The Oregon Department of Transportation released their 2005 crash statistics today and the numbers don’t look good for cyclists.
In 2005 there were 802 total crashes involving bikes, including 11 fatalities and 779 injuries. That’s 100 more crashes and 100 more injuries than in 2004.
In response to the tragic death of local cyclist Eric Kautzky, State Representative Jerry Krummel (seen at right) plans to push for “Eric’ Law” in the 2007 legislative session. According to Krummel:
“I plan to push legislation at the state level to encourage other counties to offer these memorial signs. We are also looking at ways to increase penalties targeted at “sleepy” drivers. Once we get the bill introduced it will be called “Eric’s Law.””
[Submitted by amalia]
my bike was stolen about 5pm today in front of the belmont library. it was locked- using an old kryptonite lock (maybe one that you can open with a pen? is that for real?).
it’s about 7yrs old, brand is giant- it’s black and yellow. a mountain bike- 21 speeds.
saddle is a liberator x by terry. has a rack on the back. slicks for tires. derailleur problems.
daliabeth@yahoo.com if you see it.
thanks
Yesterday I finally got around to checking out the Zoobomb crew. I’d just finished grooving with Mobile Mystery Dance Party and headed up the hill to Washington Park to see what they were up to.
I wasn’t on a mini-bike like last time, but it was fun just being up there (and you can still get going pretty fast on a Schwinn 3-speed!). They were hanging out, grilling burgers and having some good times.
Yeah! We danced and grooved all over the city. Thanks to Captain Clash for the killer sound system and for this report from Carye Bye:
There’s an exciting program being developed in Portland that, if approved and funded, would allow bicyclists to attend a legal and safety class in order to avoid a conviction or to have their traffic fine lowered.
This proposed class would only be available to first-time offenders of certain traffic violations.
The first ever Portland Bike Summit was an unequivocal success.
At one point, while Congressman Earl Blumenauer addressed the 400 strong crowd, I stood with the mastermind of the day’s event, Linda Ginenthal. She was beaming like a mother watching her child star in the school play and she said, “This is so amazing, I could almost cry.”
It was a indeed a special day whose ideas and energy will impact Portland’s biking landscape for years to come.
The Oregonian continues to expand its cycling coverage. Today, a mountain bike racer from a weekend event at Mt. Hood graces the front page and the paper has more bike coverage planned for each day this week.
Here’s the list of their upcoming coverage:
[Pedalpalooza runs from 6/8 – 6/24 and is organized by Shift to Bikes. View the full schedule here and get the latest ride reports here.]
Happy Monday everyone.
The Pedalpalooza beat goes on today with a ride I’m really looking forward to; Bike Safety for Grown Ups. It’s being led by the spirited Elicia Cardenas (you might remember her from the Bike Wedding).
I’ve seen her in action teaching bike safety to kids and trust me, be prepared to laugh and learn tonight at 6:00 at Abernethy School!
Here’s the full list of today’s rides:
My brother Joel just emailed me some fantastic photos from his recent trip to Italy. No, I’m not talking about boring old churches and fountains (yawn), I’m talking of course, about bikes.
Ever since I saw Breaking Away, and reveled in the style and panache of racing greats like Gianni Bugno and Marco Pantani (RIP), Italy has held a magical place in my bikey heart. I think Joel captures some of that magic with these photos.
I invite you to take a tour of Italian city bikes as seen through the eyes of Joel Maus.
[Submitted by “Beckett”]
My bike was stolen a few hours ago outside Costello’s Travel Cafe on NE Broadway between 22nd and 23rd. It was 7:00pm, bright out, and busy on the street. A woman who was parking right beside the thief challenged him when she saw his bolt cutter, and he gave her the finger and rode away. He cut through a wire rope lock that I got in the Netherlands (I don’t know what they’re called) quickly. He was white with brown hair, a mustache, a lump on his neck like a cyst, jeans, a dark t-shirt and a dark baseball hat. He carried a green bag slung across his chest. About 35 years old, 5’10” and about 175 pounds. Very brazen and very quick with his work.
My bike is a red Hard Rock Specialized mountain bike with thick tread mountain bike tires. Regular pedals, no saddle or other bags. Identifying features include duct tape around one handlebar and the remnants of a light (just a black piece of plastic now on the handlebar) which was stolen earlier. One of the silver sticker strips on the frame is peeling off. No back light (also stolen.) Gel seat.
If you’ve seen the man, the bike, or the man on the bike, please let me know. This is the 6th theft in a year in a half between me and my partner (4 car stereos and 2 bikes) and I’m very bummed. My email is stolksta@yahoo.com. Thanks for keeping your eyes peeled.
[Pedalpalooza runs from 6/8 – 6/24 and is organized by Shift to Bikes. View the full schedule here and get the latest ride reports here.]
In honor of Father’s Day there are two kid’s rides today; the Trailer Kids Park Tour in Northeast and the Freight Bike – Karrying Kargo and Kids Rodeo happening up in Vancouver.
Here’s the full list of today’s rides: