PORTLAND, Ore -- Portland's mayor is prioritizing public safety over cycling in his new budget and that has cyclists steaming mad.

Mayor Potter is reducing the amount of money City Transportation Commissioner Sam Adams wants to spend on a bike master plan.

That's a shock to cyclists who thought they were a higher priority.

AP

Linda Ginenthal, right, leads co-workers for a ride through downtown Portland.

"No one saw this coming," said Portland Bicycle Alliance policy director Scott Bricker.

Bricker and about 300 other riders are phoning the Mayor's office to explain why it's important to fund all $400,000 of Portland Transportation Commissioner Sam Adams' proposed bicycle budget.

They say the maintenance and improvement of current bike lanes and the expansion of the system to the outer reaches of the city depends on the increased funding.

But Potter says $300,000 is enough to keep Portland as one of the top bike-friendly cities in the nation, especially when public safety needs around the city are competing for those dollars.

"We were taking care of some of those basic safety needs first. And I think as the mayor that's my responsibility,' said Potter.

In his spending plan Potter allows Commissioner Sam Adams only three-quarters of the money Adams wanted for the new bicycle master plan.

Adams questions whether the mayor should give so much money to his own pet project for creating the city's future vision.

"Getting people on bikes and keeping them safe is more important than more visioning for which I haven't seen any results," Adams said. Adams and the BTA aren't giving up.

BTA mobilizes to restore funding

"People are really clamoring about this," said Bricker.

Potter said it's disappointing to hear that cyclists are upset because he feels he has been a big supporter of the cycling community.

The mayor is budgeting $37 million dollars in surplus revenue.

Read Mayor's comments on budget

Commissioners have made budget requests totaling nearly three times that amount.

Potter said he can't make everyone happy.