[ more info ]

Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 5:50 PM | Permalink | TrackBack

November 6, 2007

Safety Tips from your Friends at ORbike

Today another biker was struck by a motorists at the exact same intersection where where Brett Jarolimek was killed two weeks ago. We here at ORbike are dedicated to promoting cycling in Oregon, and we want to help keep you safe! The days are shorter - meaning darker and with the recent bike-vehicle accidents in the Portland area, there is even more of a need for smart riding. Here are some of our best tips and advice. What are your recommendations?

LIGHTS
Keep your light on you at all times, just in case you find yourself out riding later than expected. Front and rear lights are a must if you want to be safe, and investing in quality lights is worth it. Make sure your lights have fresh batteries. The few bucks and little bit of time it takes to brighten up your light are well worth it.

RIDE WITH CONFIDENCE + CAUTION
Follow the rules of the road, share the road, ride respectfully and don't assume a motorists will yield to your right of way (when they're making a right turn through your bike lane, for example). Make eye contact, slow down, take the extra time to proceed with caution in potentially-dangerous situations. Just because you're an expert rider doesn't mean you're surrounded by expert drivers.

JUST WAIT
Oh I know, sometimes it's so hard to wait when you want to bust ahead, but relax, take a breath and wait. Allow cars to go ahead, make sure situations are safe, wait, think, then ride like the devil. That extra moment could save your life.

GET OUT THERE
Studies have shown that streets are safer when there are more people on bikes because drivers are more clued in to our presence, they start to look for us and watch out for us. So keep riding your bike, encourage your friends to ride, and get ready for an awesome winter of riding.

YOUR TIPS
Comment below and share your tips and advice for safe riding.

Comments (12) | Posted by orbike at 7:38 PM | Permalink | TrackBack

August 8, 2007

Chicago - Here I Come!

I'm about to head to Chicago for a wedding and I'm excited to spend some time in the city, observing all their bike advances. I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago and spent a lot of time in the city, but it was never much of a bike town.

For years, Mayor Daley, in office since 1989 and a bike commuter, has been encouraging Chicagoans to bike on the many miles of bike path he has funded. It's all part of Daley's goal to turn Chicago into the greenest city by 2008 (that's coming right up, and I'm not sure how close they are - they've had a steep hill to climb).

For the longest time I didn't notice a change. Sure, along the waterfront, like any busy city, people rode bikes, walked and enjoyed the view. But beyond that recreational area, cyclists were few and far between. And then, that last time I spent an extended time there I saw it: the indication of a solid, developed cycling scene.

While waiting for a light to change, a bike commuter rolled up next to me wearing street clothes... but also wearing cleats. To me, that's when you know a city has it's cycling rhythm down. You don't necessarily want to suit up to ride, but you can't resist the increased efficiency of cleats. You know how to easily get around by bike, but you know how to do it without Lycra (don't get me wrong, Lycra has a time and a place).

So I'm looking forward to heading back and seeing new advances. I just wish I could convince all my Chicago friends to get out of their cars and onto their bikes. We could cruise all over the city together. My five-year-old nephew Collin just got a bike for his birthday. Maybe he and I will go for a ride.

Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 9:24 AM | Permalink | TrackBack

July 13, 2007

I-bike-205

Tonight in Portland is the big I-bike-205 festival. They're showing off the new route that bikers can safely take during construction along that corridor. There is a nice short ride followed by festivities and food. Sounds like it will be a lot of fun and there are plenty of good bike groups that will be there with info, including Team ORbike! Look for Helen and Mary out there and say hello!

[ more info ]

Comments (1) | Posted by orbike at 2:00 PM | Permalink | TrackBack

July 9, 2007

Another Vancouver Pile-Up

Yesterday I witnessed yet another pile-up of bikes on Vancouver Ave. in Portland. It started with most of us leaving the city via the Broadway Bridge. It quickly became evident we were all making the same left turn onto Vancouver. While waiting at that light, we picked up a few more riders. By the time we heading up Broadway, there were 15 of us, jostling for position as the light changed, speedies in front, conversationalists in back, mid-range riders in the center. It didn't take long for us all to spread out, but it was nice to have, on this popular bike route, a moment of a random big group of us all riding together.

