The civil trial against Lindsey Llaneza came to an end today. After several interesting twists and turns, the judge decided to award Angela Leazenby’s family $500,000 (plus funeral expenses), the maximum amount allowable. But this trial wasn’t about money (and besides, Llaneza doesn’t have any). This was more about principles and symbolism…and in that respect … Read more
Yesterday I had an earth-shattering realization: Recumbents are just bikes and the people that ride them are normal, friendly people. OK, I’m exaggerating a little…I never actually thought they’d be abnormal or mean or anything….it’s just that we all know how a certain stigma exists between ‘bent and upright riders. I have long been curious … Read more
The Voices section has gotten some great contributions lately. I want to highlight a few of them in case you haven’t had a chance to check them out. By the way, anyone can post a Voice and pretty much anything goes – from classifieds to haikus – as long as it pertains to biking in … Read more
[Photo credit Chris Lydgate] On June 25, 2003 Lindsey Llaneza’s mini-van plowed into three cyclists in SE Portland. Orion Satushek and Angela Leazenby were killed instantly and Caroline Buchalter was critically injured. Llaneza was going nearly 70mph (twice the posted limit) and had a blood-alcohol level of .224 – three times the legal limit. Also, … Read more
[Screenshot] Carlo Delumpa has been a busy man. In addition to being one of the founders of the new club, Portland Velo, he has also combined his passions for technology (he works at HP) and cycling into a new website, PortlandCycling.net.
[Carlo Delumpa] Portland’s great cycling community just got even better. Local cyclists Carlo Delumpa (right), Susan France, David Kelly, Ty Lambert, David Russell and Rick Smith have launched Portland’s newest recreational cycling club, Portland Velo. Portland Velo was formed because the founders felt no existing group filled the growing need for organized road rides in … Read more
Shawn Granton needs help updating his awesome zine, the Portland Bicycle Culture Primer. Update on “Super-retiree” Alan Koch: He has now ridden every Portland street from I-205 to the Willamette River. Congrats Alan, keep us posted! Major changes brewing at the Community Cycling Center with the recent departure of their main man, Daniel Bohn. Check … Read more
Just noticed this interesting New Year’s Eve ride summary written on napkins by CHUNK chronicler, Silken. It’s sort of hard to read but I think this napkin (#3 of 5 in the series) says: “Later, Ian and his tallbike did a slow motion crash on Karli. She cried a lot but then drank a beer … Read more
Just realized that my bike got stolen last night. It was unlocked in my backyard (I know, my mistake) and they walked right up, detached the Burley trailer and made off with it. It was a kooky, unique bike (see photo and specs below) that had sentimental value and good, quality parts. It had front … Read more
Jessica Roberts just gave word that the BTA raised more money than any other local non-profit in the Willamette Week’s Give! Guide promotion. Read the whole story (scroll to bottom)…
Local bike lawyer Ray Thomas is working on a new campaign to empower injured cyclists to literally take the law in their own hands. His is distributing a new pamphlet titled, “Action Pamphlet #1; Do-it Yourself Guide to Citizen Initiation of Violation Proceedings.” You can find it at local bike shops, download the PDF here … Read more
On New Year’s Day the girls and I joined about 100 or so others for the annual BTA New Year’s Day ride. After a long trip down to Southern California it felt great to get out and pedal around the city. As an added bonus it was Danica’s first ride ever! Danica is my 4.5 … Read more