Those Special Connections

At the end of the day it is about the people we work with and those we help. Whatever our roles are at Ride Connection or with our partner organizations, it is all about the customer and getting them to where they need to go. In doing so, we often develop a special connection with our customers, whether it is the gentleman we take to see his wife, the group of ladies we take to their weekly bingo game, or that "tenacious" woman, who's motivation to learn how to use public transportation was getting a good cup of coffee.

Below is a moving story about that "tenacious" woman from one of our Travel Trainers. Thanks Lisa for sharing!

Annaballe, is one of the tenacious cast members of The Rider's Voice and one who started her journey using public transit not knowing if she could even walk to the bus stop when I first met her. She moved from New York to be closer to her daughter living in Portland. She didn't know a thing about TriMet or the area she was living. Through her own determination to get out of the assisted living facility and driven to get a good cup of coffee, she increased her endurance so she could independently use the fixed-route bus system not only for that cup of coffee, but to expand her trips for shopping and medical appointments.

She was good to call and check in with me once a month to let me know how she was doing and ask for other trip plans to new destinations. She eventually was able to leave the assisted living facility and move into her own apartment and learned new bus lines. All this, with her oxygen tanks and walker to help her along the way.

Annabelle called to let me know she had a set back with a spell of pneumonia last month and later on experienced heart failure. She said she called 911 herself for a trip to the emergency room after waking up on the floor of her apartment. I recently visited with her in rehabilitation taking her one of those good cups of coffee and a copy of The Rider's Voice (so she could show off). We talked about current events and her hopes of getting back to riding the bus again.

Annabelle passed away Saturday, 12/18/10. She was 82.

Her daughter called to let me know and to tell us how important public transportation was to her while living in the Portland area. Without the freedom of independent travel the past three years her life experience would have been very different. Annabelle was a very independent person, proud of her accomplishments, and for being able to share her story in The Rider's Voice. Her daughter told me that she shared the book, specifically her story, with family members around the country and with others in the rehabilitation facility. There will be a memorial for Annabelle in New York this Spring, and her daughter intends on taking the book with her and sharing her story with her people back home.

Annabelle is a great spirit and I am a better person for knowing her.

NHTSA Proposes Rule to Reduce Back-Over Crashes

According to National Highway Transportation (NHTSA) estimates, on average 292 fatalities and 18,000 injuries occur each year as a result of back-over crashes involving all vehicles. Of these, most of the fatalities involve light vehicles weighing 10,000 pounds or less.

Two particularly vulnerable populations – children and older adults – are affected most. Approximately 44% of fatalities involving light vehicles are children under five (an unusually high percentage for any particular type of crash). In addition, 33% of fatalities involving light vehicles are people 70 years of age or older.

To address this issue, The U.S. Department of Transportation proposed a new safety regulation to help significantly reduce the blind zones behind vehicles that can block pedestrians from view. The proposed rule was required by Congress as part of the Cameron Gulbransen Kids Transportation Safety Act of 2007. (The act is named after two-year old Cameron Gulbransen, who was killed when his father accidentally backed over him in the family’s driveway.)

The proposal, issued by NHTSA, would expand the required field of view for all passenger cars, pickup trucks, minivans, buses and low-speed vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of up to 10,000 pounds so that drivers can see directly behind the vehicle when the vehicle’s transmission is in reverse. NHTSA believes automobile manufacturers will install rear mounted video cameras and in-vehicle displays to meet the proposed standards. To meet the requirements of the proposed rule, 10% of new vehicles must comply by Sept. 2012, 40% by Sept. 2013 and 100% by September 2014.

While technology can help reduce back-over crashes, there are many things a driver can and should do to avoid such tragedies. This information sheet from NHTSA provides good information. In addition, here are some basic tips from AAA Exchange:
*Always assume children could be present, and carefully check the street, driveway, and area around your vehicle before backing out.
*When backing up, always know where all children are and have them stay in your full view and well away from your vehicle.
*Always look behind as you back out S-L-O-W-L-Y with your windows rolled down to listen for children who may have dashed behind your vehicle suddenly - and be prepared to stop!
*Use extreme care whenever you back up. If you're driving an SUV or truck, remember that the blind spot behind your vehicle can be especially large.

These simple tips take only an extra few seconds but could save a life.

Another story from the road.....

A couple of weeks ago, my favorite rider, Jack, no longer needed rides to see his wife in a nursing home. They were going to try having her back at home. This was great news, though I knew that I would miss my time with Jack. However, I figured it would allow me to take a couple of Fridays off from volunteering and get to my neglected holiday shopping. I planned to start back up volunteering again in the new year.

