Chicago’s Mr. Bike hopes to learn from Portland

Dave "Mr. Bike" Glowacz

[“Mr. Bike” Dave Glowacz]

Dave Glowacz is the Director of Education for the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation, one of the largest bike advocacy groups in the country. He’s also known as “Mr. Bike,” and author of the well-known book, Urban Bikers’ Tricks & Tips.

Around two years ago, he read about the Community Cycling Center’s Create-a-Commuter program in a bike industry magazine and has been interested in it ever since. Glowacz connected with several of Portland’s bike-eratti at the recent Pro Walk/Pro Bike conference in Madison Wisconsin and he’s currently on week-long fact-finding mission in Portland to learn more about the program.

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Ginsberg gets his own day in court

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Lawyer's Ride and CBS News

[Mark Ginsberg in
his other suit.]

Mark Ginsberg is a Portland-based lawyer who specializes in bicycle-related cases. He’s also the guy who represented messenger Ayla Holland in the infamous fixed gear brake trial.

Since that case, the Portland Police have continued to scrutinize bicyclists. They’re citing not only brakeless fixed-gear bicycle riders without handbrakes, but several other infractions that may not stand up in court including; not using hand signals (which cyclists are not required to do), not riding in the bike lane (which is not always required), and others.

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New signal makes a lot of noise

New signal at 41st and Burnside

[Curbside service]

You’ve just gotta’ love Portland. Where else would the installation of a new bicycle and pedestrian traffic signal stir up so much media interest?

Just activated on Monday morning, the new experimental HAWK (High Intensity Activated Walk) signal on 41st and Burnside has already been featured in the Oregonian, on OPB radio and KGW television.

I went out there yesterday morning to snap some photos and check it out for myself.

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Details emerge on new Share the Road Safety Class

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Judge Christopher Larsen

[Circuit Court Judge
Christopher Larsen]

Last week, I attended a meeting of PDOT’s Community and Schools Traffic Safety Partnership (CSTSP) Coordination Council and got an update on Portland’s effort to be the first city to offer a traffic law violation diversion class to bicyclists and pedestrians.

Back in June I reported on the progress of this new class that would offer bicyclists and pedestrians who commit certain traffic violations the opportunity to attend a class and have their fine reduced and/or their ticket dismissed.

Think of it like traditional traffic court, but now open to all roadway users.

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Stolen Kona Hahanna

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Red Kona Hahana, with sts front shock, no bottle cages, and SHIMANO SPD PEDALS…

More Info:http://finetoothcog.com/site/bike_matches/237

Stolen Soma Double Cross

Buffered Bike Lane with a bike symbol and arrow pointing forward

Dark green, orange handlebar tape, butterfly saddle, eggbeater pedals, black crank (2 ring in front) …

More Info:http://finetoothcog.com/site/bike_matches/236

Stolen Specialized P1

Buffered Bike Lane with a bike symbol and arrow pointing forward

Black handsprayed Specialized P1 with white overspray. Marzochii Junior t fork with atom lab rim with…

More Info:http://finetoothcog.com/site/bike_matches/235

Today is Bike Messenger Appreciation Day

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City Hall Bike Show and Art Exhibition

[Messengers parked
outside City Hall]

Thanks to a reader’s tip, I’ve just now realized that today is Bike Messenger Appreciation Day.

So if you see a messenger delivering a package in your office, bump into one at a coffee place, or share the road with one on the way home tonight, give them a shout out and say, “Thanks!”.

These guys and gals work their butts off every day, rain or shine to keep this city running smoothly. And love ’em or hate ’em, their work means hundreds less car trips downtown every day.

Our local messenger association is PUMA. They organize great events and help connect the messenger community.

Messengers…I’m raising my cup (of coffee) in your honor: May the roads be smooth and safe, and may the packages be light and plentiful!