Within 10 years, the bike will be the preferred mode of transportation

[SlyPokerDog]

Mayor Charlie Hales made bold pledges in a speech to delegates from the United Nations Environment Program this morning.

"I pledge that within 10 years, the bike will be the preferred mode of transportation for all trips under three miles in Portland."

http://www.wweek.com/portland/blog-30273-hales_calls_on_city_hall_to_bring_our_fish_back.html

 

[DaLincolnJones]

That would be great..easier traffic conditions and mntertainment when it rains...every puddle would come into play with so many bikes

 

[Nikolokolus]

Maybe if/when gas hits 10 dollars per gallon ...

 

[theprunetang]

It's already my preferred transportation method....at least in town. Definitely not one of those people that will bike to the coast or anything.

 

[MARIS61]

Charlie Hale opened his mouth and removed all doubt.

 

[Natebishop3]

Except rain.... and apparently Southwest isn't part of Portland anymore, because this area sucks for riding a bicycle.

 

[BrianFromWA]

how does he plan on that happening? The Ramses "so it shall be written, so it shall be done!" method of government?

 

[MARIS61]

He plans to ban cars from downtown, for a start. Maybe put tolls on the bridges...

 

[Natebishop3]

He plans to ban cars from downtown, for a start. Maybe put tolls on the bridges...

So he's going with the Curitiba method? Better drastically improve our public transit system.

 

[NOVoodoo]

Man, that would never fly in Memphis... Our politicians tend to run more on the "trucks today, trucks tomorrow, trucks forever" platform...

 

[Natebishop3]

Man, that would never fly in Memphis... Our politicians tend to run more on the "trucks today, trucks tomorrow, trucks forever" platform...

Bikes aren't a bad mode of transportation, it's the safety that bothers me. There isn't a safe and direct route to use a bicycle in Portland. You ca't mix bikes and cars. It's simply too dangerous. Until there is a viable and safe way to ride bikes, it will never be the "preferred mode of transportation" here.

 

[jlprk]

He plans to ban cars from downtown, for a start. Maybe put tolls on the bridges...

Why not put trolls under the bridges?

 

[PtldPlatypus]

Why not put trolls under the bridges?

Because then they wouldn't have the electricity and wi-fi necessary to post in here.

 

[e_blazer]

Bikes aren't a bad mode of transportation, it's the safety that bothers me. There isn't a safe and direct route to use a bicycle in Portland. You ca't mix bikes and cars. It's simply too dangerous. Until there is a viable and safe way to ride bikes, it will never be the "preferred mode of transportation" here.

You know, when you end up a hood ornament on an SUV you do have the advantage of completing your trip more quickly.

 

[Natebishop3]

You know, when you end up a hood ornament on an SUV you do have the advantage of completing your trip more quickly.

Only if you're going to the same destination

 

[e_blazer]

Only if you're going to the same destination

If you're not, then I suspect your trip is ultimately finished anyway.

 

[BLAZINGGIANTS]

I already prefer bikes as a mode of transportation for everyone (other than me). Fewer cars on the road means less traffic for me.