This Tuesday, I got a call from one of our great partner agencies, MFS Project Linkage, saying that Jack and his wife were going in for an evaluation at a different hospital. Apparently Jack’s wife would still require around-the-clock care after all. I picked up Jack and we drove home from the hospital.

The new facility was farther away than the old one so we had more time to talk. He told me that he was sad that his wife had to go back in, but he had no choice. Jack let me know that he goes to dialysis three days a week and with his low vision it was almost impossible to give his wife the proper care on his own.

On the way home, he asked me if I could take him to Safeway to go grocery shopping. Without a doubt I could. While helping shop for his groceries (two crabs and two turkey sandwiches), it reminded me of helping my own grandparents and how much I missed them, especially around the holiday season. Just when I had that thought, (right on cue, as if I was shopping with my grandmother rather than Jack), he tried to slip some money into my pocket. I politely declined, which frustrated him. I told him I would bring a donation envelope next time. He grudgingly accepted my compromise and then asked if he could buy me a sandwich or crab, I think jokingly. Again, I politely declined and we made our way back to the car.

In the car we continued our language lessons that I had missed for the past few weeks. I am fluent in English with some fading French skills and Jack speaks Vietnamese and French fluently and is building his English skills. It seems that crab in French is crabe, who knew? Well, I do now because of Jack.

During this holiday season please considering donating your time or making a charitable contribution to Ride Connection, so individuals like Jack can not only see their loved ones, but also enjoy a little bit of the holidays as well….

A letter from a Rider's Family

Below is an email that we received from a family whose mother used the transportation services provided by Ride Connection. Thank you Diane for letting us share this.

James - we just met at the Portland Nursery fund raiser and after hearing what an important contribution Ride Connection provided my family, you asked me to e-mail you with my quote you can use. "Ride Connection was a Godsend for our family."

Somehow that does not seem nearly enough of an endorsement. I trust I will not bore you with additional information, but there is a very personal story that accompanies that quote. I located information about Ride Connection from an agency providing information to people such as our family searching for assistance and alternatives for my elderly mother. (It no longer exists.) Mom lived with us when she began to decline until we were forced to have her cared for in a facility providing 24-hour care. I was still working.

My mother had multiple problems, multiple appointments and kidney dialysis three times each week. My employer was incredibly flexible, but still, it was impossible for us to cover all the appointments and maintain employment. Our lives turned into constant coordination with no relief.

When the elderly are as ill as my mother, their daily lives center around their healthcare and providers. It becomes their social life and my mother was a very social person. After utilizing Ride Connection for several weeks, we noticed my mother concerned about her clothes, her hair, her perfume. On Ride Connection days of course. Because we utilized Ride Connection several times a week, mom developed a relationship with her regular drivers. They became her social life and instead of having a "down" day for a medical appointment or procedure, she looked forward to who might be driving her to/from. Those volunteers provided my mother with discussions outside of her medical world. There are many things in this world we cannot place a monetary value on and the ability to provide an elderly person with a sense of dignity, pride, something to look forward to, and yes, a little excitement as well - Ride Connection did this for my mother.

Something this simple gave my mother more joy than all of the social workers, ombudsmen, nurses, physicians, or any staff person.

Dianne

Oregonian editorial calls for "massive therapeutic intervention" in pedestrian safety

It has not been a banner year for pedestrians in Oregon. As of Tuesday, 55 Oregon pedestrians have been killed. That is an 86% increase since last year! An editorial published in Wednesday's Oregonian discusses these facts and pointedly reminds us that we are ALL pedestrians at some point in our day.

I spend at least 20 minutes of every defensive driving class going over pedestrian issues. When you leave my class you know that there is a crosswalk at every intersection, even if it is not marked by painted lines (for a good reminder of that, see the second video below); but what difference does that knowledge make if you let distractions take your focus away from safe driving, or if you don't vigilantly remind yourself to not only look for pedestrians, but to see them?

(Here's a good example of "inattentional blindness" or the "looked but didn't see" phenomenon)



Here is the link to the video.

The editorial reminds us that pedestrians have responsibility as well. Look at the coat hanging on the back of your chair. What color is it? Black? Dark blue? Isn't it kind of counter-intuitive to wear dark outerwear as we go into the darkest part of the year? Tom Vanderbilt, in his fascinating book Traffic: Why we Drive the Way We Do (and What it Says About Us), says this:

"Studies have shown that pedestrians think drivers can see them up to twice as far away as drivers do. According to one expert, if we were to drive at night in a way that ensured we could see every potential hazard in time to stop---what is legally called the 'assured clear distance'---we would have to drive 20 miles per hour."

