[Bjorn Warloe] Portland resident Bjorn Warloe wants Oregon to take a cue from Idaho when it comes to how bicycles treat stop signs and traffic lights. Since I met him last December, he has garnered interest and support from the Bicycle Transportation Alliance and some lawmakers in Salem. I asked him a few questions about … Read more
[The Capitol building in Salem.] If you’re interested in this year’s bike legislation in Salem and beyond, you won’t want to miss an upcoming discussion being hosted by PDOT. As part of their ongoing Bicycle Brown Bag series, they’re bringing in Scott Bricker of the BTA and Karmen Fore from U.S. Congressman Peter DeFazio’s office … Read more
A few weeks ago, the BTA unveiled their Senate Bill 299 (PDF here), an “omnibus” bill that includes several new provisions. The last section (Section 6) of that bill included amendments to ORS 811.440 which deals with laws pertaining to, “When motor vehicles may operate on bicycle lane.”
There’s a notable addition to the BTA’s 2007 Legislation page. In a section titled “Other Bicycle Bills” (meaning ones they’re not working on themselves) is a mention of a local effort — which I reported on a month ago — to consider changing how bicycles treat stop signs.
A message in the Zoobomb Forums spells out some new TriMet regulations for bringing bikes on MAX trains that Zoobombers worry could crimp their style. Handsome Dave writes, “A TriMet employee hand delivered us one copy of a 3-page letter of new rules this last Sunday…” Here are key excerpts of the letter (full text … Read more
[Screenshot from KOIN story.Go here to find video.] BTA Director Evan Manvel reports that their Senate Bill 299 (PDF here) got some airtime on Portland’s CBS affiliate KOIN-TV yesterday. I watched the video clip and they do a solid job covering the issue. I’d recommend watching it. They have some interesting on-the-street interviews, some words … Read more
[A road in North Plains.] Yesterday, the BTA’s Senate Bill 299 — which includes a provision about requiring a minimum three-foot passing distance — got its first debate on the floor of the Judiciary Committee in Salem. A reporter from the Associated Press was there and filed a report that was picked up by the … Read more
On Monday, the Senate Judiciary Committee in Salem will hold a public hearing on Bill 299 (full text here).
UPDATE: TriMet spokesperson Mary Fetsch says the driver did report the incident and that he did call 911. === One account from the incident last week alleges that a TriMet bus was on the scene as Ashley Gorman was being beaten yet did not stop to offer passengers as witnesses and the driver allegedly did … Read more
This disturbing account of a car-bike collision on Swan Island was reported by the victim yesterday in the Portland Bike Forums: [Location of the crash.]Click for Google Map. “On January 2nd, I was riding home from work at 5:15p.m. and was was struck by a Jeep Wrangler pulling out from a stop sign. The driver … Read more
[BTA’s Scott Brickerinside the Capitol.] It’s been a busy morning. After negotiating Portland’s icy streets, BTA Policy Director Scott Bricker and I made our way down to Salem. For Scott, it was just another day at work, but for me it was an opportunity to learn more about how a bike lobbyist works the system … Read more
There seems to be a lot of interest in the community about the bike-related legislation going on in Salem this year. I’ve been doing my best to stay in touch with all of it and I will write about developments as they come in. Here’s what I know so far. BTA Policy Director Scott Bricker … Read more
Comment of the Week: We need more public restrooms downtown