Few media outlets in the world have the reputation and reach of The Economist. The magazine and website cover international news with an intelligence and depth that is increasingly hard to find.
That’s why when they mentioned Portland and Seattle’s recent headline-grabbing road rage incidents, several readers emailed me the link (thanks Chris and Rex).
In an article published on July 31st titled, Bumpy Roads: It’s not all free wheeling, The Economist framed the increase in biking in the U.S. as being marred by road rage incidents in Seattle, Portland, and disagreements between bike advocates and law enforcement officials in Colorado.
Here’s the excerpt where they mention Portland:
“But cycling’s popularity has a downside. The people of Portland, for instance, have been entertained over the past few days by a series of altercations between bicyclists and motorists. In one, a motorist and cyclist came to blows after the motorist berated the pedal-pusher for ignoring a stop sign. The enraged cyclist used his bike to batter the motorist’s car until a bystander punched him.”
The article was also accompanied by a photo of Bridge Pedal, the annual Portland ride that attracts nearly 20,000 people.
I realize the juxtaposition of the road rage incidents involving bikes and the increase in biking is a very seductive storyline, but I am amazed at how this continues to captivate media outlets around the world.