Of course we all have responsibilities to share the road. However, when you are the one who is hurtling a deadly weapon down the street at 35 miles per hour or more, you have the greater responsibility to ensure you are doing everything you can to protect vulnerable road users. Remind yourself that you can't see what you're not looking for, and then consciously ask yourself over and over if there are any pedestrians (or cyclists) around.

(By the way, here's a crosswalk reminder, in case it's been a while since you brushed up: )

The Basics of How to Buy and Maintain Tires

I recently made a visit to my local tire store for a new set of tires; a visit, which I will admit, was more than a bit overdue. I have vowed to mend my ways and make sure my tires are in tip-top shape all year, not just when I start worrying about winter weather.

AAA has a great short video series that deals with tire maintenance. In this series, John Nielsen, director of AAAs Approved Auto Repair Network and Auto Buying Services, demonstrates the basics of how to buy and maintain tires. The series explains when you should replace tires and what to consider when buying tires for your vehicle. It also offers tips for maintaining your tires and provides instruction on how to change a flat. For more AAA Automotive information, visit www.AAA.com/Auto.

Hope you find the video as useful as I did!

Winter Driving Tips

We've been weather-lucky so far this fall. This sting of gorgeous, sunny days can almost make us forget that winter is right around the corner. We all know that pretty fall days can't last forever though, and now is the time to start preparing your car for winter weather.

Below is a checklist from aaa.com to keep your vehicle rolling along through the wicked weather season:

Winter Car Care Checklist

º Battery and Charging System – Have the battery and charging system tested by a trained technician. A fully charged battery in good condition is required to start an engine in cold weather. AAA members can request a visit from a AAA Mobile Battery Service technician who will test their battery and replace it on-site, if necessary. AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities can also test and replace weak batteries.

º Battery Cables and Terminals – Check the condition of the battery cables and terminals. Make sure all connections are secure and remove any corrosion from the terminals and posts.

º Drive Belts – Inspect belts for cracks or fraying. Don’t just look at the smooth top surface of the belt, but turn it over and check the grooved underside where most belt wear occurs.

º Engine Hoses –Visually inspect the cooling system hoses for leaks, cracks or loose clamps. Also, squeeze the hoses to check for any that may be brittle or excessively spongy feeling and in need of replacement.

º Tire Type and Tread – In areas with heavy winter weather, changing to snow tires on all four wheels will provide the best winter traction. All-season tires will work well in light to moderate snow conditions, providing they have adequate tread depth. If any tire has less than 3/32-inches of tread, it should be replaced. Uneven wear on the tires can indicate alignment, suspension or wheel balance problems that should be addressed to prevent further damage to the tires.

º Tire Pressure – Check tire pressure more frequently during winter months. As the temperature drops, so will the pressures in the tires—typically 1 PSI for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit. The proper tire pressure levels can be found on a sticker located on the driver’s side door jamb. And, don’t forget to check the spare.

º Air Filter – Check the engine’s air filter by holding it up to a 60-watt light bulb. If light can be seen through much of the filter, it is still clean enough to work effectively. However, if the light is blocked by most of the filter, replace it.

º Coolant Levels – Check the coolant level when the engine is cold. If the coolant level is low, add a 50/50 solution of coolant and water to maintain the necessary antifreeze capability. The level of antifreeze protection can be checked with an inexpensive tester available at any auto parts store.

º Lights – Check the operation of all headlights, taillights, emergency flashers, turn signals, brake lights and back-up lights. Replace any burnt out bulbs.

º Wiper Blades – Blades should completely clear the glass with each swipe. Replace blades that leave streaks or miss spots. In areas with snowy conditions, consider installing winter wiper blades that wrap the blade in a rubber boot to prevent ice and snow buildup that can prevent good contact between the rubber blade and the glass.

º Washer Fluid – Fill the windshield washer fluid reservoir with a cleaning solution that has antifreeze components for cold weather use.

º Brakes – Have brakes inspected by a certified technician to ensure all components are in good working order.

º Transmission, Brake and Power Steering Fluids – Check all fluids to ensure they are at or above the minimum safe levels.

º Emergency Road Kit – Update the car’s emergency kit for winter weather. The kit should include:

o Bag of abrasive material (sand, salt, cat litter) or traction mats
o Snow shovel
o Snow brush
o Flashlight with extra batteries
o Window washer solvent
o Ice scraper
o Cloth or roll of paper towels
o Jumper cables
o Gloves, hats and blankets
o Warning devices (flares or triangles)
o Drinking water
o Non-perishable snacks (energy or granola bars)
o Extra clothes
o First-aid kit
o Basic toolkit (screwdrivers, pliers, adjustable wrench)
o Mobile phone and car charger with important numbers programmed in it, including a roadside assistance provider


Oh, and when winter driving gets really wicked, don't do what these folks did. Just stay home instead!

