As a reaction to the high price of tickets for the BTA’s Alice Awards & Auction fundraising gala, a group of well-meaning Portland bike activists have announced their own version — the “Too Po’ Fo’ Alice Potluck.”

On the event’s Facebook page, organizer of the potluck, Matt Picio writes,

“Do you have $100+ to go to the BTA’s Alice Awards this year? I don’t. Whatever you think of the BTA, that night is when the BTA recognizes that there are other people (gasp! who might not even be MEMBERS!) who also contribute to the bicycle community in Portland – and we also think they should be honored. So we’re going to an AFFORDABLE awards dinner that same night, and give our own awards to the Alice nominees who we feel have contributed most to Portland’s bike community.”

Picio also makes it clear that this event is “partly tongue-in-cheek” and that he feels the BTA “does a lot of good work.” But he also writes that that good work comes at a price:

“What started as a community event is starting to look solely like a fundraiser for the elite. The beauty of the “Alice of Olde” is that it brought together grass-roots advocates with Portland’s biggest names in bikes, in business, community and government. Hopefully it will be so again, but in the meantime – we’re having our own little shindig!”

The Alice Awards are the BTA’s largest annual fundraiser. According to their financial statements, the 2008 event brought in just under $60,000 in charitable contributions. The event has grown in recent years and attendance was about 750 last year. Tickets for the event cost $75 dollars.

More details on the Too Po’ Fo’ Alice Potluck, and reactions from those who plan to attend, on the event’s Facebook page.

“The combined estimated direct and indirect costs of losses attributable to cell phone use while driving on City business = $283,554 to $1,039,698 annually.”
— From a City risk assessment report on the use of cell phones while driving

The City of Portland is taking Oregon’s new cell phone law one step further when it comes to their own employees.

A new state law prohibits the use of hand-held “mobile communication devices” while driving, but it makes two major exceptions: hands-free use is still allowed and so is using a cell phone “in the scope of the person’s employment.”

While the law gives specific exceptions for emergency responders and CB radio operators, it left the door wide open to others who drive on the job. The City of Portland has now closed that door for their employees.

Late last month, the City’s Office of Management and Finance (OMF) Risk Management Division issued an 11-page assessment of the risk posed by using cell phones while driving on City business. The report, titled Best Practices: Employee Use of Mobile Communication Devices While Operating Motor Vehicles (download here), states that:

“For general duty driving on City of Portland business, excluding sworn Police and Fire officers: hand-held and hands-free cell phones, PDA’s, and other mobile communication devices used to talk, listen, write, send, and receive text-based communication, must not be used by the driver while the vehicle is in operation.”

The City is doing this not just to keep people safe, but to save money as well. According to the report, OMF found that the City incurs $250,000 to $1 million per year because of employees using cell phones while driving. From the report:

“Crashes expose the City to workers’ compensation losses, damage to City property and liability for harm to others: current estimate for the City of between $250,000 and $1 million per year.”

That estimate was based on an analysis of total costs to maintain the City’s vehicle fleet between 2004 and 2008. Using crash data from a 2006 Virginia Tech study that found 7.14% of crashes can be attributed to cell phone use, the City estimates a total of $94,518 in annual direct costs (from combination of fleet liability, worker’s comp, and vehicle repair costs) and about 13 crashes per year due to cell phone use.

The OMF also fund that indirect costs associated with those crashes can account for up to 10 times the expense of the direct costs.

In addition to improving safety and their bottom line, the OMF report cites public pressure as another reason to ban all use of cell phones while driving. Even though the Oregon law allows cell phones while driving for work, the OMF report states that, “the public will likely expect all drivers to go “hands free”" and that, “City drivers using hand-held devices – even though allowed by law – may harm the City’s public reputation.”

You can download a PDF of this report on the City’s Risk Management Services website.

- The ballooning recall of Toyota models with sticky accellerators has cast light on the reluctance with which the auto industry responds to safety issues.

- While many of our Portland readers were at City Hall to rally and attend the new bicycle plan hearing, the federal HUD secretary was a few blocks away at PSU announcing the opening of a new federal department with strong potential links to transportation issues, the Office of Sustainable Housing and Communities.

- On Streetsblog, a discussion of the “invisible” side of bicycling—that many people who ride don’t do so out of choice and aren’t in a position to access knowledge about cycling or to advocate for themselves. (The discussion is continued here.)

- Has anyone coined the term “carfreewashing” yet? A movement in the UK towards car-free developments (e.g., residential areas, usually low-income housing projects with no provided car parking), billed as a green initiative, are instead proving a troubling experiment in placing the burden of a failed transportation system on people who have the least choice about how to get around.

- The White House has placed itself on the walkable neighborhoods front lines by promoting the spread of neighborhood grocery stores and farmers markets.

- Fed Ex has pledged to invest half a million dollars in an effort to reduce auto congestion in Mexican cities.

- Pittsburgh is considering an ordinance that would require all new construction to include installation of bike parking staples on the sidewalk.

- In Los Angeles, activists are proposing a new freeway network—for bicycles only.

- A co-op apartment building in New York is experimenting with providing car sharing rather than building more parking spaces for its residents.

