Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Studded Tires: $40M+Yearly Road Damage is Preventable

According to a story from last spring, the Oregon Department of Transportation
encourages drivers to consider other types of traction tires or chains because studded tires cause close to $50 million damage each year on city streets, county roads and state highways, according to the department. About $11 million is spent each year repairing studded tire damage.
As we debate the best uses for limited transportation dollars, isn't the conservation of existing pavement a wiser and more economical solution than new pavement?

A proposed ballot initiative to ban studded tires just got the final approval and measure title from the Courts after a several month long legal battle.

If you're interested in making Oregon's roads last longer, check out Preserving Oregon's Roads and consider signing the petition.

2 comments:

Jeff Bernards said...

Thanks for linking our site www.preservingoregonsroads.org, this is an important issue for everyone. Were looking for people to run the volunteer signature gathering campaign in Salem. Feel free to send me your contact info to
Jeff@preservingoregonsroads.org

Salem Breakfast on Bikes said...

Thanks for stopping by, Jeff! I'll definitely share with folks that you're looking for gatherers.

It was nice to see the Oregonian's editorial today, in favor of putting the measure on the ballot.

Hopefully the SJ will add their support!