Comments (7) | Posted by orbike at 1:57 PM | Permalink | TrackBack

June 12, 2007

Forums to Gather Bike Plan Data

The City of Portland's Office of Transportation wants feedback residents to help shape the city's Bicycle Master Plan. There will be three public forums this month. The first was last Tuesday. The next two are from 5-8 pm on June 12 at 1120 SE 5th, Room C and June 14, at 5210 N. Kerby in the Jefferson High cafeteria.

Portland is knows as one of the nation's most bike friendly cities. Portland has earned Gold Status from the League of American Bicyclists and numerous awards from Bicycling Magazine. Portland is hoping to acheive the League's Platinum Status through input from citizens. Platinum Status will assist the city in gaining respect nationwide, provide leverage to continue funding for successful bike programs and overall it is a rewarding acheivement for decades of hard work.

Comments (2) | Posted by orbike at 10:24 AM | Permalink | TrackBack

April 30, 2007

Tour of North Portland

City of Portland bike coordinator Roger Geller says, "Ladies and Gentlemen, start your pedals." He wants you to hop on your bike and head out on a tour of North Portland on May 1. The two ride options are 11 or 15 miles. Here's the full message:

The 4th Bicycle Master Plan ride will focus on North Portland with a swing through the Park Blocks to get a bit of the Amsterdam feel. Be at Terry Schrunk Plaza at 5:15 sharp as we'll get underway as close to 5:30 as possible. BRING FOOD!! This ride will likely finish outdoors at one of two North Portland Parks so bring dinner!!

For more info, contact Roger. (503) 823-7671, roger.geller@pdxtrans.org

Comments (1) | Posted by orbike at 8:25 AM | Permalink | TrackBack

March 28, 2007

Turn NW Portland Into Amsterdam

Portland Office of Transportation is leading monthly Bikeway Network Rides. the first one is April 3rd. It's a 10-mile ride that will visit sharrows (arrows on the road indicating shared use by cars and bikes), bike boulevards and six-foot bike lanes (most are much narrower). Meet at Terry Shrunk Plaza, SW 3rd and Main, at 5:15 pm. Here's the invitation from Bicycle Coordinator Roger Geller:

The Days are Longer
The Nights are Shorter
Come for a Ride!

What we really want to know is: how well does the existing system work for you? How can we improve? What would it take to get more people riding?

Following the ride feel free to participate in a discussion about these topics at the Roge Ale Public House at 1339 NW Flanders. Added Bonus: If we have enough participants, we can turn NW Portland into Amsterdam for an hour or so.

For more information:
email: roger.geller@pdxtrans.org

web: http://www.portlandonline.com/transportation/index.cfm?c=34772

Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 8:35 AM | Permalink | TrackBack

March 23, 2007

Weekly Rides in Salem

Salem Bicycle Club hosts weekly rides. These group rides are a great way to get out and meet other riders in the area along some excellent routes. Check out their website for listings. The March schedule is currently up.

Comments (1) | Posted by orbike at 9:23 AM | Permalink | TrackBack

March 20, 2007

River City Crowns Bike Commuter of the Year

A while ago I mentioned that River City Bicycles in Portland was holding a contest seeking nominations of stellar bike commuters for their Bike Commuter of the Year contest. The results are out. They planned to crown just one person, but they got so many, and such creative, nominations that they couldn't resist choosing three. BikePortland.org has a great recap.

[ read the recap ]

Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 9:36 AM | Permalink | TrackBack

March 13, 2007

Thank You, TriMet

I'd like to send my most sincere thanks out to the operator of the #4 going up Williams Street in Portland today around 5pm. I think you were driving bus #2232. As I've mentioned before, Williams can be a bit of a cyclists' super highway and this evening was no exception. Perhaps in a bus operator's ideal world we'd all be going the same pace and we'd stay in a group, but of course we were naturally spread out.

