Disaster Relief Trials (DRTs) build community disaster resilience and demonstrate the utility of bicycles in emergency response. Learn how to use your bike to help your neighbors!

Image credits: Mike Cobb, Ashley Montessori, Kevin Turinsky.

Date: Saturday July 25, 2026

• 9:00AM – Packet pick-up; bike safety check; welcome and orientation
• 10:00AM – Participants receive map/manifest and plan route
• 11:00AM – DRT start, LeMans style
• 4:00PM – Event close

Location: Cal Anderson Park (event start and finish); various checkpoints around Seattle

Event components:

• Navigate the city to visit checkpoint stations where you will complete disaster-related tasks
• Traverse up to 30-35 miles
• Challenge yourself with bicycle-related disaster relief skills
• Connect with others working to make our communities disaster resilient
• Support research investigating bicycle use in disaster response (learn more here!)

All bicycle types are welcome, and different levels of ride challenge and intensity are available – bring your family and cruise the checkpoints for fun and education, or test your capabilities by completing the full circuit!

Disaster Relief Trials Seattle 2026 was organized by a team comprising the Disaster Relief Trials nonprofit as well as researchers from Oklahoma State University, the University of Virginia, and the University of Washington. Local supporters include Seattle Streets Alliance, the UW Center for Disaster Resilient Communities, Seattle Emergency Hubs, Basilica Bio, Cascade Bicycle Club’s Pedaling Relief Project, Seattle Auxiliary Communications Service, Byrd Barr Place Market, Beacon Food Forest, Dandelion Bikes, the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network, UW Farm, the City of Seattle’s Office of Emergency Management, and Cal Anderson Park Alliance.