On average, Amsterdam residents use bikes more than cars.(Photo: Tom Miller) Industry news publication Bike Europe reports today that, in Amsterdam, people use their bicycles more per day on average than their cars: “The bicycle is the means of transport used most often in Amsterdam. Between 2005 and 2007 people in the city used their … Read more
“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
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
Rolling through Peninsula Park at last year’s event.(Photos © J. Maus) This Sunday is the North Portland edition of the City of Portland’s Sunday Parkways event. Compared to last year, Sunday’s event will be much larger, with two loops and over 7 miles of closed streets and organizers tell us there are also a lot … Read more
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
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
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
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
U.S. DOT Secretary Ray LaHood.(Photo © J. Maus) U.S. Transporation Secretary Ray LaHood issued a statement today proposing an immediate, 18-month “highway reauthorization” to the current transportation bill. The proposal is being made in an attempt to replenish the ailing Highway Trust Fund that could run out of cash by late August. Also, beyond the … Read more
HB 2377, a bill sponsored by Rep. Carolyn Tomei that looks to strengthen laws against people who use mobile devices (texting or talking) while driving, has made it out of the Senate Rules Committee (where it was stuck last time we checked in) and is headed for a vote on the Senate floor.
Let’s hope Rep. Oberstar’s love of biking seeps into his thinking on federal transportation policy.(Photos © J. Maus) On Thursday (6/18), U.S. Congressman Jim Oberstar (D-MN) is expected to release a white paper outlining his plans for the forthcoming re-write of the federal surface transportation bill (Oberstar is Chair of the House Infrastructure and Transportation … Read more
Loaner bikes await guests at the new Aloft hotel near the airport.(Photo: Aloft) Portland is fortunate to have a bike-accessible (and friendly) airport just a few miles out of town. It’s a good thing too, because there are also growing number of people who bike there to catch a flight. We also get our share … Read more