Imagine the impact that a 8.5 magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami would have on Seattle. Buildings collapsed, roads in shambles, people displaced, services disconnected. Without roads that are passable to vehicles, how do we provide essential services to injured and scared residents? Bikes! That’s how! Bikes can traverse the city even when roads seem impassable, and can bring needed medical supplies, person-power, blankets, tools, water, and relief equipment to disaster victims all over the city. Seattle’s Disaster Relief Trials (DRT), an event organized by Familybike Seattle, gives cyclists and other community members the opportunity to test and train for such an emergency event. This year’s DRT is partnered with Seattle Summer Parkways, Seattle Emergency Hubs and the Seattle Auxiliary Communication Service (think HAM radio), which includes some of the literal organizations and people that would make survival possible in the event of mass-infrastructure-meltdown. This event isn’t just for preppers, folks! This is an opportunity to learn some tangible emergency skills, test your bike’s cargo pedaling power, have some fun and create an emergency game-plan for your immediate family and friends.
