An amendment to a “green” schools bill will help with funding for bike access.(Photo © J. Maus) In an illustration that the political winds on transportation are shifting comes news of two bike-friendly bills that have recently passed through the U.S. House of Representatives. In an effort to make Amtrak more bike-friendly, last Wednesday (6/11), … Read more
“If I had to choose between Bush on his mountain bike and John Kerry on his Serotta, I’ll take Obama.”–U.S. Congressman Earl Blumenauer Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama made headlines last week for his private meeting with members of the bicycle industry in Chicago. U.S. Congressman Earl Blumenauer (who some have whispered would make a … Read more
The bike industry believes in Obama.(Photo © J. Maus) Bicycle Retailer & Industry News magazine (known as BRAIN) reports this morning that in a meeting yesterday with bicycle industry representatives, Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama said if eleceted he would, “increase funding for cycling and pedestrian projects.” Obama held a private, 20-minute meeting with members … Read more
Mary O’Donnell at this morning’s press conference.(Photos © J. Maus) At a press conference this morning held at a law firm in downtown Portland, Mary O’Donnell — whose husband Tim was killed while riding his bike — told reporters and news cameras that her push for a vehicular homicide law is “definitely what he would … Read more
“It’s really an opportunity to talk about bikes with Barack.”— SRAM CEO Stan Day in Bicycle Retailer magazine BicycleRetailer.com reports that the president and CEO of component manufacturer SRAM will hold a fundraiser for Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama. According to the story, “the event’s goal is to introduce Obama to industry leaders and to … Read more
“If the Governor can get on a bicycle and ride this summer it is a symbol to the rest of us… we all have to change.”— Gov. Kulongoski Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski rode a bike to work this morning. Afterward, he delivered a brief speech in his office where he said he was trying to … Read more
Gov. Kulongoski at Pioneer Courthouse Square in April.(Photo © J. Maus) He walked to work on Earth Day, and now Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski says he’ll ride his bike to the office on Monday. The ride is part of a larger “commuter challenge” effort proclaimed by Kulongoski today to encourage the 8,500 state employees to … Read more
Bike legislation is moving forward in D.C.(Photo © J. Maus) House Congressional Resolution 305, also known as the National Bike Bill, has passed through a vote by the U.S. House of Representatives earlier this week. The resolution — which was introduced by Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) back in February — recognizes the importance of bicycling … Read more
An animated Earl Blumenauer speaking at the Oregon Bike Summit a few months ago.(All photos © J. Maus) As the nation’s political winds shift from right to left, the future of the transportation issue in America begins to look very different. Remember last summer, when U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary Peters referred to “bike paths” as … Read more
Bissonnette — who is very close to facing a runoff with Amanda Fritz for a seat on City Council — emerged as a champion of bicycling and sustainable transportation during his campaign.(Photo © J. Maus) The race for City Council Seat #1 has gotten even closer as the final ballots trickle in. Amanda Fritz is … Read more
[Updated throughout the night. Refresh for latest.] Portland’s new Mayor, Sam Adams.(All photos © J. Maus) It’s election night and the campaign parties are going strong all over the City. The big news is that Sam Adams has won the race for mayor with a decisive 52-34 victory over Sho Dozono. During his concession speech, … Read more
The National Bike Bill — which was introduced back in February by U.S. Congressmen Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) — made its first appearance on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives this morning. The bill (House Congressional Resolution 305, full text here) seeks to buoy the efforts of bike advocates nationwide and “recognize the importance … Read more