A Driver's Story

I wanted to share a story with everyone on why I volunteer to drive and why I continue to drive.

Volunteering to drive seemed simple enough, take someone to and/or from an appointment, shopping, etc, all on my lunch hour or work break. I could do it at my convenience when I had the time. My first ride was truly life-affirming and life-changing all in one instance.

The ride was simple enough: drive a couple of miles from my work and take Jack 2.5 miles to see his wife in a nursing home and pick him up a couple hours later. He is legally blind and his wife requires round the clock medical assistance. They have been married for almost 50 years and the only time he can see her is Friday afternoons. Fridays are theirs...it is their special day.

Being blind, Jack needs an arm to guide him around; and living on the second floor of an apartment building he has memorized the number of steps he has to walk down, counting along the way. In the car, Jack responds to any questions I have, with simple answers in broken English, yet there is something genuine about his responses. Although he is blind, he knows when we are close because he has memorized the route to get there.

Once we arrive at the assisted living facility he is almost leading me, having memorized the path to the elevator to visit his wife. "268, 268 that's where my wife is," Jack anxious tells me. I am absolutely thrilled for him and excited that I had something to do with this happening.

Upon exiting the elevator, the staff all recognize Jack and all say hello, Jack says hello back with a smile that goes ear to ear. As we walk down the hall, his wife is in her wheelchair and upon seeing Jack she instantly comes alive and shouts out, "Jack! Jack!". Immediately Jack lets go of my arm and is at his wife's side holding her hand with all of his might.

Jack gets to stay for almost two hours and when I return, Jack is sitting beside her bed holding her hand. I tell Jack that I am back and ready to take him home. He and his wife embrace and continually say I love you over and over and that they will see each other in a week. They are holding each other like it’s the last time they will see each other; those seven days apart must feel like an eternity. I offer my arm for Jack to grab hold of and he simply takes my arm, says good-bye to his wife, and we are on our way home.

The entire car ride home I fight back the tears. What a range of emotions in a few hours; the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. When we reach Jack's apartment, Jack speaks and says in his broken English, "I love my wife and thank you sir for today. She's my life and today's the happiest day." Trying even harder to fight back the tears, I tell him it’s my pleasure and I will see him next Friday. As soon as I turn to walk down the stairs the tears come pouring out.

Fridays for me not only means the weekend is near but that I get to see my favorite couple!

Gained Perspective

As a person who ponders transportation and the lack there-of daily, I should have already formulated a better idea of what life is like without access to transportation. I’m the Outreach Specialist for Ride Connection and last week, I brought my car in for some repairs and find myself without my precious Honda Civic a week and a half later. It’s a minor inconvenience for me – I can take the bus, borrow my husband’s car, walk, bike… – and yet I find myself grumbling because: I’m late for work, I can’t carry my huge load of groceries home, it’s hot, there are no seats left on the bus. Halfway into my grumbles I stop to realize how very fortunate I am. There are people who have far bigger problems and obstacles than I.

What about the person who has to backtrack three blocks in order to find a proper curb cut so they can safely get themselves and their mobility device across the street? Or the person who can’t negotiate the hill that lies between her and the bus stop? Or the person who gave up their keys after years of driving only to find public transportation intimidating and daunting?

Perspective gained. And now, not only do I vow to drive my car less, I have a greater understanding of the challenges some people face. Thank you, Mr. Mechanic, for taking your sweet time with my car; for your leisurely pace has made me better at my job.

The Staggering Economic Cost of Car Crashes

Every 10 seconds a car crash causes someone in the US to be injured enough to go to the emergency department. Every 12 minutes, someone dies in a car crash on US roads. Today, the CDC put out a press release concerning the economic toll of all these crash injuries and deaths, and it is staggering:

• In a one year period the costs of medical care and productivity losses exceeded $99 billion, with the cost of direct medical care accounting for $17 million.
  
• Broken down into modes, people riding in cars accounted for $70 billion, $12 billion for motorcyclists, $10 billion for pedestrians and $5 billion for bicyclists.
• These costs account to nearly $500 for each US licenced driver in one year.

