Greetings blog readers,
On behalf of ecoShuttle and GrowingGardens I would like to say thank you to all those who came out to our event on Sunday. I hope you all had a good time, I know I did! I also got my first sunburn of the year and probably gained 5 pounds.
One thing that impressed me about the party was the number of folks who braved the fierce industrial traffic of Columbia Boulevard to bike here. I do this on a daily basis, and I have to say that Columbia is probably the least bike friendly road that is legal to bike on in Portland (with the possible exception of 99 south through the construction zone-I’ve never seen anyone dare bike that beast). Even Columbia’s sidewalks are nearly unfit for biking with “Construction” signs blocking them, and when that’s not a problem, don’t forget to dodge the broken glass everywhere. So, Sam Adams, if you’re listening, can you please make Columbia Boulevard safer for bikes? Thanks!
At any rate, now is a great time to bike to work and everywhere else. The sun is out, gas is going to be pushing $4.50 a gallon soon, and you’re trying to trade that cold winter blubber that kept you warm all winter, for that hot bathing suit body for the summer. Another good reason to bike; the city is working hard to accommodate cyclists and help make their commutes safer. Columbia Blvd. not included, I think they’re doing a great job with their “Portland Bicycle Plan for 2030”.
Here a just a few things going down bike-related that I am jazzed about: 16 miles of new Bicycle Boulevards that feature less stops, easier navigation of busy streets, more comprehensive traffic calming, and are more obvious to drivers as to what they should be doing in regards to cyclists. Also, Senate Bill 130, which would add bicycle-only signals to Oregon’s list of traffic control devices, passed out of the Oregon House Committee on Transportation and Economic Development on Friday, now all it needs to do is get passed by the House and it will become law. These lights will make it clear for car drivers and bike riders as to what to do at busy intersections. And finally, if you are going shopping and you forget your lock (that’s totally me, dang it!), more and more businesses are carrying locks for you to borrow while you’re there shopping- that sounds like a win-win to me.
Be safe out there!
Mark
http://bikeportland.org/2011/05/02/salem-watch-bike-signal-bill-passes-house-committee-52360
http://bikeportland.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/BMPupdate_web.pdf
http://www.portlandgasprices.com/
http://www.portlandonline.com/transportation/index.cfm?c=44597