USDOT: Traffic fatalities fell to record-breaking lows in 2009

National Bike Summit - Day two-5

Ray LaHood.
(Photo © J. Maus)

U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced today that the latest traffic data shows “major, across the board declines” in all categories of fatalities and the lowest numbers in six decades.

Updated fatality and injury data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) and National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) show that there were 33,808 motor vehicle fatalities in 2009, a decline of 9.7 percent and the lowest number since 1950. This decline occurred estimated vehicle miles traveled (VMT) increased by 0.2 percent over 2008. The number of people killed while riding their bicycles dropped 12 percent, from 718 deaths in 2008 to 630 deaths in 2009.

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Silver Scott Sub 20 2009

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Year: 2009
Brand: Scott
Model: Sub 20
Color:Silver
Serial: GF873595
Stolen in Portland, OR 97209
Stolen:2010-09-3
Stolen From: Con-way office building at NW 21st & Savier (east of 21st)
Neighborhood: NW alphabet district
Owner: Bill Muchmore
OwnerEmail: muchmore.william@con-way.com
Reward: yes
Description: Silver Scott Sub 20, disc brakes, silver fenders, black rear rack, handlebars with a slight rise
Police record with: Portland PD
Police reference#: 10-154178
This registrant has documented proof of ownership of this bike

Closure of Leif Erikson road in Forest Park begins Monday

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This landslide resulted in a project
that will close Leif Erikson
Road for four weeks.
(Photo: Portland Parks & Rec)

Portland Parks & Recreation has released details of a closure to Leif Erikson Road in Forest Park that begins this coming Monday (9/13) and is estimated to last four weeks.

Heavy rains back in June caused a landslide that resulted a part of the popular road to fall down the hillside. Parks had already planned to replace a culvert in that area so now the plan is to bring in the heavy equipment and get the job done. Unfortunately, in order to bring in their heavy equipment and trucks, the entire trail will be closed temporarily from Milepost 7 to Milepost 11 (at NW Germantown Road) to all users.

This is unfortunate timing given that it’s cyclocross season. Parks is aware of the popularity of Leif Erikson and they made a point in a statement to say, “The City’s contractor may also work seven days a week to finish the repairs as quickly as possible.”

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Weekend Event Guide

The BTA is hosting a ride to
celebrate new signage and
markings in Riverview Cemetery.
(Photo: BTA)

We’re officially in the “take what you can get” weather period now, and after this week’s rain storms, high 60’s with a few clouds doesn’t look too bad at all. To help you get the most out of your last few days of sun, I’ve got a fully-loaded event guide for your cycling pleasure, so pack a parka and ride safe!

Friday, September 10th

7:00pm-9:00pm: Bikestravaganza off the Chainring Tour
On the last stop on a month-long, 10 state tour, local bike activists Elly Blue and Joe Biel will be hosting a video presentation and sharing stories of activism in Portland and around the country.  Madison’s Grill (1109 SE Madison), $3-$10 sliding scale with no one turned away.  See Jonathan’s full coverage of the event here.

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The “Cyclisk” in California: Bike-friendly beacon or a bicycle memorial?

The City of Santa Rosa California (about 55 miles north of San Francisco) installed a new piece of public art last month that’s worth a look. The “Cyclisk” is a monumental, 60-foot tall, Egyptian style obelisk sculpture made by artists Mark Grieve and Ilana Spector that is made out of recycled bikes.

Check it out below the jump…

The “Cyclisk”, five stories of bikes!
(Photo: City of Santa Rosa)

Besides the fact that it’s made out of hundreds of used bikes, what strikes me about the sculpture is that it’s located in the middle of a bunch of auto dealerships and it was paid for by Nissan of Santa Rosa to fulfill their “1% for the Arts” requirement (they’re building a new dealership nearby). Given the funding from a car company and the fact that obelisks are often erected as memorials to dead people, I’m starting to wonder what kind of message this sends.

Artist Mark Grieve says the Cyclisk is “a series of intersecting rhythms – a visual metaphor for the human experience – technology and the humanities – history and the future – individual and collective.” Artist Ilana Spector says that, “…the City is psyched the sculpture will solidify Santa Rosa as bike-friendly.”

I’m probably over-thinking this. It’s a very cool sculpture, I’m just curious if I’m the only one thinking about it like this. What do you think? Is this a beacon of bike-friendliness or a sly move by an auto company to show that bikes are dead? Would Nissan have funded an “Autoisk”?

— Read more about the project on the City of Santa Rosa’s website.

blue Rivendell Romulus 2003

Buffered Bike Lane with a bike symbol and arrow pointing forward

Year: 2003
Brand: Rivendell
Model: Romulus
Color:blue
Size:55 cm
Serial:RM0214
Stolen in Portland, OR 97232
Stolen:2010-08-14
Stolen From: Stolen from basement garage of Lloyd Place Apt., 15th and Halsey.
Neighborhood: Sullivan’s Gulch/Lloyd Center
Owner: Bruce Parker
OwnerEmail: dotcyclist@yahoo.com
Reward: $100
Description: Bike has rack, KHS fenders, lights, bike computer, and RAGBRAI number (bright band on headset). Call 443-514-6773 with information; $100 reward.
Police record with: Portland PD
Police reference#: 10956542
This registrant has documented proof of ownership of this bike

