Detail of PBOT plans for a new bikeway through Ed Benedict Park in Southeast Portland.
Month: March 2010
How do you feel about a bike excise tax?
A bike tax has more supporters
than you might think.
(Photo © J. Maus)
than you might think.
(Photo © J. Maus)
2010 will be a year of major discussions about how to finance America’s transportation system. As the use of bicycles is taken more seriously and more money is spent on bike-centric facilities, calls for a revenue stream taken directly from people who ride bicycles — as opposed to the gas tax — are sure to grow louder.
One idea that seems to be growing in support is a bicycle excise tax that would be charged at the point of sale of new bikes and/or bike parts.
The idea is obviously popular with people who represent highway users, but I’ve noticed a growing number of high-profile bike advocates, politicians, and organizations express their support as well.
Equality for bikes, now part of the National conversation
DOT Sec. Ray LaHood’s comments at the National
Bike Summit continue to reverberate.
(Photo © J. Maus)
Bike Summit continue to reverberate.
(Photo © J. Maus)
My, what a difference a few years makes.
It was less than three years ago when then US Secretary of Transportation Mary Peters proclaimed that “bike paths” were not a part of transportation infrastructure. Fast forward to early this month when the current DOT chief Ray LaHood issued a strong statement calling for the “end of favoring motorized transportation at the expense of non-motorized.”
Hood River engineers unveil their “human utility vehicle” – UPDATED
Introducing the Hauler — a solar, sweat and electric powered vehicle its designers hope will bridge the gap between bicycle and car and bring a new level of utility and affordable mobility to millions in the process.
The Hauler is a product of Hood River-based Senkai Motor Works (Senkai is “revolution” in Japanese). The three men behind it are Aaron Blake, 29, Adam Kravetz, 30, and Tris Tarantino, 28. I caught up with Blake and Kravetz between meetings with potential investors during a recent visit to Portland.
The Going gets easier at MLK
MLK at Going looks a lot different now.
-More photos below-
(Photos © J. Maus)
-More photos below-
(Photos © J. Maus)
The City of Portland Bureau of Transportation is moving forward on their Going Street Bicycle Boulevard project.
One of the centerpieces of the estimated $250,000 project is the crossing of MLK Jr. Blvd. For the uninitiated, MLK is a major north-south arterial that’s technically a state highway (99E). That means it handles a lot of fast motor vehicle traffic and because it is so unpleasant to cross in many places it acts as a de facto barrier between neighborhoods.
yellow Bike Friday Pocket Llama 2008
Year: 2008
Brand: Bike Friday
Model: Pocket Llama
Color:yellow
Serial: 61619
Stolen in Portland, OR 97202
Stolen:2010-03-22
Stolen From: 29th and Waverleigh
Neighborhood: Hosford/Abernatyh
Owner: Joe Percival
OwnerEmail: jpercival@murase.com
Description: folding bike, with front and rear racks, black Brooks Seat, handle bar bag, pump, underseat kit bad, and my name on a silver plaque on side of drop bar.
This registrant has documented proof of ownership of this bike
Red GT Aggressor
Brand: GT
Model: Aggressor
Color:Red
Size:24
Stolen in Portland, OR 97213
Stolen:2010-03-21
Stolen From: My house on NE 79th & Everett
Neighborhood: Montavilla
Owner: James Dineen
OwnerEmail: james_dineen@yahoo.com
Description: Red Mountain bike with climbing handles
Police record with: Potland Police
Police reference#: 10-22514
This registrant does not have proof of ownership of this bike
The Monday Roundup
Here’s the news that caught our eye this week:
– Yes, the newly minted health bill has a transportation angle.
– Think bike parking corrals are cool? The ribbon was just cut on San Francisco’s first public “parklet” in a former street parking spot.
– An Oregon farmer is arguing that it would be better to mix farms in with the city rather than maintain strict boundaries between urban and rural land use designations.
Next up, transportation reform?
Obama during a visit to Portland in 2008.
(Photo: Ethan Jewett/Stickeen)
(Photo: Ethan Jewett/Stickeen)
Congress passed an historic piece of health care legislation last night. Will the vote lead to a strengthened Obama Administration that’s able to take on other big issues? Will the passage of health care melt some of the glacial gridlock in Washington?
Having just been in the capitol a few weeks ago, I couldn’t help but wonder how this political milestone might impact another important issue — the overhaul of our nation’s transportation system. Like our health care system, our current transportation infrastructure leaves millions without coverage and many Americans are denied access to safe mobility options because of existing conditions.
blue Dahon Fly By REI folding 2008
Year: 2008
Brand: Dahon
Model: Fly By REI folding
Color:blue
Size:20″ wheels
Serial: TBD
Stolen in Portland, OR 97213
Stolen:2010-03-20
Stolen From: 58th and Halsey near Normandale Park
Neighborhood: Hollywood
Owner: Erik Mitchell
OwnerEmail: erik_mitchell@hotmail.com
Reward: $50
Description: 2008 Blue Dahon Fly By, REI Folding bike the recalled one, 8 speed contained, black fenders, broken bell, black seat post and handle bar and post
This registrant has documented proof of ownership of this bike
green Huffy Mountain
Brand: Huffy
Model: Mountain
Color:green
Size:26″ ish
Photo: http://www.sweatershoppe.com/bicycles/244-4473-8×6.jpg
Stolen in Portland, OR 97211
Stolen:2010-03-18
Stolen From: NW 22nd and NW Irving basement of Amber ct. apartments
Neighborhood: NW
Owner: Jonathan Olson
OwnerEmail: endogenix@yahoo.com
Description: This is a very basic green Huffy Mt. bike, at the time of theft the left hand shifter cable was disconnected and the chain was broken.
This registrant does not have proof of ownership of this bike
baby blue Puegeot mixte it says carbolite but its a steel frame 80s
Year: 80s
Brand: Puegeot
Model: mixte it says carbolite but its a steel frame
Color:baby blue
Size:5’6”
Serial: …i squirreled this away will find it….
Stolen in Portland, OR 97227
Stolen:2010-03-20
Stolen From: Behind my friends house in North Portland at Concord and Killingsworth
Neighborhood: Interstate?
Owner: Jenny McGibbon
OwnerEmail: jennymcgibbon@gmail.com
Reward: moneys
Description: It’s a cute little baby blue mixte peugeot with baby blue bar tape and black fenders. Has a back rack and special black brakes for my small lady hands.
This registrant has documented proof of ownership of this bike