Have you ever looked up directions to a doctor’s appointment, conference, or event and found yourself frustrated that they only provide driving directions? As an avid cyclist, this annoys the hell out of me, especially when it’s often at locations that are easily accessed by public transport or bike!
Well, thankfully for all of us, there are people in the world like Merlin Rainwater, my Mover and Shaker Feature today who just isn’t satisfied with frustration and annoyance - she makes change happen.
Calling herself “The Transportation Nag”, Merlin Rainwater has been instrumental in getting Seattle landmark institutions such as Woodland Park Zoo, Bell Harbor Conference Center, Kaiser Permanente hospital on 15th (formerly Group Health)and downtown Nordstrom’s & Macy’s to rethink their transportation plans to pay attention to transit, bicycles and walking.
Merlin is also a changemaker in the Seattle bike world, leading an inclusive group ride called S.L.O.W., which stands for Senior Ladies on Wheels (but is open to all ages and genders.) While this ride has taken a bit of a pause during COVID, Merlin invites all to join her for next ride on Saturday October 16th for a Bonus Blocks Bike Ride to Wa Na Waris WALK the BLOCK Festival and Fundraiser.
Merlin, 75, was born and raised in Seattle. She’s lived in many neighborhoods all over the city, calling the Central District home since 1980. Merlin grew up riding bikes with her brother, riding to the corner store for snacks, to school, and for adventures. As she got older, Merlin spent a year abroad for an exchange program in Germany in West Berlin, where she was first exposed to European bike culture. It was there she said that she realized she didn’t “have to buy into car culture.”
Her favorite place to ride is in Seattle, even though she’s ridden in cities all over! Merlin loves finding the most comfortable, least hilly way to get around the city, which if you’ve ever ridden around Seattle, is definitely a challenge!
I asked Merlin her best advice for encouraging other older, new or hesitant riders and she laughed and said, “Well, I want to say ‘Just do it’, but I know that’s not realistic.” Instead, she recommends finding a wide open area (like an empty parking lot) as opposed to a narrow trail to practice your balance and get comfortable riding. Once you’re feeling confident, Merlin recommends finding a group of like-minded people to ride with (such as her S.L.O.W. Group Ride) and really riding at your own pace and style!
Merlin - you’re truly inspirational and I hope at 75 I’m still smiling, riding as cool of a bike as you, and leading group rides. Thank you for all you’ve done for cycling in Seattle.