Table of Contents:
Introduction
Potential Washington Bicycle City Locations
Alternative Energy Organizations & Companies in Washington State
Washington Animal & Wildlife Groups
Washington Business Organizations & Resources
Washington Education Organizations & Resources
Washington Environmental Groups
Washington International Groups
Washington State Government
Other Useful Washington Links
In Conclusion
Creation of a Bicycle City", Washington, has a lot of potential in “The Evergreen State.” The state’s economy has consistently grown more diverse in the past 20 years, enabling it to weather changes in manufacturing demand that typically drag down a state’s economy, yet continue to be able to forgo a state income tax," according to the Washington State Business and Project Development group http://choosewashington.com/state_data/. The state boasts strong employment growth", ranking first among the states last year," according to the Corporation For Enterprise Development http://www.cfed.org/home.m", which publishes economic development report cards for all the states. The state earned an A grade from CFED for the state’s capacity for future economic growth. It also ranked fourth in exports," according to the World Institute for Strategic Economic Research http://www.wisertrade.org/home/index.jsp.
Home to Mount Rainer", the Cascade Mountains and numerous state parks and pristine forests," the state attracts outdoor enthusiasts from all over the world; being outdoors is a daily part of life in Washington State http://access.wa.gov/. Potential Bicycle City", WA, tourists and residents could explore glaciers and volcanoes, canoe or kayak, sample hot springs and walk stunning Pacific Ocean beaches - all in one trip.
With the largest ferry system in the United States and a commitment to non-motorized forms of transporation, Washington State’s government and residents are aware of the importance of eco-friendly living, factors are in line with the goals of a prospective Bicycle City, Wash., site. Indeed, non-motorized commuting has increased more than 75 percent in the state over the last ten years," according to the Washington State Department of Transportation http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/bike/Commuting.htm","
Some great locations for Bicycle City", Washington might be located 10 to 100 miles outside of these Washington state locations:
Bellingham, WA
Population: 69,057
Average Annual Rainfall: 36 inches
Average Monthly High Temperatures: Jan 46, Feb 49 , Mar 53, Apr 58, May 6, Jun 6 , Jul 73, Aug 73, Sep 67, Oct 59, Nov 52 , Dec 47
Water: Bellingham Bay, Lake Whatcom, Nooksack River
Adjacent Public Land: North Cascade National Park
Zip Codes: 98225,98226, 98229
Other Highlights: Close to Mt. Baker; listed among the top ten cities in the nation with the cleanest air by the American Lung Association (2002-2006); Orca whale watching
Kitsap County Region, WA
Population: 240,661
Average Annual Rainfall: 54 inches
Average Monthly High Temperatures: Jan 45, Feb 4, Mar 54, Apr 59, May 65, Jun 70, Jul 75, Aug 76, Sep 71, Oct 60, Nov 50, Dec 45
Water: Rich Passage, Puget Sound
Adjacent Public Land: Olympic National Park
Zip Codes: 98110,98111,98112,98337,98346,98367, 98370
Other Highlights: Includes towns of Kingston, Poulsbo, Silverdale, Bainbridge Island, Bremmerton and Port Orchard – all port cities on the east side of Puget Sound, 13.7 nautical miles from Seattle; area is home to commuters who combine the ferry with non-motorized ground transport.
Redmond, WA
Population: 49,890
Average Annual Rainfall: 36 inches
Average Monthly High Temperatures: Jan 46, Feb 50, Mar 54, Apr 58, May 65, Jun 69, Jul 75, Aug 76, Sep 71, Oct 60, Nov 52 , Dec 46
Water: Lake Sammamish, Puget Sound
Adjacent Public Land: Bridle Trails State Park, Marymour Park
Zip Codes: 98052,98503,98074
Other Highlights: Set between the Cascade Mountains and Puget Sound and surrounded by evergreen forests; 20 miles from Seattle and 6 from Bellevue; 34 parks and 25 miles of non-motorized-use-specific trails.
Yakima, WA
Population: 110,000
Average Annual Rainfall: 8 inches
Average Monthly High Temperatures: Jan 38, Feb 46, Mar 56, Apr 64, May 72, Jun 80, Jul 87, Aug 86, Sep 78, Oct 64, Nov 48, Dec 37
Water: Naches River, Yakima River
Adjacent Public Land: Mount Rainer National park
Zip Codes: 98901,98902,98903, 98908
Other Highlights: Located in the valley of the Cascade Mountains, the area surrounding Yakima is home to numerous premium label wineries; boasts over 300 days of sunshine a year; home of the Yakima Valley Museum of Natural History.
