BTA unveils bicycle boulevard (‘B2 Power’) infomercial

Buffered Bike Lane with a bike symbol and arrow pointing forward

“Since they turned our street into a bike boulevard
our neighborhood is just a nicer place to live!”
Screen capture from “B2 Power” infomercial
(watch it below).

The BTA’s bicycle boulevard campaign just took a big step forward; they’ve unveiled their long-awaited infomercial (view below).

In the 10-minute film (which was shown at the BTA’s annual member meeting last night), host Timo Forsberg introduces us to “B2 Power” (“B2 Power means bicycle boulevards”) which he defines in his opening lines (delivered in his best infomercial tone),

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Noted bike lawyer pens pedestrian handbook

Community traffic safety action

A couple crosses at
NW 9th and Lovejoy.
(Photo © Jonathan Maus)

Local lawyer Ray Thomas, a tireless defender of bicyclist’s rights who most recently spoke at the We are All Traffic press conference, has released a new book to help educate that other group of vulnerable roadway users: pedestrians.

Oregon Pedestrian Rights is billed as a “legal guide for persons on foot.” The 96 page book includes several articles written by Thomas including basic dos and don’ts for pedestrians, what Oregon law says about pedestrians on bike lanes and sidewalks, and much more.

Here’s an excerpt from the introduction,

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Did you brave the storm this morning?

Buffered Bike Lane with a bike symbol and arrow pointing forward
Snow Day!

Last year’s snow storm
didn’t stop cyclists.
(Photo © Jonathan Maus)

The crazy wind and relentless downpour we’re getting right now is the most severe weather I can remember since I moved to Portland in 2004.

Last winter many of you braved snowy conditions (see photo at right), but that seems tame compared to what’s going on out there today.

Did any of you brave the elements on your commute into work this morning? If so, do you have tips to share? We’d love to hear about your experiences…

Check out this photo from KATU-TV (sent in by reader Bob K.)

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Krummel renews push for memorial sign bill

Rep. Krummel at a press event
for the bill last summer.
(Photos courtesy Krummel’s office.)

Wilsonville Republican Jerry Krummel wants to give “Eric’s Law” another try.

The measure (House Bill 3020, named after cyclist Eric Kautzky who was killed by a sleepy driver in 2005) would allow relatives of cyclists or pedestrians killed on Oregon’s roadways to request that ODOT install special memorial signs in their honor.

On Friday, Krummel announced that “Eric’s Law” has been approved for consideration during the upcoming special legislative session to kick off in February 2008.

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Video shows what ‘Sunday Parkways’ could be

Buffered Bike Lane with a bike symbol and arrow pointing forward

Last week we learned more about what the City of Portland is planning for their inaugural Sunday Parkways event this coming June.

Portland’s event was inspired by the “Ciclovia” that happens each week in Bogota, Colombia. In that city, nearly 2 million people pour out onto the over 70 miles of city streets that are closed to motorized traffic every Sunday.

A crew from New York City-based StreetFilms recently returned from Bogota and produced a behind the scenes look at the ciclovia. Check it out below for a glimpse of what’s possible in Portland…

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Photo Gallery: USGP of Cyclocross in Portland

Buffered Bike Lane with a bike symbol and arrow pointing forward

I made it out to Portland International Raceway yesterday to check out the US Gran Prix of Cyclocross.

The racing action, large crowds, and good times could not be stopped despite a barrage of wild weather that included snow flurries, strong winds, and cold rain.

Check out the photo gallery below for a look at the scenes both on and off the race course…

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