Bellingham History Tour Bike Ride

Amount Awarded: $775.00  

Academic Year: 2023-2024 

Implementation: September 2023

The Active Transportation Coordinator and the Transportation Services team helped host a history tour and bike ride for students in September of 2023. The tour gave students an insight into Bellingham’s history while also providing an opportunity for students to learn to be more comfortable commuting between downtown Bellingham and campus. This project aimed to create a connection between Bellingham and Western’s students while also promoting biking as a viable transportation option. 

Bikes were provided to students who didn’t have their own, through the Outdoor Center’s commuter bike rental program. Additionally, bike techs were available to service bikes for students who brought their own and needed adjustments. The ride took place at the end of Bike Fest – a week of events meant to improve students’ biking skills and confidence – and provided a great trial run for folks learning to bike in a more complex environment off campus. The tour portion of the event was guided by a local historian and one of the founders of the Good Time Girls local company. Stops were made at places like the Salmon Woman Totem Pole, which tells the legend of Salmon Woman and the origins of salmon runs, as well as Waypoint Park to learn about the industrial history of the waterfront.

Testimonials:  “For many of the riders, it was their first-time riding in Bellingham, and I think it really helped them gain confidence around biking around town. I think overall students did also learn a lot about the history and made a strong connection with Bellingham.” - grant team member