Salem Watch: ‘Distracted pedestrians’ and crosswalk safety bill under fire – Updated

“I gotta’ tell you, not only do we have impatient drivers, we have distracted pedestrians…. Up in Portland, there’s people up that just step right out saying, ‘I gotta’ right to step out in front of your truck.’”— Rep. Michael Schaufler Senate Bill 424, which would clarify and strengthen Oregon’s crosswalk law, is under fire … Read more


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Oregon state Senators want to raise highway speed limit

“Oregon is the odd one out when it comes to the nation’s speed limits. By modernizing our speed limit we can increase the flow of traffic, lower commute times and fast track commerce through the state.”— Sen. Bruce Starr (R-Hillsboro) Saying that Oregon’s speed limit is “behind the times,” state Senators Bruce Starr (R-Hillsboro) and … Read more


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Salem Watch: School transportation bill could impact biking/walking

A bill introduced in Salem this morning, HB 3622 (PDF), is being watched by biking and walking advocates for its possible impact on school transportation funding. Authored by Rep. Betty Komp of Woodburn, the bill seeks to revise the method of calculating transportation block grants from the State School Fund distributions by allowing “district school … Read more


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Salem Watch: ‘Crosswalk Safety Bill’ up for hearing, possible vote

SB 424, the ‘Crosswalk Safety Bill’ that’s intended to improve the safety of people attempting to cross the street, will get a public hearing and possible vote in the Senate Judiciary Committee tomorrow (3/29) at 8:30 AM. We shared some background on this bill last month. In short, it “Clarifies that pedestrian is crossing roadway … Read more


Bill asks State of Oregon to consider acquisition of Forest Park

Much-loved Forest Park: better off in the hands of the State?(Photo © J. Maus) State Representative Mitch Greenlick (D-Portland) is sponsoring a bill (HB 2250) that would require the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission to enter into talks with the City of Portland about the possible state acquisition of Forest Park. Here’s the entire … Read more