When BikePortland reported last week that the city may slash its goal for increasing biking, the eighth paragraph contained a twist.
The obstacle to advancing our city to 25 percent of trips by bike by 2030 wasn’t actually the biking, city staff said. It was real estate.
Changes coming to Southeast Morrison will create a new protected bikeway, bus-only lane, safer crossings and better access for freight vehicles between Grand and 12th. Belmont will also get a new bikeway to fill the existing gap between Grand and 7th.
It’s been 10 years since the Oregon Handmade Bicycle Show burst onto the scene. I can still recall the buzz and optimism in that room. There was a collective realization that we had something special here. Today the show is stronger than ever and organizers have announced a new location, new vendors, and a lot of new reasons to check it out.
Congratulations. You’ve survived the Portland Heatwave. So far.
We’ve still got plenty of heat in the forecast so make sure you check our hot riding tips and pass them along to friends in need.
Now to the fun part: We’ve got great events for you this weekend, including several ways to beat the heat. Our pick is the outdoor movie at Stub Stewart State Park on Saturday night. The event is hosted by Oregon State Parks and Hollywood Theater is bringing a huge blow-up screen to the Hilltop day-use area for a screening of Breaking Away.
One last thing… You can now get the Weekend Event Guide delivered right to your inbox! Sign up here:
Job Title *
School Bus Driver
Company/Organization *
Portland Public Schools
Job Description *
Have you considered a job as a school bus driver? We offer a new increased wage of $16.25/hour and full benefits.
– Do you like engaging with young people as a positive role model?
– Do you enjoy a job with a change of scenery?
– Is time off for holidays, projects, or travel important to you?
– Are you a safe and courteous driver on our increasingly busy roads?
Portland Public Schools provides school bus service to families of children with special needs. Our operation frequently needs conscientious, caring individuals to join our team. This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone who cares about road & traffic safety, and leaves room in your schedule for summer adventures if desired.
Offering a new increased wage of $16.25/hour
6 hours guaranteed pay per day, 180 days per school year
7 paid holidays, full medical/dental/vision benefits, and retirement plan
Must pass criminal background check, drug screening & DOT physical
Apply today!
How to Apply *
Call 503-916-6901 x.77292 for Brock to schedule an interview.
You may fill the online application on www.pps.net under “Jobs” before an interview if desired, or complete it at our location after your interview.
When Portland Bureau of Transportation management and staff heard about the new safety study focused on speed released by the National Transportation Safety Board on Thursday, their reaction must have been. “It’s about time!”
The report is making waves in transportation reform circles for its strong tone against the scourge of speeding and what should be done about it. The NTSB looked at crashes from 2004 through 2014 and found that speed was listed as a factor in nearly one-third of all fatal crashes. That led the NTSB’s Acting Chairman Robert L. Sumwalt to say, “You can’t tackle our rising epidemic of roadway deaths without tackling speeding.”
Here’s more from the NTSB press release:
BAC meetings are held second Tuesday of every month from 6-8 pm in the Lovejoy Room of City Hall (2nd Floor). More details on the BP Calendar listing.
Introductions/Announcements
Smart Autonomous Vehicle Initiative (SAVI)
Autonomous vehicles are coming faster than many people are aware. Ann Shikany and Peter Hurley from PBOT will present PBOT’s and the City’s efforts to “do AV smart by working with transportation providers and the public to implement testing and piloting of this technology, while advancing public safety, protection of the environment and transportation access for everyone, regardless of income.”
Transportation System Plan Stage 3: Mode Split Targets
Portland Bureau of Transportation is proposing amendments to the Commute Trips Mode Share targets in the TSP. The proposed change will reduce the Commute target for bikes. The TSP will support the 25% vision from the Portland Bicycle Plan for the All Trips mode share. Peter Hurley and Judith Gray from PBOT Planning will discuss the analysis used to develop this proposal. A TSP Stage 3 Discussion Draft has been available since May; public comment officially ended on July 21. However, because this is the first opportunity to present this to the BAC, PBOT is extending the public comment period for the BAC to Aug 11.
Legislative Changes affecting Transportation in Portland
Four bills passed by the Oregon Legislature this year will have profound effect on Portland. House Bills 2017 (Funding), 2409 (Speeding enforcement), 2682 (Local speed limits) and 2597 (Distracted driving) all have significant upsides for transportation funding and safety operations in Portland. PBOT staff will describe the impact these new laws will have for Portland and Oregon.
Committee Business
Adjourn
Something to think about if you are planning on riding Sauvie Island or other rural chip sealed roads this week:
There’s a new voice for businesses in Portland and they are focused on two issues that could make or break the future of cycling in our city. As we just reported with the City of Portland’s proposal to lower its bike mode share goals due what their analysis tells them is a lack homes in proximity to jobs, the issues of affordable housing and cycling are closely intertwined.
A business lobby group could help bend this trend in a different direction; but only if it wants a future with housing for everyone and more people on bikes.
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Publisher’s note: We’re trying something new. We’ve invited TriMet Senior Planner Jeff Owen to write a guest column (tentatively named “TriMet Corner” unless you have a better idea). Owen was hired by TriMet in 2012 as their active transportation planner and brings a ton of experience to the table. He also happens to be a very nice guy who’s dedicated to his work in making our transit system work better for bicycle users. This is his first article for BikePortland.
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This past June TriMet hired a local artist to breathe life and art into the interior of our new Orenco Station Bike & Ride facility.
TriMet’s Bike & Rides offer an option for secure bike parking on one end of your commute. They eliminate the worry of bringing your bike on-board crowded trains or buses, only to find the spaces filled.
Now, thanks to the TriMet Public Art Program and a very talented local artist, the Orenco Bike & Ride really stands out from the crowd.
For the first time ever the City of Portland’s official bike map is available in an interactive online version.