Portland Bike Channel

Short on cash? Local credit union helps with new Bicycle Loan program

Jonathan Maus (Editor) — Fri, 16 May 2008 16:58:05 PDT

Picture yourself on a new bike? How about a bike loan?(Photo © J. Maus) Portland-based Unitus Community Credit Union has announced the creation of a bike loan program. According to Tracy Streebel, business development officer with Unitus, the new Bicycle Loan will allow any member of the credit union to borrow money to put toward the [...]

BikePortland mentioned in USA Today

Jonathan Maus (Editor) — Fri, 16 May 2008 15:26:35 PDT

Sam, Sho and the race for mayor

Jonathan Maus (Editor) — Fri, 16 May 2008 14:26:41 PDT

Due to his role as Commissioner in charge of Transportation, I have reported on Sam Adams many times in the past few years. Last week I finally sat down with Sho Dozono — a Portland business owner who is Adams’ only competition in the race for mayor. Below are some of my thoughts [...]

What's happening at Portland Transport

Sat, 17 May 2008 00:00:32 -0800

Apparently We're Polite
The Daily Journal of Commerce is reporting on a survey that pegs Portland drivers as the 2nd most courteous in the nation, after Pittsburgh. I can believe it. When I moved here two decades ago from the Boston area, I... read more...
TriMet Pilots New Interactive Map
TriMet is now in beta-test on a new interactive system map. For now it's Firefox-only :-)... read more...
A Good Idea For Youth
The Multnomah Youth Commission is working with TriMet to establish free transit passes for all students in the region in 6th-12th grades, with a goal of beginning a pilot program for students in Portland Public Schools (one district) in September... read more...

Your guide to the weekend

Jonathan Maus (Editor) — Fri, 16 May 2008 11:28:52 PDT

A scene from last year’sAlberta Art Hop Parade!(Photo © J. Maus) If you’re looking for something to do on a bike this weekend, check out the events listed below. Saturday, May 17 Gorge Bike and Hike 9:00am Led by Exchange Cycle Tours: Join us for a moderately paced ride out to the gorge, followed by a [...]

State officials endorse Portland’s bike boxes

Jonathan Maus (Editor) — Fri, 16 May 2008 10:48:50 PDT

Download the letter (490k, PDF) On Tuesday, the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) pledged their full support for PDOT’s efforts to improve bike safety by installing bike boxes at intersections. Their support came in the form of a letter written to Scott Wainwright, a top highway engineer for the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), who also sits on [...]

ODOT responds to tack incident with a State Trooper and a big magnet

Jonathan Maus (Editor) — Fri, 16 May 2008 10:25:27 PDT

“”It’s a great place to ride and I don’t want to take that away from anyone.”– ODOT maintenance manager Larry Olson The Oregon Department of Transportation has responded to reports that Troutdale residents scattered tacks on the shoulder of the Historic Columbia River Highway — a popular bike route and gateway to riding in the Gorge. [...]

Jobs of the Week

Jonathan Maus (Editor) — Fri, 16 May 2008 09:52:39 PDT

A few more excellent job opportunities were listed on the BikePortland Job Listings this week. Check them out at the links below (and good luck if you apply!): Bike Retail Sales - Bike Gallery Tour Mechanic - American Lung Association of Washington For a complete list of available jobs, click here. If you’d like more information [...]

A strapless dress in the bike lane is a sure sign of summer

Jonathan Maus (Editor) — Thu, 15 May 2008 16:33:08 PDT

The sun is out and Portland’s streets are full of signs that summer is fast approaching — including this fantastically flowerly dress I spotted on my way to a meeting today… Great to see for many reasons. This woman and her dress are so great to see for a lot of reasons: It’s finally warm enough to [...]

UPDATE: Headed to the Gorge? Watch for tacks in the road

Jonathan Maus (Editor) — Thu, 15 May 2008 11:39:37 PDT

[UPDATE: 5/16, 10:30am - ODOT has responded. Read full story here.] “The cyclist-haters out in the Gorge are at it again, spreading tacks across the Historic Columbia River Highway.”–From a BikePortland reader email With weekend temps promising short-sleeve weather, many Portlanders are planning to head out on their bikes and take in the grand vistas of [...]

