If you’re one of the over 1,200 or so people who ride on SE Ankeny every day, be extra careful when you get to SE 20th. Earlier today, city crews filled in the gaps that allow bikes to pass through the median island (see photo below). The City says it was just a mistake and they plan to clean it up as early as tomorrow morning.
I got several reports from readers concerned that people would be caught off guard when they try to ride through.
Two years ago, the fine folks at Bridge Pedal gave me the opportunity to fly over the ride in a helicopter. With my camera and a five-point harness firmly buckled around me, I flew high above the iconic event and got a perspective on our city that I’ll never forget.
With the 16th edition of the ride happening this Sunday, I thought it’d be fun to take a look back at what I saw…
The two people on bikes involved in a fatal hit-and-run collision early this morning did not know each other. One of the two was 17-year old Portlander Kevin Phomma. Phomma was riding in front of the man who was killed, and, after the collision, he flagged down a passing Portland Police officer.
Phomma is an avid rider who is active on the PDXFixed online community, worked as an intern at 21st Avenue Bicycles, and is the youngest member of Team Trusty Switchblade.
Phomma left a comment on BikePortland about the collision a few minutes ago (emphasis mine):
Year: 2008
Brand: Jamis
Model: Ventura Sport
Color:red
Size:51”
Serial:u81k1343
Stolen in Portland, OR or
Stolen:2011-08-12
Stolen From: south east clinton
Neighborhood: SE clinton and 42nd
Owner: stephanie guenther
OwnerEmail: stephaniekg@gmail.com
Reward: 50$
Description: New looking bike, nice new tires. Geared bike… red with black grips.
Police record with: portland pd
Police reference#: 11-154357
This registrant has documented proof of ownership of this bike
One person died and another person was taken to the hospital suffered minor injuries after a hit-and-run in Southeast Portland early this morning. The Police say the collision happened around 1:00 am this morning on SE Division at 85th.
After arriving on the scene the officers discovered the suspect vehicle dumped at 92nd and Southeast Powell Boulevard. They are still searching for the suspect, whom they describe as a male, Hispanic 5’6 inches tall weighing about 160 pounds and may have been wearing a hat.
Year: 1990?
Brand: rayleigh
Model: mens mountain bike
Color:silver/gray
Size:21″ ???
Stolen in Portland, OR 97211
Stolen:2011-08-11
Stolen From: taken from breezeway with open gate along side residence. NE 17th Ave between NE Going and Wygant
Neighborhood: sabin
Owner: shannon schilling
OwnerEmail: shannon_schilling@beaverton.k12.or.us
Reward: no
Description: Mens’ mountain bike (approx frame size = 21 inch?), Raleigh, silver, with black rack, extremely curved/upright handlebars and neck, water bottle cage, flat pedals, unknown serial number taken from breezeway with open gate along side residence. Bikes were visible from the sidewalk. Bike was unlocked.
Police record with: portland PD
Police reference#: hasn’t been assigned yet
This registrant does not have proof of ownership of this bike
Year: 2008
Brand: Giant
Model: Arete Mt. Bike
Color:Bronze
Size:XXsmall
Serial:GG772763
Stolen in portland, OR 97215
Stolen:2011-08-11
Stolen From: LOCKED at Belmont library (SE 39th)
Neighborhood: BELMONT LIBRARY/ Sunnyside neighborhood
Owner: Alysa Wulf
OwnerEmail: wulfganesh@gmail.com
Reward: $75+++++
Description: Bomber suspension-Marzocchi, Stroker disc brakes, 26" wheels, SRAM X-9 or 7 shifters/derailleur, +++
Police record with: PPB
This registrant has documented proof of ownership of this bike
TriMet General Manager Neil McFarlane knows how important it is to get the right language into Transportation System Plans (TSPs) — the documents that dictate many of the transportation policies and investments in cities and counties throughout our region.
Back in June, McFarlane sent out a letter urging cities, counties, and other jurisdictions to beef up support for bicycling and walking projects at the outset of their TSP updates.
I got a copy of the letter and have pasted the key paragraph below (emphasis mine):
“TriMet wants to support your goals by providing quality transit service that boosts mobility, improves access to jobs, fights congestion, and enhances the sustainability of our region. But as you may know, many areas still lack the basic sidewalk infrastructure to allow and encourage access to our service. As a regional partner, your work on safety issues, traffic operations that affect transit, and pedestrian and bicycle projects are fundamental to our ability to serve the mobility needs of local areas and of the region. We provide the service, but you control much of what makes transit successful. Safe and walkable streets are fundamental to good transit, because every transit rider is a pedestrian first and last.”
The Portland Bureau of Transportation continues their expansion of low-stress bike streets in North Portland with a neighborhood meeting for the Bryant-Holman Connector project tonight.
Multnomah County has just launched a virtual open house for the Sellwood Bridge project and they’re looking for your input on key design and funding decisions.
Among the many aspects of the project featured in the open house is the design of the multi-use path and bicycle traffic lane. The new bridge, which could break ground this winter, will have a 12-foot multi-use path to be shared by people on bike and on foot, as well as a 6 and 1/2 foot lane solely for bicycling.
Citizen’s Advisory Committee member Richard Marantz (who gave me a tour of the bridge a few years ago) explains the bicycling design issues in a video that’s part of the online open house.
In a sign that promoters of new homes in subdivisions miles away from downtown Portland understand the community-building power of bicycling, organizers of the NW Natural Street of Dreams event want attendees to tour the homes by bike.
The long-running event is a showcase of new homes that’s meant to give people ideas and inspiration for their next home project or purchase. This year will be the third year in a row that organizers put on a “Cycle the Street” event.
Brand: Schwinn
Color:grey
Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ahillen/6022180933/in/photostream
Stolen in Portland, OR 97210
Stolen:2011-08-8
Stolen From: My apartment on NW Glisan & 23rd
Neighborhood: Northwest
Owner: Michael Ahillen
OwnerEmail: michaelahillen@gmail.com
Description: Schwinn road bike – cruiser with fenders.