Bikes Move Hearts: Solidarity, Safety, and the Future of Pierce County
- leon3451
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
We all know that feeling.
There’s the moment of pure joy: the wind in your hair, the efficiency of getting across town under your own power, the connection to your neighborhood that you just don’t get from inside a car.
But then, there is the other reality. The adrenaline spike of a close pass on a high-speed arterial. The "bike lane" that abruptly ends, dumping you into mixed traffic. The feeling that our streets were not built for us to survive on, let alone thrive on.
We love riding in Pierce County. But let’s be honest: our streets are failing us. And right now, with critical funding gaps threatening Vision Zero projects, we cannot afford to just hope things get better.
We have to show up. We have to advocate. And sometimes, we have to ride to remind the world that we are here.
Immediate Action: Riding for Alex Pretti (This Saturday)
Advocacy isn’t just about policy; it’s about people. It’s about the community we build and the way we protect each other.
This Saturday, January 31st, we are riding in solidarity with Minneapolis and the cycling community across the nation to honor the memory of Alex Pretti.
Alex was an ICU nurse, a cyclist, and a kind soul who was killed while standing up for others. As our friends at Angry Catfish in Minneapolis wrote:
"Alex was one of us, could’ve been any of us... Although his light has been extinguished by this fascist regime, it hasn’t been lost. If anything, those sparks fell and ignited something in us that’s been hiding all along. We are stronger together, and they can’t take us all."
Bikes move more than wheels they move hearts. They build community, and they carry us together toward change. We are riding to honor Alex, to stand with Minneapolis, and to show that collective action is the only way forward.
The Details:
When: Saturday, Jan 31st
Where: Meet at 2nd Cycle (Tacoma)
Time: 11:00 AM Meet / 11:30 AM Rollout
Distance: about 2 miles
March 1st: The Shitty Gritty AlleyCat
After we ride for solidarity, we ride for our city.
On Saturday, March 1st, we are hosting the Shitty Gritty AlleyCat.
If you’ve never done an AlleyCat, it’s part scavenger hunt, part urban navigation challenge, and yes a party on a bike. But this isn't just about fun. We designed this route with a purpose.
We want you to feel the reality of Pierce County’s infrastructure. We want you to ride the brilliant connections that almost work, and the frustrating barriers that keep our neighborhoods divided. We hope that as you race through the city, you’ll realize exactly where our infrastructure is failing us and why we need to fight for better.
Come for the chaos, stay for the realization that we deserve safe streets.
The Long Game: Building a Powerful Voice for Pierce County
Riding is the spark, but organization is the fire.
While we ride for solidarity and awareness, we also need to organize for policy. Right now, Tacoma and Pierce County are facing a transportation funding crisis. After the April 2025 ballot measure failed, we were left with a critical budget gap that jeopardizes the "Vision Zero" safety projects our streets desperately need.
We cannot let that happen again.
We are currently helping to launch a new, broader Pierce County advocacy group. We are moving beyond a Tacoma-only focus to connect regional efforts from the Foothills Trail to Orting and we are adopting a "steady drumbeat" strategy to make sure our voice is heard in every budget meeting and council session.
Our Immediate Priorities:
Streets Initiative 2.0 (August 2026): We are fully committed to supporting the city’s upcoming ballot measure. This time, we are stepping up to help craft "voter-friendly" messaging that cuts through the jargon and makes the case for safe streets clear and undeniable.
Defending the Budget: With a challenging budget season ahead, we are fighting to protect the active transportation funds currently at risk.
Bike Month (May): We are planning to help Tacoma on the Go with a "Government 101" training series to teach riders how to become effective advocates.
How You Can Help (Right Now)
We need voices, we need riders, and we need leaders. Here is how you can plug in:
1. Ride with Us
This Saturday (Jan 31): Ride for Alex Pretti. Meet at 2nd Cycle at 11 AM.
March 1st: Race (or ride) the Shitty Gritty AlleyCat to see the infrastructure gap firsthand.
2. Join the Conversation
We are launching a new Google Group to streamline communication and action alerts. This is where the work happens.
3. Show Up (Virtually)
We have adopted a monthly meeting cadence to build momentum. Our next meeting is:
Tuesday, February 24th @ 6:00 PM (Virtual)
Agenda: Formalizing our new group name, planning for Bike Month, and strategizing for the August ballot measure.
4. Step Up
If you want to do more than just listen, if you want to help shape our strategy, lead a committee, or help us plan Bike Month events please reach out to me directly leon@2ndcycle.org
We are looking for core members who are ready to take a bigger part in these new efforts.
We have the passion. Now let’s build the power.
See you in the streets.
