BikePortland

Why House Rep. Tobias Read signed onto the bike toll bill

Buffered Bike Lane with a bike symbol and arrow pointing forward

Tobias Read

HB 3152, a bill to toll people riding bikes across a new I-5/Columbia River bridge has reared its head in the state legislature. Surprising as the bill itself was to anyone with a reasonable understanding of transportation policy, what was even more surprising to us was that House Rep. Tobias Read (D-Beaverton) was listed as a co-sponsor.

Rep. Read’s unabashed and full-fledged support of the Columbia River Crossing project is worthy of our attention in and of itself; but why would he go even further and sign onto a bill that has even more dubious policy underpinnings than the freeway expansion project that inspired it?

Rep. Read reached out to me via telephone this morning to explain the context of his support for HB 3152.

(Photo © J. Maus/BikePortland)

The north Portland non-profit Rebuilding Center is planning a bike move this weekend. The Rebuilding Center deconstructs old homes around the Portland area and then resells the old wood, fixtures and other architectural elements at a retail warehouse in the Mississippi district.

BikePortland reader and neighborhood activist Ted Buehler is helping the organization facilitate the bike move. He says the plan is to move a giant pile of 2x4s, 2x6s, 2x8s, siding, windows, doors, floors and bricks from a deconstructed home in the Overlook neighborhood and carry it all by bike about 1.2 miles to the Rebuilding Center warehouse at N. Mississippi and Fremont.

House Rep. Kevin Cameron thinks people who
ride bikes don’t pay for roads and he wants
a bike toll on a new I-5 bridge
over the Columbia River.
(Photo: Cameron for Oregon)

A new bill has been introduced in Salem that would toll people on bikes for using a new bridge over I-5 (if one ever gets built). Existence of the bill started as an uncomfirmed rumor on the Facebook page of a state legislator yesterday and it was confirmed this morning via an article in The Oregonian.

The bill, HB 3152, was put forward by House Rep. Kevin Cameron (R-Salem). Here’s the key text from the bill:

“If the Department of Transportation collects a toll from motor vehicle operators for the use of Interstate 5 bridges, the department shall also collect a toll from bicyclists who use the bridges.”

Wood-fired hot tub delivered by bike
and now available to rent.
(Photos © J. Maus/BikePortland

The folks at Clever Cycles, those blessed souls that never fear a bold step into a new market, announced their Dutchtub rental program today. Remember Dutchtubs? Nine months ago when we broke the news that Clever Cycles was bringing these portable, wood-fired hot tubs to Portland, the story caused quite a buzz.

Now, after using the product for several months themselves and ironing out all the details with an insurance company, Clever Cycles is finally ready to launch a rental program. Starting today, you can order a Dutchtub and sit back and wait for a Clever Cycles “tubbist” to pedal one to your front door.

Three great bike jobs were posted to our Job Listings this past week. Check them out below…

Pedicab Mechanic – PDX Pedicab
Bike Mechanic (in Alaska) – Sockeye Cycle Co.
Experienced Bike Tour Guide/Mechanic – Cycle Portland Bike Tours

Job Title
Experienced Bike Tour guide/ Mechanic

Company/Organization
Cycle Portland Bike Tours

Job Description
Local bike tour and rental company looking for experienced rider with strong customer service skills and detailed knowledge of Portland’s culture, neighborhoods, and events. This position includes leading rides, staffing our downtown rental shop and providing bike service and repair as needed. Position requires strong mechanic skills/ shop experience and a true desire to work with people from all over the world. Those that are bike snobs, loathe tourists, or have problems taking responsibility for their actions need not apply. Positive/ friendly demeanor or personality is mandatory and previous guiding experience is helpful. Thank You.

How to Apply
Please email resume and brief description of why you would be a good candidate for the position to info@portlandbicycletours.com

Bridge project that’s part of North Portland Greenway raises concerns over tree removal

City design plans showing tree slated for removal.

A bridge project in St. Johns that’s part of the North Portland greenway and the 40-Mile Loop has gotten some unwanted attention this week. Portland Parks & Recreation is set to start construction on a new biking and walking bridge between Pier Park and Chimney Park; but removal of a large sequoia tree has sparked an outcry from at least one concerned citizen.

