In the last several days there has been a flurry of discussion in the bike community about safety on our streets. I have been inspired by the outpouring of energy and dialogue around this issue. There is much more to be said and done, and I have no doubt that because of all of your … Read more
This week’s Willamette Week features an interesting letter from a cyclist named Frank DiMarco. His letter was written in response the Aug. 3rd column that named “Self-Absorbed Motorists” as the “Rogue of the Week.” In his letter, “Share the Lane, Share the Blame” DiMarco says that cyclists would be safer if we only rode on … Read more
With all the recent bike safety talk, I thought I’d point out a few books that will make you a more confident and safe cyclist. The Art of Urban Cycling by Robert Hurst (2004). This book is current, not dumbed down and very well done. I highly recommend it. Anyone that says, “Road rash is … Read more
Two more articles released today try to shed light on the hot topic of bike safety on the streets of Portland. The Willamette Week “Riding Herd” – Cyclists pressing for crackdown on bike-unfriendly motorists. The Oregonian “Bike group rolls out safety plan” – After five recent deaths, the Bicycle Transportation Alliance pushes proposals to better … Read more
We as cyclists risk our lives every day on the streets of Portland. Many of us have had near-misses and other altercations that left us rattled, angry, and feeling vulnerable. Yet the only people that ever hear about these incidents are our friends, families and riding buddies. The media, the police and our elected officials … Read more
Tomorrow, the BTA will release a statement that outlines their response to the recent rash of bike/car collisions in the Portland metro area. I have received advanced permission to publish this press release to the bike community here on BikePortland.org. The release of their “Five Part Plan” follows their recent Op-ed that ran in the … Read more
The Bicycle Transportation Alliance (BTA) has written an op-ed in response to last Friday’s Portland Tribune headline story on bike safety. The headline that ran on the front page was, “Walk, ride at your peril”. The BTA thinks this alarmist headline “irresponsible journalism” because both walking and riding remain relatively very safe activities. They go … Read more
Some great news about a new bike lane marking called “sharrows”. From the Portland Tribune: Sometime in the next few months, the city will start using shared-lane pavement markings, known as “sharrows,” along 12 city blocks, mostly on Northwest 18th and 19th avenues. The markings will depict a cyclist as well as arrows, indicating motorists … Read more
Ryan Hume at the Willamette Week did a great job with his story on the St. Johns Bridge and cyclists in this week’s Willy Week. I met with Ryan and exchanged several emails about the story and I can honestly say he is a solid reporter. But I can’t resist commenting on his line that … Read more