Sightings: The distracted driving car, a trike chariot, and a bread hauler

I’ve gotten a few readers photos lately that are worth sharing.

The first comes from reader Jeff Bernards, who noticed a peculiar traffic safety display at SE 76th and Stark the other day…

Apparently the sign above the car says, “Not a “LOL” matter. Please stop texting!” Nice. I just hope no one is distracted by the car itself.

And then there’s this unique, recumbent trike with a park bench on the back. Photos of this were initially sent in by reader Juli M., but then I saw it myself the other day and snapped these photos with my phone…

The woman told me she’s pedaled her two kids around on the back for years. They’re now 9 and 13 and still getting rides.

Our last sighting of the day comes from reader Dave M. Dave lives in Northeast Portland and volunteers to deliver bread (for Loaves and Fishes) from a bakery on Alberta Street to downtown. He recently turned his vintage Trek mountain bike into a bread-hauling machine. Dave says, “So far it’s working great!” Check the pics…

If you see strange, wonderful, or wonderfully strange bike-related things around town, snap a pic and drop us a line.

Jonathan Maus (Publisher/Editor)

Jonathan Maus (Publisher/Editor)

Founder of BikePortland (in 2005). Father of three. North Portlander. Basketball lover. Car driver. If you have questions or feedback about this site or my work, contact me via email at maus.jonathan@gmail.com, or phone/text at 503-706-8804. Also, if you read and appreciate this site, please become a paying subscriber.

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Nick V
Nick V
13 years ago

If I’m not mistaken, the pic of the car was taken at a body shop in Montavilla that often displays cars which were mangled as the result of a drunk driving accident, text message accident, or similar.
I’m not sure what the speed limit is there on Stark but I don’t think the car poses any sort of distracting threat. In fact, I think it’s at a stop light…….

Timothy Whalen
13 years ago
Reply to  Nick V

You’re right, Nick. It’s Beet’s Auto Body, and it sits right at a stop light.

Spiffy
Spiffy
13 years ago
Reply to  Nick V

it’s all true!

Rip Tatermen
Rip Tatermen
13 years ago

I saw a recumbent back-to-back tandem on Going the other day, that was new to me. Didn’t have time to get a photo though.

Dabby
Dabby
13 years ago
Reply to  Rip Tatermen

I believe that is a case of what is called a blind stoker.

Steve
Steve
13 years ago
Reply to  Rip Tatermen

It reminded me of the “push-me-pull-you” from the original Dr. Dolittle.

Steve
Steve
13 years ago

I live around the corner…Beet’s is a small business, family run and they do great work. They are reputed to have one of the best painters in the business (or at least in Portland). I took my car there for body work so I can attest to their excellent work and service. Good for them for putting these cars out there to send a message.

Johnnie Olivan
13 years ago

Sweet Trike!!

Eric
Eric
13 years ago

Hmm, road grime on the bread?

Perry Hunter
Perry Hunter
13 years ago
Reply to  Eric

Worst…comment…ever.

Chris I
Chris I
13 years ago
Reply to  Eric

I was thinking the same thing. Even if it isn’t wet out, that’s still pretty gross.

borgbike
13 years ago
Reply to  Eric

Normally the load only takes up the back two buckets and/or lids are used or stuff is wrapped in plastic bags. However, doing that doesn’t make for a very good photo.

Ron Richings
13 years ago

In case you are interested, the trike is made by Organic Engines in Florida. It goes by the name of
SUV = Sustainable Urban Vehicle

Ron

Robert Watling
Robert Watling
13 years ago

I ride by Beet’s several nights a week on the way to work with my backpack in my Citybikes bucket. The cars are interesting and change from time to time with various messages. Interesting use of the bike buckets too. They’re good for all kinds of things and waterproof too. I think I’ll get another one for the other side.