The economics of stop signs; the toll of riding drunk; "blue gold;" job sprawl; free bikes for all; friendly robots

Time for the news.
- New U.S. research findings quantify the impact of air pollution on life expectancy. Another recent study found that low birth weight is linked to exposure to pollution.
- Mayor Adams and Governor Kulongoski [...]

Bunnies on bikes(Photo © J. Maus)

Thanks to BikePortland intern J.R., we have a bunch of new events posted.
And just in time, as the seasonal event explosion is beginning.
Here are some of the weekend's highlights. Grease up your chain and get out there!
- There used to be a pub crawl every year or so that stopped [...]

Conrad Miller (Jayme S. Hall) and Steve Jones (Elle Poindexter) in a screenshot from the film.-Watch the trailer below-

The Bicyclists, a new movie based on The Bicyclist webisode series, premieres tonight at the Hollywood Theater.
The entire film was shot in Portland and is steeped in local bike culture. The story revolves around Conrad Miller [...]

A shot of the Gateway Green Bicycle Concept Plan.

A story published online by KGW yesterday contains incorrect information about the SE Clinton Road Rage case that are leading some Portlanders to get the wrong idea about what happened.
These inaccuracies -- one of which they are making again, even after they changed it when I brought it to their attention in 2007 -- are [...]

Temporary markings were painted back in June...

but now they're gone and the plans are in flux.

[Note: I reported this news yesterday as an update to a previous story. This post is being done to clarify the latest development.]

"I am pleased to inform you that...we will be able to continue staffing the Bicycle/Pedestrian CAC in the near term."-- Jane McFarland, Senior Transportation Planner for Multnomah County

After they initially planned to [...]

If you're looking to get some experience in Portland's burgeoning bike industry, check out this opportunity listed on the BikePortland Job Listings this week.
Learn more about it here:

Frame Builder -- Newbikeco

Eschweiler in the courtroom today.(Photos © Elly Blue)

At the Multnomah County Courthouse today, Johnny Eschweiler waived his right to a trial by jury and was found guilty except for insanity on two counts of assault for using his motor vehicle as a weapon in an August, 2007 road rage incident.
Eschweiler was committed to the jurisdiction [...]

Ryan Hashagen, owner of Portland Cascadia Pedicabs, is concerned about new regulations.(Photo © J. Maus) -Video below-

The City of Portland is currently in the process of updating their "private for hire transportation" policies. As part of this update, and partially at the request of local pedicab operators, they will also be regulating pedicabs for [...]

David Byrne (R), with transportation advocate Noah Budnick.(Photo: Streetfilms)

David Byrne, NYC resident, former Talking Heads front man and biking's coolest celebrity endorser/advocate, will be in Portland this summer and he's got a bike book set to be published in September.
Byrne -- a daily bike commuter for 30 years -- has made a big name for [...]

Clarence and his camera.(Photo © J. Maus) -Watch video below-

We've featured many films from the crew at Streetfilms over the years. Their pioneering work -- which has highlighted everything from ciclovias to separated bikeways -- has had a major impact on the national and global livable streets movement.
Earlier this week, Streetfilms' head provocateur, filmmaker [...]

TriMet is using straps in the wheelchair area to increase bike capacity.(Photos: Jim "K'Tesh" Parsons)

When TriMet's WES commuter rail line between Wilsonville and Beaverton opened back in January, many bike commuters were concerned about the lack of onboard bike capacity. WES had only two bike hooks per car, compared to four hooks on MAX [...]

What: Portland Transit Riders Union kickoff meeting
When: Saturday, April 11, 12:00noon
Where: SEIU Local 49, 3536 SE 26th Ave
Hundreds of Portlanders have turned out already at TriMet's public hearings this week to defend our public transit against the proposed cuts to service! Join together in the new Portland Transit Riders Union to build strength in unity, strategize and [...]

What: Breakfast on the Bridges
When: Friday, April 23, 7am-9am (last friday of every month)
Where: Steel and Hawthorne Bridges, Willamette River (West-bound lanes, East end of the Steel, West end of the Hawthorne)
Breakfast on the Bridges reaches out to bicyclists during their morning commute once a month on Portland bridges. We give bicyclists (and pedestrians) free coffee and [...]

What: Bike Back The Night
When: Thursday, April 23, 4:30pm. Ride at 6pm
Where: Col. Summers Park, SE 20th and Belmont
The Portland Women’s Crisis Line has organized a community bike ride for Sexual Assault Awareness Month in collaboration with PSU’s Take Back the Night rally to increase awareness of sexual violence. Bring your wheels,bring a friend, and [...]

What: Kidical Mass 
Streets are for kids, too!  Kidical mass is a celebration of family bicycling.  Training wheels, tagalongs, and trailers are all welcome on this easy-going, short, legal family ride.  Front and rear lights are a must for all during the winter months. 
Various times and locations, April 17 (third Friday of every month):
Meet at 5:30pm. [...]

What: Bunny on a Bike
Dress up with an Easter theme and spread some Easter cheer en route to central Portland for a bunny-potluck (bring something to share!).  All rides converge by Hawthorne bridge on the Eastbank Esplanade for a megabunnyparade at noon! 
Meeting locations & times are as follows on Sunday April 12:
Vancouver 
Esther Short Park gazebo , 10:30 [...]

What: Dead Freeways Ride
When: Saturday, April 11, 11am-2pm
Where: 1 SE Madison St. (on the Eastbank Esplanade by the Firehouse and Hawthorne Bridge)
What if...Portland built all the freeways it planned? This ride will follow the routes of several highways that never made it off the drawing board, such as the fabled Mt. Hood Freeway, some that [...]

What: Bike camping - Alder Flat, Mt Hood National Forest
When: Saturday, April 11-Sunday, April 12
Where: Meet 9:00am at Cleveland Ave MAX Station, 1300 NE 8th Ave, Gresham (Gresham end-of-line). Ride promptly at 9:15am.
Alder Flat Campground in the Mt. Hood National Forest.  No fees, bring your own food.  Outhouse a mile from camp, but no water or facilities - bring [...]