- A new Yale University building earned platinum LEED certification in part by installing showers and indoor parking facilities for bike commuters. But the facilities have been locked since the building opened, and the university has no plans to let students and faculty use them.

- “Distracted driving” is Webster’s 2009 word of the year.

- Video of the week—a guerrilla crosswalk in Brazil serves as a sobering memorial:

This year’s Mini Bike Winter is shaping up to be one of the best ever.

The event — which tries to capture the fun and creative culture of Portland’s beloved Zoobomb community — features parties, competitions, and this year, even a panel discussion.

Mini Bike Winter kicks off on Thursday night (2/11) with a panel discussion titled, “Should Bikes Save the Planet?” Panelists include: Author of Efficiency Shifting, Conrad Schmidt; Bicycle Pornographer Reverend Phil Sano; President of Umbrella and Director of the Willamette Pedestrian Coalition, Stephanie Routh; owner of Portland Pedicabs Ryan Hashagen; and PSU Professor of Sociology, Erin Rose Michaels.

Circus Freaks Party flyer.

According to panel organizer Phil Sano, the goal of the discussion will be to “Increase the bicycle community’s understanding on “if” not “how” we should save the planet.” There will also be movie screenings, including a visual recap of Mini Bike Winter 2009 by photographer John Huey. Should be a stimulating evening.

On Friday night, the Mini Bike Winter action continues with a Scavenger Hunt, a Midnight Mystery Ride, and more. Then on Saturday, the real games begin with the Ben Hurt Chariot Wars (always a favorite).

Saturday night is the big Circus Freaks Party, hosted by the all-ladies tall bike gang The Irondelles. The party will feature live performances by bike-dance crews The Sprockettes and their San Francisco-based sister club, The Derailleurs. There will also be live music by Chervona and many other fun surprises.

Sunday’s schedule includes the Mini Bike Winter Olympics and a night time downhill skate race (bring a light!). Get all the details and info at Zoobomb.net/minibikewinter.

“The plan calls for spending approximately $600 million to…”
— From a story published today by the Portland Tribune

The myth that the City of Portland’s Bicycle Plan for 2030 comes with a $600 million price tag continues to spread among various media outlets, despite the fact that the plan commits the city to no spending of any kind.

The Oregonian’s misleading front page article last week, (which their Editorial Board reinforced the next day) got the ball rolling.

The Oregonian article saying the plan had a “hefty price tag” was put out on the Associated Press newswire and is now being picked up and republished by media outlets all over the country. Even though the 2030 bike plan has zero financial impact on the City of Portland, The Oregonian story is being republished with misleading headlines.

The Christian Science Monitor warns readers; “Portland promotes urban cycling, but costs will be high.” The Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce writes, “613M price tag for Portland bike plan.”

And today, the Portland Tribune gets into the act. The Tribune headline reads “Portland bike plan wobbles under funding questions,” and then goes on to say, “City only has fraction of the $600 million price tag for the ambitious proposal.” The story also characterizes Mayor Sam Adams as “scrambling to explain” how the City will pay for the plan.

Anyone who was at the City Council hearing for the bike plan last Thursday knows that the delayed vote isn’t because the plan “wobbles under funding questions.” It’s also incorrect and misleading to state that the plan has a $600 million “price tag.”

Not surprisingly, these stories are followed by angry commenters who are upset with Mayor Adams for proposing such a large expenditure on bikeways. The reality is, the plan is not an expenditure at all — although after reading the media coverage it’s easy to see why folks are getting confused.

Let’s take a look at the official Financial Impact Statement for the plan (every City Council measure must include one of them). It asks whether or not the measure being proposed (in this case the bike plan) comes with a financial obligation. Here are the salient excerpts from that document:

3) Revenue: Will this legislation generate or reduce current or future revenue coming to the City? If so, by how much? If new revenue is generated please identify the source. No.

4) Expense: What are the costs to the City as a result of this legislation? (If there is a project estimate, please identify the level of confidence): There is no fiscal impact from this resolution. (However, the Portland Bicycle Plan for 2030 does recommend projects that total more than $600M at a low level of confidence.)

I wish the bike plan vote on Thursday came with some funding commitments, but it doesn’t. It’s unfortunate that many people in Portland (and beyond) are getting the wrong idea, and even more unfortunate that they are being misled by sources they rely on to inform them about important issues.

Yes, building the bike network comes with a price tag, but let’s save that discussion for when there’s actually some money on the table.

Read more coverage of the 2030 Bicycle Plan here.

The Mt. Hood Cycling Classic, a major, multi-stage road race that draws top professional athletes from all over the country, is set to return to Portland in 2010.

The six-stage race will begin with a prologue on June 1st at Portland International Raceway in north Portland. The following day, the race moves to Mt. Tabor Park in Southeast Portland for a “lung and leg busting” circuit race.

After Portland, the race travels into Washington and then out to the Columbia River Gorge and then ends with two stages in and around Hood River.

Heading out of the start gate
at the prologue on Naito
Parkway in 2008.

