New activist group highlights ODOT’s “Berlin Wall” on 82nd

Elly Blue on the mic.(Screenshot) A new Portland-based transportation activism group, the People’s Department of Transportation (as in PDOT, not to be confused with the Portland Bureau of Transportation, PBOT), has released their first video and press release. I’ve heard murmurs about this group coming together but now it’s official (read their introductory blog post … Read more


Buffered Bike Lane with a bike symbol and arrow pointing forward

As cuts loom, PBOT asks for help to prioritize

[Note: You’ll notice I’ve begun using the acronym PBOT instead of PDOT. That’s because the Portland Department of Transportation (which actually is the Office of Transportation but no one ever called it POOT) will soon officially become the “Bureau” of Transportation.] “If you had to cut $6.4 million out of Transportation’s budget, how would you … Read more


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Vanderslice chosen to help lead Bike Master Plan Update effort

Ellen Vanderslice is the new Project Manager for the Bike Master Plan Update. The City of Portland’s languishing effort to update its Bicycle Master Plan just got a shoot in the arm. Ellen Vanderslice, an effective bureaucrat and well-known activist for people-friendly cities, has been selected as Project Manager for the Bicycle Master Plan Update … Read more


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PDOT: Commuters should take transit on Thursday

Here’s the latest press release about the storm from PDOT (also available online): City Encourages Commuters to Take Transit Thursday Expect variable conditions ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­The City of Portland advises commuters to expect variable road conditions throughout the day Thursday and therefore to take transit. If you have to drive, pre-fit and carry chains in your vehicle. … Read more


About that gravel; City says we just have to wait

The gravel-strewn bike lane on SE Madison.(Photo © J. Maus) Here in Portland, after the novelty of riding in the snow wears off and the fear of icy roads subsides, people that bike are faced with an unfortunate byproduct of severe weather — gravel. The gravel is a more eco-friendly way to deal with slippery … Read more


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PDOT issues statement on icy streets; shares tips for bikers

PDOT just sent out a lengthy press release that gives an overview of their status and strategy in tackling the ongoing issues created by this week’s severe weather. The full press release is below (scroll to the bottom for some biking and walking tips): City Crews Working to Clear Main Streets of Ice Neighborhood Streets … Read more


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PDOT employee gets a scare during crosswalk safety event

PDOT’s Sharon White, shown here at a Share the Road rally in 2006.(Photo © J. Maus) Sharon White is PDOT’s pedestrian safety chief. One of the many programs she oversees is an ongoing “crosswalk enforcement action” campaign. Working with the Portland Police Bureau, White and staff at PDOT identify high-risk intersections and then employ decoys … Read more


Portland and the rise of the “American-style” cycle track

“Sam (Adams) has directed (City Traffic Engineer) Rob Burchfield to indentify opportunities for a “high visibility” cycle track to be rolled out in Sam’s first 100 days as mayor.” — Sam Adams’ chief of staff Tom Miller, in an email to Metro Councilor Rex Burkholder There’s no denying that 2009 is shaping up to be … Read more