Congressman Earl Blumenauer, Tragic Hero

An addendum to the Earl Blumenauer saga. The New York Times noticed that Congressman Blumenauer had inserted the bike commuter act into the $700 billion bailout bill.

But they also noted that Congressman Blumenauer voted against the bill.

Bicyclers, collect your $20-a-month credit starting in January, and think of our bike-lapel-pin-wearing hero when you do.

Rise and Stall of the Moto-Taxi

Outside's October issue is now online.


(photo by Sand Paper, on flickr)

The Big Idea
Rise and Stall of the Moto-Taxi
What gets 50 miles per gallon but not a second look in the U.S.?

A COUPLE of years ago, while living in Cambodia, I stumbled onto a sketchy street on the outskirts of Phnom Penh. My Khmer was good enough for me to understand that the residents really didn't want me around but not good enough to negotiate a graceful exit. As one woman's shouts began to elevate, I raised a finger and said the magic word: moto! Three moto-taxi drivers peeled out to my aid. The red Honda in the middle looked fast, so I leaped on and shouted, "Go! Go! Go!" The driver opened the throttle and weaved through pedestrians and cars until we reached the safety of the wider city.

That ride left me thinking, Why don't we have these in the U.S.?

READ THE REST at Outside.