Editorial
Editorial Section Archives
Opinion: Sticking up for Sunday Parkways
Yes it’s a party, but it’s not all fun and games.(Photo © J. Maus/BikePortland) Remember the flap about Sunday Parkways at City Council last week? After listening to the full audio of the meeting, I feel like it deserves a second look — not only for the policy debate but for the way the story … Read more
Opinion: A biased look at Beaverton’s auto dealerships
The subtitle of the article, “City planners hope for more investment in urban renewal district,” is buried under the heading “Beaverton auto sales drive city economy.” Full disclosure: I love bikes. I love riding them, talking about them, taking pictures of them, and just about anything else that involves them. I live in the suburbs … Read more
In my opinion: On livability and the CRC, USDOT Sec LaHood can’t have it both ways
I want the new freeway to be this wide! U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has some explaining to do. LaHood, who famously stood on a tabletop and thanked bike advocates for their hard work at the 2010 National Bike Summit and later posted on his blog that, “This is the end of favoring … Read more
Would more bike cops and fewer riot cops lead to peaceful protests?
The face of a front-line officer at yesterday’s protest.(Photo © J. Maus) Our story about cops on bikes at the Occupy Portland protests yesterday has sparked a dialogue (that’s happening citywide, not just on BikePortland) about the size and style of force the City of Portland is bringing to these events. In a comment on … Read more
Editorial: Amid historic cuts, thoughts on “fundamental restructuring” of PBOT
Severe cuts will force us to make bold decisions on how we prioritize funding.(Photos © J. Maus) The Portland Bureau of Transportation made an historic announcement on Monday. In order to balance their budget, the agency needs to make $16 million in ongoing cuts. Not one-time cuts to patch a lean year, but ongoing and … Read more
Riding on the Steel Bridge: A tale of access and anger
View heading westbound onto Steel Bridge (note the yellow sign). Since moving into an office on SW 4th (between Stark and Oak) the Steel Bridge has become my preferred access in and out of downtown. Because I prefer the most direct and efficient route, I ride up on the bridge roadway (not on the sidewalk … Read more
Guest Article: Life on a Former Future Freeway
Riding on SE 52nd Ave., along the route once slated for a major freeway and which is now planned to become part of the 50s Bikeway.(Photo © J. Maus)
Portland, bikes and the ‘Plenitude Economy’
The ‘Plenitude Economy’ concept looks a lot like Portland. With the Occupy Wall Street movement continuing to spur discussions across America about a fundamental shift in how we approach our lives and our economy, now seems like a good time to propose a different path. For many people in Portland, what could be considered a … Read more
Opinion: Parallels for bike advocacy and lessons from the ‘Occupy’ protests
Sign from Occupy Portland march on October 6th.(Photos © J. Maus) Taking part in both Occupy Portland marches and watching support for the protestors grow both here and across the country, has been extremely inspiring for me. It has also got me thinking (of course) about the national bike movement. Are there lessons to learn? … Read more
Friday Opinion: The Dutch and us
Just another day in the Netherlands.(Screen grab) The Dutch Cycling Embassy launched this week. Their mission? “To facilitate cycling worldwide as the most modern, efficient and sustainable means of transportation by sharing our expertise and technology as the world’s number one cycling country.” They’ve also released Cycling for Everyone, a 7-plus minute video that gives … Read more
‘Vehicle’s only!’ stencil: Sign of a power shift on our roads?
Stencil seen in Mt. Tabor neighborhood.(Photo: Adam R.) Reader Adam R. sent me an interesting photo a few days ago. It’s a DIY stencil that’s apparently one of many painted on streets throughout Southeast Portland. It reads, “Vehicle’s Only!” and it’s written in all caps. Grammatical slip-ups aside (bikes are vehicles too and of course … Read more