The fact that most crashes are preventable make these numbers all the more staggering. Besides slowing down, leaving more room between you and the vehicle in front of you and not driving impaired (including the impairments caused by distractions), what can you do? Support laws and policy decisions that:

• Improves child passenger safety
• Improves teen driver safety
• Reduces alcohol impaired driving
• Increases safety belt use

Car crashes should not be viewed as "just the cost of driving". Each of us, doing our part, can help reduce the horrible economic and emotional toll that crashes bring.

What exactly is TriMet's Proposed Bond Measure and who does it benefit?

Since news came out about TriMet's proposed new bond, there has been much confusion and misunderstanding what this bond would be used for. Basically it is for Improving Transit Services and Accessibility for Elderly and People with Disabilities.

The proposal is to continue the current bonds, which were used to fund the Westside Light Rail expansion and dedicate the revenue to remove environmental barriers that prevent the elderly and people with disabilities from riding fixed-route bus and MAX. This includes transit stops (curb cuts, sidewalks, shelters, benches, lighting, hand and resting rails, etc), LIFT buses with an improved dispatch system and new low-floor buses that have automated stop announcements, air conditioning, etc.

For more information check out the video

Bus Stop Opera coming to Portland

What a unique idea!

In conjunction with the Open Engagement symposium at Portland State University, TriMet will host Bus Stop Opera performances. The opera troupe takes situations and conversations gathered during the everyday commute on public transportation and turns them into mini-operas.

The performers will also use TriMet to travel between their performance locations. The performances will break out through Monday evening's commute.

You can find the performances at the locations below (be aware that the times are estimates). Performances last for about 20 minutes. Regular service will not be disrupted.

Friday, May 14
6 p.m. Gateway/NE 99th Ave Transit Center, 9900 NE Multnomah

7 p.m. Hollywood/NE 42nd Ave Transit Center, 1410 NE 42nd Ave
8 p.m. SW Jefferson Street and 10th Avenue, next to the Portland Art Museum

Saturday, May 15
10 a.m. Rose Quarter Transit Center, 47 NE Holladay
11 a.m. Skidmore Fountain MAX Station, SW 1st Avenue and W Burnside Street

12 p.m. Pioneer Courthouse/SW 6th Ave MAX Station, SW 6th Avenue between Yamhill and Morrison streets

Sunday, May 16
9:30 a.m. SW 6th & Pine St MAX Station, SW 6th Avenue and SW Pine Street

10:30 a.m. NE 13th Avenue and Holladay bus stop, Lloyd Center at Holladay Park

11:30 p.m. Clackamas Town Center Transit Center, bus platforms

Monday, May 17
4 p.m. Beaverton Transit Center, 4050 SW Lombard
5 p.m. Sunset Transit Center, SW Barnes Road at Highway 217

6 p.m. PSU Urban Center/SW 6th & Montgomery MAX Station, Portland State University.

Here's a sample from a Bus Stop Opera performance in New York City.

May 2009 New York City from Dawn Weleski on Vimeo.

Backing: Don't Let This Happen to You!

Watching the video below made me realize it would be a good time to remind everyone that backing is a difficult maneuver, and drivers should avoid it whenever possible. According to the University of Minnesota Center for Transportation Studies about 25% of crashes involve backing, even though the average driver operates in reverse less than a mile every year.



Here are some tips for safer backing:

*Plan ahead to reduce the need to back. For example, in a parking lot, pull through the stall so you can be forward facing on your way out.
*If backing can't be avoided, you're better off backing in upon arrival so you can pull straight out on departure.
*Back toward the driver's side for better vision.
*Conduct a visual walk around before you get into the vehicle so you know what potential hazards may be in you backing path.
*Use your mirrors to help you back.
*Back slowly while continuously looking and listening for warnings.

ipad Technology Opens Doors for 100-Year-Old Oregon Resident

Circulating around the Internet today is a short little video about Virginia and her new ipad. What makes this unique? Virginia is a 100-year-old Lake Oswego resident, and the ipad is her first computer. Her family says she was able to figure it out quite easily, and has used it to read two books and write limericks (which she could not do previously due to worsening glaucoma.)

Hope this brings a smile to your face (PS: if you watch all the way, you'll get a sample of one of Virginia's limericks.)

And You Thought Your Commute Was Bad?! Check Out These Roads.

(The Judge Harry Pregerson Interchange, Los Angeles, California)



Waze (www.waze.com) is a social mobile application providing free turn-by-turn navigation based on the live conditions of the road. Drivers can post real time traffic jam information to alert others. On their blog recently, they posted their picks for the "19 Most Complex and Dangerous Roads in the World". Take a look at the photos and descriptions, and you'll be reluctant to ever gripe about Portland Metro area roads again!

