Mr. Wiewel’s inaugural ride, and what it could mean for PSU

PSU Pres. Wim Wievel's first day-6.jpg

PSU Pres. Wim Wievel (L) and Commissioner
Sam Adams after their ride into work this
morning.
(Photos © J. Maus)

Newly hired Portland State University President Wim Wievel (say “Vim Vee-vul”) got an up-close look at what 2,000 of PSU’s students, faculty and staff experience every morning — a commute by bike.

Wievel, 57, rode approximately seven miles from his presidential residence (his house is owned by PSU) on SW Military Road (near Tryon Creek State Park) down into the South Park Blocks. Accompanied by Commissioner and Mayor-elect Sam Adams, the pair pedaled down Terwilliger, onto SW Barbur and eventually into downtown via SW 6th Ave.

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A new bike for Leo

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13 year-old Leo Westwind, just
minutes after getting his new bike.
(Photos © J. Maus)

A very tough year for 13 year-old Leo Westwind was made a bit brighter on Friday.

Leo suffers from a genetic liver ailment known as Alagille Syndrome and last winter his condition worsened severely. In December, his mom Kyrstin (owner of a bike-powered smoothie business) rushed him to children’s hospital in Seattle where doctors told her Leo needed a new liver.

Fortunately, with fundraising help from the community and from Southeast Portland-based non-profit Free Geek (where Leo’s dad Michael works), Leo received a new liver on December 18th.

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1,700 riders take part in Portland Century

Riders cross a bridge on the Springwater
Corridor Trail during Sunday’s Portland
Century ride.
(Photo: Bob Crispin)

In just its third year, the Portland Century seems to have found its sweet spot.

Ride organizer Ayleen Crotty with Good Sport Promotion says they’re still going through the paperwork from Sunday’s ride but initial estimates put the number of participants at 1,700.

Some early reports from commenters include lots of compliments on the ride’s support, organization and route. Crotty says that, “People were applauding Portland, cheering for the beer, and loving every minute of the ride. Riders who had not ridden since the 1st year were back and very impressed.”

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Eugene graffiti spoofs Dodge billboard

Buffered Bike Lane with a bike symbol and arrow pointing forward

A reader (thanks Dan K.!) sent in this photo of a billboard in Eugene.

The billboard touts Dodge’s new Journey model and an image of the vehicle is next to the word, “Gasolean” and the phrase, “Best in Class MPG”. Underneath that phrase a graffiti artist has painted an arrow that leads to a bicycle.

It reminded me of the graffiti on a billboard on N. Vancouver Ave. in Portland from back in Spring of 2007.

Hood-to-Coast collision results in arrest

Buffered Bike Lane with a bike symbol and arrow pointing forward

News Release from: Oregon State Police
This incident does not involve anyone on a bike, but since it has to does with another vulnerable roadway user group (runners), I thought it might be worth noting.

Below is the statement from the Oregon State Police (emphasis mine):

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Miami: Cab driver runs into group of cyclists

Buffered Bike Lane with a bike symbol and arrow pointing forward

A cab driver in Miami allegedly fell asleep at the wheel and ran into a group of people on bicycles. The cyclists were riding on a six-lane highway when the collision occured. Luckily, no one was killed. Here is a video report from the Associated Press…

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New PSU President will go by bike on his first day

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PSU’s new President Wim Wiewel.
(Photo: PSU)

The newly hired president of Portland State University will join the throngs of downtown bike commuters this Monday when he reports for his first day on the job.

According to PSU spokesperson Scott Gallagher, 57 year-old Wim Wiewel will join school Provost Roy Koch and City Commissioner and Mayor-elect Sam Adams on the ride and a small reception will follow in the South Park Blocks.

Wiewel hails from the bike mecca of Amsterdam and Gallagher says he’s doing the ride in part to “promote and emphasize the alternative transportation research goes on here at PSU.”

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Portland Century will showcase area’s best riding

Buffered Bike Lane with a bike symbol and arrow pointing forward
Roll On Columbia! ride

Marine Drive on the Columbia
River is just one of the many scenic
roads in store for Portland Century
riders.
(Photo © J. Maus)

The third-annual Portland Century is set for this Sunday and organizers expect well over 1,000 riders to take part.

Organizer Ayleen Crotty says this year’s event offers loops of 25, 50 or 100 miles and includes “some amazing roads… especially the outlying areas around Sandy.”

Her description has me wanting to get out there myself:

“There are roads so lushly lined with ferns that the ferns are nearly creeping into the road, glimpses of tree farms, mountain views and miles and miles without more than a car or two.”

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From the Archives

Protestor blocks bus and bike lanes on Division with his car