Gun-toting driver offers apology, dinner invite

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Here’s a Craigslist “missed connections” posting from this morning that caught a reader’s eye.

To the girl who ran into my car door on her bike –

As you peddled away crying, I realized that I had over reacted. I was having a bad day and had just spent a lot of money on a new paint job, but pulling a gun on you was out of line. I’d like to make a formal apology in person. Over a bottle of wine and/or dinner, perhaps?

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Street Fee update: Romain will seek repeal by initiative

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According to a source inside City Hall, Oregon Petroleum Association lobbyist and architect of the Street Fee opposition Paul Romain will not attempt a referral of Commissioner Adams’ street maintenance funding plan. Instead, he is expected to attempt to repeal the plan using Portland’s initiative process.

According to Portland City Code Section 2.04.090, Romain would have to get his initiative signed by equal or greater than 9 percent of Portland’s registered voters. Based on the May 2006 primary vote, that number was 27,255 signatures (after the upcoming May 2008 election, the Auditor would re-calculate the required number).

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New feature: The CCC Bike of the Month

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CCC Bike of the Month - 01-08-3.jpg

On sale now at the CCC.
More photos below.
(Photos: Jonathan Maus)

I’m excited to announce a new feature on BikePortland.org: The Community Cycling Center Bike of the Month.

This came about because I wanted to find a way to help the CCC spread the word about their work, their programs, and their retail bike shop on NE Alberta Street.

The CCC is a treasure-trove of nifty, rare, vintage and modern used bikes. And the best part? They’re all for sale and the proceeds go directly toward helping the CCC bring bikes to kids and folks in need.

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Finding bike love on Valentines Day

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Velo-tines on the Bridges

In Portland, Valentines Day should be called Velotines Day.

Sure, we love our bikes year-round, but this time of year an extra-special feeling permeates the bikeways.

Here are a few events to make your Velotines Day memorable.

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Bike/Ped Safety Instructors (BTA)

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Job Title – Bike/Ped Safety Instructors
Company/Organization – BTA/Safer Routes To School

Job Description
Bicycle Safety Education (BSE) and Pedestrian Safety Education (PSE) Program Instructor (Portland – Metro Region)

The Bicycle & Pedestrian Safety Program Instructor will work with the Bicycle Transportation Alliance (BTA) to instruct our 10-hour, in-school bicycle safety curriculum and 4-hour pedestrian safety education curriculum. The program teaches youths ages 8-13 to be safe and predictable pedestrians and bicyclists, and promotes walking and bicycling as recreation and transportation. The program begins in a classroom setting and then progresses outside on-foot and bike.

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Mechanic/Customer Service (Athletes Lounge)

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Job Title – wrench/ customer service
Company/OrganizationAthletes Lounge

Job Description
enjoy working on bikes? enjoy helping people? must posses strong mechanical skills with shop experience. TT bike set-up a plus but not required. mostly we need a great, not condescending, attitude.

How to Apply – email sales[at]athleteslounge[dot]com

Sheldon Brown R.I.P (1944-2008)

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Sheldon Brown
(1944-2008)

I just heard the news that Sheldon Brown passed away last night from a heart attack.

Brown was something of a living legend, known mostly for his website that was packed with vast amounts of bike information.

Back when I worked for Old Man Mountain racks in Santa Barbara, I connected with Brown via email and phone. I had sent him a pair of our pannier racks, and I was eager to hear his thoughts on them.

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NAHBS schedule goes far beyond the show

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The Teams of Portland
exhibition opens on Thursday (2/7).

The fourth annual North American Handmade Bicycle Show (NAHBS) is sure to leave an impression on Portland…but I have a feeling Portland will also leave an impression on NAHBS.

The schedule of events before and after the main show each day is beginning to look like nearly as much fun as the show itself.

Starting on Thursday (2/7), one day before the NAHBS doors even open, Portland will begin to roll out the red carpet for the slew of bike-loving visitors who will be in town.

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