PDOT seeks bids for bike box video

bike box not being used

This photo of the bike box at SE
Clinton and 39th, shows why
more education is needed.
(Photo © Jonathan Maus)

As part of their campaign to roll out bike boxes at 14 major Portland intersections, PDOT is soliciting bids from the community for a new video that would explain the why, what, and how about bike boxes.

Greg Raisman from PDOT’s community traffic safety department says the video will be posted online and that the messaging will include bicyclists, but will “likely be geared more towards motorists”. He says they want something that is “fun and hip” that will get through the dull, wonky nature of the subject (bring up “bike box” at a pub and watch your friends cringe).

Raisman said they’re looking for someone who can put together a two-minute video that answers:

    1. Why are we using bike boxes?
    2. What are bike boxes?
    3. How do you use a bike box?

Here are some more details from Greg:

“The bid elements would include a basic description of the video concept, as well as projected costs for script development (with guidance from PDOT staff and others), video production, and posting the video for online distribution (YouTube, etc). Also, any examples of relevant previous work would be appreciated.”

The bid is open to anyone and the deadline is January 17th. The goal is to have the video ready for use when the bike boxes begin to be installed in March.

If you have questions, you can ask them in the comments or contact Greg at (503) 823-1052 or greg(dot)raisman(at)pdxtrans(dot)org.

Jonathan Maus (Publisher/Editor)

Jonathan Maus (Publisher/Editor)

Founder of BikePortland (in 2005). Father of three. North Portlander. Basketball lover. Car owner and driver. If you have questions or feedback about this site or my work, feel free to contact me 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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Garlynn -- undergroundscience.blogspot.com

A video is a great idea.

But what they really need are two signs for each bike box, complete with arrows:

\”CARS STOP BEHIND THIS WHITE LINE\”

\”BIKES STOP INSIDE BLUE BOX\”

…or something to that effect.

There\’s a reason why traffic engineers invented signs as traffic controls devices: when used properly, they are the most effective tools to convey situational rules for traffic behavior.

Greg Raisman
Greg Raisman
16 years ago

Garlynn:

There will be signs at all the locations. This is in addition to the traffic engineering.

The short video effort is part of the education package around the bike boxes.

Thanks.
Greg Raisman
Community and School Traffic Safety Partnership
Portland Office of Transportation

Filmed by Bike
16 years ago

Here\’s a great example of the quality possible from our local bike-enthused talent:

http://www.FilmedByBike.org/trailer

Scott Mizée
16 years ago

Great f.b.b. trailer. lol… we loved it.

Jeff Ong
Jeff Ong
16 years ago

I think a video is probably a good idea, as I\’m a daily cyclist and I have no idea what good these things are supposed to do. Every time I try to use one the light changes as I\’m crossing over from the bike lane to the box in front of the cars, and they roar out in front and nearly hit me. I guess it\’s better to get rear-ended than right-hooked, but it seems like a bit of a semantic distinction, really. I\’m sure the video will make it all clear.