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!
Jonathan Maus is BikePortland’s editor, publisher and founder. Contact him at @jonathan_maus on Twitter, via email at maus.jonathan@gmail.com, or phone/text at 503-706-8804. Also, if you read and appreciate this site, please become a supporter.
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