But you, dear operator, you drove steady, slowly, cautiously. You watched us as we watched you. Cars, pedestrians and us - the street was crowded. I really appreciate your calm patience as you drove what really is only a handful of blocks. Other operators may have taken a more rash approach and tried to speed through the madness, but you took is with grace.

On behalf of all of us who were out there this evening, I thank you!

Comments (5) | Posted by orbike at 6:16 PM | Permalink | TrackBack

March 5, 2007

Students who Bike to School

There is an article in today's Oregonian about an inspirational group of kids who bike to school every morning. They are students at Cleveland High. Keegan Heron, one of the organizers, says "Our culture is all about getting from one destination to the other. We have stopped enjoying the journey. Biking slows us down a bit."


[ Read the article ]

Comments (14) | Posted by orbike at 8:42 AM | Permalink | TrackBack

February 26, 2007

Advanced Bike Parking

The steadily-rising price of oil, and, in some places like London, a congestion charge for cars entering the city center mean more and more people are traveling by bike. As we know, it's cheap, quick and relatively healthy, but bike parking isn't always as ample or adequate as we'd like. Oh, that utility pole support, sure I could lock to that. Gas meter, not a good idea, but why not there's nothing else around. And don't even get me started on having to leave your bike widely exposed to the elements. So with that in mind, James Steward and Natalie Connell are deserving winners of this year's UK's Young Entrepreneurs Of The Year Award for their Cyclepod.

One fan of the cyclopod had this to say, "An intelligent, space-saving design, the pods vertically store eight bicycles within a two-meter diameter, which is half the room needed by traditional storage units, according to the makers. The design also lets cyclists lock both the bike's frame and front wheel so they can't be stolen, and the umbrella will at least keep the rain off when you're not riding. There's no faulting the modernist design either, which is already cropping up in certain parts of London, and at the headquarters of multinationals like Pepsi. "

Comments (2) | Posted by orbike at 7:48 AM | Permalink | TrackBack

February 15, 2007

Free Treats for Cyclists

The idea behind Transportation Management Associations (TMA) is to give a specific area the ability to plan relevant transportation projects, manage funds and encourage alternative forms of transportation that will free up congestion. According to Portland's bike coordinator Roger Geller, the Lloyd District TMA (LDTMA) and Swan Island TMA are the two shining examples of how a TMA can make big change happen.

The LDTMA promotes alternative transportation in their business commuter-heavy district. They've had great results. On the next two Fridays, they're saying thanks to cyclists for "reducing congestion, contributing to better air quality, reducing dependence on oil, taking care of your health, and setting a great example to all citizens" by offering free drinks and treats from J. Cafe.

Here's the info from Program Manager Moira Green:


What: Ride your bike to work on 2/16 or 2/23 to get a free beverage and
treat at J Cafe.
Where: 533 NE Holladay Street.
When: Between 7-10 AM. If you can't participate during that time, bring your bike helmet in any time that day to get your just desserts.
How: Ride up, sign in, and choose your complimentary beverage and treat. Among your choices: Cacao drinking chocolate -- a chocolate experience to die for.
Why: This program is brought to you by the Lloyd TMA Bike Committee -- Our way of saying "THANKS" for reducing congestion, contributing to better air quality, reducing dependence on oil, taking care of your health, and setting a great example to all citizens.

Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 7:17 AM | Permalink | TrackBack

January 26, 2007

Rush Hour, Williams Style

My favorite way to head home from the downtown Portland is to take the Broadway. From Weidler, I turn into the small driveway of what used to be the Ramada to trigger the "Roger Geller" signal, a special bike-sensitive signal that will activate the stoplight at Williams and Weidler. This maneuver is easier than trying to get across three busy lanes of traffic for a left-hand turn. It's casually called the Roger Geller signal because the man himself uses that route and came up with the signal. Roger is the city of Portland's long-standing Bicycle Coordinator and a pioneer of much of Portland's innovative bicycle infrastructure.

