Blumenauer: Transpo bill mess could be “springboard” for the movement

Blumenauer does not take attacks on bicycling lightly.(Photo © J. Maus/BikePortland) As arguably the most bike and transit-sensitive member of the U.S. Congress, Earl Blumenauer has had a trying week. Yesterday, the widely-maligned House transportation bill, a bill that eliminates the Safe Routes to School program and basically strips out all of the pro-bike provisions, … Read more


Blumenauer warns regional transpo leaders about lack of vision, strategy

Blumenauer: Come together. Right now.(Photo © J. Maus) United States Congressman Earl Blumenauer spoke during a rare appearance at an influential Metro committee last week, doling out some tough love over the groups’ inability to come together around a regional vision for transportation investments. It was a rare showing of straight talk that speaks to … Read more


Congressional task force releases “Freedom from Oil” blueprint

Give people choices and they’ll use less oil says Blumenauer.(Photo © J. Maus) In a press conference in Washington D.C. this morning, the Congressional Livable Communities Task Force released a set of policy proposals they say will lead to “Freedom from Oil.” The task force, which is made up of House Democrats and chaired by … Read more


Buffered Bike Lane with a bike symbol and arrow pointing forward

Rep. Blumenauer to unveil ‘Commuter Relief Act’ in Portland

Rep. Earl Blumenauer.(Photo © J. Maus) Portland-area U.S. House Representative Earl Blumenauer will unveil his “Commuter Relief Act” at a luncheon on May 18th. The legislation would make it easier to bike and take transit to work by improving existing federal policy that prioritizes driving alone over other modes. Calling it a “matter of equity,” … Read more


Watch Blumenauer’s speech at Bike Summit congressional reception

Blumenauer at the congressional reception last night.(Photo: Still from video by Ted Sweeney) University of Oregon student Ted Sweeney attended his first National Bike Summit this year. Sweeney, an active advocate for bicycling on campus and in Eugene was standing just a few feet away from Congressman Earl Blumenauer at last night’s big reception following … Read more


Follow up: Blumenauer points out “inaccuracies” in Coburn’s report

Portland’s bikeway signage grant paid for signs like these too.(Photo: Adams Carroll/BikePortland) As the former City of Portland Commissioner of Transportation and current Member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Earl Blumenauer (D-Portland) does not take criticism of bicycling lying down. Blumenauer’s office, working on facts provided by the Portland Bureau of Transportation, issued a … Read more


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At Interbike, Blumenauer urges stronger voice from industry

Blumenauer speaking at Interbike 2010.(Photos © J. Maus) U.S. Congressman Earl Blumenauer has never been to Interbike, so he used his first appearance to implore leading members of the U.S. bike industry to make more noise about the the economic boost the bike industry gives to America. In addition to dollars, Blumenauer told the crowd … Read more


Buffered Bike Lane with a bike symbol and arrow pointing forward

Exclusive: Earl Blumenauer to speak at opening of Interbike 2010

Rep. Earl Blumenauer U.S. Congressman Earl Blumenauer will kick off Interbike in Las Vegas next month. His presence will put advocacy front and center at North America’s largest bike trade show. Blumenauer will be joined by Interbike Show Director Andy Tompkins and Bikes Belong Coalition President Tim Blumenthal at a press conference to open the … Read more


Momentum grows for federal policy breakthrough that would fast-track bikeway innovations

Bike boxes, like this one in the Rose Quarter, aren’t endorsed by the FHWA… yet.(Photos © J. Maus) According to Mike Wetter, the Senior Advisor to Metro Council President David Bragdon, the U.S. Department of Transportation is on the verge of a decision that could rapidly speed up the use of innovative bikeway treatments across … Read more