Cover of Kurmaskie’s latest book, on store shelves February 2010. Remember two years ago when we checked in on local author and self-described “adventure dad” Joe Kurmaskie right before he and his family embarked on journey across Canada? Well, somehow the family is still together (joke) and Joe has just finished a book about the … Read more
Cops on bikes.(Photo © J. Maus) When it comes to police enforcement of bicycle traffic laws or bicycle collisions, discretion is very important. If you’ve watched the recent bicycle traffic enforcement video produced by the Portland Police Bureau, you’ll notice the concept figures prominently. PPB Bicycle Liaison Officer Robert Pickett opens the video with this: … Read more
The mechanics classroom at UBI’s new location on N. Williams.(Photo: UBI) United Bicycle Institute (UBI) is all moved into their new satellite campus in North Portland (they also have a campus in Ashland) and this Saturday they’ll throw the doors open and welcome the community with an Open House event. According to UBI’s John Baxter, … Read more
This 7.2 mile stretch of the Springwater should be much smoother by summer 2010.(Map: City of Portland) A project to repave the popular Springwater Corridor Trail that was green-lighted by Metro back in March is now scheduled for completion by early June 2010. The $1.8 million project will overlay asphalt on top of the original … Read more
[With the release of the public comment draft of the Portland Bicycle Plan for 2030, it’s time to get wonky and learn more about what Portland’s brightest bike thinkers are dreaming up for the future. The story below is the latest in our ongoing coverage of the new plan.] With advisory bike lanes, like the … Read more
The panel had some frank advice for U.S. bike planners and advocates.(Photos © J. Maus) Earlier this month, I attended a dinner and panel discussion hosted by a fledgling coalition of bicycle transportation planners, bureaucrats, and bigwigs from across the country. Bike program coordinators from major cities like Boston, San Francisco, Chicago, New York, and … Read more
Would a Dutch bike work for your family? Or would a bakfiets/Madsen/trailer/Xtracycle suit you better? Find out this Sunday.(Photos © J. Maus)
“The government is pushing bike days, and rebates for bike use. Communities are putting in bicycle kiosks.” However, there is only limited data to show that “we have bikeways to support this increase in bike use.” — from a Reuters story about a new study on bicycle-related injuries A new study from Colorado has found … Read more
Racers on the big climb.-Slideshow below/Gallery–(Photos © J. Maus) The Cross Crusade stopped in Sherwood (about 22 miles south of Portland) yesterday for the third stop in the eight-race series. The race was held at the Sherwood Forest Equestrian Center, nestled in a valley of horse pastures and wooded areas showing the bursting colors of … Read more
Here is the news that caught our eye last week: – At December’s summit on climate change in Copenhagen, Saudi Arabia is planning to push hard for wealthy countries that successfully reduce oil use to compensate oil producing nations. – US Rep Earl Blumenauer (representing Portland) has just announced a federal Livable Communities task force. … Read more
“Why a Planning Commissioner Blog?… Because public policy can be complicated and three minutes at a hearing is a pretty limited opportunity to engage in a substantive conversation.” — Chris Smith If you care about bike policy or planning in Portland, chances are you’ve heard of Chris Smith. Smith is a consummate citizen activist who … Read more
Photo: City of Stuttgart via Cyclelicious)