This, we learned, after we received a request from a TV producer with the US Department of State and the
Office of Broadcast Support. He would be hosting three TV journalists from Tashkent, Uzbekistan, for a two-week study tour of US to document stories on "ecological advances in the US." The delegation would be attending the Better Living Show at Portland's Expo Center, he explained, and wondered if First Stop might be able to share some of Portland's sustainable innovations with the group. It wouldn't be enough to talk about what's happening in Portland, he insisted. First Stop would nee to help the crew bring Portland's policies and best practices to life for 30 million cable television viewers in Uzbekistan--in a single day!
Despite the threat of heavy rains and 40 MPH gusts, the crew started the day early on the Hawthorne Bridge for the morning commute. They met with BTA Executive Director Rob Sadowsky who shared the story of America's first bike counter with the visitors. It collects all sorts of data that helps us make the case for bicycles, he explained. When asked how groups like Cycle Oregon and the BTA are connected to Portland's government, Rob explained the important role that Portland's citizen activists play in the city's sustainability innovations.
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