Day: November 15, 2006
Cyclocross takes center stage this weekend
at Hillsboro this weekend.]
This Sunday the eyes of the cyclocross world will be set on Hillsboro Stadium (just a few miles west of Portland).
Racers and media from all over the country will compete in the sixth race of the US Gran Prix of Cyclocross. The series has made previous stops in Massachusetts, Colorado, and Washington and is expected to draw huge crowds.
Police to discontinue free bike light program
while it lasted.]
The law requires that all cyclists have a front light and a rear reflector. A little over one year ago, the Traffic Division of the Portland Police Bureau began giving out free lights to bicyclists who were stopped for violating this law.
The program was spearheaded by then Commander Bill Sinnott and was met with much rejoicing by city bureaucrats and bike advocates in Portland. It also garnered significant publicity locally and nationally, including a spot on CBS News Sunday Morning.
Unfortunately, I’ve just gotten word that the PPB does not plan to continue this program after their remaining 50 sets of lights are given out.
I called Lieutenant Mark Kruger (2nd in command at the Traffic Division) this morning and asked why. He said,
Group seeks funding for stage race in Portland
“I would like to see a world-class bike racing event in Portland.”
-Commissioner Adams
Last night at City Hall, a sub-committee formed as part of the bicycle industry task force, met to discuss the potentials and pitfalls of creating a major bike racing event in Portland.
The meeting got off to an exciting start when City Commissioner Sam Adams announced that due to a surplus in the City’s General Fund, one-time monies might be available to make the event a reality.