Op-Ed: WA Bikes explains why they endorsed Bruce Harrell

Editor's Note: Seattle Bike Blog has enthusiastically endorsed Katie Wilson for Seattle Mayor, and we wrote in a recent roundup of advocacy organization endorsements that WA Bikes snubs several bike champions." In conversations with Washington Bikes Executive Director Lee Lambert, I offered space for an op-ed explaining their decision. WA Bikesis a nonpartisan organization that endorsed more than 70 candidates across the state this election cycle. It is distinct from its charitable sister organization the Cascade Bicycle Club and is funded largely by revenue from the annual Seattle to Portland Bicycle Classic.

The WA Bikes PAC, funded entirely by Washington Bikes, sent this mailer to nearly 77,000 homes.

By Washington Bikes

Our Endorsement Process

At Washington Bikes, our endorsement process is rooted in research and a focus on what matters most - delivering real, measurable improvements for biking, safety, and equity. In 2023, 2024, and 2025, Seattle has seen historic investments in bike infrastructure, and much of that progress is thanks to the leadership of Mayor Bruce Harrell.

Over the last few days, we've received questions about our endorsement of Bruce Harrell for Mayor. Rather than simply responding directly back to the people who emailed us, we wanted to be more transparent and share the message with others who may be wondering.

We support candidates who not only articulate a strong vision but also follow through - securing funding, advancing projects, and creating lasting, tangible change. Our endorsement process includes early endorsements of champions, and considers positions on bike policy (which may be learned through our questionnaire or in-person interview or the candidate's record on bike-related issues), their approachability and willingness to engage on bike safety, their viability, and their experience and years of leadership within the community.

Our Endorsement: Why We Stand by Mayor Harrell

Based on his results for people biking, Washington Bikes is proud to endorse Mayor Bruce Harrell for re-election. During his first term, Mayor Harrell didn't simply talk about bike safety - his administration funded it, built it, and set Seattle up for even greater progress ahead.

Let's be clear: we don't agree on every decision. For example, Lake Washington Boulevard clearly needs to be safer for people walking, biking and rolling. But the massive progress and improvements towards a safe, connected Seattle bike network over the last four years are undeniable.

Let's look at the receipts:

• Sent a $1.55 billion Seattle Transportation Levy to voters, which included over $130 million for protected bike lanes, and $160 million for Vision Zero - a funding source that targets projects that will make our streets safer, frequently for people biking and walking. This is also a Levy that is federal government proof - a major shift from the prior Levy - and ensures stability and progress even when federal funds fluctuate.
• Approved the Seattle Transportation Plan (STP), which grew the number of miles in the planned bike network and set protected bike lanes as the default for new bike lanes.
• Completed over 13 miles of NEW protected bike lanes across the city, including high impact projects with organized opposition to them, such as: the first protected bike lane to and through SODO, known as the Georgetown to Downtown Protected Bicycle Lane. Additionally, the Georgetown to South Park Protected Bicycle Lane, Alaskan Way West Side Protected Bicycle Lane, and East Marginal Way were built during his tenure.
• Installed six miles of concrete barriers to add real physical protection to existing painted bike lanes, with a total of 30 percent of the existing bike network to be converted over the Levy's span.
• Advanced more safe bike routes to construction or design: Eastlake protected bike lanes as part of Rapid Ride J (3.7 miles), Renton Ave S (1.7 miles), Roosevelt/ Pinehurst Way NE (1.35 miles), S Henderson St. (0.87 miles) Beacon Ave Middle Segment (2.36 miles), Highland Park Way SW (0.59 miles), and 4th Ave Extension to Seattle Center (0.7 miles).
• Staying the course on completing the Burke Gilman Missing Link along Shilshole Ave NW - the Mayor's office has continued to appeal the lawsuits that stand in the way of completing the Missing Link on the most simple, safe and connected route.
• Equity-driven Levy projects moving forward, like 14th & Director in South Park, 130th Avenue N, Aurora Avenue bike lanes, and Beacon Avenue South.

These achievements are not small wins - they represent transformative progress in connectivity, safety, and accessibility, particularly for South Seattle communities that have long been underserved.

But an endorsement isn't just backward looking. We view Harrell as well-positioned to implement the current transportation levy, which is the major funding source for new bike infrastructure and the key to completing Seattle's bike network. After all, his staff crafted it, and he gave it his stamp of approval when he sent it to the city council.

Vote Harrell for a Safer, More Connected Seattle

Washington Bikes supports Mayor Bruce Harrell because he's proven that leadership, collaboration, and accountability deliver results. From record-setting investments to long-awaited project completions, his administration has achieved incredible progress delivering safe, equitable bike networks across Seattle.

Vote Bruce Harrell for Mayor. Let's keep Seattle moving forward - on two wheels.

About Washington Bikes

Washington Bikes is a statewide 501c4 organization committed to building a transportation system that works for everyone. We focus on long-term policies and investments that create safer streets and better access across Washington, including statewide wins such as the Safety Stop, the Vulnerable Road User/Safe Passing Law, and ensuring bicyclists have the same rights as cars on our roads.