mission from Commissioner
Fritz: Learn about bikes.
(Photo © J. Maus)
Last week during a meeting of the Bicycle Advisory Committee, there was one person around the table who I’d never seen before.
When she introduced herself as Amanda Mansfield from the staff of newly elected Commissioner Amanda Fritz, I was pleasantly surprised. After watching her listen attentively and fill several pages of notes (on what was a rather wonky meeting), I tracked her down to find out more.
It turns out that Ms. Mansfield was sent by order of Commissioner Fritz in order to learn more about bike issues. When I asked Mansfield why, she said, “to educate myself and Commissioner Fritz about what’s on the agenda for bikes. I plan to report back to her so we can keep abreast of the issues and help out whenever possible.”
In addition to being at monthly meetings, Mansfield told me she’s already met with the city’s bike coordinator Roger Geller (he’s preparing a “book” about bikes in Portland for her to study up on) and she has a meeting scheduled with advocate Michelle Poyourow from the Bicycle Transportation Alliance.
It’s also worth noting that Commissioner Fritz is not in charge of any bike or transportation-centric bureaus. It is a very positive sign to see her taking a proactive approach to learning about bike issues.
We all know bikes are a priority in the Mayor Adams’ office. Add to that Commissioner Leonard being a frequent bike commuter and Nick Fish’s awareness and support of two-wheeled travel and you’ve got a City Hall where bikes are far from a minority issue.
Now the question is, will Commissioners Saltzman, Fish, and Leonard follow Fritz’s lead?