On Tuesday I most definitely wasn't alone in this little maneuver: there were eight of us. We all hit Williams, then I watched the peloton form and the commuters jostle for a comfortable position in the line. The racer guy immediately got right out into the car lane and whizzed past us all. He was soon invisible. I hung back to watch the action. Two people knew each other and were having a hard time continuing their conversation so they turned off onto a side street. The rest of us trucked north-bound, a tight pack of bikers - visible and making great use of the bike lane.

Comments (3) | Posted by orbike at 7:56 AM | Permalink | TrackBack

January 17, 2007

Pictures of a Snowy Day

What do you do on a snow day? Well, if you're as lucky as me, your boss gives you the day off because he understands that we should appreciate such a rare Oregon moment. And we here at Team ORbike love to enjoy life! That's why we live to ride, ride to live, and strive to promote biking in Oregon. So once noon hit and we were encouraged to drop our projects and play in the snow, I headed out into the winter wonderland with my friends Dan and Nikola.

I tried biking but didn't get far. I'm giving it another go today. I did, however, see my regular yellow-clad neighborhood commuter, as well as plenty of other brave souls on bikes. I saw a few guys just riding around the park, and several carrying sleds on their backs. Later in the night I ran into a group of friends. Two were on a tandem (double the stability, or double the slippage?) and one had switched out her commuter bike in favor of the knobby mt. bike.

Too bad this weather couldn't wait until February 11 to arrive.

Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 10:05 AM | Permalink | TrackBack

January 11, 2007

Bike Commuter of the Year

River City Bicycles just sent out an announcement that they are looking for the Bike Commuter of the Year. You can nominate yourself or someone you know. Here's more info:

You can nominate yourself or someone you know based on whatever you deem worthy to win: consistency, mileage, politeness, style, attitude, usage (or non) of brakes and helmets... whatever you want.

We'll accept nominations written, emailed, drawn as a picture, videoed hand signed, tattooed, in song, etc.

The winner will receive a $500 gift certificate to RCB, and best of all, they get our ad spot in the Willamette Weekly for one week. We will run whatever message they want to say to the world in our ad space.

Bring in your nomination to River City Bicycles anytime between now an March 1st. The winner will be drawn from a pool of worthy candidates during the first day of our annual Anniversary Sale on March 2nd.

Submit your nominations to:

River City Bicycles
706 SE MLK BLVD.
Portland, Oregon 97214
(503) 233-5973 (503) 233-6862 fax
promotions@rivercitybicycles.com

Questions? Contact me, or Dave Guettler at:

Jason D. Bietz
Events & Promotions Mgr.
River City Bicycles
503-233-5973
jasonb@rivercitybicycles.com
daveg@rivercitybicycles.com

Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 10:50 AM | Permalink | TrackBack

November 30, 2006

ByCycle.org Fundraiser Apparel

ByCycle.org, the folks behind the awesome trip-planner tool for cyclists, has started selling apparel to help raise funds in support of their project. These folks are doing something revolutioary. Check out the great designs they have to offer, available on shirts, sweatshirts and dresses from American Apparel.

Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 7:44 AM | Permalink | TrackBack

November 29, 2006

Gordon Price Talk

Gordon Price, a land-use and tansportation speaker from Vancouver, BC, will be in Portland tonight. I've seen him speak before and he's quite interesting. The event is free.

THE ANNOUNCEMENT FROM TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS:
The City of Portland Office of Transportation and Portland State University welcome Gordon Price. Mr. Price is Director of the City Program at Simon Fraser University, a former five-term Vancouver, BC City Councilor and an entertaining speaker on land use and transportation.

He will speak on Wednesday, November 29, from 6:40 - 8:40 p.m. at the Portland Building Auditorium, 2nd floor, 1120 SW 5th Avenue, Portland. Attendance is free, but arrive early, as his presentation is popular. For more information call Peter Hurley, City of Portland Transportation Options, at 503.823.5345.

Comments (1) | Posted by orbike at 6:51 AM | Permalink | TrackBack

November 14, 2006

Weekly Riding

I've heard from a lot of people that they're interested in weekly riding, putting in more miles than they do commuting, but they don't want to do it alone. If you're one of those folks, you're in luck. All across Oregon, there is no shortage of weekly rides to choose from.