Video Explains Cycle Tracks and Buffered Bike Lanes

The City of Portland has released a short and informative video explaining two new bicycle lane treatments that you might encounter in Portland: cycle tracks and buffered bike lanes. Both lane types work to make it easier for cars and bicycles to share the road.

On the Right Track from Mayor Sam Adams on Vimeo.

Have you cycled on one of these bike lanes yet? Have you driven near one? How do you like them?

Electric Vehicles Getting Closer to Roll Out

Two contenders for the electric vehicle market, the Chevrolet Volt and the Nissan Leaf, are getting closer to being seen out and about on city streets.

The Volt, according to the website is "an electric car that can create its own electricity. Plug it in, let it charge overnight, and it’s ready to run on a pure electric charge for up to 40 miles — gas and emissions free. After that...Volt uses a range-extending gas generator that produces enough energy to power it for hundreds of miles on a single tank of gas."

The Nissan Leaf, by contrast, is 100% electric. It will get about 100 miles on a single charge. Leaf owners can get a special charging station installed at their homes, or charge up at yet to be determined "charging stations" around town.

Both cars are pretty close in price. The Leaf's MSRP is $32,780, which includes three years of roadside assistance. There is also a federal tax credit of $7,500 for which the Leaf fully qualifies as well as a $1,500 state tax credit in Oregon. Chevrolet has yet to determine MSRP for the, but is currently estimating around $30,000 after the $7,500 tax credit.

The roll out for the cars is starting soon. The Leaf becomes available for purchase or lease at Nissan dealers in select markets (Oregon being one of them) in December 2010 and nationwide in 2011. The Volt is preparing for a selected market launch before the end of the year with nationwide roll out in November 2011.

CNET tried out the Nissan Leaf in 2009 and here is what they had to say:
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The Volt has been available for press test drives at the New York Auto Show this week. Here is a link to Fast Company's test drive.

What's your take? Are you ready to put your name on a waiting list for an electric vehicle, or are you not at all interested?

New Burside-Couch Couplet Set to Debut

Click on image to enlarge

After years of planning and six months of disruptive construction, the Burnside-Couch couplet is ready to go, and traffic pattern changes will begin April 4th.

The project is constructed on existing roadways from Northeast 14th Avenue to Northeast 3rd Avenue. Burnside and Couch Streets become a one-way couplet system, with eastbound traffic in three lanes on Burnside Street and westbound traffic in two lanes on Couch Street.

The city hopes the project will accomplish several things:

*Enhanced vehicle and transit access and traffic flow through the couplet.

*Reduced traffic conflicts between cars and bicycles.

*Significantly improved pedestrian safety.

*Assembling of two new city blocks for potential redevelopment at Northeast Sandy Boulevard and Northeast 14th Avenue.

*Improved access to businesses with left turns at all intersections and new on-street parking spaces on Burnside.

One of the most drastic changes in this project is the elimination of the complicated diagonal Northeast Sandy Boulevard/Burnside intersection which, from 12th to 14th avenues, will ultimately to be turned into a walkable and commercial hub. Traffic will be rerouted around closed-off blocks to eliminate this complex six-way “spaghetti” intersection.

For those trying to navigate in this area in the coming weeks, here are some things to keep in mind (from The Oregonian's Hard Drive Commuting Blog):

TWO-WAYS TO ONE-WAYS

Are you ready for this? Here’s the stage-by-stage plan to redirect traffic to the couplet:

Week of March 21: Sandy Boulevard will have lane closures at Northeast 14th Avenue, with one lane open in each direction as crews install a traffic signal and island at the intersection. Avoid the intersections of Sandy and 12th through 14th avenues. Expect delays on Sandy.

Week of March 28: Sandy closed for good between 12th and 14th. Couch Street will be converted to a one-way street between 14th and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. Sandy westbound will be diverted to Couch Street. Watch for detours to the Burnside Bridge. Sandy eastbound, meanwhile, will be diverted to Burnside (detour is Sandy to Burnside to 20th to Sandy). Avoid Sandy and Burnside from 12th to 20th avenues.

Week of April 4: East Burnside will be converted to a one-way street between the Burnside Bridgehead and 14th, while 14th is converted to a one-way between Burnside and Couch. The new westbound connection from Couch to Burnside Bridge will open. Expect long delays on Burnside.

Week of April 11: Completion of the conversion of Burnside and Couch from two-way streets between the bridgehead and 14th to a one-way couplet. Construction continues on Burnside to finish the streetscape with lane closures during nonpeak hours (thank you, PBOT!).

