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Saturday, April 4, 2009

Politics / Bikes BTA Fires Key Bicycle Lobbyist

Posted by Sarah Mirk on Sat, Apr 4, 2009 at 8:53 PM

People working on bicycle policy issues in Salem received a shock on Friday when they tried to call or email Karl Rohde, the well-known lobbyist for the Bicycle Transportation Alliance. That afternoon, Rohde's email auto-reply informed all interested parties that Rohde no longer works for the BTA.

Rohde's firing from the BTA is surprising not just for its suddenness, but because the BTA is the primary bicycle advocacy group working in Salem. The departure of its only lobbyist right in the middle of the legislative session throws a wrench into several bike campaigns.

Rohde was working on four main issues, all of which are facing a tough fight in the legislature: the Idaho Stop Law, vehicular homicide, driver education and bike funding.

e70c/1238903239-karlrohde.jpg
Karl Rohde: Just an unemployed Republican cyclist. photo via BTA

BTA executive director Scott Bricker refused to comment on the reason for Rohde's firing, saying "no comment" even on whether the decision to let Rohde go stems from budgeting reasons or personality problems. BTA staff were informed that they would meet Monday or Tuesday to discuss the sudden staff change. Until then, speculation abounds about the reason for Rohde's firing. The Oregonian reports that an anonymous source within the BTA says Rohde was dismissed "largely because the head of the association's legislative committee was unhappy with the way in which he was pushing its agenda in Salem."

Bricker says he will start working in Salem to continue Rohde's work. Bricker was the BTA's lobbyist for several years until Rohde was hired in July 2007. Additionally, the BTA has hired a political consulting firm to cover the hole left by Rohde's departure.

 

Comments (4) RSS

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1
Honestly, who gives a shit?
Posted by sarah needs attention on April 5, 2009 at 3:08 AM · Report
2
Some of who care about bikes and are proud enough about it to use their own name to post instead of slamming someone else do.
Posted by Paul Cone on April 5, 2009 at 11:53 AM · Report
3
Guy considers himself a respectable bicycle lobbyist and he doesn't ride a fixie? No wonder he was fired.
Posted by jake on April 5, 2009 at 12:08 PM · Report
4
Yep, jake - Rohde's a poser. He actually has a helmet and probably has lights on his bike at night.

He also won't buzz pedestrians and say "on your left" *after* he nearly hits you.
Posted by LawyerPepper on April 6, 2009 at 9:10 AM · Report

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