By one vote in the Senate, Oregon finally moves to curtail cell phones while driving

“The use of cell phones is increasing so much that we have to get a handle on it now.”— Ginny Burdick (D-Portland) After several years of trying, the Oregon Legislature has passed a law that will make the use of cell phones while operating a motor vehicle illegal. House bill 2377, sponsored by Rep. Carolyn … Read more


Buffered Bike Lane with a bike symbol and arrow pointing forward

Oberstar releases full transportation bill: New federal office would study cyclists’ rights

“Over reliance on automobiles can have adverse impacts on public health, both through lessened physical activity and from increased pollutants.”— from the bill’s description of the Office of Livability U.S. Rep. Jim Oberstar, Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee has released the full text of the federal transportation bill. Calling it the “Surface … Read more


Sunday Parkways success: Thousands enjoy gift of carfree streets

It was a (car)free-for-all in North Portland yesterday.Slideshow below/Gallery(Photos © J. Maus) Sunday Parkways made a triumphant return to North Portland yesterday when thousands turned out to take advantage of 7.5 miles of carfree streets. Amid bright, warm sunshine and periodic rain showers, they came out on roller skates, on foot, and by every type … Read more


Buffered Bike Lane with a bike symbol and arrow pointing forward

Road rager’s insurance pays $100,000 to injured rider

Ben Ramsdell in April.(Photo by Elly Blue) The Oregonian reported earlier this week that Ben Ramsdell, the man who was seriously injured after being intentionally run down by Johnny Escwheiler on SE Clinton nearly two years ago, will receive a $100,000 from Eschweiler’s insurance company. Escwheiler — who underwent a temporal lobotomy at age 25 … Read more


Buffered Bike Lane with a bike symbol and arrow pointing forward

Oberstar’s $500B T-bill would establish livability office, U.S. bike route system

Rep. Jim Oberstar speaking at the 2007 National Bike Summit.(Photos © J. Maus) Today — the man who just two years ago stood in front of 2,000 Cycle Oregon riders in lycra shorts (after he himself battled the day’s grueling climb) and told them he would “thread the language of bicycles into the federal transportation … Read more


City wins award from Travel Portland: Platinum ranking a draw for tourists

Portland’s Platinum award is a draw for tourists.(Photos © J. Maus) Travel Portland has announced that they’ll give the City of Portland their top tourism promotion award at their 30th annual Tourism and Hospitality Industry Awards Celebration being held next week at the Oregon Convention Center. Travel Portland — a private non-profit that works to … Read more


Buffered Bike Lane with a bike symbol and arrow pointing forward

Naked Ride Party organizers: Thanks, we’re in the black, and we’ll be back

As a follow-up to our story yesterday, about volunteer organizers of the epic Pedalpalooza Kickoff Naked Bike Ride and Party not making enough from the event to cover the bills, comes this update (emphasis mine): From the entire Pedalpalooza Kickoff Party organizing team, thank you for the monumental response in the way of thanks, offers … Read more