I won't be there. Bluntly, I've participated in enough public forums to know what they're like, and I just don't need the added stress in my life, and I need the time with my family. And this one may be somewhat, uhm, strident.
Sam: I'd like to know more about eh comment re: prevented right turns on red mentioned in connection with bike boxes. Is it mentioned as a simple reference to a side effect of the presence of a bike box or is there some danger posed by cars making right turns when starting from a stop at a red light? I can see that being the case if a bicyclist is stopped alongside the car, to the right. Just a bit curious.
I do hope that you will keep in mind the interests not just of bicyclists, but also pedestrians. And also remain mindful of bicyclist anonymity (no license plate, etc) and how that effects the behavior of a minority of bicyclists. I'd also like to see some tightening of the regulations regarding bicycle lighting. On my way to work in the dark this AM, I though for a moment what a blessing LED lighting is for bicyclists, especially the flashing LED lights. they are cheap, adn very effective. Oregon law requires only a headlight and a tail reflector or red light. Hardly effective. I think you and the Commission are in a position to exert some influence in this area.
Finally, I hope you will act prudently, and not overreact (though I hasten to say it is difficult to characterize any action in the face of the recent deaths and accidents as an overreaction) to the current situation by taking action that makes things yet more difficult for drivers, freight haulers and families with kids - who must drive - to live in this city. Bike boxes? Sounds fine to me. I'd prefer knowing that if there's a bike at the intersection it is in front of me where I can see it (although what of the bicyclist that rolls up as the light changes to green (as I've done many times)and traffic starts moving, and turning at the same time? Bike boxes do nothing for that, but perhaps colored bike lane transitions do). This is already a tough town to do business in, and a tough town to raise a family in. I know, because I am doing both.
Quick action is needed, but the action needs to be tempered with serious thought about the results both intended and unintended.
I disagree with the general tone of the commentary about the police (I am not specifically responding to the above. While my dealings with the PPB have not been uniformly positive, I am aware that they deal with more than just traffic situations and I am aware that they are human, and that there are some bad officers, but mostly good officers. At most, I see the need for the PPB to be educated, just like ALL of the rest of us, bicyclists drivers and peds alike.
public comment
I won't be there. Bluntly, I've participated in enough public forums to know what they're like, and I just don't need the added stress in my life, and I need the time with my family. And this one may be somewhat, uhm, strident.
Sam: I'd like to know more about eh comment re: prevented right turns on red mentioned in connection with bike boxes. Is it mentioned as a simple reference to a side effect of the presence of a bike box or is there some danger posed by cars making right turns when starting from a stop at a red light? I can see that being the case if a bicyclist is stopped alongside the car, to the right. Just a bit curious.
I do hope that you will keep in mind the interests not just of bicyclists, but also pedestrians. And also remain mindful of bicyclist anonymity (no license plate, etc) and how that effects the behavior of a minority of bicyclists. I'd also like to see some tightening of the regulations regarding bicycle lighting. On my way to work in the dark this AM, I though for a moment what a blessing LED lighting is for bicyclists, especially the flashing LED lights. they are cheap, adn very effective. Oregon law requires only a headlight and a tail reflector or red light. Hardly effective. I think you and the Commission are in a position to exert some influence in this area.
Finally, I hope you will act prudently, and not overreact (though I hasten to say it is difficult to characterize any action in the face of the recent deaths and accidents as an overreaction) to the current situation by taking action that makes things yet more difficult for drivers, freight haulers and families with kids - who must drive - to live in this city. Bike boxes? Sounds fine to me. I'd prefer knowing that if there's a bike at the intersection it is in front of me where I can see it (although what of the bicyclist that rolls up as the light changes to green (as I've done many times)and traffic starts moving, and turning at the same time? Bike boxes do nothing for that, but perhaps colored bike lane transitions do). This is already a tough town to do business in, and a tough town to raise a family in. I know, because I am doing both.
Quick action is needed, but the action needs to be tempered with serious thought about the results both intended and unintended.
I disagree with the general tone of the commentary about the police (I am not specifically responding to the above. While my dealings with the PPB have not been uniformly positive, I am aware that they deal with more than just traffic situations and I am aware that they are human, and that there are some bad officers, but mostly good officers. At most, I see the need for the PPB to be educated, just like ALL of the rest of us, bicyclists drivers and peds alike.
Good luck!