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Bellhop is Here to Stay!

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In partnership with VisitBellevue and provider Circuit  Bellhop has been providing electric shuttle rides in Bellevue. The pilot program has been running since August of 2023, but VisitBellevue recently announced that Bellhop is here to stay! It covers roughly six square miles in Bellevue (see map below) and will provides free 100% electric rides.   

According to Circuit, 60% of vehicle trips are under five miles. Bellhop aims to help people get around without a car and reduce vehicle trips!   

Bellhop Circuit Bellevue Service Area  

Hours Of Operation 

Sun-Thur, 9 AM – 9 PM and Fri-Sat, 10 AM – 10 PM 

EARLY COMMUTER EXPANDED SERVICE 

The BellHop service is expanding to include a new weekday, on-demand morning service starting June 17th. This service is designed to accommodate early morning riders by providing direct transportation from Bellevue's Downtown Transit Station (Light Rail & Metro stations) to additional downtown stops, operating from 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM, Monday through Friday. 

How to Use 

To use Bellhop is simple – just download the Circuit App, make an account, and request a ride within the limits, and a driver will start making their way toward you! It's that easy.   

Feel free to bring your children or four-legged friends too! For children, please note Circuit follows Washington state car seat and child passenger laws and does not carry a car seat. For pets, your furry friend must be seated on your lap or on the floor between your legs at all times.   

                                                
 

Don't Miss Out on the Sustainable Summer Challenge!

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 It's Ride Transit Month 2024! 

Save some money, help the planet, and earn big by logging your trips! 

  

Check out the challenge below and log your trips in June for a chance to earn a  

$200 Gregg's Cycle gift card.  It’s as easy as 1,2,3! 

 

The more trips you log the more chances you have to win the Gregg's Cycle gift card. You can log in on your desktop or try our convenient mobile app for Apple and Google Play. 

 

  1. Log in or sign up for a CYWB Rewards account. 

  2. Log all your non-drive-alone trips. You will be able to qualify for our regular rewards program AND you will be entered to win a $200 Gregg's Cycle gift card!   

  3. Keep your eye on your email for messages from us and keep logging your trips! 

  

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or X so you don't miss our special posts on Eco-Friendly Days! Be sure to log your non-drive-alone trips on those days to have a chance of winning special prizes including tumblers, backpacks, and more! 

 

 

 

 

Bikeable Date Ideas in Bellevue

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May is National Bike Month, and we have bikeable date ideas for you! 

 

Is your date a foodie? Ride 5 minutes from downtown Bellevue to Whisk, 10385 Main St, to take a one-of-a-kind cooking class. After your unique dining experience, ride a short way to Bellevue Downtown Park to watch the sunset as you relax on the grass and listen to the waterfall for a romantic end to the evening. 

 

Looking for a more adventurous date? Ride 7 minutes from downtown Bellevue to Meydenbauer Bay Park, 9899 Lake Washington Blvd NE. Park the bikes, rent a two-person canoe or kayak, and embark on a thrilling exploration of the bay together! After working up an appetite, ride back downtown for a well-deserved dinner and drinks. 

 

Is your date's FYP cottage core? Visit Larsen Lake Blueberry Farm, 700 148th Ave SE. The farm, open March through September, offers a delightful array of fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables, cut flowers, and u-pick and frozen blueberries (the season is usually July through September). From Downtown, take Lake Hills Connector and SE 8th St for a 27-minute ride. After picking up your fruit and veggies, ride to Larsen Lake for a picnic, basking in the joy of your freshly picked produce, before heading back to city life! 

 

Does your date love to connect to other cities via bike? Take them on an exciting, safe, beautiful bike adventure from Bellevue to Seattle, Kirkland, Redmond and more using one of the areas wonderful bike and pedestrian paths including the 520, I-90, Cross Kirkland Corridor or the 2 Line! In fact, we suggest taking the 2 Line to the BelRed Arts District to spot as many public art installations as you can find for a friendly competition! 

 

For more information on sustainable travel options and how to log your travel for rewards, visit ChooseYourWayBellevue.org  

Bike Safety Refresher

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Whether you are new to biking or a pro, you can learn about bicyclist-related laws, safety tips, and your rights and responsibilities as a bicyclist at the Washington State Department of Transportation website. 

  • Obey traffic signs and signals. Bicyclists must follow the rules of the road like other vehicles. 

  • Never ride against traffic. Motorists aren't looking for bicyclists riding on the wrong side of the road. State law and common sense require that bicyclists drive like other vehicles. 