We've started adding these rides to the ORbike calendar (if you're a ride host, you should add it to the calendar). Over the next few months, expect to see our calendar expand to include as many of theses regular, free rides as we can get our hands on.

HOW TO JOIN IN:

* Plan ahead. Give yourself a couple days to contact the ride organizer. Ask any questions you have and check to make sure the ride is happening (especially at this time of year with fickle weather and the holidays).

* Check the distance and style of rides to find one that fits what you're looking for.

* Bring all of your own supplies. On most of these group rides, you're on your own as far as water, snacks and roadside repair (though chances are good there'll be a handy biker on your team to help fix a flat).

* Some rides end at a bakery, coffee shop, lunch stop or bar. Bring your wallet and get to know your riding companions!

* If you find the ride's not for you, check out some of the other rides. And, if you don't see a ride that suits your riding style or schedule, consider organizing your own. Put it on the ORbike calendar and spread the word.


[ view the calendar ]

Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 10:46 AM | Permalink | TrackBack

October 31, 2006

New Yorkers Want Ideas From Portland

StreetsBlog is a daily source for news and information about New York City’s burgeoning livable streets movement. The blog is coordinated by the NYC Streets Renaissance organization. Clarence Eckerson, one of the coordinators, reports that the site will be a featured Portland video short every day for the next week. He also has this to say:

"We want to get a dialogue started, esp. from folks in Portland who'd like to inspire New Yorkers about what else is good/not so good, so PLEASE leave a comment if you so desire."

[ check out the site ]

Comments (1) | Posted by orbike at 4:59 PM | Permalink | TrackBack

October 27, 2006

Ride to Sauvie Island

This weekend is a great time to go to Sauvie Island. Sure, it crowded, but it's just such THE time of year to be out there. You can visit the corn maizes (there are two) and gather pumpkins and decorative gourds. The Pumpkin Patch market is only open until October 31st, so this is your last weekend to visit the old-timey place and pick up some cider or jam (or apples, or Asian pears or...). That's also where my preferred corn maize is.

BUT DON'T DRIVE! I drove out there last year two weeks before Halloween and spent a half hour in traffic trying to get off the island. I heard that this weekend it could take over an hour. As a former car commuter on Chicago expressways, I know all about long traffic delays, and I vowed to never go back to that lifestyle. It's really easy to ride to Sauvie Island and the route is not bad. My favorite route is to take Willamette Blvd. into St. John's and cross the St. John's bridge. Take a right at the end of the bridge and a left onto St. Helen's. St. Helen's is a very busy road, but there is a generous shoulder and you're sure to see a ton of other bikers out there.

Oh, but you've got heavy pumpkins? Not a problem. Bring a trailer. Or do as Joseph Aherane, of Ahearne Cycles, did last year (see photo) and strap the pumpkin to your rack.

Comments (1) | Posted by orbike at 10:01 AM | Permalink | TrackBack

October 20, 2006

Work Closes Esplanade on Saturday

Thanks to Roger Geller, City of Portland's Bicycle Coordinator, for sending out this message he received from Diane Hinton of the big pipe project.

Environmental Services' contractor will close the Esplanade between OSMI and south to the Portland Opera Building, this Saturday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., October 21. The closure will allow the continued construction of the foundation for the conveyor to carry tunnel excavated material. Concrete pumping equipment will be used to pour the concrete and will cross the trail.

Pedestrian and bicycle traffic will be detoured through OMSI's south parking lot, through the construction site using the west side traffic lane (old Water Avenue), and out to Caruthers Street. Flaggers will be available to assist in this effort.

The conveyor system will be used to move excavated material from the tunnel to a barge on the river. The conveyor system will be built prior to the start of tunneling activity that is scheduled for May 2007. Please contact me if you have any questions.

Diana Hinton
Community Relations
Willamette River CSO Tunnel Projects
Environmental Services
503-823-2827
dianah@bes.ci.portland.or.us
CleanRiverWorks.com

Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 12:26 PM | Permalink | TrackBack

August 4, 2006

BTA Survey

A current BTA survey is trying to gather inforamtion from riders of all skill level and they hope to use the data to improve cycling in Portland. You can complete the survey here.

