If you've been paying attention to the bikey blogs and stuff, you know all about the radio / TV show The Playhouse (syndicated on hip-hop station FM 95.5) that the DJ's on 7/13 were encouraging motorists to do violence to cyclists, and one stated that he thinks it's funny when a cyclist is run over and killed. As a result of this encouragement, harassment of cyclists by restraint-challenged motorists has reportedly spiked dramatically. There are (literally) hundreds of posts on bikeportland.org about this controversy. Here are two of the many articles:
bikeportland.org/2006/07/21/radio-show-update-and-thoughts/#more-1690
bikeportland.org/2006/07/14/local-radio-show-promotes-hatred-toward-cyclists/
One of many responses being made: tomorrow, there's going to be a big picnic for cyclists at Grant Park, the same park and at the same time that 95.5 is having their own picnic, but in another area of the park. We'll distribute literature educating poeple about cyclists' rights to the streets, about driving safety, and why we bike. Grant Park is at about NE 33rd & NE Thompson.
We still could use some things, especially another BBQ grill which I would be happy to transport to the park (depending on where from). Post here or email (not me, the organizer) jasun at pnxcorp dawt com if you want to pitch in. Message from Jasun:
Hi All,
So there is a picnic this Saturday...
I could really use some help in promoting and planning this picnic and getting the word out for people to show up.
 http://web.pdx.edu/~jasun/haters/picnic.html
Specifically here is what I need help with:
- I am printing up 1000 fliers and could really use some help handing them out to cyclists.
- Ideas on how you want the picnic to go. The web page is only what I could throw together at last minuet.
- PDOT. Can someone contact PDOT to get some safety material to pass out. I have a message out with Adams office to get some stickers.
- Can someone make up an information sheet explaining what and why we are doing this. (I'm taking care of this, suggestions appreciated - organic brian)
- Media. Can someone step up to contact TV, KBOO and other media that you can think of.
I know that some think that by giving the radio station attention is helping them out. I totally respect that point of view. However, people need to know and take action on this ... or the station will learn that by giving money to the right associations they can do what ever they want. There can not be a NEXT time for them.
jasun
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