BROADCASTS.com

b"PORTLAND, OR - Citizen activist Chris Smith spearheaded a strong cycling contingent at the transportation section of yesterday's Project Homeless Connect.

\\n * Legacy Health System handed out and fitted over 600 helmets.
\\n * Jay from Community Cycling Center had 87 referrals to the Create-A-Commuter program.
\\n * Timo Forsberg of Portland Dept. of Transportation and Emily Gardener of BTA had 34 referrals for the Ways to Work program.
\\n * 14 bikes plus a stroller and a wheelchair were repaired by Steven Kung (Exchange Cycling Tours), myself, and other volunteer bike mechanics. Community Cycling Center provided the tools.

\\nTransportation issues are a significant stumbling block for many homeless and low income people. Cycling is one low cost and often accessible option that allows people to reconnect to jobs and community. It was our hope that our efforts promoted cycling accessibility and safety."