This just in from Lewis Elementary School in SE Portland. See Safer Routes to School programming in action!

Bike Safety Class

On Friday, April 10, 2009 our 5th grade students finished their two week bicycle safety class with a ride through the Springwater Corridor on a trip to Sellwood Middle School. The class was lead by Carl Larson of the Bicycle Transportation Alliance. Carl also has lead pedestrian safety classes for our second and third grade students. Below is a short interview with Carl. We thank Carl and the BTA, for their continued support.

The Bicycle Transportation Alliance is offering many free bike commute workshops for September Bike Commute Challenge.  There will be three at the Portland Building (1120 SW 5th Ave) on Tuesday 9/1 and Wednesday 9/2 from Noon - 1:00 pm and Thursday 9/3, 11:00am - Noon.  Many more are scheduled - check out the calendar.

Here is a description from the BTA's Bike Commute resources page:

The BTA's Bike Commute Workshops are a great first step towards bike commuting. They are also a place for seasoned bicyclists to learn more, share what they know about commuting with new riders, and find out who in their workplace is interested in biking to work.

Topics covered include:

* Safe and legal riding

* What you need to know about lights and rain gear

* Carrying stuff - including clothes, groceries and kids

* What to do about your hair

* Route planning and maps

The informative presentations are followed by time for questions and discussion. Presenters also spend time offering route-planning assistance on a one-on-one basis after the presentation. Workshops are led by BTA staff or experienced volunteers, or, in the case of workplaces far from Portland, by motivated employees.

I was going to list all of the free events, activities, performances, and prizes taking place this Saturday 9/12 to celebrate the opening of the region's newest MAX line.  But there is just no way I could've listed everything.   

So I suggest going over to TriMet's webpage showing the schedule of events and have yourself a field day!  TriMet is hosting parties all over the city - Clackamas Town Center, Pioneer Courthouse Square, SE Fuller Rd MAX Station.  Free Green Line MAX rides will get you to all the celebrations, and once you arrive there will be tons of stuff to do.

See you out celebrating!

A recent study finds that the average Portland family could save nearly $10,000 by commuting by transit and selling their second car.

To determine the cost savings, the Association for Public Transit Agencies used the American Automobile Associations 2009 figures for the average cost of owning a car.

The authors also assumed the user would be driving 15,000 miles a year if not commuting by transit.

There are lots of superstars that have gone car-free, but if you and your sweetheart can just share one car, you'll make a big impact on your carbon footprint and save a bundle.

As you celebrate the passing of 2009, keep in mind that transit is a great option.

MAX and TriMet buses will all be free after 8:00 p.m on New Years Eve. MAX will also be running later.

The last MAX trains will leave Portland City Center for Hillsboro and 3:07 a.m. if you east-bound to Gresham, the last train leaves at 2:56 a.m  

Buses will run on their regular schedules.

Check the TriMet website for more info.