Commissioner Hardesty asks ODOT to create ‘school speed zone’ outside Cleveland High (UPDATED)
The resolution adds to the urgency for change on eve of a Community Safety Forum.
Politics
Policymakers hop on e-bikes for a tour of Portland
Thank you Amit Zinman (Bike Stuff on YouTube) for video coverage we based this story on. The effort to educate influencers and policymakers is a key strategy of electric bike advocates. Mix knowledge of power-assist with powerful people, the thinking goes, and they’ll assist you in making e-bikes take off faster than a Class 3 … Read more
Despite opposition, Senator Lee Beyer sails through OTC nomination meeting
“I’m concerned about the roads for Oregon’s economy… I like to say that Oregon’s economy moves on wheels and those wheels need something to roll on.” -Lee Beyer Yesterday afternoon, the Oregon Senate Interim Committee On Rules and Executive Appointments heard from the more than 60 of Governor Kate Brown’s nominees to various state boards … Read more
Opposition to Governor Brown’s OTC pick strengthens
An unprecedented level of opposition has formed against Oregon Governor Kate Brown’s nomination for a seat on the Oregon Transportation Commission. The powerful, unelected, five-member body oversees the Oregon Department of Transportation and decides how to spend the state’s $5.1 billion transportation budget. Brown nominated outgoing State Senator Lee Beyer to a four-year term that … Read more
Candidates for Oregon governor sound off on freeway expansion projects
We have several elections here in Oregon that are being closely-watched across the country, but none more so than the race for governor, in which unaffiliated candidate Betsy Johnson and Republican candidate Christine Drazan both stand a chance at beating Democrat Tina Kotek and ending Oregon’s decades-long streak of blue leadership. Drazan, Johnson and Kotek’s … Read more
Transportation reform groups push Governor Brown to reconsider commission pick
On Monday we hinted that the nomination of outgoing State Senator Lee Beyer to one of five spots on the Oregon Transportation Commission (OTC) would be very unpopular with transportation reform activists. And on Tuesday, the leaders of eight advocacy groups signed onto a letter to express specific grievances. Their campaign isn’t focused on Senator … Read more
Governor Brown nominates Lee Beyer to Oregon Transportation Commission
Lane County Democrat Lee Beyer is poised to be the next member of the Oregon Transportation Commission. Governor Kate Brown made the announcement as part of a slate of nominations made public on August 31st. If confirmed, Beyer would replace Commissioner Alando Simpson, whose term expires at the end of this year. The five-member OTC … Read more
State lawmakers get out and ride at annual Bike Town Hall
“We cannot continue to have children dodging cars to get to school. I cannot be mourning with another family again.” – Khanh Pham , Oregon State House Rep Our world was sepia-toned this weekend as smoke from nearby wildfires settled into the Willamette Valley. But the hazy air and wind didn’t deter dozens of people … Read more
How Ranked Choice Voting works (and how it could give bicycling a bigger voice in City Hall)
Its aim is to make sure every voter has some influence, in proportion to the popularity of their choices. You know an issue is hot when you go to a Labor Day weekend party and people are talking about it. The issue is Ranked Choice Voting (RCV), and it will be on the ballot this … Read more
Activists want ‘Deeds not words’ as Portland adopts climate work plan
“What are the serious actions that the city is willing to take?” – Janet Weil, Extinction Rebellion PDX “Deeds not words” was the message a group of activists with Extinction Rebellion PDX had for Portland City Council at their meeting this morning where they voted to approve the city’s Climate Emergency Work Plan. The work … Read more
Judge rules against Business Alliance challenge to charter reform
The Multnomah County Circuit Court has ruled against the Portland Business Alliance (PBA) challenge to a voting and governance measure slated for November’s ballot. The PBA had argued that the broad package of changes referred to the ballot by the Charter Review Commission violated the state constitution’s single-subject requirement. In today’s ruling, Judge Stephen K. … Read more
Local e-bike advocates press on after losing out in Biden climate bill
The bill isn’t a complete loss for bike advocates, and there’s an expectation they’ll have another swing at the ball before the end of this year. The much-ballyhooed, $369 billion Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) that’s on its way to President Biden’s desk as I write this, is an unprecedented win on the front of the … Read more