Olympia, WA
Population: 42,514
Average Annual Rainfall: 51 inches
Average Monthly High Temperatures: Jan 44, Feb 48, Mar 53, Apr 58, May 65, Jun 70, Jul 76, Aug 77, Sep 72, Oct 60, Nov 50, Dec 44
Water: Budd Inlet on Puget Sound, Nisqually River
Adjacent Public Land: Olympic National Park, Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge
Zip Codes: 98501,98502,98503,98506,98512,98513, 98516
Other Highlights: State Capital; Evergreen State College; favorite city of artists and musicians, home to theatre, four major museums and two casinos.
Walla Walla, WA
Population: 55,180
Average Annual Rainfall: 21 inches
Average Monthly High Temperatures: Jan 41, Feb 47 , Mar 56 , Apr 64, May 72, Jun 80, Jul 90, Aug 89, Sep 79, Oct 66, Nov 50, Dec 41
Water: Columbia River, Snake River, Touchet River, Ponderosa River
Adjacent Public Land: William Wooten State Park
Zip Codes: 99362
Other Highlights: 35 wineries in surrounding area; home to three colleges; site of the annual (hot air) Balloon Stampede, the city sits in the basin of the Columbia and Snake Rivers, one of the state’s primary agricultural regions; proximity to the Cascade Mountains limits rainfall, cool evening temperatures due to higher elevation and high average days of sunshine make for a superb climate for wine.
Vancouver, WA
Population: 157,493
Average Annual Rainfall: 42 inches
Average Monthly High Temperatures: Jan 46, Feb 50, Mar 55, Apr 60, May 66 , Jun 71 , Jul 77, Aug 78, Sep 74, Oct 63, Nov 52, Dec 46
Water: Columbia River, Vancouver Lake, Sturgeon Lake
Adjacent Public Land: Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area, Smith and Bybee Lakes Wildlife Area (Oregon)
Zip Codes: 98660,98661,98662,98663,98664,98665,98682,98683,98684,98685, 98686
Other Highlights: Many residents live in Vancouver and Clark County and commute to work across the river to Portland, Ore., to avoid paying Oregon state income tax. (Washington has no state income tax.) The large number of commuters has created wide support for mass transit options combined with alternative transportation. Home to a vibrant arts community of theatre companies, art galleries and the Vancouver Symphony.
Port Townsend, WA
Population: 8334
Average Annual Rainfall: 19 inches
Average Monthly High Temperatures: Jan 45, Feb 47, Mar 51, Apr 56, May 62, Jun 66, Jul 70, Aug 71, Sep 67, Oct 57, Nov 49, Dec 45
Water: Port Townsend Bay
Adjacent Public Land: Olympic National Park, Hood Canal, Olympic Cast National Marine Sanctuary
Zip Codes: 98368
Other Highlights: Historic seaport at the base of Olympic Mountains with access to both fresh and salt water; 45 miles from Seattle; eclectic community of artists and “boat folks”; called a hidden gem by Coastal Living Magazine (2007)
Spokane, WA
Population: 195,500
Average Annual Rainfall: 18 inches
Average Monthly High Temperatures: Jan 37, Feb 44, Mar 52, Apr 60, May 68, Jun 76, Jul 84, Aug 85, Sep 76, Oct 63, Nov 46, Dec 37
Water: Spokane River and Falls
Adjacent Public Land: Mount Spokane State Park, Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area
Zip Codes: 99201,99202,99203,99204, 99205. 99206,99207,99208 99212,99216,99217,99208,99223, 99224
Other Highlights: Entertainment and medical hub of Eastern Washington, North Idaho and Western Montana and Southern British Columbia; home to 12 wineries.
Potential Location Source List
Access Washington," the Official State Government Site
http://access.wa.gov/living/index.aspx
Bainbridge Island"," WA http://bainbridgeisland.com/government.htm
Bellevue"," WA http://www.bellevuewa.gov/default.htm
Bellingham"," WA http://www.bellingham.org/content/Content.asp?ContentId=222
Bremerton"," WA http://bremertonwa.com/attractionsandrecreation.htm
Port of Bremerton"," WA http://www.portofbremerton.org/
City-Data.com http://www.city-data.com
Experience Washington"," State Tourism Site http://www.experiencewashington.com/v5/home/default.aspx
Kitsap County"," WA http://www.ofm.wa.gov/databook/county/kits.asp
Olympia"," WA http://www.gonorthwest.com/Washington/puget/Olympia/attractions.htm
Olympia"," WA http://www.ci.olympia.wa.us/
Port Townsend"," WA http://www.ptguide.com/recreation/bicycle.html
Redmond"," WA http://www.ci.redmond.wa.us/
Seattle"," WA http://www.cityofseattle.net/sbab/
Spokane"," WA
http://www.visitspokane.com/
Walla Walla"," WA http://www.wallawalla.org/biking.cfm
Yakima"," WA http://www.ci.yakima.wa.us/default.asp
National Park Service http://www.nps.gov/
U.S. Census Bureau http://www.census.gov/
United States Postal Service http://www.usps.com/
The Weather Channel http://www.weather.com/
Your Bicycle City Washington Trail to More Information
Washington Hydropower Resources Report http://hydropower.id.doe.gov/resourceassessment/pdfs/states/wa.pdf
Report on the Sate of Washington’s Hydropower Resources
Wind Powering America – Washington http://www.eere.energy.gov/windandhydro/windpoweringamerica/filter_detail.asp?itemid=470 This group identifies specific concerns"," barriers and obstacles to wind development in Washington.