Crowds soak up sun, racing action at Mt. Tabor

Jonathan Maus (Editor) — Thu, 15 May 2008 10:58:26 PDT

These guys had the best seat in the park.(View Photo Gallery)(All images © J. Maus) After Tuesday’s opening Prologue, the Mt. Hood Cycling Classic made its way a few miles east to Mt. Tabor Park where over 200 of the nation’s fastest cyclists competed in a 1.3 mile, multi-lap criterium race. A warm sun, high clouds, and [...]

Caution: Man-eating streetcar tracks ahead

Jonathan Maus (Editor) — Thu, 15 May 2008 07:55:17 PDT

Anyone who’s ridden a bike in downtown Portland knows that streetcar (and MAX) tracks can be a bit tricky to navigate. Now, someone has modified a warning sign that takes it a step further. Check out this sign modification/vandalism/art I noticed yesterday… Sign is on SW 11th just before Taylor.(Photo © J. Maus) Be careful out there!

Bicycle Brown Bag: TriMet panel will discuss bikes and buses

Wed, 14 May 2008 13:44:09 PDT

Thursday, noon - 1 pm, 1120 SW 5th Ave, 2nd floor. Bring your lunch and your questions!

Clinton St Bike Boulevard Open House

Wed, 14 May 2008 13:39:34 PDT

Tonight, at St Philip Neri Church, 2408 SE 16th Ave, 4:30 - 7:30 pm.

People's Bike to Market Day!

Wed, 14 May 2008 13:37:04 PDT

People's co-op thanks cyclists with Bike to Market Day, today Wednesday May 14th From 2-7pm.

Pro Racers, coming to a school near you!

Wed, 14 May 2008 13:05:32 PDT

This Tuesday morning the sixth graders at East Sylvan Middle School were host to riders from the all star Healthnet Pro Racing Team. Little did I know at the time, but these guys are fast, really fast.

Get ready, get set, summer is coming!

Wed, 14 May 2008 11:01:03 PDT

Family friendly summer rides and walks sponsored by Safer Routes to School.

Event Notice: Clinton Street Bike Blvd. Project Open House

Jonathan Maus (Editor) — Wed, 14 May 2008 09:47:51 PDT

Benefit for Hit and Run Victim

Wed, 14 May 2008 10:21:36 +0000

Jessica Osborne was struck by a hit and run driver on Rosa Parks Way where her injuries were so severe she nearly died. Jessica is recovering but now facing over 100,000 in medical fees. A benefit event is being helf for her on May 15th at Liberty Hall, 311 N. Ivy in Portland. The cost is $5 and there will music and fanfare....

From the Cyclists front: Two weeks of flapping..60-odd goslings in the air

Tue, 13 May 2008 22:22:26 PDT

One week ago was the first day I permitted myself to peruse a letter handed me on the last day of a two-week Safer Routes to School Bike Safety Education program at Rigler Elementary. The name alone was enough to tickle my "awww" instinct– "To: Jonathan's Crew." The day I received it I was busy–hastily throwing together [...]

News from Washington County

Tue, 13 May 2008 15:25:44 PDT

The segment is scheduled for tonight, May 13th, on KPTV's 10PM news.

Where Do People Bicycle? The Role of Infrastructure

Tue, 13 May 2008 12:06:34 -0800

Portland State University Center for Transportation Studies Spring 2008 Transportation Seminar Series Speaker: Jennifer Dill, Portland State University Topic: Where Do People Bicycle? The Role of Infrastructure in Determining Bicycling Behavior This seminar will present results from the BikeGPS study...

Portland on the Sundance Channel

Tue, 13 May 2008 19:18:01 +0000

Back in the fall, staff from The Green, a Sundance Channel, came to town to feature Portland as a bike friendly town. Mia Birk, a planner from Alta Planning + Design, played tour guide and showed them all around Portland as she spoke enthusiastically and eloquently about the benefits of cycling. You can watch a web episode short of the program featuring someone moving his household by bike. I got to make a brief guest appearance; I'm the one in the striped sweater. Watch the episode here...

