My story begins as a post-war baby born in 1948. During this early post-war period the US decided to go all in for the automobile and build the infrastructure necessary to support a car for everyone who wanted one. I was one of those kids who had discovered the joy, freedom and practical utility of bike riding. Though many, we were powerless to challenge the auto-centric design and investment process underway across the country. Fateful decisions having far flung consequences were being made by those who equated progress with the rapid expansion of the automotive universe. Still, I had my bike and I rode to school and around my neighborhood oblivious to these larger currents. I could get to distant places miles away from my home and I could go at my pace while following my sense of direction. I could explore the larger world all on my own!

Over time, as our nation’s auto-centric culture deepened its grip on the look and feel of our communities I felt myself being moved to the margins. Riding my bike to school in the sixties; some passing motorists and their passengers would go to the trouble of throwing things at me while I hugged the fog line. I considered myself lucky if they only honked or shouted comments (most common: “Get off the road”) and passed quickly. Yes, there were close calls. I became naturally defensive and on the lookout for approaching danger. That carefree early experience now replaced by a different mindset. But I continued to ride because it was my best option for independent transportation and personal freedom as a teenager.

I share this with you because it is very important for all of us to realize the larger context of the transportation conversation that is so alive in our community. While making sure that there are safe bike routes that connect to places we need to go; there is a parallel need to encourage and re-kindle a culture of human power in our community.

May is Bike to School month, so I’d like to share with you how a culture of active human power in our community is being encouraged and developed. 

Thanks to the good collaboration of the ReCyclery and the Port Townsend School District, Blue Heron students participate in a comprehensive bike safety program in their PE classes. This program is a vivid example of how our community is supporting a more active transportation culture here. Students ride bikes into the community, supervised by school staff and a crew of community volunteers (me included). They learn to travel safely on a bicycle. During the spring, planned school outings eschew the yellow school bus for a fleet of bikes. Imagine my excitement at finding Port Townsend’s 6th graders spending a day learning at the Boat Haven by riding bikes there while I walked through the boat yard with a school board member! Smart place, Port Townsend, where young people are encouraged to move about under their own power. 

Of course, this encouragement has implications for our community. Let’s keep in mind the growing reservoir of expectations of our youth and their families as we plan for better cycling infrastructure. I want our young people to discover the joy, freedom and practicalityof bike riding like I did…with the difference being that they feel fully included in the transportation mix. My hope for them is that they will feel free to move about our community under their own power and direction and that they continue to be active, healthy and safe doing so. 

David Engle is the Port Townsend School District Superintendent of Schools (2012-2016) and a co-founder of the Port Townsend Cycle School.