PBOT-backed legislation would change speed limit authority

A ride with the family-9

Portland hopes new law will lead to
20 mph limit on streets like these.
(Photo © J. Maus)

As we reported back in October, the City of Portland is working the legislature to gain more control over speed limits. Mayor Sam Adams is aware of the impact high speed motor vehicles have on our neighborhoods and has pushed for a new approach to speed limits for years.

PBOT, which Mayor Adams oversees, wants their own engineers to have the authority to decide what speed limits are appropriate for residential streets where they are currently building a network of interconnected “family friendly” bikeways. (Note: Currently, ODOT is in charge of setting speed limits — even on roads they themselves do not own and maintain.)

Now that the legislative session has begun, I thought it would be wise to track how the City of Portland is approaching this issue.

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River City Bicycles to open outlet store

This corner building at SE 6th and Belmont
will soon be the River City Bicycles Outlet store.

River City Bicycles has purchased a new, 5,000 square foot building that will soon become a new outlet store selling discounted bikes and clothing just a few blocks from their existing location. The River City Bicycles Outlet is set to open for business in the next few weeks at 534 SE Belmont (the southwest corner of 6th and Belmont).

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PSU talk will cover bike/transit integration

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TriMet’s lead bike planner, Colin Maher, is slated for an upcoming seminar at PSU’s Center for Transportation Studies. The topic is “Beyond the Bike Hook: Linking Bicycles and Transit.” Maher’s a smart guy so this should be quite informative. Details are below:

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Another look at HB 2602, which would prohibit biking with headphones on

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headphones-1

Should it be illegal?
(Photo © J. Maus)

Lost in last week’s kerfluffle about a potential ban on biking with kids, was another bill proposed in the current Oregon legislative session that deserves our attention.

House Bill 2602 (text), sponsored by Representative Michael Schaufler (D-Happy Valley), would create a new traffic violation for “unsafe operation of a bicycle” if a person “operates a bicycle on a highway while wearing a listening device that is capable of receiving telephonic communication, radio broadcasts or recorded sounds.” The offense would come with a maximum fine of $90.

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Event: Bicycle Film Festival (2/25/11-2/26/11)

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Event Name: Bicycle Film Festival
Event Dates: Feb. 25-26, 2011
Event Location: Clinton St. Theater – 2522 SE Clinton St. Portland, OR 97202 (see map below)
Event Description:
THE BICYCLE FILM FESTIVAL TURNS 10!
The BFF, touring 37 cities Worldwide, Celebrates 10 Years of Bicycle Art, Film, & Culture with Two Days of Events in Portland February 25-26!

After parties nightly! Free bicycle valet parking will be provided at the screenings.

Film highlights include:
BIRTH OF BIG AIR (Dir. Jeff Tremaine) A documentary on BMX legend Mat Hoffman, produced by Spike Jonze, Johnny Knoxville, Priya Swaminathan, Dickhouse Productions and local Portland Producer Mark Lewman.
RIDING THE LONG WHITE CLOUD (Dir. Alex Craig) Seven professional skateboarders attempt to cycle New Zealand’s North Island in this beautiful documentary. They experience the Heaven and Hell of cycling New Zealand while traversing the island in search of skate spots.
LUCAS BRUNELLE LINE OF SIGHT (Dir. Benny Zenga & Lucas Brunelle) His helmet-cam footage of unsanctioned street races around the globe gives us a unique perspective on the best urban riders in the world.
BMX AT BURNSIDE (Dir. Dean Dickinson) Local Portland filmmaker gives us an inside look into the history of Portland’s notorious Burnside Skate Park from a BMX bike rider’s point of view.
EMPIRE (Dir. Christian Thormann & Luke Stiles) The long-awaited urban cycling feature following some of the best riders in New York City.

To purchase tickets and see a full list of events, please visit www.bicyclefilmfestival.com.

About the Bicycle Film Festival
The Bicycle Film Festival is an arts and cultural event that celebrates the bicycle. The festival brings together many creative communities, including fashion, music and art, as well as various bicycling communities, road racing, cyclocross, fixed gear, BMX, and bike polo over a shared passion for bike riding. 300,000 people are expected to attend globally this year. “We’re thrilled to return to Portland during our 10th anniversary of the BFF. This city has such a rich love for cycling and we just want to celebrate that” says Brendt Barbur.

Press Inquires, image and interview requests may be directed to
Jen Whalen: jen(at)bicyclefilmfestival(dot)com, (212) 255 6102.


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Meet Your Maker: Gigi Lascurettes, maker of Helmuffs

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Gigi Lascurettes
(Photos/video by Russ Roca)

In this episode of Pedal People, we profile Gigi Lascurettes the maker of another Portland original – Helmuffs.

Helmuffs are wool ear muffs made from recycled sweaters that attach directly to your helmet straps. Gigi’s Helmuffs have been on display at BikeCraft and can also be purchased at Bikeasaurus (1337 SE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd) and Pedal Bike Tours (133 SW Second Ave).

Watch the episode below…

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prime ?blue/silver gary fisher cake 2 2004

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Year: 2004
Brand: gary fisher
Model: cake 2
Color:prime ?blue/silver
Serial: WW2311277
Photo: http://fisherbikes.com/images/fisherbikes/bikes/2004/640×400/angle_cake2.jpg
Stolen in Portland, OR 97209
Stolen:2010-12-28
Stolen From: from my supposedly very secure, key coded parking garage in The Civic (condo building on west burnside & 19th). the thief left a few things behind, but not enough to nail him/her…
Neighborhood: west burnside
Owner: jamie truppi
OwnerEmail: jltruppi@gmail.com
Reward: $100
Description: full suspension, excellent condition, no water bottle rack, light on seat post & mounting for light on handlebars, lookin gel seat, aluminum frame. not sure of size (likely large, as i am 5’9″, but i bought it from a friend so i’m not sure – he didn’t write size in the owner’s manual). pretty much all original accessories, except seat: shimano derailer, bontrager tires, etc.
Police record with: Portland
Police reference#: 11-150016
This registrant has documented proof of ownership of this bike

Black Raleigh

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Brand: Raleigh
Color:Black
Size:47-52 CM
Stolen in Portland, OR 97211
Stolen:2011-01-12
Stolen From: NE 33rd By New Seasons.
Neighborhood: Concordia
Owner: Jill Finley
OwnerEmail: jillfinleyy@gmail.com
Reward: 25
Description: Black Raleigh Bike-48-52 CM? Red Tape on handle bars.Handle bars are short and straight across. Bright neon green bike pad says vendetta coffee shop. Stickers: Malcolm Rollick, Italy Tattoo Shop, Gorilla Sticker. Fixed/Flip Hub. Some Silver patches over rusted areas. Slick tires-i think 23s?
Police record with: Portland PD
Police reference#: 114174
This registrant does not have proof of ownership of this bike

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