Cars and money, bikes and public health, London bikesharing snag, why do cities work, how can cities work better, Barcelona before the car. This week in the world of bikes and beyond: – President Obama is digging deep into the U.S. auto industry crisis. His plan includes tax incentives for people who buy new cars. … Read more
It’s the weekend! I’ve been largely without a working computer this week — my laptop will be out of the shop on Monday afternoon — and I’m looking forward to having a couple of days off from shuffling between borrowed computers, re-learning old operating systems, getting used to unfamiliar keyboards, and trying to remember passwords. … Read more
An anti-12 lane CRC sign(Photo © J. Maus) An editorial in this morning’s Oregonian criticizes Bicycle Transportation Alliance leaders for their recently stated opposition of the plan to build a new, 12-lane highway bridge over the Columbia River, and for encouraging their members to attend a rally in opposition to the plan. Claiming that the … Read more
This year, the streetwill be officially carfreefor opening night crowds(Photos © J. Maus) Filmed by Bike, Portland’s legendary bike film festival now in its seventh year, is gearing up to be bigger and better than ever, taking over the entire street with a beer garden and plenty of room for the expected record crowds to … Read more
Yes that’s duct tape,with a reflective star.(Photos © J. Maus) Tomas Quinones can be seen frequently on Shift bike fun rides, Cycle Wild camping trips, and other bike cultural events. He recently began making, and selling, simple handlebar bags made out of duct tape. In Quinones’ words: I started making them for my own use … Read more
The grassroots group that is forming to oppose plans for a new 12-lane Columbia River Crossing (CRC) bridge project on I-5 has released the second in their series of mock sales pitches. In the first episode, host (and local author) Joe Kurmaskie tackles the bridge’s cost (“…only one million easy payments of $4,000 each!”) and … Read more
Jason Charles Bush(Photo: Portland Police) We recently reported on a high-end bike theft from a Pearl District condo. This theft occurred during a period in which there seem to have been an unusual number of break-ins to bike storage areas in the Pearl. Police now have a suspect in the thefts. According to KGW, 28 … Read more
Intextication; more “resisting arrest”; slowing growth; failed bike lanes; the true cost of driving; coffeeshop on the Hawthorne; make your own bike bell Time for the news roundup, folks: – A bad sign for the bike economy? Trek has furloughed 300 employees from one of its plants. – Is “intextication” the new drunk driving? – … Read more
Weather need not be an impediment to thewell-prepared. (Photo © J. Maus) It’s nearly the weekend — and I’ve heard rumors of sun as well as reports of thunder, lightning, and hail. Last weekend’s rain and high winds didn’t keep everyone indoors — hopefully your errands, visits, and bike fun won’t be deterred by any … Read more
Cold medicine DUIIs, crossing party lines, bike lanes and architecture, dying suburbs, stadium congestion, helmet cams, and love, today. Thanks to all the readers who sent in tips about items in this week’s news roundup. – A bill up in front of the Oregon House would add prescription or over the counter medications to the … Read more
About thirty people showed up — by bus, bike, and on foot — to the first Portland Car-free Happy Hour on Thursday. Some highlights for me included: – Standing outside on a sunny March day, talking about bike commute routes, long distance train travel, streetcars, and more.