Bikes Move Hearts: Solidarity, Safety, and the Future of Pierce County
- Jan 29
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 2
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. 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 last Saturday, we proved that we are ready to do exactly that.
Proof of Power: 190 Riders Strong
Saturday, January 31st 2026, we rode in solidarity with Minneapolis to honor the memory of Alex Pretti.
The ride was announced just four days in advance. Yet, when we met at 2nd Cycle, 190 cyclists showed up.
We filled the streets. We rode to honor a life taken too soon, but we also rode to make a statement: We are here.
This turnout tells me something critical. It tells me that this community is awake. It tells me that we are tired of the status quo. If we can mobilize nearly 200 people in less than a week for a memorial ride, imagine what we can do when we turn that energy toward policy, funding, and concrete change.
We have the excitement. Now, we have to build the power.
March 1st: The Shitty Gritty AlleyCat
After we ride for solidarity, we ride for our city.
On Sunday, 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. Watch & Share
Check out the [YouTube Video] from Saturday’s ride. Share it to show our leaders what 190 united cyclists look like.
2. Ride With Us
March 1st: Race (or ride) the Shitty Gritty AlleyCat to see the infrastructure gap firsthand.
3. Join the Conversation
We are launching a new Google Group to streamline communication and action alerts. This is where the work happens. If you would like to join please Email Leon@2ndcycle.org
4. 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.
5. 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.
Written by Leon Nettels Executive Director 2nd Cycle
