November 2010 Archives

Update on bike corral/public art project in Woodlawn

Buffered Bike Lane with a bike symbol and arrow pointing forward

Detail of sculptural element on
roof of new bike corral coming
to Dekum Street.

Our story last week about a new on-street bike corral coming to Dekum Street in the Woodlawn neighborhood sparked a lot of discussion. Many readers weighed in with negative opinions about the design (especially the car part) and wondered whether or not there would be more opportunity for public input. I followed up with folks behind the project and got some answers to your questions. I can also share a detailed artist’s statement and updated project drawings.

Whether or not people should wear — or be mandated to wear — helmets is the bike world’s pro-choice/pro-life debate. From Europe to Australia and definitely here in the U.S., people are passionate about the topic and they cling adamantly to their positions. Personal anecdotes about a life saved due to a helmet are on one side and on the other side people simply don’t feel it’s neccessary and want to make their own choice.

Here in bike-centric Portland, it’s not unheard of to get called out by others in traffic for not wearing one. We have programs at local hospitals and events that give helmets out for free. Bike rodeos put on by police and fire stations always include helmet giveaways and our Bureau of Transportation measures helmet use in annual bike counts (but not light use).

Portland residents judged bike safety
and many other livability issues
in the survey.
(Photo © J. Maus)

The City of Portland Auditor’s Office has released results of their 20th annual Community Survey. The survey was sent to 9,800 randomly selected households this past summer, and 3,663 valid surveys were returned.

The survey asks a range of questions about general community and livability. The purpose is to inform City Hall and city staffers about how people perceive their neighborhoods so the city can look to improve those perceptions through programs or policies. Of particular interest to us is how people rate the quality of roads and the safety of bicycling in their neighborhoods. This year, there were two new questions on the survey directly related to transportation mode.

SRAM CEO Stand Day at the
2010 National Bike Summit.
(Photo © J. Maus)

If you think the federal bike funding picture looks bleak after last night’s elections, here’s some news that should lift your spirits. This morning, component maker SRAM — along with the League of American Bicyclists and the Alliance for Biking & Walking — announced a three-year renewal of a campaign to double federal funding for active transportation projects by 2013.

Year: 1995
Brand: Trek
Model: 370 Sport
Color:black
Size:48 cm
Serial: GRS72098
Stolen in Portland, OR 97202
Stolen:2010-11-3
Stolen From: Reed College bike rake
Neighborhood: SE Portland (Eastmoreland)
Owner: Pia Bergman
OwnerEmail: pbrgmn@gmail.com
Description: 48 cm black trek 370 sport. dirty while handle bar tape. drop handle bars. frame is a bit scuffed.
This registrant has documented proof of ownership of this bike

National bike leaders weigh in on tumultuous elections

National Bike Summit 2010 - Lobby Day-22

Where are we headed?
(Photos © J. Maus)

Given what happened last night, things are likely to fundamentally change for how bicycle advocates nationwide frame their arguments from here on out. But just what exactly does this all mean for bicycling? I asked leaders from several major bike advocacy groups what they thought and I think you’ll be scared, surprised, and inspired by what they said. From taking a cue from the Tea Party, to a frank assessment of what could be a bumpy bikeway ahead, read their reactions below…

Best of the Worst film event is on Saturday.

Looking for an excuse to get some more leaves stuck in the fenders? This weekend offers a little bit of everything, all over town. Enjoy your week and ride safely.

Friday, November 5th

5:00pm-7:00pm: Be Safe and Be Seen
Come enjoy free tune-ups, a group ride, a reflective fashion show and more at Trimet’s “Be Safe and Be Seen” event at Pioneer Square downtown. Bike experts from the Bicycle Transportation Alliance and the Bike Gallery will be on hand to answer riding safety questions and help get your bike in shape for fall and winter riding.