Comments (1) | Posted by orbike at 10:20 AM | Permalink | TrackBack

July 6, 2006

Portland Low Car Diet

[ from OPB ]

Today 25 Portlanders surrendered their car keys at a ceremony at Pioneer Square to begin what organizers are calling a "Low Car Diet." For the next month the volunteers will depend on bicycles, TriMet, the shared car service Flexcar, and their own two feet to get around town.

Mayor Tom Potter says with light rail, buses and bicycle lanes, Portland is the perfect place for a "no car" experiment.

"Today we are introducing 25 people whose job is to help us all see the future a little bit more clearly," Potter says, "They're going to go cold turkey for a full month on a low car diet."

The Hanson-Gilbert family includes 2 young children, a 4 -year-old and a 14-month-old gnawing on a donut in his mother's arms. Although it may seem like an extra burden to have no car and two kids, she says she's doing it for her kids.

"Because as our family expands we'd like to continue to be a little bit lighter on the world and save a little money," Gilbert explains, "It's getting a little tougher to afford gas and insurance."

[ Read the whole story ] - [ Listen ]

Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 4:37 PM | Permalink | TrackBack

June 15, 2006

Reminder: Bike Summit

Hey don't forget that the Portland Bike Summit is Saturday. Portland Department of Transportation, in conjunction with the Go Platinum! Project, has put together a morning of workshops and information in hopes of inspiring the cyclists of Portland. They want you to attend and gain a renewed enthusiasm for what a great bike city this is and the visionary improvements we can work towards.

The event is free and lunch is included. Topics throughout the summit will range from off road riding and messengers to business and bike parking issues. I'll be presenting at 11:15 with Timo Foresberg on how to organize grassroots bike events. I'll also be speaking during the summary closure, talking about Portland's creative bike culture and how it contributes to a strong, healthy, mature bike city. Go Portland!

[ read more | event details ]

Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 8:18 PM | Permalink | TrackBack

June 8, 2006

Pedalpalooza Starts Today!

The festival of 170 bike events in 17 days kicks off today! Sure, maybe you're not into the goofy costumery of bike parades (tonight, 6:30 pm, Jamison Square), but don't be turned off - there's something for everyone! Events are hosted by Portland and Vancouver's community of very diverse cyclists and the calendar reflects it. Oh, and it gets better: nearly all the events are free!

Check out the calendar for the full listings and dive on it. It's beautiful outside, get out on your bike and check out the scene.

Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 10:33 AM | Permalink | TrackBack

June 5, 2006

Improving Cycling in Vancouver

The City of Vancouver wants your input on how to improve bicycling there. Completed surveys will be entered into a drawing to win one of several cool prizes including a League of American Bicyclists messenger bag by Chrome, a Bikestation t-shirt and hat, Flexcar commuter cup and shirt, and a Shimano commuter cup.

They've put together this online survey. Check it out and speak your mind!

Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 9:55 AM | Permalink | TrackBack

May 31, 2006

Construction Alert

Bob Cynkar from the City of Portland just sent out road closure information related to the Tanner Creek Sewer Project along Sunset Highway that may affect some of your riding routes. The schedule listed here goes through June 12.

Tanner Creek Sewer Project - Sunset Highway
Construction Schedule Tuesday, May 30 to Monday, June 12

Released Tuesday, May 30
Work will continue in three areas this week and next:
* In the PGE Park - Canyon Road exit ramp and tunnel, crews will
finish laying pipe through the tunnel and in a short stretch of the ramp
above the tunnel. Work will be done in this area 24 hours a day, all days.
Once pipelaying is complete, work will start to restore the roadway in
preparation for re-opening to traffic. The ramp and tunnel are tentatively
scheduled to re-open to public traffic the week of June 19.