BTA raises $150,000 at Alice Awards event

Jonathan Maus (Editor) — Tue, 13 May 2008 09:20:01 PDT

The Numbers Are In: Alice Auction Reaches Fundraising Goal!

Mon, 12 May 2008 21:37:54 PDT

Generous donations of over 750 Alice guests reaches an all-time record.

Family Bike Commuting Workshop

Mon, 12 May 2008 15:15:16 PDT

The BTA's new "Getting Started in Family Bike Commuting" workshops start tonight at Clever Cycles. Two more this month at locations downtown and in outer SE.

ORbike Member Profile: Heather Andrews

Mon, 12 May 2008 18:44:49 +0000

ORbike member Heather Watson starts her e-mail messages to people with an enthusiastic, "Aloha!" That's because Heather, who is new to Portland, moved here from Hawaii, where she loved participating in organized bike events and triathlons. "The very first time a crossed the finish line in my first triathlon, what an amazing feeling. All that hard work and determination paid off and even though I was in pain it felt sooo good, I wanted to do it all over again."...

Press Release: Bicycling Magazine Names the Best Cities for Cycling

Jonathan Maus (Editor) — Fri, 09 May 2008 15:14:05 PDT

Beautiful Rural Routes

Fri, 09 May 2008 22:03:54 +0000

My life is pretty hectic these days, being a busy event coordinator gearing up for a summer season, and one of my favorite ways to relax is to ride my bike through the countryside, taking in the sights and smells of rural lands. That's why I love Reach the Beach. This spectacular ride is an opportunity to explore some of the most gorgeous areas of Oregon - without really lifting a finger. I mean, you do have to pedal your bike, there is no one to do that for you, but you don't have to worry about choosing a route,...

Open House planned for Clinton Street Bike Blvd. Project

Jonathan Maus (Editor) — Fri, 09 May 2008 14:12:18 PDT

Press Release: Blessing of the Bikes

Jonathan Maus (Editor) — Fri, 09 May 2008 09:22:07 PDT

Volunteer for the Urban Assault Ride

Thu, 08 May 2008 21:13:02 PDT

The Urban Assault Ride is happening for the first time in Portland! Help us make it a successful event by volunteering.

One Milliion Bicycles

Thu, 08 May 2008 18:20:27 +0000

Joe Kurmaski, AKA the Metal Cowboy, is working on a new project called One Million Bicycles. He describes it better than I do, so I thought I'd just include his video here:...

Commissioner Adams on the Sauvie span and PDOT’s budget crisis

Jonathan Maus (Editor) — Thu, 08 May 2008 09:36:53 PDT

Vancouver: Burnt Bridge Creek Trail closed for improvements

Jonathan Maus (Editor) — Wed, 07 May 2008 16:34:16 PDT

IBPI announces workshop on bike and pedestrian design

Jonathan Maus (Editor) — Tue, 06 May 2008 09:31:22 PDT

Most Gigantic ORbike Newsletter

Tue, 06 May 2008 12:19:59 +0000

Did you see that latest newsletter we sent out? It was huge - had to be an ORbike record. I tried, really hard, to cut it down, but man there are tons of great events happening, and it's not even summer yet. We strive to keep our newsletter timely, fun, concise and informative. But on this one, I really couldn't resist mention that Portland went Platinum, or Reach the Beach (coming right up on May 17th) or some cool perks you'll get if you're an ORbike member. I also loved getting to know Heather Watson, the latest person I've interviewed...

Press Release: ODOT now accepting bike/ped grant applications

Jonathan Maus (Editor) — Mon, 05 May 2008 17:24:54 PDT

Rider Profile: The Linssens

Mon, 05 May 2008 01:00:54 +0000

Urban Assault is a bicycle adventure scavenger hunt full of creative elements. The event has been a hit in other cities so the organizers are putting it on in Portland on May 25th. Barbara and Peter Linssen are just a few of the many people who are signing up to compete as a team. Barbara says they own tons of bikes, and they do all sorts of city fair weather riding, like going to the grocery. While they do have two young kids, Urban Adventure is all about these two adults taking a day off from the kids (Barbara considers...

