit 17 at Northeast 70th Street, then 120th Avenue Northeast to Northeast 85th Street.
• Westbound: Take southbound I-405, Exit 17 at Northeast 68th Place, then Sixth Street Southeast to Central Way.

Full closure of Northeast 85th Street and I-405 on- and off-ramps.

Expect more congestion and plan for extra travel time during the closure. Use alternate routes and travel during off-peak hours if possible. The schedule is subject to change due to the nature of construction. We will post updates on the project webpage.

Please drive carefully through the construction work zone. Be sure your full attention is dedicated to maintaining safety for everyone on the road.

Successful southbound bridge girder setting in November

Back in November, crews installed big concrete girders for the new southbound freeway bridge. To get it done, we had to close Northeast 85th Street for the whole weekend. It was a success, but drivers saw some extra congestion—and you can expect something similar during the upcoming closure.

Each girder was up to 156 feet long, stretching across the whole street, which is why a full closure is needed. Setting these huge bridge girders takes a lot of skill, planning, and space to make sure everything is done safely.

Crews setting bridge girders on 85th Street on Nov.16, 2024.

What’s all this construction for?

This project is all about building a new station for Sound Transit’s new Stride bus rapid transit. This project makes it easier and safer for people walking or biking across I-405. It also adds a direct connection for transit and ETL users. A big part of making this happen is the new bridges and the three-level interchange at Northeast 85th Street. These bridges will create space for the middle level of the interchange, which will be a busy hub for transit riders, carpoolers, cyclists, pedestrians, and ETL users.

The project will replace the existing two-level interchange at Northeast 85th Street with a three-level interchange.

Join us at our next quarterly project update webinar

At the meeting, there will be an opportunity to learn more about the upcoming construction work, ask questions, and find out how to stay informed. The project team will hold this meeting via Zoom from 12 to 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 4.

Not able to make it? We will post a recording to the project webpage within one week after the meeting. Please feel free to register for the meeting even if you can’t attend, and we will email you the recording when it’s available.

We strive to host inclusive, accessible meetings that enable all people to engage and participate fully. To request meeting accommodations, or for questions about accessibility, please call us at (425) 224-2423 or email us at I405SR167Program@wsdot.wa.gov by Monday, Jan 27.

Check out the WSDOT real-time travel map for up-to-date information. If you have any questions and/or you would like to sign up for project updates, please email I405SR167Program@wsdot.wa.gov. Stay informed by subscribing to WSDOT updates for King County.

‘They Can Feel Like Little Superheroes’: How We’re Helping Students Gain Bike Skills Statewide

By Hannah Weinberger

Students are all smiles during an in-school bicycle education class.

For many of us, learning to ride a bicycle during childhood was our first taste of transportation freedom. But not everyone gets that opportunity or feels confident on a bike when they do. We’re managing an initiative to change this.

The Statewide School-Based Bicycle Education Program teaches bike skills and can provide new bikes and safety equipment. The program is now in its second year. It has already educated more than 12,000 kids across Washington. It’s also given more than 1,000 students new bikes and safety equipment.

One of those children is fifth grader Alex Villa-Gomez in Orondo. He received his first bicycle through the program. His mother, Maria Gomez, shared that she didn’t have an opportunity to learn to ride when she was younger. She’s excited to know her son and many other children are getting this opportunity.

The program will train at least 90% of Washington students in 3rd through 12th grades to safely ride to and from school, for fitness and for fun. Students and schools can join at no extra cost.

Students who use adaptive bicycles participate in the Statewide School-Based Bicycle Education Program.

Putting education in motion

State legislators established the program in 2022. They funded it through the Move Ahead Washington transportation package with Climate Commitment Act revenues. Legislators wanted to help students become more capable bicyclists by learning skills and street safety.

There are many reasons to support children in learning to ride. Bike riding is a fun and useful way to build exercise and time outdoors into a child’s day. It helps students develop motor skills, improve their mood, concentrate in school and even do better on tests. Importantly, it also helps students realize early that there are many ways to travel. Bike education highlights transportation options. If students choose to drive when they get older, their biking experience will help them stay aware of people who choose not to drive.

Legislators wanted an experienced non-profit partner to deliver the education.

A contractor search led us to Cascade Bicycle Club. Cascade has provided bicycle education to students in Puget Sound since 2014. We contracted with Cascade to adjust and expand their work for a statewide audience. The program launched with both in-school and after-school programs in 2023.

It has since expanded quickly. The program grew 75% between it first and second years, serving 70 schools in 13 counties. More than half of students live in overburdened communities, or those facing multiple environmental and health harms.

Parents say their students are already getting more exercise. Plus, they feel more confident and independent!

Students participating in the Statewide School-Based Bicycle Education Program learn about different hand signals to use while bicycling. 

How the program works

Students have opportunities to learn the ropes both in and after school.

In-school programming:

• 3rd through 5th grades: Physical education and health teachers share the “Let’s Go” curriculum in their classes. It covers learning to ride, as well as the rules of the road. Teachers use the provided materials over four or five weeks, with about two 30-minute lessons each week.
• 6th through 8th grades: In 2023, Cascade started piloting the “Let’s Go Further” curriculum. Some schools have existing bicycles from a previous Safe Routes to School program. This provides “Let’s Go” to older students at those schools.

After-school programming:

• 6th through 12th grades: Teachers from local partner organizations lead students after school. Classes might be held on school grounds or at partner facilities. This 26-lesson course covers everything from learning to ride to using bikes as transportation. Teachers start with the first course or jump ahead depending on students’ existing knowledge. The program can last a few weeks to an entire academic year. After-school students also learn trip planning so they can organize safe trips and bike maintenance so they can fix their own bikes.

All students can receive a new bicycle and safety equipment like helmets, locks and lights after completing the program.

A bicycle education student practices their bike handling skills. 

Cascade also trains staff on overseeing the program for network schools. Schools manage their own bicycle fleets, maintenance, budgets and staff training schedules. Cascade provides free full-day training directly to teachers on how to do these things. They also provide guidance and support as needed. So far, 183 teachers have taken the training, and 14 teachers have been tapped to train their peers.

Teachers enjoy sharing bike skills with students. One instructor shared that it helps kids develop a growth mindset, and – we love this – “feel like little superheroes.” They feel strong, and good about themselves.

More bike skills, more opportunities

Our program works with partners to include students who may need accommodations to participate. That’s because learning to ride a bike can completely change a student’s life for the better.

Take Tacoma high schooler Visett. He shared with his school’s special needs educator that he wanted to learn to ride last year. The educator partnered with Cascade Bicycle Club’s after-school program manager. Both adults started meeting with Visett weekly after school and loaned him a bike to practice with at home.

Within three weeks, Visett replaced his daily 30-minute walk to school with bike trips. By the end of the school year, he earned a Bicycling Certificate of Achievement along with a new bike, helmet, lock and lights.

Bicycling is already helping Visett access new opportunities. He is riding to the local library and his new job at Safeway. He is also teaching himself more bike skills. After getting a flat tire, Visett used a school computer to learn how to fix it himself.

Looking ahead

We expect the program to reach up to 160,000 youth by the end of 2027. By then we’ll have the help of more than three times as many partner organizations. Parents or school staff interested to learn more about the program or when it might come to your community can visit Cascade Bicycle Club’s website.