* In the canyon area that is off-road and adjacent to the PGE Park exit
ramp, work will continue to lay the new stormwater pipe. Work hours here are
7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

* In the Jefferson Court area that is off-road and below the PGE Park-Canyon
Road exit tunnel, no work is scheduled the week of June 5. Pipe-work and
grading for construction of a stormwater treatment swale in this area is
scheduled June 5 - 13.

* Work along the shoulder of the Sunset Highway at the upper end of the
project is tentatively scheduled to start around mid-June. This
highway-shoulder area starts near where the eastbound zoo on-ramp merges
with the highway and continues downhill almost 2000 feet. Schedule and
traffic control details will be publicized as soon as they are available.

More background about the project is online at portlandonline.com/bes.
Contact Bob Cynkar if you have questions or concerns: robertcy@bes.ci.portland.or.us, 503-823-7898

Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 9:31 AM | Permalink | TrackBack

May 25, 2006

TriMet Bike E-Mail List

Recently an OBRA list member was told he couldn't have his bike on the MAX because it was a peak time. That's not a TriMet policy and the rider shouldn't have been booted off.

TriMet wants to help avoid these situations and make sure transit is accessible for bikes. They are now offering a new Bikes on TriMet email update service to help people stay informed about using their bikes with TriMet. They even have some new bike parking options like attended bike parking during the Rose Festival, for those days when really, truly, it's too crowded on the train.

Learn more at the TriMet website.

Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 9:12 AM | Permalink | TrackBack

May 18, 2006

Accidents: Who is to Blame?

KATU wants to hear from you: in a bike-car accident, who is usually to blame?
Click here to weigh in.

Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 12:17 PM | Permalink | TrackBack

May 3, 2006

Reserve Some Time: Portland Bike Summit

Bicycling Magazine calls Portland the number one bicycling city in all of North America. The League of American Bicyclists rates Portland "Gold" along with four other U.S. cities. The next level is platinum and no large city has gotten there yet. Commissioner Sam Adams and the bicycling community want to Go Platinum! and they want your help.

On Saturday, June 17 from 8:30 to 1:30 pm, you are invited to join neighborhood and bicycling advocates at the Portland Bike Summit at PSU's Smith Hall. It's an opportunity to learn how we got to be the best in the U.S. and find out about all the exciting and fun ways you can get involved to make Portland a world-class bicycling city.

Workshop topics include:
- Portland's I Share the Road campaign
- Innovations in Bikeways Here and Abroad
- Who Put the Fun in Bike Fun? From Breakfast on the Bridges to Pedalpalooza
- New Laws for Bikes - What Strategies are on the Horizon
- Why Do People Not Ride - Really (or How to Get My Next Door Neighbor/Co-worker/Friend on a Bike)

FREE and lunch is included.

Should you attend? PDOT is encouraging attendance from anyone who bikes, likes bikes, wants to bike, owns a bike, etc.

[ More info ]

Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 1:25 PM | Permalink | TrackBack

April 27, 2006

This is so Cool - Find your Route

I've been following the progress of the Bicycle Trip Planner created by byCycle.org and was particularly impressed when I entered a start/finish in an odd area and it gave me a great route. Then things got better. ByCycle teamed up with Metro for additional support and now Jonathan Maus has incorporated a shorcut into his blog BikePortland.org! It's so easy to type in your start/finish and get a sensible bike route. Great idea, Jonathan. This is so cool!

The folks behind the project say , "The byCycle Trip Planner is a free online tool to help both new and seasoned cyclists plan safe trips through the city. The Trip Planner is currently available for the Portland, OR, and Milwaukee, WI, metro regions. We are working on integrating other regions, and have a long term goal for the system to be able to route between cities." Good work!

Comments (3) | Posted by orbike at 8:14 AM | Permalink | TrackBack

March 26, 2006

Hot Spot for Theft - 24 Hr. Fitness

BIke theft is nothing new in Portland. Several years ago when social services were severely cut, the number of stolen bike rose substantially. I was working at the Community Cycling Center at the time and our shop manager said that every day someone told him about a bike theft. I spoke with someone in social services to see what she thought was going on. She didn't ride a bike but she had heard about the rise in bike thefts. She said that a lot of the people who had relied on the now-defunct social services were off their medications and freaking out. In addition, people who had previously had food assistance were hungry and hunger is a desperate state that can cause people to do things they would have never considered doing before.

