February 2009 Archives

Sales of new “Commuter Cuvee” wine will go toward bike safety

A bottle of “Commuter Cuvee”.
(Photo: Mike Quetel)

When you drink the newly released “Commuter Cuvee” pinot noir by Grochau Cellars, you’ll not only raise your spirits, you’ll raise money for bike safety.

The new wine is the work of Portland-based winemaker and bike lover John Grochau, with help from his distributor Casa Bruno.

BikePortland reader Mike Quetel came across the new wine last week. Quetel emailed us to say that he was “excited to see two of my favorite things, cycling and wine, intersect here in Portland.” Quetel also added that the wine was “delicious and affordable”. But that’s not even the best part…

Buffered Bike Lane with a bike symbol and arrow pointing forward

Yesterday we unveiled our first video advertisement.

The idea with this new program is to approach select local businesses that have an interesting product/service/idea to share and then create a short film about it (the film is created under our direction and we will never use canned, promotional footage). We then run the video on the Front Page. The business then pays us for this exposure.

If everything works as planned;

Blumenauer unveils Gas Price Relief Act-4.jpg

Metro Council President David Bragdon.
(Photo © J. Maus)

Thursday at Metro, councilors are sure to get an earful when they host a public hearing on the contentious Columbia River Crossing project. The topic will be Resolution No. 09-4023, which Metro describes as:

“For the Purpose of Expressing a Sense of The Council on the Number of Lanes Proposed as part of the Columbia River Crossing Project, taking into Account Congestion Pricing, Capacity, and possible Induced Demand Effects.”

Brooker Enterprises wants to paint your bike (Video Ad)

Marcy Cauthorn gives “Pinky” a powdercoat.
– Watch video below –
(Paid advertisement)

Clark Brooker built his powdercoating business by painting custom chopper motorcycles. But, being based in SE Portland (at 3714 SE Powell), he can’t ignore how many bicycles he sees around the neighborhood. Sensing an opportunity, Clark (and his son Brad who works with him) decided to focus on painting bicycles.

How’s this for last-minute plans?

John Cardenas, president of the Portland Guadalajara Sister City Association (PGSCA), asked me last week if I’d like to join them on an upcoming trip to Guadalajara. They’re leaving Tuesday of next week and one of the agenda items for the trip is to share information about bikes in Portland.

Photo from the scene on June 10th, 2008.
(Photo: Ian Stude)

Back in June, Portlander Phil Sano was tackled and then Tasered repeatedly by two Portland Police Bureau officers while riding his bicycle on SE 7th Avenue. The police maintain he failed to obey their orders and then resisted arrest. Sano says they failed to identify themselves and then used excessive force to subdue him.

Next week, the Portland District Attorney’s office will present a criminal case against Sano.

“I believe we can help by getting the consumer into the showroom.”
— Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D-MD)

To give you an idea at just how difficult it will be to make any significant change in the American transportation paradigm, here’s the latest in the ever-changing saga of President Obama’s economic stimulus bill (via the Associated Press, emphasis mine):

The Senate voted Tuesday to give a tax break to new car buyers, setting aside bipartisan concerns over the size of an economic stimulus bill with a price tag edging above $900 billion. The 71-26 vote came as President Barack Obama said he lies awake nights worrying about the economy and signaled he’ll try to knock out “buy American” provisions in the legislation to avoid a possible trade war.

Sen. Barbara Mikulski led the successful effort to allow many car buyers to claim an income tax deduction for sales taxes paid on new autos and interest payments on car loans.

The view from
N. Willamette Blvd.
(Photos © J. Maus)

We had our first ever Get Together event in St. Johns tonight and I have to say — mission accomplished!

We had a nice turnout. Knowledge was shared. New connections were made. Beer, fries, tots, and burgers were consumed. All in all, a great way to kickoff this new series of events.

One thing I’m looking forward to with these events is riding in different neighborhoods. I haven’t ridden on N. Willamette Blvd. for a long time and, with a clear view of Mt. Hood, I picked a great night to head up there. (Unfortunately, my ride ended on a bad note when I encountered a major repaving project toward the northern end of the street. The city has torn up the middle of the roadway, leaving a very sharp curb to mount in order to stay in the shoulder/bike lane. Add the high speed of cars, buses, and lots of dust, and the idyllic N. Willamette experience on the bluff turns quickly unpleasant.)

Marion Rice and daughter Gleneden

[Publisher’s note: This article is by our Family Biking columnist Marion Rice (bio). Marion previously wrote about how to deal with kids who don’t want to go by bike. Today, she delves into the topic of biking while pregnant.]

Just a reminder that tonight is our Get Together event up in St. Johns.

If you live, work, or ride in the St. Johns area, we’d love to meet you and hear about what’s on your mind in terms of the local bike scene. General advocacy, bike fun, PBOT plans — bring your insights and questions to share with others in the community.

I’m happy to announce that several folks actively involved with neighborhood transportation issues and two experts from the Bureau of Transportation will be on hand to answer your questions.

Ayleen Crotty, the bike culture dynamo behind Filmed by Bike, stopped by our office yesterday with an update on what’s in store for the event this year.

The big news is a free street party on opening night made possible by the complete closure of SE Clinton Street to motor vehicles from SE 25th to 26th. Much of the fun of Filmed by Bike happens outside the theater, and in years past, passing cars have dampened the size and the spirit of the party. Having a closure will not only make it safer for event-goers, it will also open up new possibilities like a beer garden and community booths and other vendors.

Sales of new “Commuter Cuvee” wine will go toward bike safety

What do you think about our new video ad?

Now it’s Metro’s turn to hear CRC lane debate

CRC Hearing at Metro

Brooker Enterprises wants to paint your bike (Video Ad)

Headed to Guadalajara to meet my sister city

Phil Sano Taser incident goes to trial next week

AP: Senate votes to help Americans buy cars

Talking bikes in St. Johns

Biking with a bump: Should you ride while pregnant?

Tonight: Let’s ‘Get Together’ in St. Johns

Street closure, more screenings planned for Filmed by Bike

Latest Headlines

Walking school buses poised for growth thanks to PCEF grant

Oregonians struggle to comment on Interstate Bridge project due to ‘make believe’ traffic data

Weekend Event Guide: Springwater clean-up, rain celebration, and more

Fatal crash site visit: NE Glisan & 130th

From the Archives

Truck driver does ‘rolling coal’ on riders, and one of them is a bike cop