29 August 2006 Archives

Cyclist mugged on the waterfront?

Buffered Bike Lane with a bike symbol and arrow pointing forward

I just noticed this post in the Forums. It’s about a pre-meditated bike crash scam on the waterfront.

“A co-worker of mine got mugged while bicycling home!! He was riding along the waterfront and was boxed in by another rider and forced into an accident. They crashed pretty hard and he tore up his shin. The rider who blocked my co-worker’s path and caused the accident claimed that his rear wheel was damaged. Immediately the incident was swarmed upon by several homeless youth who took sides with the perpetrator of the crash and threatened my friend with bodily harm. They insisted that restitution be made immediately. My co-worker gave the perp his rear wheel/tire and quickly left.”

According to the post, this happened on Friday August 25th at around 7:30 PM between the Burnside and Steel Bridges.

Has anyone else fallen victim to a similar attack? If so, you should notify Portland Police Central Precinct at (503) 823-0097.

PDOT sharpens focus on pro-bike messaging

The Transportation Options division within PDOT has put out a call to marketing and focus group experts to help create and evaluate effective messages that will resonate with the non-cycling public.

This effort is a key part of their nine-point strategy to reach Platinum status with the League of Amercian Bicyclists and increase bicycle use by 15%.

According to the official request for proposals,

[A Brompton built
for two.]

Since neither of my girls can ride a bike on their own (yet), we’re always looking for ways to carry them. So far Juli and I have used a trailer, baby seats, backpacks, my arms and even my shoulders (just for fun).

Last week I came across two new methods that were both fun and effective.

While hanging out at Veloce Bicycles on Hawthorne, Todd Fahrner rolled in on his Brompton folder. Todd’s always up to something interesting and that day he was showing off his latest creation. Todd has converted a product called the ITChair—which adds a child seat to a Brompton—attached some cranks and made it into a nifty tandem for tots. He calls it the ITandem.

It’s been just over a year since I posted, “Wanted: your close calls.” Since then, 226 of you have reported the details of your harrowing experiences.

I read all of them and every once in a while one will catch my eye. Like this one,

Cyclist mugged on the waterfront?

PDOT sharpens focus on pro-bike messaging

Cool ways to carry kids

Gold Lamborghini road rages on Skyline

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