roads is likely to be one of many
topics we’ll discuss.
(Photos © J. Maus)
Our Get Together in Tigard this Wednesday (1/27) is shaping up quite nicely. We’ve got a slew of interesting folks joining us and there will be no shortage of important issues, projects, and big ideas to learn about and discuss.
As per usual with these events, the idea is for citizens, bureaucrats (and I mean that in the best way possible) and politicians to mix and mingle and learn from each other. On that note, here are a few of the confirmed attendees so far.
Dick Schouten: Washington County Commissioner
Mr. Schouten is a wealth of knowledge about how to make the West Side more pleasant for non-motorized travelers. One particular issue he’ll address is one brought up by our West Side correspondent Jim Parsons. It has to do with public safety and emergency response on popular trails like the Fanno Creek. Oh, and I should mention, Mr. Schouten is running for Chair of Washington County so he might have something to say about that as well.
Mike McCarthy: Senior Transportation Project Engineer, City of Tigard
Mr. McCarthy can give us an update on the Tigard’s newly formed Bicycle Advisory Committee as well as explain a recent decision by City of Tigard to not provide bicycle lanes on some downtown streets (both of which he chimed in about here on BikePortland back in July). McCarthy might also share information on the Burnham Street project and other exciting infrastructure developments going on in Tigard.
Karen Frost: Executive Director, Westside Transportation Alliance
Ms. Frost is working on several initiatives to promote fewer drive-alone car trips on the West Side. In particular, she’ll ask for your feedback on a new bike rack program they’re launching.
Susan Peithman: Statewide Advocate, Bicycle Transportation Alliance
Ms. Peithman is new with the BTA and her charge is to expand their influence beyond Portland. She’ll update us on her progress.
Mary O’Donnell
Ms. O’Donnell lost her husband Tim back in June 2007 (read our full coverage here). Tim was riding on a rural road in Washington County and was struck by a woman driving a car. The incident sparked a lot of attention, including a renewed effort by the BTA to pursue stronger punishments for people who kill others while illegally operating their vehicles. O’Donnell has remained a steadfast advocate, most recently traveling to Salem to give testimony on a new Vehicular Homicide bill expected to be taken up by the Legislature in 2011.
In addition to these fine folks, there are sure to be lots of concerned citizens and local bike experts who you’ll get to meet. If you care about biking in and around Tigard and the West Side, I hope you’ll join us (there’s also an open house for Tigard’s Transportation System Plan the same night — do both!).
This will be an informal and casual event. Great food and drink are available and the venue is all-ages.
- Tigard/West Side Get Together
Wednesday, January 27th
6:00 – 8:00 pm
Max’s Fanno Creek Brew Pub* (12562 SW Main St – map)