Senator Rick Metsger, shown here in a file photo, has not supportedthe bill.(Photo © J. Maus) The only bicycle-related bill in the abbreviated legislative session in Salem is on life support. HB 3623, which would allow bereaved families to request (and pay for) the installation of a “roadside memorial sign that commemorates a bicyclist or … Read more
Adams speaking with reporters after today’s meeting.(Photo © Jonathan Maus) City Commissioner Sam Adams has just emailed (and posted to his blog) a statement about the major turn his Safe, Sound, and Green Streets funding initiative took today: Dear Portlander, Today, at my request, city council referred the “Safe, Sound & Green Streets” program back … Read more
Adams (L) and Potter at this morning’s City Council meeting.(Photo © Jonathan Maus) Mayor Potter has issued a statement in response to the BTA’s action alert that explains his current stance on the Safe, Sound and Green Streets proposal. According to Mayor Potter’s public advocate Jeremy Van Keuren, their office has received 186 222 emails … Read more
[Updated: I’ve added full text of the statements made by Commissioner Adams, Mayor Potter, and the BTA’s Scott Bricker.] BTA’s Scott Bricker testified thismorning. Read the text of histestimony below. (Photo © Jonathan Maus) Commissioner Adams’ $464 million dollar “Safe, Sound, and Green” street maintenance and safety funding initiative went before Portland City Council this … Read more
The BTA has issued the action alert that I alluded to yesterday. It was posted to their blog by Executive Director Scott Bricker and emailed to their Portland members yesterday afternoon. The “Safe, Sound, and Green Streets” funding package will be in front of City Council this morning. I’m on my way over there and … Read more
Mayor Tom Potter (in center)(BikePortland.org File Photo) In a not too surprising move, Mayor Potter has issued a memo (read it below) to his fellow Commissioners saying that he favors putting the “Safe, Sound, and Green Streets” funding plan back into a single ordinance (it’s currently split into three) and placing it on the ballot … Read more
City Council will hear the “Safe, Sound and Green” proposal again on Wednesday.(Photo: Jonathan Maus) As first reported by the Portland Mercury, Commissioner Leonard’s move to pull-back the recently passed “Safe, Sound, and Green Streets” funding plan has resulted in the package being, once again, split into three separate ordinances.
Commissioner Randy Leonard(Photo: Jonathan Maus) The maneuvering on both sides of the landmark “Safe, Sound, and Green Streets” transportation funding proposal has just taken another turn. Amy Ruiz of the Portland Mercury just reported that City Commissioner Randy Leonard has filed an objection to the recently passed proposal based on a section of the City … Read more
The decision by a coalition of business groups and lobbyists to oppose Commissioner Adams’ Safe, Sound, and Green Streets transportation funding package (which passed City Council yesterday) has sent shockwaves through City Hall and bike advocacy groups in Portland. Given what’s at stake and who’s involved, this is without a doubt the most important transportation-related … Read more
[Updated: 7:26pm] Romain strikes again.(Photo © Jonathan Maus) Earlier today Portland City Council passed Commissioners Adams’ Safe, Sound and Green Streets funding plan. The plan would be a huge boon to bicycling in Portland, with nearly $30 million (out of $400 million total) going toward bike safety improvements. But don’t start the celebration yet… The … Read more
This just in from the Chris Smith campaign: Chris Smith Submits 1,180 Signatures for VOE Certification This afternoon Chris Smith formally requested certification as a publicly financed candidate under the city’s “Voter Owned Elections” system. Smith, who is running for the Position 1 seat of the City Council, turned in 129 additional qualifying signatures and … Read more
[Updated: 3:27pm] Vancouver Mayor Royce Pollard sets a good example.(Photo © Jonathan Maus) The majority of Vancouver (WA) City Council members are reportedly in favor of expanding a youth helmet ordinance to include adults. The ordinance was first heard by City Council earlier this month and based on recent comments by four of the seven … Read more