Recent Streetsblog USA posts about Oregon

Advice for State DOTs Looking for More Money: Spend Smarter

By Angie Schmitt | Nov 30, 2015 | No Comments

The Oregon Department of Transportation is in a tough spot after it tried to justify highway expansion projects by saying they would cut greenhouse gas emissions. ODOT’s bogus claims helped sink a $350 million transportation funding package in the state legislature, and even some of the state’s Republican lawmakers are calling for agency director Matt Garrett’s head. What’s a beleaguered […]

Portland Suburb: To Fight Climate Change, Expand Highways!

By Angie Schmitt | Oct 31, 2014 | No Comments

Clackamas County, outside of Portland, has some opinions about the region’s plan to address climate change. According to Michael Andersen at Bike Portland, county commissioners have drafted a letter to regional planners saying the right way to control carbon emissions is to build more highways. Scratching your head? Well, the misguided belief that building more roads […]

Could the Strava App Provide the Biking and Walking Data Cities Crave?

By Tanya Snyder | May 2, 2014 | 27 Comments

Strava may be making the leap from feel-good gadget for hard core exercise buffs to serious planning tool for cities looking to improve active transportation. Strava is a mobile app that runners and cyclists use to record their activities, track their progress, and see their stats and personal records. Its website shows a bunch of young, […]

Oregon DOT Asked State Residents to Drive Less, and They Did

By Angie Schmitt | Nov 14, 2013 | 2 Comments

In a small but symbolically important step for a state transportation agency, the Oregon DOT held a “Drive Less Challenge” from late October through November 1. Events like this one are held regularly in cities around the country, but it’s the first time a statewide department of transportation has hosted one, according to ODOT. The […]

Ten Questions (and Answers) About Oregon’s New VMT Charge

By Tanya Snyder | Sep 24, 2013 | 13 Comments

This summer, Oregon’s legislature passed a bill creating a vehicle-miles-traveled fee. For those who recognize the shortcomings of the gas tax for charging for road use, it was a big victory. But the program authorized by the state is a modest one, creating a voluntary program for just 5,000 drivers of high-efficiency vehicles. ODOT’s Jim […]

Washington, Colorado, and Oregon Win Top Bike-Friendly State Honors

By Angie Schmitt | May 1, 2013 | 1 Comment

Congratulations are due to Washington, Colorado, Oregon and Minnesota; those four states took home top rankings this year in the League of American Bicyclists’ annual Bicycle Friendly States appraisal. The winners were announced this morning. Washington has held the top position for six years running. But there were a few shake-ups further down the list. […]

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