25 August 2008 Archives

Mr. Wiewel’s inaugural ride, and what it could mean for PSU

PSU Pres. Wim Wievel (L) and Commissioner
Sam Adams after their ride into work this
morning.
(Photos © J. Maus)

Newly hired Portland State University President Wim Wievel (say “Vim Vee-vul”) got an up-close look at what 2,000 of PSU’s students, faculty and staff experience every morning — a commute by bike.

Wievel, 57, rode approximately seven miles from his presidential residence (his house is owned by PSU) on SW Military Road (near Tryon Creek State Park) down into the South Park Blocks. Accompanied by Commissioner and Mayor-elect Sam Adams, the pair pedaled down Terwilliger, onto SW Barbur and eventually into downtown via SW 6th Ave.

13 year-old Leo Westwind, just
minutes after getting his new bike.
(Photos © J. Maus)

A very tough year for 13 year-old Leo Westwind was made a bit brighter on Friday.

Leo suffers from a genetic liver ailment known as Alagille Syndrome and last winter his condition worsened severely. In December, his mom Kyrstin (owner of a bike-powered smoothie business) rushed him to children’s hospital in Seattle where doctors told her Leo needed a new liver.

Fortunately, with fundraising help from the community and from Southeast Portland-based non-profit Free Geek (where Leo’s dad Michael works), Leo received a new liver on December 18th.

Riders cross a bridge on the Springwater
Corridor Trail during Sunday’s Portland
Century ride.
(Photo: Bob Crispin)

In just its third year, the Portland Century seems to have found its sweet spot.

Ride organizer Ayleen Crotty with Good Sport Promotion says they’re still going through the paperwork from Sunday’s ride but initial estimates put the number of participants at 1,700.

Some early reports from commenters include lots of compliments on the ride’s support, organization and route. Crotty says that, “People were applauding Portland, cheering for the beer, and loving every minute of the ride. Riders who had not ridden since the 1st year were back and very impressed.”

Buffered Bike Lane with a bike symbol and arrow pointing forward

A reader (thanks Dan K.!) sent in this photo of a billboard in Eugene.

The billboard touts Dodge’s new Journey model and an image of the vehicle is next to the word, “Gasolean” and the phrase, “Best in Class MPG”. Underneath that phrase a graffiti artist has painted an arrow that leads to a bicycle.

It reminded me of the graffiti on a billboard on N. Vancouver Ave. in Portland from back in Spring of 2007.

Hood-to-Coast collision results in arrest

News Release from: Oregon State Police
This incident does not involve anyone on a bike, but since it has to does with another vulnerable roadway user group (runners), I thought it might be worth noting.

Below is the statement from the Oregon State Police (emphasis mine):

A cab driver in Miami allegedly fell asleep at the wheel and ran into a group of people on bicycles. The cyclists were riding on a six-lane highway when the collision occured. Luckily, no one was killed. Here is a video report from the Associated Press…

Mr. Wiewel’s inaugural ride, and what it could mean for PSU

A new bike for Leo

1,700 riders take part in Portland Century

Eugene graffiti spoofs Dodge billboard

Hood-to-Coast collision results in arrest

Miami: Cab driver runs into group of cyclists

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