Like I mentioned last week, Commissioner of Transportation Sam Adams is embarking on major quest to fix Portland’s ailing transportation system.
A key part of his plan is a series of neighborhood town hall meetings being held to allow you to “join the conversation about transportation funding…and be part of the solution”.
Adams is about to decide on new local transportation funding options (mostly to pay for a maintenance backlog) and he needs to hear what the community priorities are.
With talks of a possible new tax, Adams’ initiative is drawing out every anti-bike person in the Portland Metro area. That’s why it’s imperative that bicycle-conscious people show up to these meetings and bring some balance to the discussion.
If you don’t believe me, here’s what a reader has to say about the meeting in southeast Portland tonight:
“I was surprised and dismayed to note that the turnout included perhaps 8 or 10 cyclists, ourselves included. Given the presence of some very vocal folks who clearly are trying to further their anti-bike agenda (nspecific hostility toward bikes, as evidenced in the comments on Sam Adams’ blog), cyclists need to turn out in much larger numbers.
Currently the focus is almost purely aimed on cars and how to make Portland a better place for drivers. This is disappointing and disturbing and needs more attention from the cycling community.”
It’s unfortunate the first two have come (and gone) during Pedalpalooza, but there are still three meetings left (starting on 6/26).
Here are the details (please spread the word and try to attend):
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North & Northeast Portland
Tuesday, June 26, 7-9pm
King Neighborhood Facility
4815 NE 7th Avenue
Northwest Portland
Wednesday, June 27, 7-9pm
Friendly House Conference Room
1737 NW 26th Avenue
Central Northeast & East Portland
Monday, July 2, 7-9pm
Firehouse #12
4415 NE 87th Avenue
If you cannot attend on of these neighborhood town halls in person, you can log on to the Commissioner’s Blog to participate in the online conversation (and yes, he and his staffers read the comments). For directions or special accommodations call (503) 823-1394.