Here is a video from Joseph Rose's Hard Drive Commuting Blog on Oregonlive.com that provides a nice explanation of the changes to expect:

Portland's Burnside/Couch Couplet

What do you think of the Burnside-Couch Couplet project? After you've had a chance to navigate it, let me know what you think!

Words Matter: People First Language

In an effort to remove negative,divisive words from their law books, Idaho is considering dropping terms such as "mentally retarded" and replacing them with more modern and appropriate terms. The House approved the measure 68-1 to replace expressions considered offensive, and it now heads to the desk of Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter for final approval.

In the Ride Connection class "The Best Ride: A Passenger Care and Assistance Workshop" the discussion of more "preferred terms" and of of people first language takes center stage. For those who may be unfamiliar with the idea, people first language is way of speaking that puts the person first, and describes what the person has, not what the person is. Rather than saying "a disabled person" you would say "a person with a disability". It is a subtle, but important way of using language to guide our thinking. (For more information on the subject visit Kathie Snow's extensive website disabilityisnatural.com.)

I think it's great that lawmakers are becoming more sensitive to the fact that the words they use (both when speaking and when writing laws) make a huge difference in the way people are viewed. Labels can be hurtful, and the truth is most of the time the only labels we need to use are our riders' names. There are times however, where we must use certain descriptors to ensure that a rider is safely and comfortably served. In these cases, making sure that preferred terms and people first language are used by everyone shows respect for the individual and demonstrates to those who are listening that we are considering the person as a whole and focusing on what they need, rather than seeing them as a collection of "deficits" or "problems" to be overcome.

What do you think about the use of people first language?

The Volunteer Spirit is Alive and Well in Portland, Oregon!

Photo from http://www.bikeportland.org/

This article posted on bikeportland.org yesterday seems like the perfect snapshot of what makes Portland such an awesome city. According to the article, Dan Sloan has decided to offer "free bike help and advice" on the corner of N. Cook and Williams streets. Why? Because he "just wants to do something good for people" and he feels like sharing his knowledge on bikes is a way to do that.

Dan is sort of a guerrilla volunteer. He found a way to help others while doing something he loved, but he didn't wait around for an agency to have a volunteer position that fit, he just went out and made his own! If you happen to bike (or even drive) by Dan's bike help corner, take a minute to thank him for his efforts and volunteer spirit!

Congratulations to our own Lesa Pinker!!!

Congratulations to our own Lesa Pinker!!! She is one of the newest board members of the National RTAP (Rural Transportation Assistance Program). The National RTAP is a program of the FTA (Federal Transit Administration),whose mission is to improve the mobility of all rural, small urban and tribal communities across the country through technical assistance. Way to go Lesa!!

Morrison Bridge New Bike/Pedestrian Path Set to Open on Friday

After a lot of delays the new Morrison Bridge bike and pedestrian path is set to open this Friday.

The project, paid for with federal and county money, was supposed to be completed in mid-December, but design difficulties and construction delays pushed the opening back. One of the biggest design challenges was how to create a crash barrier that could work on a drawbridge.

The two-way path runs on the south side of the bridge, connecting with Water Avenue on the east side and with ramps to Southwest Alder Street and to Naito Parkway on the west side. It replaces a narrow sidewalk that was just 5 feet wide.

The new Morrison Bridge path should also help reduce conflicts for cyclists and pedestirans by absorbing some of the heavy bike and pedestrian traffic from the Broadway and Hawthorne briges.

For motorists, the new off-ramp will make the drive to the east side easier, according to Multnomah County spokesman Mike Pullen.

“It used to be that the off-ramp to Water was combined with a dominant freeway ramp,” Pullen said. “Now, you don’t have to worry about that freeway traffic. Things are separated.”

Here's a qick look at the new path, courtesy of the Oregonian's Joeseph Rose:

A tour of the Morrison Bridge bike, ped path

New Crosswalk Treatment Coming to Dangerous SE Foster Crossing

A dangerous crossing at SE Foster near 80th, where two pedestrians were killed in November of 2009, is getting a new crosswalk treatment in the coming weeks. This treatment, called a "rapid flash beacon" is activated by the pedestrian's push of a button. The LED lights then flash on the crosswalk sign, creating a very bright, visible signal that a pedestrian wants to cross.

According to the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) website "Rapid Flash Beacons combined with signage and pavement markings have been shown to increase the percentage of motorists who stop for pedestrians from approximately 18 percent before the improvement to nearly 80 percent after."

This is good news, considering that between 1990 and 2000, 37 percent of pedestrian injuries occurred in crosswalks due to driver error.

Below is a video from the beacon manufacturer's website that shows the rapid flash beacon in action.


