2010 Archives

Bikes Belong launches “People for Bikes” campaign

Screenshot from the just-launched
PeopleForBikes.org.

At tonight’s opening reception of the National Bike Summit, national non-profit group Bikes Belong will announce the People for Bikes campaign.

A tri-fold promo brochure being handed out here at the Summit reads:

“Millions of Americans ride bicycles and recognize the economic, social and physical benefits. But, only a fraction of those who ride have stood up to help advance the cause of bicycling in America.

The goal of peopleforbikes.org is to gather a million names of support, to speak with one powerful voice — to let policy makers, the media and the public know that bicycling is important and should be promoted.

Whether you’re a commuter, a roadie, a mountain biker or just a casual rider, by uniting your voice with a million others, you can help build a national movement to improve bicycling in our country.”

Bikestation DC has a location
that’s impossible to miss.
– Slideshow below-
(Photos © J. Maus)

Today I took a peek at the latest and most conspicuous addition to Washington D.C.’s transportation infrastructure — Bikestation DC.

Opened for business only since last October (it was under construction last time I was here), the facility is striking in stature and has a location that any bike planner would drool over. The modern, curved glass structure sits just a few yards from the main entrance of Union Station, a historic landmark and tourist attraction visited by 32 million people each year. The dynamic lines of the Bikestation create an interesting juxtaposition to the Classical-era inspired architecture of Union Station.

Buffered Bike Lane with a bike symbol and arrow pointing forward

Morrison Bridge back in September.
(Photo: Elly Blue)

It’s been a very long time in the making, but according to The Oregonian’s Joseph Rose, Multnomah County is set to open the new bikeway on the Morrison Bridge by this Friday.

Here’s the blurb from The Oregonian:

Ted Wheeler, State Treasurer.
(Photos © J. Maus)

Earlier today, Jeff Mapes at The Oregonian broke the news that Multnomah County Chair Ted Wheeler has accepted an appointment by Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski to be State Treasurer (filling the void left by the late Ben Westlund).

The news is a blow to our region, as Wheeler was an effective and well-liked politician who was tackling big issues with an all-too-rare-these-days combination of skill, charisma, and candor. Last week he left a comment on our story about studded tires.

Finally?!
(Graphic: Peter Smith)

The League of American Bicyclists just announced record attendance for the 10th annual National Bike Summit. They’ve also announced a new speaker for tomorrow morning’s Opening Plenary: Shannon Guymon of Google, Inc. Could Ms. Guymon be here to make a big announcement about adding bike directions to Google Maps?

According to a press release from the League, more than 700 people from 48 states have already registered. That’s more than 100 more than last year (in 2001, the Summit’s first year, fewer than 150 people showed up). League President Andy Clarke says that more than 400 meetings have been scheduled with members of Congress during Thursday’s Capitol Hill lobbying day. “The Summit and bicycle movement is on the rise,” said Clarke.

Year: 2007
Brand: TREK
Model: navigator 2.0
Color:Burgendy/red
Size:16.5
Serial: wtuo63c0412b
Stolen in 97266, OR
Stolen:2010-03-8
Stolen From: SE 119th and SE Powell, apartment complex, stolen from fenced in backyard facing away from street.
Neighborhood: Powellhurst
Owner: Meg Long
OwnerEmail: x98mlong@yahoo.com
Description: Women’s, burgundy with small blue flowers, high silver handlebars, missing seat, missing back reflector. Plastic pedals. 26″ wheels
Police record with: waiting for report
This registrant has documented proof of ownership of this bike

The National Bike Summit: A primer

crowds and random stuff at the National Bike Summit-4.jpg

D.C. here we come!
The Summit starts tomorrow.
(Photo © J. Maus)

Tomorrow is the opening day of the 2010 National Bike Summit in Washington D.C. (I hope on a red-eye flight tonight!). Last week I introduced you to the Oregon advocates that will make the trek to D.C. to attend. But, some of you may be wondering, what the heck happens at the Summit? Hopefully this post answers a few of your questions.

The Summit is, at its core, a lobbying event. The intention is to make the presence of bicycling felt on Capitol Hill, shake hands with members of Congress, and explain to them why bicycling is important and deserving of their support.

Johnnie Olivan.
(Photo © J. Maus)

Johnnie Olivan of Portland-based Rejuiced Bikes has won a $15,000 commission to build a mini-fleet of “bike-cars.” Olivan has already been riding several of his bike-cars around Portland, but he’ll use the money to take the design to the next level.

The commission comes from a joint project by Seattle-based non-profits 4Culture and Great City. Olivan replied to a call for ideas through Great City’s aLIVe project, which “aims to spark interaction across disciplines, showcase ideas and suggest action around issues of energy, livability and design.”

Saturday was one of the most gorgeous days Portland has seen in recent memory. The warm sun and the spring blooms on trees all over the city combined for a nearly perfect day to be on a bicycle. Riding under Portland’s blossoming street trees this time of year is something I can’t get enough of. And I’m not the only one.

On days like Saturday, Portland streets come alive with people on bikes. I rode around north and northeast Portland for a bit, just taking it all in and snapping photos…

A stretch of SW Lombard in Beaverton where there
is no designated bikway.
(Photo: Jim Parsons/BikePortland)

Bikes advocates in Beaverton were shocked when a meeting of that city’s Transportation Commission on Thursday night ended in a 5-1 vote against putting bike lanes on SW Lombard Avenue.

On the agenda was a proposal to stripe bike lanes on a one-mile stretch of SW Lombard Ave between 1st Street and Denney Road. The Commission was also set to hear a related proposal to remove motor vehicle parking on SW Lombard between 7th St. and Allen Blvd.

– Statistically speaking, what’s more distracting than talking on the phone while driving? Adjusting the radio while driving. And what’s even more distracting than that? Driving with children.

– Speaking of distracted driving, what about those digital billboards? The NY Times takes a look.

– In Washington, DC, the local transportation department, DDOT, has issued a bold “Action Agenda” that builds on the district’s existing bicycle and pedestrian master plans and goes much farther, calling for the creation of a new Progressive Transportation Services Administration.

Year: 1996
Brand: Gary Fisher
Model: Wahoo
Color:Gray
Size:Large
Stolen in Portland, OR 97266
Stolen:2010-03-7
Stolen From: SE 119th and Powell
Neighborhood: Powellhurst
Owner: Shawn Paul
OwnerEmail: shwnpl3@gmail.com
Description: Gray Gary Fisher Wahoo, yellow marlin fish riding a yellow bike on vertical frame post, black T style handlebars, rust and dings on handlebars and frames. Says “Wahoo” in yellow on top crossbar.
Police record with: Portland Police
Police reference#: T10001261
This registrant does not have proof of ownership of this bike

Bikes Belong launches “People for Bikes” campaign

A visit to Bikestation DC (Slideshow)

Oregonian: Morrison Bridge bikeway set to open on Friday

Oregon, here’s your new State Treasurer (on a bike of course!)

Summit: Record attendance and “an announcement” from Google — UPDATED

Burgendy/red TREK navigator 2.0 2007

The National Bike Summit: A primer

Local builder gets $15,000 boost to build “bike-cars”

A Saturday to remember

Beaverton Traffic Commission votes against bike lanes on Lombard

The Monday Roundup

Gray Gary Fisher Wahoo 1996

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