A Personal Trails Invitation from David Bragdon

Fri, 02 May 2008 10:43:43 -0800

Chris, Readers of Portland are certainly invited to attend the start of our blue ribbon committee on trails next Monday, May 5 at 4:00 PM here at 600 NE Grand. Here's a link you can drive your readers to: http://www.oregonmetro.gov/index.cfm/go/by.web/id=27329...

Rider Profile: Unicycle to the Beach!

Thu, 01 May 2008 20:03:16 +0000

It's impressive to ride to the beach in the awesome Reach the Beach ride, but it's even more impressive to get there on a unicycle. Bah! Crazy, no one would do that, you say. Well, in fact several Portland unicyclists are taking the Uni Challenge for this year's event. I ran into Michael (aka MJ Freshy Fresh) at the Pre-ride Party at REI and he admitted he's one of the ambitious unicyclists, so I asked him to tell me more. Is it hard? Does it hurt? Are you insane?...

Coming Up on the KBOO Bike Show: Honoring Fallen Cyclists

Thu, 01 May 2008 00:03:07 -0800

Sara and Tori will talk to Eric Tsai and Sarah Beiers of the Brett Jarolimek Memorial Fund about how we can honor fallen cyclists of the past year and explore what new life and inspiration has grown in their memory....

Fundraising 101 Clinic

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 03:41:40 +0000

If you're riding, or considering riding, Reach the Beach, there is an easy-to-reach $50 fundraising goal. It's a snap - all riders do it. But let's say you want to get the really cool In-Focus home projector entertainment system, one of the fundraising prizes. How do you get to that level of fundraising? Well, first off, let me tell you that is achievable too! Fundraising, at it's most basic, is asking. And when the cause is something as important as clean Oregon air and healthy Oregon lungs, people will feel proud to support your efforts. Jennifer Baldwin, Development Director at...

Portland Awarded Platinum !

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 17:20:33 +0000

This just in from BikePortland.org: "Portland has gone Platinum. The League of American Bicyclists will officially announce later today that Portland has become the first major city in America to be designated as a Platinum-level Bicycle Friendly Community. (The only other city to have reached the Platinum level is Davis, California with a population of 63,000.)" Some have argued that so long as cyclists are still involved in unsafe interactions with cars Portland cannot be designated a Platinum city. Others argue that there is still a lot of work to do a Platinum status will grant the planners a chance...

Calling all bike clubs

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 10:52:18 +0000

Oregon has a wealth of totally awesome bike clubs doing all sorts of neat tricks, and Cirque du Cycling on June 14th will bring them all together for the nation's largest bike pride parade. The parade takes place on Mississippi Avenue in Portland. Cirque du Cycling, a Mississippi bike fair in support of Self Enhancement Inc., features a family ride, the parade and criterium with two-way racing. For more info, to register to race or for the parade, see their website...

Reach the Beach is Hot!

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 03:26:52 +0000

Ridership for the 2008 Reach the Beach is off the hook! What's with all the activity? Well, for one, Reach the Beach is simply an amazing way to experience the beauty of rural Oregon. And forget planning what you'll bring and where you'll eat and how you'll get there on safe roads; Reach the Beach organizers have that all planned out and, in fact, have been offering that service for 18 years. On top of that, Reach the Beach is a fundraiser for the American Lung Association of Oregon so you can feel good about riding and supporting a great...

Portland Steel Bridge Construction

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 20:32:36 +0000

An important update from TriMet. The good news is that it looks like bike traffic will be largely unaffected....

Introducing ORrun!

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 19:09:11 +0000

ORbike would like to welcome the newest member of our family, ORrun.com! ORrun has been a great resource for several years now, but we've just started a running-specific newsletter and blog through ORrun.com. In this newsletter you'll find the same great news you've come to expect from ORbike - except we won't be talking about bikes. We'll cover everything from all the big marathons and triathlons to the plentiful fun runs/walks. We'll even keep you up to date on various training clinics, gear, and workout tips. But if running isn't your thing, we understand - continue to enjoy everything ORbike...

Bike to Your Local Earth Day Celebration!

