On Saturday night, Car2Go - a pay by the minute car share company from Daimler Trucks North America, officially launched their service in Pioneer Courthouse Square.

Along with the classic car share company Zipcar and peer to peer car sharing via Getaround, Car2Go's launch provides Portlanders with three distinct car sharing services.

Car2Go's service allows one-way car sharing trips for 35 cents per minute. The maximum rate per hour is $12.99 and the maximum daily rate is $65.99.

Similar to other car share companies, Car2Go requires you to be a member to use their vehicles. You can reserve a car online or go to any available car on their map and swipe your membership card to begin the rental.

Cars can be parked on any public street in the parking lane, including metered parking within the Car2Go "home area." The only exceptions are restricted spaces (e.g., valet, loading zone) or spaces restricted to parking for less than an hour.

Autoblog reports that in San Diego, members logged 25,000 Car2Go trips in the first 100 days.

The City's Safe Routes to School program is holding a FREE class for adults to help build your biking confidence.  Participants will learn about traffic laws, bicycling resources and getting back on a bike. 

National Walk to Work Day

Friday, April 6, 2012

(see starting locations below)

Make local history by helping to celebrate national Walk to Work Day on April 6th, 2012, the event's inaugural year in Portland.

The Willamette Pedestrian Coalition is hosting walk-and-talks where you can meet your neighbors on a stroll into downtown. A light breakfast will be served at City Hall.

You don't have to walk all the way from your house to participate. If take transit, chances are that walking is already a part of your commute.

Meet up locations (check the web site for additions):

This weekend is shaping up to be a real winner.  First our never-fail meteorologists tell me that it's going to actually feel like spring.  Not "Portland spring" which actually feels like a fifth, as-of-yet unnamed season, but spring that we read about in books with sunshine and birds and short-sleeves!*

With sunshine in store for us, why not head over to the Safe Routes to School Spring Kick-Off? It's a great event with free food, fun, and activities for the whole family.  You can win a free bike and if you need a bike helmet, you won't find a better price in town.

Learn more about the event by clicking the flyer below. 

Click the image for more information.

*Disclaimer: "Portland spring" is subject to dramatic, unpleasant changes without prior notice.

You're not a career politician owed favors by your congressional delegate.  You're not a super rich contributor to a political party.  So how do you get that coveted ambassador post you've always wanted (nay, deserved)?  Become a Transportation Options Ambassador!

Ambassadors are amazing volunteers that represent the Bureau of Transportation and present information to encourage pedestrians, bicyclists, drivers, and transit riders to travel safely together.  As part of our SmartTrips program, Ambassadors will assist on guided Ten Toes Walks, Senior Strolls, and Portland By Cycle and Women on Bikes rides and clinics.  We also have opportunities for volunteers to help out with the Safe Routes to School program by fitting helmets, wrenching or outreach at events, and assisting on bike rides.  By being an Ambassador you will have a great time while seeing some of Portland's beautiful southeast neighborhoods.

We have a two hour training available on May 8th and May 16, 6-8PM, to prepare Ambassadors for the season.  If you are interested in becoming an Options Ambassador, please fill out an application.  If you would like more information, please contact Janis McDonald.  Looking forward to a great summer and who knows, your next stop may be the U.S. embassy in Paris...