The article below is a guest post by U.S. Congressman Earl Blumenauer. Blumenauer (right) and US DOT Sec. LaHood at the National Bike Summit.(Photo © J. Maus) When I first came to Congress in 1996, the concept of cyclists as a powerful advocacy group was, at best, near fetched. Now, almost fifteen years later, I … Read more
From the 2008 edition of the ride.(Photo © J. Maus) Portland’s version of the Ride of Silence is set for May 19th. Ride organizer Brian Echerer has been working with other citizen activists and partners in hopes of re-invigorating the ride after a disappointing turnout last year and he got a boost in that regard … Read more
More money for more of this.(Photo © J. Maus) Congressman Earl Blumenauer has introduced new legislation that will create a $2 billion competitive grant program for communities to promote eco-friendly transportation options. The bill, which we first reported on back in December, is now known officially as the Active Community Transportation Act of 2010. In … Read more
Legislation would make more federal funds available for bike projects.(Photo © J. Maus) U.S. Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) is looking to introduce a new bill to Congress next week that would create a $2 billion grant program that would hasten investment in biking, walking, and other “active transportation options”. Blumenauer’s office sent out a one … Read more
Bike parking at Franklin High School in Southeast Portland.(Photos © J. Maus) U.S. Representative Earl Blumenauer announced a new bill yesterday that would expand the existing Safe Routes to Schools program to high schools. The Safe Routes to High Schools Act would enable high schools to vie for federal grants that would help them build … Read more
Blumenauer (in green jacket) avoids a taxi while riding on Sixth Ave.-Watch video below- U.S. Representative Earl Blumenauer went for a ride with bike advocates in New York City over the weekend and Streetfilms was there to capture the action. Blumenauer rolled down the bike lane on Sixth Ave, calling the experience “pretty grim”. However, … Read more
Earl Blumenauer speaking on the Hawthorne Bridge back in August.(Photo © J. Maus) Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) and the House Democratic Caucus have announced the formation of the Livable Communities Task Force (LCTF). Blumenauer has been named Chairman of the Task Force, which has a mission to, “…identify the ways in which the federal government … Read more
Blumenauer, on a ride through Portland yesterday.(Photo © J. Maus) The Obama Administration’s Cash for Clunkers program has caused a lot of confusion and a bit of outrage among bicycle and sustainable transportation advocates. For politicians devoted to the environment and sensible transportation choices, it has meant tough decisions. Started as a way to kickstart … Read more
Trek Bicycles CEO John Burke shakes hands with Earl Blumenauer during a fundraiser last night.(Photos © J. Maus) U.S. Congressman Earl Blumenauer was the guest of honor at a fundraising event held in North Portland last night. Bike industry and advocacy bigwigs from across the country joined a host of local bike luminaries to thank … Read more
Earl Blumenauer(Photo © J. Maus) With bipartisan support, U.S. Representative Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) has introduced a new bill — the Orphan Highway Restoration Act — aimed at improving state highways that run through America’s main streets. According to Blumenauer, “orphan highways” are former U.S. numbered highways that over the years have lost traffic volume to … Read more
Blumenauer demonstrating one of several green ways to getto work.(Photo © J. Maus) U.S. Representative Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) introduced the Green Routes to Work Act of 2009 into Congress yesterday. The bill looks to promote “low-carbon” transportation options by providing tax credits for both employers and individuals. In a press release about the bill, Blumenauer … Read more
Blumenauer in Portland on May 11th.(Photos © J. Maus) A few weeks ago, in the Rose Room in Portland’s City Hall, U.S. Congressman Earl Blumenauer hosted an invite-only, roundtable discussion about biking. Around the large conference table sat electeds (like Metro President David Bragdon) and representatives from a variety of local, regional, and statewide agencies, … Read more