So how many full time bike bureaucrats does Metro have?

What a waste of public resources.

If I were Metro president I'd fire them immediately along with at least 50 other planners.

Ah, locally produced materials. Since the City already owns video equipment, I'm sure the costs of production on these was some time for folks and maybe a few tapes, if that equipment is old enough.

The I-5 crossing is a tricky bike crossing. The bike paths wind through North Portland, Jantzen Beach and Vancouver. Living in NoPo and riding the bridge as part of a loop through Vancouver (along WA-14 or the Evergreen Highway), I've had a lot of cyclists ask for a directions or follow me.

Producing a video for those cyclists who want to make this crossing part of their route is a one-time expenditure which avoids the costs of painting, signing or even redesigning and building alternative routes for the crossing. Since the video can watched over and over at a minimal cost of electrons, its a much better use of funds than signage and paint which will only need to be replaced in a few short years.

It's all part of the secret 2012 evacuation planning. Next up: refrigerator rafts down the Columbia.

"The City of Vancouver estimates some 200 cyclists ride across the bridge daily."

I estimate some 200 pedestrians walk past my house every day.

Only I don't make a video about it and I'm not trying to build a $4 billion road project to cater to my 200.

The bike ped crossing on I-5 is not the serene recreational ride some expect. But having the ability to get across between Portland and Vancouver is important for transportation for many. I ride to Vancouver at least once a month, and find it often as easy to ride than drive, especially at high traffic times, which seem more frequent with the 205 roadwork. That Metro spent a few bucks making a video showing how to get across as part of their mission, it's not something to beat them up about.
How long was the fireworks show traffic last nite? I bet the cyclists had more fun getting home than the drivers.

, it's not something to beat them up about

Ah, but it is. For the libertarians among us, most governmental actions are cause for objection. Most infuriating are actions intended to educate the public about public services or facilities whose existence is itself lamentable, such as a way to get across the Interstate Bridge without a car.

Isn't it odd that:

1. Metro actually is encouraging people to transport in/out of the suburbs? That's so 1989...it's now cool to live in a condo right next door to your office, so you don't need to bike!!

2. A Metro employee regularly commutes from Vancouver - thus she preaches "urban living", bike lanes and the such - but even she lives OUTSIDE of Metro's district to take advantage of lower taxes, lower housing costs, larger homes, etc.?

I wonder how many of Metro's "Regional Center" employees actually live/work within a three mile radius of the Center - much less, within Portland city limits. If we had a better idea of where THEY lived, that would give the suburbs more leverage in fighting against Metro's allowing of the City of Portland to regulate what happens outside of the City...

Jack, A couple of weeks ago before the big heat wave on the east coast, my group of 15 cyclists crossed the Walt Whitman Bridge in South Philadelphia to the Jersey shore (Cape May) 10 hours latter and 5 Percocet 10's I was fine.
However, I think I will skip next years rally.

Sounds like a blast, but what roads did you take?

Ah, but it is. For the libertarians among us,
how can you bridle at the yoke of government,but gladly accept the servitude of the oil corporations?

Having cycled a good number of years and now that my knees are a bit crickey I prefer to ride something else. How about I get the ride sharing cab to pick me up at home and then I take the jitney down MLK jr to the express bus station. Oh I forgot none of those are legal in this city.