Blumenauer introduces bill to restore, maintain “orphan highways”

Earl Blumenauer(Photo © J. Maus) With bipartisan support, U.S. Representative Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) has introduced a new bill — the Orphan Highway Restoration Act — aimed at improving state highways that run through America’s main streets. According to Blumenauer, “orphan highways” are former U.S. numbered highways that over the years have lost traffic volume to … Read more


First Thursday event will feature up-and-coming bike builders

See bikes from Sprout Cycles and six other local builders during First Thursday in the Pearl next week.(Photo © J. Maus) A small social media application development company in the Pearl District will host a First Thursday event next week featuring five local, up-and-coming bike builders. The show, hosted by the StepChange Group (500 NW … Read more


Portland bike-sharing update: Vendors confirmed for demonstration event

A bike from Montreal’s “Bixi” system. Five companies interested in partnering with the City of Portland to implement a bike-sharing system have responded to a call for proposals to take part in a demonstration event in mid-August. Meanwhile, the Boston Globe is reporting that the City of Boston will implement, “the nation’s first citywide bike-sharing … Read more


BTA wants commitments on security, maintenance if I-5 bridge design moves forward

Looks nice, but advocates want a commitment that it will stay that way. As we reported last month, the new I-5 bridge design that has won most favor with Columbia River Crossing (CRC) project staffers and advisers is a “stacked” bridge with the bike and pedestrian path underneath. Below-deck bikeways have typically been shunned by … Read more


Buffered Bike Lane with a bike symbol and arrow pointing forward

Metro will ask for $75-100 million to build active transportation corridors

Many Portlanders get “active transportation” on the Eastbank Esplanade.(Photo © J. Maus) As part of their ongoing effort to identify and fund non-motorized transportation projects, Metro plans to submit a grant application for federal stimulus funding to the tune of $75 to $100 million. In an email about the news to Metro’s Executive Council for … Read more