As bike ridership spikes in cities across the state, Oregon’s upcoming legislative session is sure to be full of bike-related action. Figuring prominently in that mix will be the lobbying efforts of the Portland-based Bicycle Transportation Alliance (BTA). Leading the charge for the BTA will be their new Government Affairs (a.k.a. lobbyist) man Karl Rohde. … Read more
John Lim (R-Gresham) This morning’s Gresham Outlook newspaper has a story about new legislation that has been drafted by Oregon State Rep. John Lim (R-Gresham) that would give a tax break to bike commuters. According to the Outlook, the current draft language of the bill says, “a taxpayer who rides a bicycle to work at … Read more
(Photo © J. Maus) The Multnomah County branch of the Barack Obama campaign has a bike event planned following this Friday’s presidential debate. First, they’ll host a viewing party of the debate at the Laurelhurst Theater in Northeast Portland.
“I think it’s the best chance the Bike Commuter Act has had so far in the Senate.”— Katie Drennan, a legislative assistant for Congressman Earl Blumenauer For the fourth time this session, the U.S. House of Representatives has passed a bill that includes a tax benefit people who ride their bikes to work. The Bike … Read more
According to Streetsblog, there’s an interesting meme about Sarah Palin and Barack Obama’s two-wheeled preference going around the right-leaning blogosphere. Here’s more from editor Aaron Naparstek: “These two images (below) have been floating around the right wing blogosphere under the shrieky, all-caps headline, “THIS IS ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW.” One of the websites is … Read more
Oregon state legislator Jason Atkinson (R-Central Point) sent out an email update to friends and supporters last week. It was regarding a freak incident eight weeks ago that left his right leg/kneecap in shambles due to a gunshot wound. He’s undergone major surgery and the former bike racer (and supporter of several bike-friendly bills last … Read more
It’s been way too long since I chimed in on the one remaining race for a Portland City Council seat. I hope to offer more coverage of both remaining candidates (Charles Lewis and Amanda Fritz) soon, but in the meantime, here’s a news release fresh from the Fritz camp: “Mayor Elect Sam Adams Endorses Amanda … Read more
Rep. Jim Oberstar addressing the Pro Walk/Pro Bike Conference in Seattle.(Photos © J. Maus) In the closing address of the 2008 Pro Walk/Pro Bike Conference in Seattle on Friday, bicycling’s Grand Man in Congress, Jim Oberstar, shared a history of America’s bike movement, and inspired the assembled crowd with his trademark energy and bravado. For … Read more
A Freewheelin’ station in Denver.(Photo: Freewheelin/Flickr) A bike-sharing program that started as an employee perk for Lousville, Kentucky-based Humana Corporation has taken the national stage this week. Humana — a $30 billion a year, 9,000 employee health insurance company — has partnered up with Bikes Belong and a host of bike manufacturers to set up … Read more
Jeff Merkley(Photo: JeffMerkley.com) Jeff Merkley (D-Portland), the Speaker of the Oregon House of Representatives, is turning to Portland’s bike community for help in his race to grab a seat in the United States Senate from incumbent Gordon Smith. I received an invitation yesterday for a fundraising event in September that will take place at the … Read more
From L to R: State Rep. Jackie Dingfelder, U.S. Rep. Earl Blumenauer, and State Rep. Ben Cannon.
Tom Miller will be the Mayor’s chief of staff.(Photos © J. Maus) In what is probably not too surprising of a move for City Hall watchers, City Commissioner and Mayor-elect Sam Adams has named Tom Miller to be his chief of staff once he becomes Portland’s mayor in January. Miller is already chief of staff … Read more