Remember also, that drivers have specific responsibilities to pedestrians at crosswalks. You must stop and stay stopped for pedestrians at marked and unmarked crosswalks. If the pedestrian doesn't activate the beacon, you must still stop for them.

This is a great video to help remind you of Oregon crosswalk laws. Enjoy!

Why Should You Care About "Green Streets"?

There's a lot of talk about "greening" everything these days, so what does it mean to have a "green street" and why should you care about it?

The video link below from the Green News Network takes a look at what green streets in Portland do for the environment. Stormwater runoff can pollute rivers and streams and lead to combined sewer overflows (that's a big reason we don't want to swim in the Willamette!). Green streets mimic the natural conditions in the environment by using plants and soil to help manage stormwater runoff. The benefit beyond the environment is a more livable, walkable neighborhood. There are many different kinds of green street treatments, and the city even has a map so you can tour them!

What do you think about green streets? Have you driven through one? Did it change the way you perceived the driving environment? Have you walked or biked through one? Share your thoughts.


Green Streets: Dealing with Stormwater Runoff

Guess What?! The Internet is Good for You!

If you're reading this blog right now, your brain should be thanking you. Studies now suggest a link between spending time on the Internet and enhanced brain power.

According to an article on msnbc.com, a UCLA research team did a study with older adults who were not experienced Internet users. The researchers looked at participants' brain responses when they first began searching the Internet. The participants showed brain activity in the regions controlling language, reading, memory and visual abilities. After a week of looking things up at home, their second brain scan showed activation of these same regions, but there was also activity in the part of the brain known to be important in working memory and decision-making.

The researchers concluded that after Internet training at home, participants with little online experience displayed brain activation patterns very similar to those seen in the group of savvy Internet users.

"The results suggest that searching online may be a simple form of brain exercise that might be employed to enhance cognition in older adults," said Teena D. Moody, the study's first author and UCLA researcher.

The researchers think that when performing an online search, the brain must hold important information in working memory and also take away important points from competing graphics and words. This is an essential part of how doing Internet searches can be good for your brain.

So keep searching the Internet, learning new things, and of course, reading this blog!

Toyota Recall Put Into Perspective

Toyota has long been considered a safe, reliable brand of automobile. There are tons of them on the road, and a good chance there is one in your garage right now. Are you a Toyota owner who is worried about the recall? Perhaps you own a different make of vehicle but are worried that a Toyota with an uncorrected gas pedal will come slamming into you when you're driving? If so, you are misdirecting your worry according to and article by Leonard Evans.

Says Evans:
Seventy years of scientific research has shown that what drivers do behind the wheel is the dominant factor in traffic deaths. Speed, for example, is a critical factor in safety. An almost imperceptible reduction in speed from 52 mph to 50 mph cuts the risk of being killed by 15 percent. That's more than the risk reduction from airbags. So if the prospect of a sticky gas pedal alarms you, just slow down a little. The result will be that you are safer with the defect than you were without it.

Human error plays a part in nearly all crashes. The problem isn't necessarily a sticky gas pedal, but the fact that a driver who is going too fast and following too closely doesn't have the time and space to deal with such a problem when it arises.

What to do?

If you have a Toyota and you're concerned about the recall, check this website for up-to-date information.

No matter what car you drive do the following:

• slow down
• increase your following distance
• keep distractions out of your vehicle

Simple, lifesaving information. Stay safe out there!

Ride Connection Staff "Goes Red" for Women's Heart Health

Do you think of heart disease as primarily a man's disease? The fact is, recent data indicates cardiovascular disease causes almost 460,000 female deaths per year in comparison to 410,000 male deaths and is now the number one killer of American women. To raise awareness of this fact, Ride Connection staff dressed in red to participate in the American Heart Association's National Wear Red Day on February 5, 2010.

How can you take personal action in the fight against heart disease right now?

By making choices.

Sometimes the smallest choices can add up. Choosing to take the stairs rather than the elevator. Choosing meals that are baked, not fried. Choosing to schedule a checkup that includes important screening tests, and talking to your doctor about heart disease risk factors.

While there are some factors such as age and heredity that we can't control when it comes to cardiovascular disease, there are many other choices we CAN control. We can turn our personal choices into lifesaving actions:

•Eat healthy,
•Be physically active for at least 30 minutes most days of the week,
•If you smoke, quit,
•lose excess weight,
Choose to empower yourself with the facts ---
•know your family history of heart disease,
•schedule an appointment with your doctor to understand your risk.

Go here to learn more about the Go Red for Women campaign, or to learn more about making heart healthy choices.