Washington Technology Center http://www.watechcenter.org/ Aids research"," development and commercialization of viable energy-related technology products and services.
Washington Incentives and Laws for alternative fuels
http://www.eere.energy.gov/afdc/progs/state_summary.cgi?afdc/
Washington Incentives for Renewable Energy
http://www.dsireusa.org/library/includes/map2.cfm?CurrentPageID=1&State=WA
A comprehensive list of information on state and local incentives to promote renewable energy.
Audubon Washington", Seattle," WA
http://wa.audubon.org/
Works to conserve the natural habitat for wildlife", focusing on birds.
Humane Society of Skagit Valley, Burlington, WA http://www.skagithumane.com/
Services and programs for the adoption of animals.
Humane Society of Seattle/King County, Bellevue," WA http://www.seattlehumane.org/ Services and programs for the adoption of animals.
Animal Rescue Families", Bremerton," WA http://www.animalrescuefamilies.org/
Provides foster care for rescued domestic animals.
Sarvey Wildlife Center", Everett," WA
http://www.sarveywildlife.org/
Care are rehabilitates sick"," injured and orphaned wildlife.
Washington Wildlife Federation http://www.washingtonwildlife.org/
Actively supports the good stewardship of the Washington’s fish and wildlife.
Washington Association of Wine Grape Growers http://www.wawgg.org/
Washington Chamber of Commerce Executives http://www.wcce.org/
Washington Economic Development Association http://www.wedaonline.org/
Washington Farm Bureau http://www.wsfb.com/
Washington State Hospital Association http://www.wsha.org
Washington State Tourism Official Home Page http://www.experiencewashington.com
Washington Department of Education http://www.sbe.wa.gov/
University of Washington", Washington State University, Seattle University, The Evergreen State College," Western Washington University. Click here for a full list of Washington colleges/universities.http://www.hecb.wa.gov/Links/colleges/collegesindex.asp
Climate Solutions", Olympia," WA
http://climatesolutions.org/index.html?pages/OrderInfoComGuide.html~csContent A non-profit organization that is the region’s leading source for information on global warming.
Energy Efficiency and Conservation/Washington State University Energy Program http://www.energy.wsu.edu/about/
Provides energy services", products and information to consulting firms, businesses," government agencies and utilities.
Weatherization and Low-Income Energy Programs http://www.liheapwa.org/
Programs available to low-income households to make home heating safe and affordable.
German Heritage Society", Seattle," WA http://www.geocities.com/Pipeline/Slope/2061/
India Association of Western Washington", Bellevue," WA http://www.iaww.org/
International Christian Cycling Club (ICCC) http://www.christiancycling.com/spokes/washington/
Local chapter of an international organization that sponsors mountain and recreations rides for beginners", elite racing programs and an assortment of events in between.
Italian Club of Seattle, Seattle," WA http://www.italianclubofseattle.org/
Japan-American Society", Seattle," WA http://www.us-japan.org/
Korean Women’s Association", Tacoma," WA http://kwaoutreach.org/index.html
Native Planet Outdoor Club http://www.ride4areason.org/
Sponsors rides for all levels and raises money to help protect indigenous people all over the world.
Seattle International Randonneurs http://www.seattlerandonneur.org/
Seattle chapter of RUSA (Randonneurs USA) for the competitive rider.
Official Washington State Government Website http://access.wa.gov/
Washington State Institute for Public Policy http://www.wsipp.wa.gov/
Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission http://www.wutc.wa.gov/
Washington Superintendent of Public Instruction http://www.k12.wa.us/
Washington Secretary of State http://www.secstate.wa.gov/history/
National Park Service http://home.nps.gov/applications/parksearch/state.cfm?st=wa Information on all national parks and historic places in Washington State.
Washington State Parks http://www.parks.wa.gov/ The primary information site for rental and reservations for visiting any park in the state.
Washington truly is a “natural state",” brimming with acres of unspoiled mountains, rivers, lakes, coastal waters and natural beauty. With a moderate climate, booming tourism industry, and vast interest in bicycling and mountain biking, the possibilities for a Bicycle City, Washington location are numerous. A diverse economy poised for growth adds to the advantages in a potential Bicycle City Wash. development. The potential Bicycle City, WA sites have possible future citizens in proximity who are environmentally-aware, health-conscious and ready to live in a clean, safe, stress-free city.