Rep. John Mica at a BikePAC fundraiser
during the 2009 National Bike Summit.
(Photo © J. Maus)

With Democrats no longer controlling the House, Representative John Mica (R-FL) will most likely replace Jim Oberstar as Chair of the all-important Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. But just who is John Mica? I look forward to reporting on and learning more about him in the coming months, but for now, we’ve got two clues.

First, a statement he just released via the official House website says in part,

“… Among my top legislative priorities will be passing a long-term federal highways and transit reauthorization, a long-overdue Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization, a new water resources measure, and a long-term Coast Guard reauthorization.

Read more

Light Blue Cannondale R500 2002

Year: 2002
Brand: Cannondale
Model: R500
Color:Light Blue
Size:58ish
Photo: http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k210/troyboy4life/Picture4.png
Stolen in Portland, OR 97206
Stolen:2010-11-2
Stolen From: 64th and Center
Neighborhood: Foster/Powell
Owner: Troy Anderson
OwnerEmail: tanderson220@gmail.com
Reward: Free Pedicab rides, take you out for lunch and some cash.
Description: The sides of the brakes/shifters are scratched up. The Left pedal toe strap is damaged but functional. There are two label stickers on the front of the top tube on each side that say “CHAKALUKA” in black label. The chain and rear cassette are brand new and very clean. It has a seat post rack with a rear seat post fender coming off the rack. There is a tear on the
front of the seat with foam and plastic showing. It has a rear red light from bike planet and the front light is taped on the right side of the handlebars and a Bike computer/speedometer on the left side of the handlebars. It also has a mini bike pump clipped to the bottom tube. The handlebar end caps are not matching, the one on the left side is wood.
Police record with: Portland PD
Police reference#: 10-155314
This registrant does not have proof of ownership of this bike

Safe Routes National Partnership reacts to Oberstar defeat

Reacting to last night’s election results, the following statement to supporters and letter to Jim Oberstar will be sent out shortly from the Safe Routes to School National Partnership…

November 3, 2010

Dear Safe Routes to School supporter,

As you have probably heard, Congressman James L. Oberstar (D-MN) lost his House seat in a close electoral race.

Rep. Oberstar initiated the federal Safe Routes to School pilot projects in the year 2000, and then authored the original Safe Routes to School legislation that created the national program in all 50 states. As Chair of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, he had proposed strengthening Safe Routes to School in next surface transportation bill.

Read more

“A rough night for TriMet riders”: Reactions to transit bond failure

TriMet’s ballot measure did not pass last night. The measure sought to raise funds to replace aging buses, improve 300 bus stops, upgrade their LIFT fleet (which services elderly and others unable to use standard buses), and free up money in their general fund. The measure passed in Multnomah County 54-46, but couldn’t survive losses in Washington and Clackamas Counties where it was rejected by 56 and 60 percent of voters respectively.

PBOT plan drawing for SE Madison between 6th and Grand.
-Full image below-

PBOT will install a new bike box and colored lane markings on SE Madison just east of SE Grand today. Back in September, the City unveiled a list of 11 bike box locations, saying, “Our observation is that they’ve contributed to a safer, more comfortable travel environment.” This is the second bike box to be installed from that list.

Update on bike corral/public art project in Woodlawn

Opinion: Helmet debate saps energy we need to increase light use

Auditor’s survey: Bike safety improves, bike use at 7 percent citywide

SRAM renews commitment with “Advocacy Advance Partnership”

black Trek 370 Sport 1995

National bike leaders weigh in on tumultuous elections

Weekend Event Guide

Friday, November 5th

Who is new House Transportation Committee Chair John Mica?

Light Blue Cannondale R500 2002

Safe Routes National Partnership reacts to Oberstar defeat

“A rough night for TriMet riders”: Reactions to transit bond failure

PBOT to install new bike box, lane markings at Madison/Grand today

Latest Headlines

Hang with the Nomad Cycles crew at Bike Happy Hour this week

Here’s the latest on the City’s attempt to remove diverters in northwest Portland

City of Portland opens door to Frog Ferry use of two public docks

From the Archives

What five people say about living outside along the Springwater path