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 10:36:08 +0000

Earth Day is April 22nd so towns and cities around Oregon are hosting community celebrations all weekend long. It was a gigantic Earth Day celebration in Chicago probably around 1989 that got me first inspired to recycle and later to ride a bike. The best way to get to your local celebration is by bike. Great activities are planned in Salem, Trail, Silverton, Portland and elsewhere. There are too many to mention here, but check with your local environmental organizations or search online. I spoke with John Mitchell with the Eugene celebration as he was running in and out of...

Take the survey on Metro-area bicycing conditions

Wed, 09 Apr 2008 00:00:36 -0800

Whether you bike a little or a lot, in the summer or all year long, BTA wants to hear about your experience. Please take this survey on Portland-area bicycling conditions. Every respondent is automatically entered in a prize drawing for...

Cheesy but Informative

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 00:00:33 -0800

Our good friend and PDOT safety guru Greg Raisman asked us to post a link to PDOT's new video explaining how bike boxes work. [Greg is the informative driver in the video :-) ] See it here: http://media.ci.portland.or.us/onthemovesmooth/onthemovesmooth.html...

Paris Vélib’

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 07:09:21 -0800

Gordon Price has one of the best overviews I've seen of the Paris bikesharing/rental program in his "PriceTags" #101 (PDF, 2.8M). Let's hope for a similar system here very soon. Speaking of bikes, I have a few spaces left ($75...

KBOO Bike Show: Bicycle Evangelism

Fri, 07 Mar 2008 17:17:20 -0800

Listen to the show (mp3, 13.05 MB) With their missionary zeal and promises of a better, fuller life, some of Portland's bicyclists can begin to resemble evangelical Christians with their fervor and their conversion tactics. This month, Tori Bortman...

KBOO Bike Show: Joe Kurmaski, the Metal Cowboy

Wed, 06 Feb 2008 20:34:50 -0800

Listen to the show (mp3, 19.6M) This month on the KBOO Bike show, Joe Kurmaski, aka the Metal Cowboy, aka Adventure Dad, will be on air with his kids to talk about their cross-country bicycle trip as a family....

Coming Up on the KBOO Bike Show: the Metal Cowboy

Thu, 31 Jan 2008 00:00:36 -0800

Author Joe Kurmaski, also known as the Metal Cowboy, and his kids will join us in studio to talk about their experience bike touring across the country as a family. We will also discuss a Camp Creative, a new summer...

KBOO Bike Show: Ring in the New Year

Wed, 02 Jan 2008 21:48:34 -0800

Listen to the show (mp3, 36M) Ring in the new year with the KBOO Bike Show and get the year started on a bikey note. Carl Larson and Ayleen Crotty are hosting a bike music party in the KBOO...

Coming Up on the KBOO Bike Show: Bikey New Year

Mon, 31 Dec 2007 00:00:51 -0800

We celebrate the new year with the Trash Mountain Boys live in the studio. We'll also be asking for your new year bikey resolutions and hopes for a great bike town. 9-10AM, Wednesday, January 2nd KBOO FM 90.7 Streamed live...

KBOO Bike Show: Women for Bikes

Wed, 05 Dec 2007 12:10:49 -0800

Listen to the show (mp3, 22.5M) The KBOO studios just might catch fire with all the powerhouses on air for this month's KBOO Bike Show featuring the Women for Bikes program. Guests include Alison Hill-Graves from the Community Cycling...

Coming Up on the KBOO Bike Show: Women for Bikes

Fri, 30 Nov 2007 00:00:15 -0800

The KBOO studios just might catch fire with all the powerhouses on air for this month's KBOO Bike Show featuring the Women for Bikes program. Guests include Alison Hill-Graves from the Community Cycling Center, Janis McDonald from the City of...

Portland's Cycling History

Tue, 27 Nov 2007 00:00:16 -0800

Portland State University Center for Transportation Studies Fall 2007 Transportation Seminar Series Speaker: Eric Lundgren Topic: The Wheels of Fortune: Weather Prophet Pague, Governor Geer, & Portland's Original Network of Cycle Paths A little over a century ago Portland was...

REMINDER: We Are ALL Traffic

Fri, 16 Nov 2007 09:43:01 -0800

Update: There will be a number of bike rides from sites of fatal crashes to the Saturday rally. I will be leading one from NW 23rd and Quimby where Sara Cogan, a pedestrian crossing NW 23rd, was killed in 2006....