Black Santa Cruz Superlight 2008

Buffered Bike Lane with a bike symbol and arrow pointing forward

Year: 2008
Brand: Santa Cruz
Model: Superlight
Color:Black
Size:Med
Stolen in Portland, OR
Stolen:2010-09-4
Stolen From: Flanders + Broadway
Neighborhood: Pearl District
Owner: Nick Adams
OwnerEmail: Nickc.Adams@yahoo.com
Reward: Definitely, yes!
Description: Crossmax wheelset, blue eggbeater pedals, tora fork, but the identifying feature on the frame is a small chip in the paint on the top of the top tube
Police record with: Portland PD
Police reference#: 10-073766
This registrant has documented proof of ownership of this bike

Metallic Red Schwinn Traveler 1993

Buffered Bike Lane with a bike symbol and arrow pointing forward

Year: 1993
Brand: Schwinn
Model: Traveler
Color:Metallic Red
Size:Large
Stolen in Portland, OR 97239
Stolen:2010-09-8
Stolen From: was stolen from Lair Heights Apartment condos on SW Barbour blvd
Neighborhood: south west
Owner: Todd Thompson
OwnerEmail: tjtjthompson@yahoo.com
Reward: 200
Description: A large metallic red SCHWINN, single speed fixed gear with a WHITE rear tire Chrome handle bars, and a grey coiled BIKE LOCK
Police record with: Portland PD
Police reference#: T10005889
This registrant has documented proof of ownership of this bike

Finally, momentum from the White House on transportation

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President Obama raised eyebrows in the transportation world Monday when he announced a plan to invest $50 billion in transportation infrastructure that would jump-start a long overdue reauthorization of the nation’s transportation bill.

The White House says “tangible accomplishments of the President’s plan over the next six years include” $50 billion in the first year to “rebuild” 150,000 miles of roads, “construct and maintain” 4,000 miles of rail, and “rehabilitate or reconstruct” 150 miles of runway.

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red Kona Jake 2009

Buffered Bike Lane with a bike symbol and arrow pointing forward

Year: 2009
Brand: Kona
Model: Jake
Color:red
Size:56cm
Serial: f905k2403
Stolen in Portland, OR 97202
Stolen:2010-09-8
Stolen From: sellwood
Neighborhood: sellwood
Owner: Jeramie Hildenbrand
OwnerEmail: petaltankstudios@gmail.com
Description: slightly broken pedal, loose front reflector, light mount on front bars, slightly torn taping on bars, biek gallery purchased (sticker)
This registrant has documented proof of ownership of this bike

Job: Bike Security Officer (Pacific Patrol Services)

Buffered Bike Lane with a bike symbol and arrow pointing forward

Job Title: Bike Security Officer

Company/Organization: Pacific Patrol Services

Job Description:
Pacific Patrol Services is currently hiring for Bike Patrol Officers.
PPS provides High-end, No-Hands-On Security to a variety of clients. We will provide the certification class at no cost and assist you in completing your paper work for your security license. You will be responsible for paying for your certification, which equates to $115.00. We provide extensive training, buy your uniforms and clean them at no cost to you. Benefits include co-pay health, vision, dental insurance, a 401k plan and opportunities for growth.

BIKE DUTIES:
• Provide security services at multiple locations throughout downtown Portland utilizing a bicycle as the primary mode of transportation.
• Officers typically ride between 20 – 25 miles per shift.
• Become an expert in security and access control to buildings, garages, parking facilities and construction sites.
• Be physically fit with the ability to walk, stand, or ride a bicycle for an 8 – 10 hour shift and must be physically conditioned to handle the number of miles required to be ridden each shift.

UNARMED DUTIES:
• Work in a corporate setting, Class “A” buildings, Bicycle patrols, Construction security, Loss Prevention, Special events and Concierge/security.
• Become an expert in security and access control to buildings, garages, parking facilities and construction sites.

ALL REQUIREMENTS:
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Have no past convictions for felonies, drug use/possession or person-to-person crimes
• All applicants must pass a Drug Test
• Have a high school diploma, or GED
• Have a stable work history
• Possess a willingness to work outdoors throughout the year
• Be physically fit with the ability to walk, stand, or ride a bicycle for an 8 hour shift
• Have the ability to work unsupervised for long periods
• Possess good communication skills including understanding, speaking and writing English
• Have the ability to provide written reports for work related incidents and activities
• Be a team oriented person with the ability to work with diverse groups of people
• Have the ability to obtain an Oregon Driver’s License

EMPLOYER COMMENTS:
“This is YOUR opportunity to work in a friendly team-oriented atmosphere that promotes success. We have career-minded security officers who enjoy working in a positive company that appreciates its people. We will work with your school or training schedule. Most of our officers have never worked in security before. You will receive extensive training and support to enhance your skills and knowledge.”

Our clients and management team expect our employees to meet high standards and provide quality customer service.

Compensation: Start $10.28/hr, 180 days $10.60/hr (plus benefits for full-time employees.)

How to Apply:
To begin to application process, please send your resume to ppsoffice(at)pacificpatrolservices(dot)com. IF YOU DO NOT SEND A RESUME, YOU WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED FOR THE POSITION.