Oh snap! Portland has been demoted to the #2 bike city in America, according to Bicycling magazine, which has ranked Portland #1 since 1995. What city beat us? Minneapolis, Minnesota. While 6.4 percent of Portlanders commute by bike versus Minneapolis' 4.5 percent, Bicycling Editor in Chief Loren Mooney explains that her staff was impressed by the passion of the winter cyclists in Minnesota. Also Portland's 2030 bike plan is not "significantly more ambitious" that other cities' plans, says Mooney. "Well phooey, I say!" responds Mayor Sam Adams, promising that Portland will invest in cloud-seeding next year to bring snowy commutes and admiration from Bicycling. But seriously, the mayor sees the demotion as positive support for his recent controversial $20 million investment in the 2030 bike plan. "I think this is a good, healthy wake-up call and should serve as perspective for those harsh critics who think I'm pushing too hard or too fast," says Adams. SARAH MIRK

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Over 700 people turned out last week for a debate on environmental issues between gubernatorial candidates John Kitzhaber, Bill Bradbury, and Republican Allen Alley. While Alley boasts a free-market approach to the environment (and claims to have a gun rack on his Smart Car), Kitzhaber and Bradbury have trouble figuring out who's greener. While Bradbury takes a stronger "no" stance against liquid natural gas and the current Columbia River Crossing plan, Kitzhaber points to his record protecting forests and watersheds while in office. The Oregon League of Conservation Voters (OLCV) made a surprise endorsement that does nothing to help green voters decide which liberal to support in the upcoming May primary: the OLCV is backing both Kitzhaber and Bradbury. SM