Getting There’s Top Ten posts of 2015
When we launched the Getting There blog in late 2014, it was for fun.
Because who doesn't love to read about transportation infrastructure, cycling and the woes of commuting?
Now that the first full year of Getting There is coming to a close, I thought it would be fun to post the top ten most read posts of the year. They span the gamut, but it looks to me like you people enjoy reading personal stories, about bikes and looking at maps. Be still my beating heart, you guys are the best!
So enjoy! And here's to another year of transportation blogging.
1. Why I'm Done Wearing a Helmet.
The far and away best read post of the year was a well-reasoned essay from Lindsey Wallace, a public health professional, about why she no longer wears a helmet while riding a bicycle. The 100-plus comments illustrate that Wallace is not alone.
2. Riding a Bike to Work Pt. 1 - The Fatness.
Dan Gayle, online developer for the Spokesman, decided to buy a used bike and ride to work. He liked it and he hated it, but readers were less ambivalent. Dan's funny, detailed, self-deprecating and resolute tales of riding a bike for the first time in a long time were a hit. Unfortunately, Dan moved much closer to work so no longer commutes by bike. How about unicycling to work, Dan?! Can we please read about that?
Andrea Parrish is a local writer, and she delivered this wonderful essay about how body image figures into cycling. "Biking has no size," she tells us, helping dismantle one of the many myths people face when considering losing the car for a saddle.
4. Jon Snyder wants a bike path on Spokane's railroad viaduct.
One of the more ambitious transportation ideas to come out of City Hall this year came from Councilman Jon Snyder, who said BNSF should allow a multi-use trail on the railroad viaduct that cuts through (and above) downtown. Snyder said it was time for "bold" ideas, but rail officials said the rail was built elevated for a reason - to keep the public away from it. Maybe the idea will have new currency now that Snyder's been hired as an adviser to Gov. Jay Inslee to promote and encourage more outdoor recreation.
5. OMG, so much (awesome) construction for 2015.
It warms my heart that a map of upcoming road construction is one of our best-read posts. Go pavement!
In a truly Evergreen State conundrum, hundreds of millions of dollars of new "green" infrastructure were put at risk after Gov. Inslee said he wanted to raise fuel efficiency standards. Inslee eventually backed off this "poison pill," but not before scaring the bejeezus out of bike and transit advocates.
7. Bicycles May Use Full Lane.
This one got people going.
8. Spokane candidates on bike lanes.
Since I cover City Hall and transportation, I decided it was a good thing to ask those running for office what they thought of bike lanes. I'm sure their answers figured prominently in how people decided to vote. Hahahahahahaha.
9. Just a few days left to share your thoughts on Spokane's bike plan.
It wouldn't be a blog without some call for readers to give feedback on an obscure government document.
10. 75 mph means you'll shave off eight minutes.
Math came to Getting There when state legislators considered raising the speed limit to 75 mph on a stretch of I-90. We calculated how much time would be saved by such an increase, which amounted to about the time it takes to listen to Led Zeppelin's Stairway to Heaven. So go ahead and get that strawberry milkshake from Zip's in Ritzville.
