I know the cyclocross fanatics in this town are getting ready for the season so I thought I’d share my photos from last December’s National Cyclocross Championships that were held right here in our backyard (PIR to be exact).
Day: August 3, 2005
Reckless driver is “Rogue of the Week”
The Willy Week gets major street cred for choosing a reckless motorist their “Rogue of the Week”. Turns out one of their own reporters, Angela Valdez, was seriously injured by a motorist last week on NE 15th and NE Prescott. The driver turned right directly in front of her and still thought it wasn’t his fault. Sounds crazy huh? This quote from the cop on the scene isn’t any better:
“as with most collisions, there will be no prosecution. “It doesn’t rise to the level of a crime,” says Hussey.”
I guess nearly taking someone’s life isn’t a crime in this country. That’s ridiculous. This is especially appalling because, once again the driver is a repeat offender who should not be on the road to begin with.
Time for another mention of the Freedom from Cars Declaration. Sign it. Live it. If we don’t start to make our voices heard and demand a change, nothing will ever get better.
Willamette Week reports on St. Johns Bridge
Ryan Hume at the Willamette Week did a great job with his story on the St. Johns Bridge and cyclists in this week’s Willy Week. I met with Ryan and exchanged several emails about the story and I can honestly say he is a solid reporter.
But I can’t resist commenting on his line that paraphrases Charles Sciscione, regional manager of ODOT.
he [Sciscione] doesn’t necessarily disagree [with an alternative plan that would be safer for bikes] but he believes there’s no better solution for a span that averages 24,000 cars and trucks a day.
No better solution? Wasn’t their a study done by an independent consulting group that said 4 full lanes will not reduce congestion and that the alternative was both safer and more efficient?
The real kicker is that Sciscione actually admits that the “lanes are too narrow,” than says, “but it’s a treasure.”
Mr. Sciscione, I realize you are just the messenger and that you’re heart may actually reside with the cyclists and pedestrians. But really, if the bridge is such a treasure (which I agree it is), than why would you follow through with a plan that doesn’t let anyone besides motorists to enjoy its grandeur without fearing for their life?