A Spokane man was killed by a hit-and-run driver recently as he rode his bicycle across Sprague Avenue, raising concerns about drunk driving and biking safety in general. The bicyclist died from skull fractures; the driver failed a sobriety test when he returned to the scene. Read the Spokesman-Review story, and be aware of Washington state driving laws governing space for bicyclists. For example, motorists must yield to bikes at intersections, and they must allow at least three feet of space when passing a bicyclist. Look under “Space for Bicyclists” in the Washington State Drivers Guide.

Next winter, skiers should be able to ride a new 18‑car gondola to the 6,872-foot summit at Crystal Mountain, southeast of Enumclaw. Construction is slated to begin in mid-April as part of an overarching plan to turn Crystal into a year-round resort. Eight people will fit into each car, enabling 450 skiers per hour to ride to the summit where deeper snow lies, perhaps enticing the resort to open its highest runs earlier in the season. Read the details in this Seattle Times article.

Three months after an explosion closed it, Imperium Renewables has resumed production at its Grays Harbor biodiesel plant. More than 40 rail cars filled with millions of gallons of locally grown canola oil began arriving March 9 at the plant, where it will be processed into biodiesel and distributed around the Northwest. Read the Aberdeen Daily World story.

Our region’s biodiesel industry has struggled the past few years. After attracting investment dollars and enjoying legislative support, local plants suffered in 2008 when crop prices rose and gasoline sales dropped as the recession took hold. However, Inland Empire Oilseeds of Odessa says it is overcoming adversity and cranking out fuel for local vehicles. Read the January 2010 Spokesman-Review article.

Read the January edition of Perspective, PEMCO's customer newsletter. Click here to download a PDF. Our goal is to deliver timely, relevant information that helps you avoid trouble, particularly around the home or on our roads. Perspective is published three times per year in January, May, and September.

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