  • Follow lane markings. Don't turn left from the right lane. Don't go straight in a lane marked "right-turn only." 

  • If riding on a limited access facilities where bicycling is permitted, use the off and on ramps at interchanges. 

  • Don't pass on the right. Motorists may not look for or see a bicyclist passing on the right. 

  • Scan the road behind you. Learn to look back over your shoulder without losing your balance or swerving. Some riders use rear-view mirrors. 

  • Keep both hands ready to brake. You may not stop in time if you brake one-handed. Allow extra distance for stopping in the rain, since brakes are less efficient when wet. 

  • Wear a helmet and never ride with headphones. Always wear a helmet. Never wear a headphone while riding a bike. 

  • Dress for the weather. In the rain, wear a poncho or waterproof suit. Dress in layers so you can adjust to temperature changes. Wear bright-colored clothing. 

  • Use hand signals. Hand signals tell motorists and pedestrians what you intend to do. Signal as a matter of law, of courtesy, and of self-protection. 

  • Ride in the middle of the lane in slower traffic. Get in the middle of the lane at busy intersections and whenever you are moving at the same speed as traffic. 

  • Choose the best way to turn left. There are two choices: (1) Like an auto: signal to move into the left turn lane and then turn left. (2) Like a pedestrian: ride straight to the far side crosswalk. Walk your bike across. 

  • Make eye contact with drivers. Assume that other drivers don't see you until you are sure that they do. Eye contact is important with any driver who might pose a threat to your safety. 

  • Use a mirror so you know when drivers are behind you. 

  • Look out for road hazards. Watch out for parallel-slat sewer grates, gravel, ice, sand or debris and pedestrians on the shoulder. Cross railroad tracks at right angles. 

  • Use lights at night. The law requires a white headlight (visible from at least 500 feet ahead) and a rear reflector or taillight (visible up to 300 feet from behind). 

  • Keep your bike in good repair. Adjust your bike to fit you and keep it working properly. Check brakes and tires regularly. Routine maintenance is simple, and you can learn to do it yourself. 

For more information on sustainable travel options and how to log your travel for rewards, visit ChooseYourWayBellevue.org  

Resources for Bike and Sound Transit 2 Line Riders

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We have gathered specific resources in honor of May being Bike Everywhere Month and the 2 Line opening! 

Bellevue Bike Map 2020 Download 

The Bellevue bike map features updated citywide and close-in area maps, safety tips, helmet fitting tips, updated biking-supportive tools and resources, Washington state bike laws, and a frequent transit service map. Request a hard copy at 425-452-6856 or TRReception@bellevuewa.gov. 

Station Access Map Download 

The Move Redmond Station Access Maps will serve as a resource for everyone looking to access light rail without the need for a car. They offer safety information, highlighting areas of caution, such as busy intersections, with turning vehicles, and identifying steep grades that may pose challenges for wheelchair users. The printed version includes information on how to reload your ORCA card, use BikeLink Lockers, and schedule a community van ride. Please visit one of our many events or contact us to pick up a printed version. 

How-tos and rules provided by the City and our regionwide partners:  

 

Bike Park and Ride 

There are several options on how and where to park your bike and connect with the 2 Line. For more information, visit the bike parking page on Sound Transit. (The information below is from the Sound Transit website.) 

  • Bellevue Downtown Station has on-demand bike lockers, a bike room, and racks. 

  • BelRed Station has bike racks. 

  • East Main Station has on-demand bike lockers and racks. 

  • Overlake Village Station has on-demand bike lockers and racks. 

  • Redmond Technology Station has on-demand bike lockers and racks. 

  • South Bellevue Station has a bike room and racks. 

  • Spring District Station has on-demand bike lockers and racks. 

  • Wilburton Station has on-demand bike lockers and racks. 

 

Also, Eastgate Park-and-Ride, where you can access bus routes, has on-demand bike lockers. 

  

Showers 

Looking for a spot to shower?  Check out nearby fitness centers that offer shower-only memberships. (Many do!) 

  

For more information on sustainable travel options and how to log your travel for rewards, visit ChooseYourWayBellevue.org 

Special Events for Bike Everywhere Month 2024!

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Welcome to Bike Everywhere Month! This is your chance to start or sustain your biking travel. Our exciting events can help you improve your health, reduce your carbon footprint, and connect with fellow biking enthusiasts! 