The story broke earlier this week on KATU-TV:

“The bridge would be part of the ten-mile North Portland greenway. Right now, Union Pacific Railroad tracks separate the two parks and the bridge would go over those tracks. But construction plans call for one giant sequoia inside Pier Park to fall in the process.

It is a tough pill to swallow for Dennis Keepes. He has sounded the alarm bells, trying to build enough support to save the tree.”

Year: 2011
Brand: Origin8
Model: Kit put together
Color:Dark Gray
Size:Medium Frame
Photo: https://www.facebook.com/amanda.erickson.904#!/photo.php?fbid=862349223501&set=t.42006512&type=3&theater13
Stolen in Portland, OR 97206
Stolen:2013-02-18
Stolen From: SE Portland, Woodstock & 48th Ave. Stolen from a setback garage Monday the 18th of February night.
Neighborhood: Woodstock
Owner: Amanda Erickson
OwnerEmail: Originalmanda( atsign )yahoo.com
Description: Clipless pedals, converted single speed to 6 gears @ rivercity, straight mountain bike handlebars, steel Origin8 frame, black seat, medium frame 54-56cm (I am 5’8). My # is 503-545-7192. Thanks!
Police record with: Portland PD
Police reference#: 13-14745
This registrant has documented proof of ownership of this bike

Mayor Hales shares his thoughts on paving and the PBOT budget

At an event last night I was able to grab Mayor Charlies Hales for a few minutes to ask him for his thoughts on the major PBOT budget move that was unveiled yesterday.

At a City Council budget work session, Hales’ interim director of PBOT, Toby Widmer, unveiled a plan that would take $7.15 from existing budget items and put it all toward street paving and maintenance. Among the places Widmer “realigned resources” for more paving is a $1.2 million sidewalk project already funded and slated for construction this summer in East Portland on SE 136th between SE Powell and Holgate (about 0.52 miles). Another Widmer realignment victim is PBOT’s ADA curb ramp program which is being asked to give up $500,000. According to PBOT sources, that chunk equals about 30% of the entire program (which has annual budget of $1.7 million).

Asked about the proposal last night, Hales distanced himself from it. “It’s a bureau budget. It’s just a starting point.”

Job Title
Bike Mechanic – Alaska Business

Company/Organization
Sockeye Cycle Co.

Job Description
Hiring Bicycle Mechanics for the 2013 season for our Haines and Skagway locations. Must be 23 or older and available to work a minimum of 3 months between 4/1 – 9/30. Apply online at www.cyclealaska.com or call 877-292-4154 for more information.

How to Apply
www.cyclealaska.com

Bill would remove mandatory driving test for people with limited vision

I figured I’d post interesting bills I come across here on Page Two. If they warrant more attention, I’ll consider a Front Page story.

Senate Bill 288, “Eliminates requirement that person with limited vision condition take driver test every two years.”

The bill was introduced by state Senator Brian Boquist (R-Dallas). Current law calls for people with limited vision to take an actual driving test every two years. According to the law, the test must be “an actual demonstration of the person’s ability to operate a motor vehicle without endangering the safety of persons or property.”

The bill would amend the law to remove the driving test provision and swap it out for a requirement to be examined by a licensed vision specialist every two years and the specialist must certify to the DMV that, “the person meets the vision requirements” as laid out in existing Oregon driving laws.

An aide in Sen. Boquist’s office said he submitted the bill, “for one of his constituents.” The bill is slated for a public hearing and possible work session on Thursday (2/21) in the Senate Business and Transportation Committee. We don’t expect it to get very far, but we’ll keep track of it just in case.

Why House Rep. Tobias Read signed onto the bike toll bill

Rebuilding Center will move deconstructed house by bike

Oregon lawmaker introduces bill to toll people who ride bikes across new I-5 bridge

Local shop now offers hot tub rentals, delivered by bike

Jobs of the Week

Job: Experienced Bike Tour Guide/Mechanic – Cycle Portland Bike Tours

Bridge project that’s part of North Portland Greenway raises concerns over tree removal

Dark Gray Origin8 Kit put together 2011

Mayor Hales shares his thoughts on paving and the PBOT budget

Job: Bike Mechanic (in Alaska) – Sockeye Cycle Co.

Bill would remove mandatory driving test for people with limited vision

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