For a while, in the early part of the 21^st century, groups of Portlanders would gather in different corners of the city and ride bicycles downtown to Pioneer Courthouse Square to show that bicycle commuting was a viable option. And what did we do once we got to the Square? We got in line to pick up our free T-shirts, of course. Oh yes, and get our picture taken too (and without our knowledge) so that it could be used on the Bicycle Transportation Alliance's 2001 annual report.

It was quite a shock when I opened their envelope, unfolded the report, and thought, "that guy looks a lot like me." My family wasn't at all convinced until I fetched my bike helmet from the basement and modeled it for them.