 

Bellevue Bike Bash from 5-7 p.m. May 9 

Kick off Bike Everywhere Month 2024 at the Bellevue Bike Bash at Cascadia Pizza, 1820 130th Ave NE Ste 2! Come meet fellow bike enthusiasts and grab some bike swag! 

 

Bike Everywhere Day 7-10 a.m. May 17 

Make this spring is one to remember by biking around Bellevue on Bike Everywhere Day! On your way, stop by a participating commute station for refreshments, bike swag and more!

 For Bike Everywhere Day, we’re hosting three Bike Everywhere stations in partnership with the City of Kirkland and Cascade Bicycle Club. Visit one or all three of the participating stations: 

  • SR 520 Bridge at Evergreen Point, Medina 

  • Bellevue Transit Center: 108th Ave. NE and NE 6th St.

  • I-90 East Enatai Station: I-90 Mountains to Sound Trail entrance at SE 34th St. and 109th Ave. SE 

 

Join experts from Cascade Bicycle Club on May 18 for Fun and Informative Classes! 

Lake Hills Public Library, 15590 Lake Hills Blvd, 98007 

  • Intro to Bike Commuting 1-2 p.m. 

Want to know more about what it takes to commute by bike? This class is for you! 

Presented by Choose Your Way Bellevue 

 

  • Maintenance for Every Commuter 2:15-3:15 p.m. 

Want to know more about what it takes to maintain your bike properly? This class is for you! 

Presented by Cascade Bicycle Club with support from the Bellevue Library and Friends 

 

Bike Appreciation Day May 29  

Choose Your Way Bellevue will be giving away gift cards to randomly selected cyclists spotted at the Bellevue Transit Center from 7-10 a.m.!

 

 

 

For more information on sustainable travel options and how to log your non-drive-alone travel for rewards, visit Choose Your Way Bellevue Rewards | Choose Your Way Bellevue

 

April 22nd is Earth Day!

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Happy Earth Day! Thank you for taking transit, carpooling, vanpooling, walking, biking, or using another type of sustainable travel today and every day! 

 

Check out these facts about Earth Day*: 

 

  1. The first Earth Day in 1970 mobilized millions of Americans from all walks of life to birth the modern environmental movement with over 20 million participants – accounting for 10% of the U.S. population at the time.  

 

  1. Since then, Earth Day has evolved into the largest civic event on Earth, activating over a billion people across 192 countries to safeguard our planet and fight for a brighter future. 

 

  1. Earth Day 1970 led to the passage of landmark environmental laws in the United States, including the Clean Air, Clean Water, Endangered Species Act, and the establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 

 

*Source: Check out more facts about Earth Day at earthday.org 

 

 

Want to celebrate Earth Day this year?! Come to the City of Bellevue’s first annual EarthFest from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 20, at the Bellevue Botanical Garden! Visit the City’s event page to learn more. In honor of Earth Day, take transit, walk, bike, or take Bellevue’s Bellhop service to/from the event—a great way to reduce emissions and meet new earth-conscious friends. 

For more information on sustainable travel options, visit ChooseYourWayBellevue.org. 

Choose Your Way Bellevue Rewards: 2023 in Review

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 Trip Log Review grahpic

 

With the new year already here, comes time for reflecting on 2023. We’ve looked at all the trips Choose Your Way Bellevue (CYWB) commuters have logged within the past year and we’ve broken it down by the number of mode trips. It's been quite a year for CYWB commuters!  

 

You've managed to log impressive travel mode trips and here is the breakdown:  

  • 21,474 Bus 

  • 14,317 Telework 

  • 9,415 Carpool 

  • 4,774 Bike 

  • 3,442 walking 

  • 1,825 Vanpool 

 

That's a big deal, not to mention some big savings compared to driving alone! 

  • 459,544 pounds of carbon dioxide saved 

  • 23,787 gallons of gas saved 

  • $179,000 in monetary savings 

 

You've been quite interested in finding ride matches as well, with just over 47,000 ridematch requests sent! 

 

Note: You can learn how to create a ridematch with our handy infographic! 

Don’t forget to continue logging your trips by signing up or logging in at www.ChooseYourWayBellevue.org/rewards. Our “Return-to-Travel campaign is offering a guaranteed $50 reward to all participants who log 25 days of non-drive-alone travel (other than telework or compressed work week) in Bellevue! Reward types include Spotify, Hulu and REI. Check it out and get logging!  

 

Let’s build on the success of 2023 and make 2024 an even better year for non-drive-alone modes in Bellevue – thank you CYWB commuters! 

  

-Choose Your Way staffer Jake 

 

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