Race director Chad Sperry also announced that Portland-based Indie Hops is the event’s new title sponsor. The company, who grows and supplies the craft beer industry with Oregon-grown hops, is owned by Roger Worthington, a bike racing fan who competed (and won the Masters Division) in the event in 2009.

In a press release, Worthington said, “It’s a perfect fit. We think a well-hopped beer should be a vital part of every athlete’s training table.”

Sperry says that thanks to Indie Hops, he plans to “build a rock concert atmosphere” at the Mt. Tabor and downtown Hood River stages. “Picture high speed action on the course with vigorous debate by beer lovers on the sidelines over which IPA, Stout or Red has the best flavor and aroma.”

In 2008, the opening prologue (which took place on Naito Parkway) and Mt. Tabor circuit race stages drew large and enthusiastic crowds and it’s great to see the race return to Portland in 2010.

The Portland Trail Blazers will pass out 6,500 custom-branded Blazer bike bells at tonight’s home game against the Los Angeles Lakers. Bike-riding fans will also enjoy a new roof over their head at the arena’s main bike parking area.

Charlie Burr, from the Blazers PR firm, told me yesterday (with tongue firmly in cheek) that, “We believe the sound of alternative transportation will serve to disorient our Los Angeles brethren, giving us a critical advantage.”

Noisemakers in the crowd are common at Rose Garden Arena, but the team usually hands out cowbells.

“Our first goal is simply to make noise,” Burr said, “then the Blazers wanted to do something that was uniquely Portland. We thought it was a cool tie-in. It’s not the most menacing sound… but we’ll see.”

This bike parking area is now covered.

Burr also had some great news to share about bike parking at the Rose Garden. The main bike racks (just north of the main box office) are now covered. Burr said it’s all part of a renewed and ongoing focus on green practices by the Blazers organization.

Last week, the Rose Garden Arena was awarded a LEED “Gold” rating thanks in part to a large chunk (30%) of fans showing up by bike and transit.

It’s great to see the bike and Blazers connection get stronger and stronger. On that note, tickets are now available for our big Bike to Blazers ride on April 14th against the Golden State Warriors (last home game of the season)! Check out BikePortland.org/BiketoBlazers for more info.

- Illustration by Mark Young/Portland Storyboard
- Concept by Jonathan Maus
- See past cartoons here.

Confirming a rumor first published by the Portland Mecury on Wednesday, the Bicycle Transportation Alliance has announced that Advocacy Manager Michelle Poyourow is leaving the organization.

In a blog post published today, the BTA wrote:

“BTA Advocacy Manager Michelle Poyourow confirmed she is leaving her position with the organization in mid-February. Since 2006 Michelle has worked in several positions at the BTA, and has led the advocacy department for the past two years. She has made a major contribution to bicycle advocacy and to the BTA with a long list of accomplishments, and we will certainly miss her commitment, insight, and ability to analyze and articulate difficult issues.

We welcome Gerik Kransky as our new lead advocate and Build It campaign manager. Gerik comes to the BTA with over ten years campaign experience in environmental, health and transportation Michelle and Gerik will work in partnership until mid-February to ensure a smooth transition and continued momentum of BTA advocacy efforts.”

In a comment below, Poyourow writes, “I am indeed resigning on my own terms, for my own reasons, at my own pace.”

I’ll have more thoughts/analysis/coverage/reactions on Monday.

“We’re Portland, we lead the nation in bicycling because that’s how we roll!”
— Mayor Sam Adams in his State of the City address today

Portland Mayor Sam Adams delivered his State of the City speech to the City Club of Portland today. In it, he addressed many of the issues facing Portland. His largest focus was the economy and jobs, but he also touched on transportation.

A slide of a new streetcar line envisioned for the Lents neighborhood featured a big, green bike lane. Other mentions of bicycling came later, after he introduced a new, city-managed curbside composting program.

Here is the text from his speech where he mentioned bicycling:

“That spirit of innovation, that spirit of being a living laboratory also goes for our brand new bicycling plan, which elevates our aspirations to one in four trips to be made by bicycle. It is the most ambitious, the most comprehensive of its kind in the country and by the time we build it out we will be on par with the great bike cities of Northern Europe.

Now I know there’s been some chatter about the cost and that’s appropriate and that’s fine. But folks, here’s the bottom line: We can’t afford not to do it!

Think about the cost of any given trip made on bicycle versus the automobile. There is no such thing as a pothole caused by bike. There is no noise, no emissions and we’re getting exercise; which frankly — like yours truly — can use more of.

And even if you never set foot on a bicycle and even if you never plan to set foot on a bicycle, you benefit from completing this plan.

Fewer vehicles, less congestion, reduced pollution – We’re Portland, we lead the nation in bicycling because that’s how we roll!”

Adams also announced that he’ll put $16 million from state revenue (created by the newly passed increase to the gas tax and vehicle registration fees in H.B. 2001) into a sidewalk development fund that will build sidewalks throughout the city. (Interestingly, he also mentioned an anti-tax group who is gathering signatures to repeal H.B. 2001, which would be a very big deal, but it’s Friday and it’s my birthday so I’ll look into that on Monday!)

Enjoy the weekend and don’t forget to peruse our super-magnificent Weekend Guide before heading out.