This $500,000 grant will fund projects at Atkinson Elementary, Cesar Chavez K-8 (formerly Clarendon at Portsmouth), Harvey Scott K-8, Humboldt K-8, Lent K-8, Mill Park Elementary, Rieke Elementary and Russell Academy. These schools joined the Safe Routes program in the 2007/2008 school year.

The funded projects were recommended and prioritized by Safe Routes school teams at each school. Made up of school staff, parents, concerned neighbors, and, on occasion, students, the school teams worked with an engineer from Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) to identify safety challenges around their schools and prioritize improve­ments. This grant will fund improvements including pedestrian islands, curb ramps, speed bumps, street lighting, and raised crosswalks.

PBOT plans to begin construction on these projects this summer.

For more information about this project see: http://www.portlandonline.com/transportation/index.cfm?c=50052&a=286599

I'm sure I wasn't alone in reveling in the extra hour of weekend that daylight savings time brought. I kept looking with idiot glee at my watch, realizing anew that it was an hour earlier than my watch stated!

Of course, the early evening and this morning's chill made it clear that autumn has unequivocally arrived. Although we talked about winter commuting tips last week, this is a topic that merits repeating. Aside from gazing at the beautiful fall colors, this means bringing your lights, rain gear and reflective clothing along on every commute.

Here are some walking at night tips. Need some reflective gear, but not sure what to buy? Legacy Emanuel's Safety Store has a lot of resources.

If you're a nine-to-fiver and you're bike commuting, you need a front bike light. Although the law only requires a reflector for the back, an illuminated back bicycle light is strongly recommended. Here are some bike light reviews from Bicycling magazine.

I love walking to the MAX and bike commuting in the fall and winter as it keeps me in shape and the winter blues at bay. My rain gear and bike lights never leave my person, so walking, transit and biking are rarely a hassle. I hope to see you out and about.

Today's foggy morning foreshadowed that we're nearing four months of continuous cloud cover. As November nears December, I find myself bunkering down. After being a chatty Kathy all spring, summer and early fall, it seems like I won't see my neighbors until March. 

For some of us, winter and it's lack of opportunity to soak up sunshine brings our mood downward. There are a lot of ways to help ameloriate the winter blues: exercise, full spectrum light bulbs, and of course your commute.

Although now I bike, walk or ride transit to work, I thought back to my time in California and how carpooling had created a great way to start and end my work day. It provided the social interaction that I might have otherwise not had. The money I saved gave me a little more motivation to head out with my friends.

Carpooling seems to open us in ways that regular conversation doesn't. It has been the inspiration for the TV show Carpoolers and the successful UK web series, Carpool, where the host interviews a different celebrity while they carpool. It also plays a pivotal role in Mr. Mom with Michael Keaton.

I bet that one of your co-workers or neighbors, respectively, lives or works near you*. If you're both driving alone to work, why not ask them to carpool? It might make for an easier winter.

*Of course you can also find a carpool partner through www.CarpoolMatchNW.org

The holiday season is upon us.  That means turkeys, trees, and fancy-pants parties!  It also means you don't want to worry about driving around town to hit every shindig on your list.

image courtesy of: driving.ca

So what to do?  Well, if you are as dedicated and fun as my co-worker Timo and his special lady friend, Esther, you could dress in your finest holiday wear, hop on your tandem bicycle, and pedal to all your events.  You've never seen two people arrive at a party in finer fashion.  But most of us are not quite at the Timo/Esther level of bike-fashioned style.  

Transit is always an option.  The MAX is packed with Portlanders dressed to the nines on New Year's Eve.  Of course, a tuxedoed-and-evening-gowned trip on the bus may not quite work for you (although it's sure to provide you plenty of fodder for cocktail hour chatter).

Luckily, Portland has a host of taxi cab and limousine companies that are permitted by the City.  That ensures that their vehicles are inspected and that their drivers are licensed and carry insurance.  That's important for ensuring you a safe trip to your holiday event. Most of these cab companies are also willing to pop your bike in the trunk, which is always good to have in your back pocket in a pinch.

Portland also has a handful of pedicab companies.  I don't really know much about the world of pedicabs, so if anyone wants to enlighten me in the comments I'd be happy to learn more.

image courtesy of

bikeportland.org

Hello Friends,

I hope your fall has been as lovely (and as surprisingly dry) as mine. Now, with colder weather and the holiday season both fast approaching, it’s a great time to check out the winter edition of Safe Routes News. It’s a quick read with resources and updates designed to help keep your family moving whatever the weather.

In this issue:

• Cross with Confidence
• New Sidewalks for Menlo Park
• Free SR2S Resources & Workshops
• Getting Young Ones Ready to Ride
• Walk + Bike to School Day highlights
• Our T-Shirt Design contest winner
• and a new Haiku challenge!

Check it out at: http://pdx.be/SR2Swinter

Best,

Gabe

PS – Follow us on Facebook or Twitter for more regular updates.