The Oregonian (finally) likes bikes
Posted by Jonathan Maus (Publisher/Editor) on October 17th, 2005 at 8:22 am
I’ve only lived in Portland for 2 years, but from what I’ve heard and read, the Oregonian editorial pages haven’t always been too kind to bikes. You could even call them anti-bike.
So imagine my astonishment when I woke up and read today’s editorial titled, “Make way for bicyclists.” I nearly fell out of my chair. I kept looking for a byline from a local bike advocate but then I read the heading at the top of the page: “The opinion of the Oregonian editorial board” and it hit me. Maybe the big O is finally on our side?!
The editorial chronicles someone who took up commuting because of the BTA’s Bike Commute Challenge and has decided to stick with it (even in the rain). Here are other choice excerpts:
- “Although bike commuters will never own the roads here, Portlanders nned to start taking bicyclists seriously.”
- “Although it’s not easy to live here without a car, it’s possible.”
- “(would be commuters) deserve all the enouragement we can give them.”
Now is the time to flood the O with letters supporting their position – we can’t just respond when we don’t like what they say. Email your support to letters@news.oregonian.com. 150 words maximum and include your name, phone number and neighborhood.
These are exciting times for bikes in Portland. Now is our chance to keep the momentum going and work together to make bikes a safer and more attractive choice for everyone. Get involved by joining or donating to the BTA or check out the Shift calendar or website and join in the bike fun!
Portland,
This is good news, especially since the Mayor announced on September 27th that the city has also received $5 MILLION for a ‘regional trails plan’. You can be sure the Portland United Mountain Pedalers will be asking that a portion of that be used to add some mountain bike trails (read:singletrack) for those of us who choose to ride off-road. Want to help out? Contact a PUMP Board Member at http://www.PUMPCLUB.org
RecommendedI haven\’t searched through the forums for comments, but did anyone feel that the big Oregonian Sunday (6/24/07?) article on biking in Washington County was grievously biased in favor of cars while pretending to be unbiased? It harped and harped on the \’battle to share the road\’ idea as if it were an equal contest, quoted a farmer who said \’well I don\’t even think cyclists should be riding out here because of all the blind curves and hills,\’ and NEVER mentioned all the idiotic and horribly dangerous drivers that we roadies have to put up with on EVERY ride through the county.
RecommendedBlind curves would be no problem if certain drivers did not try to pass you near the beginning of them. Good grief.
I hope to review a few of the articles then I\’ll write to the paper.