Bike plan gets jump-start because of recession?

PORTLAND, Ore. - Sewer construction projects have been less expensive during the recession, and Mayor Sam Adams said Wednesday the city can move $20 million of savings - of which about $15 million are from sewer projects – toward building bike boulevards, part of the city’s Bicycle Plan for 2030.

Adams said in certain parts of the city the sewer system is overwhelmed and by building bike boulevards, not only would they cut down on congestion and accidents, they would also allow a place for swales - places where plants would grow - to be installed. These swales would help to divert rainwater from the sewers.

Many said it’s a two-for-one deal, because it keeps the city from having to do the more expensive option of building the bike boulevards and digging up an aging sewer system at different times.

The City Council voted unanimously Wednesday to move forward with the idea but a final vote is expected next week.

But some wonder why the city wouldn’t just cut sewer rates, and when Adams was asked about that possibility he said, “I would think it’s a fair question about whether we should decrease the rates or spend the money on sewers or whatever else. I have a $400 million maintenance and safety backlog on the city’s transportation system.”

Some said they think it’s a great idea.

“The fact that you’ve made a way to make the most of our existing funds and existing streets to make our citizens and our ecosystems healthier and better connected is really phenomenal,” said Carl Larson of the Bicycle Transportation Alliance.

Others called it essentially embezzlement.

“In the private sector such a scam would likely be called cooking the books,” said Terry Parker. “This ought to come directly from the bicyclists, not anybody else.”