Blumenauer says Bike Commuter Act matter of equity
Congressman Earl Blumenauer introducing his Bike Commuter Act at the House Office Building. Members of the Oregon contingent in the background.
Legislation
Special coverage of the 2007 Legislative Session
You can also read about the BTA’s legislative efforts on their website.
Bike Commuter Benefits Act to be re-introduced tomorrow
Blumenauer at theSummit opening. Tomorrow morning, after a speech by Minnesota Congressman Jim Oberstar, Earl Blumenauer plans to re-introduce his Bike Commuter Benefits Act in a press conference on Capitol Hill. Blumenauer just finished a speech at the opening of the National Bike Summit and he hinted at this news when he confidently said, “With … Read more
"Vulnerable roadway user" proposal moves forward
The last, and most innovative of the BTA’s three legislative proposals is just one minor step from being an official bill. Their “vulnerable users” proposal will be turned into the House Judiciary Committee in Salem today. Here’s the official wording of the bill summary:
Proposed law would reduce speeds on narrow roads
[Without a new law, this is what some people must resort to.]
PDOT to host bike law discussion
[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
BTA changes bill after after community concern
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.”
BTA would support "roll and go" concept
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.
Safe passing law debate begins
[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
Salem field trip report #2
[Scott Bricker hustles in the hallways between meetings.] After posting my first Salem report, BTA bike lobbyist Scott Bricker and I set off for two more meetings. The first was with Representative Jeff Barker, a Democrat who represents Beaverton and Aloha. This meeting (as usual) would only last about 15 minutes and with three full … Read more
A report from my day in Salem
[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
Legislative update and my day in Salem
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
Action alert: Support the Bicycle Commuter Act
If you think bicycle commuters deserve the same tax benefits from employers that already exist for drivers and transit users now is the time to make your voice heard. I just got this urgent call to action from Jessica Roberts at the BTA.