When the government decides to cut social services to save money, what money are they saving? They don't realize what an impact this has on the rest of society. Bike theft is just one example.

Bike theft in Portland these days doesn't seem to be quite as bad (or maybe I've just gotten used to it - could it be?), but it is still a major issue for cyclists. I saw this recent post on the Shift e-mail list:

"My bike (2005 Red Line Conquest) was stolen from the 24 hr Fitness in the Pearl back in February. I recently checked out the stolen bike list at BikePortland.org and noticed that, in addition to my bike, 2 others had bikes stolen from the exact same location within the last month. Now, just yesterday, another was listed on the OBRA listserve, making at least four in just one month. And these are just the ones that are listed on these sites! How many more have been (or are about to become) victims at 24-hour Fitness in the Pearl?"

BikePortland.org features a bike theft list and is expanding to make a version that shops can post to help their employees be on the lookout.

Comments (1) | Posted by orbike at 12:44 PM | Permalink | TrackBack

March 25, 2006

I Wish I had a Picture

The bridge that takes NE 33rd across Lombard, Columbia and, most notably, the railroad tracks, is down. The old bridge had weight limitations that weren't adequate for the traffic that needs to regularly cross it. I was there the day they really started to have a go at it, then again just yesterday when it was completely gone. I've spent a lot of time crossing and going under that bridge, and its absence is a pretty amazing sight.

So, bikers, alternate routes are in order if you're planning a ride out to Marine Drive. Depending on where you are coming from, your best bet is probably 47th, which has a stoplight (and you could stop at the Columbia Broil which has good down-home breakfast). Also, I just noticed a map of the alternate route over on BikePortland.org that PDOT put together for cyclists.

Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 6:32 PM | Permalink | TrackBack

March 14, 2006

Q: Will a Tacoed Wheel Fit on the Bus Rack?

A: Yes.

I wrecked my bike today, but it could have been worse. As usual, the fall was my fault. I never have the luxury of blaming someone else for my accidents. Fortunately I've never been too injured and this was actually the first time a car was involved. All in all, it wasn't so bad. I still don't know what happened, but all of a sudden there was a mini van in front of me and I was inches from the rear - no time to stop. Someone on the right was pulling out of a parking spot, so I'm guessing that the mini van stopped for that. Admittedly, I wasn't watching the road. It had just started raining and I was looking up at the rain clouds and riding really fast down Vancouver.

I was thrown between two sationary cars with just barely enough room for me and my bike to land sideways. It could have been a lot worse. My head hit the pavement hard but I didn't feel a thing (go helmet!) and I landed on my side enough to bend my glasses and mess up my arm a little.

My front wheel was tacoed, but it was worn away and needed to be replaced anyway. Tomorrow I was planning on going to check out Revolver, the newer shop on Interstate. Instead I went today.

I just really can't get over how fortunte I feel about the whole situation. The guy I hit was very nice. We spoke to each other in Spanish and he wasn't concerned about his car. There were bystanders who made sure I was okay. I ran into fellow bike enthusiast/blogger Jonathan Maus while waiting for the bus and he made sure I was okay. The bus got me right near the shop and it was free because the fare box was broken. My fork was fine. I walked home from the shop - 1.5 miles - and it was sunny the whole way.

Comments (3) | Posted by orbike at 3:17 PM | Permalink | TrackBack

March 8, 2006

Reach the Beach

I was talking to someone recently and when I mentioned that I help organize Reach the Beach he said, "Oh, good ole Reach the Beach. I love it. I ride it every year." He's not the only one. In fact, we're expecting 2,000 riders to join us this year.

There are five different routes with different lengths, including a mountain bike course and all routes lead to a gigantic beach party in Pacific City. The party features music, an opportunity to sink your toes in the sand, beer for sale at the award-winning Pelican Pub and free prizes. With breakfast, two lunches, many rest stops and dinner at the finish line, you'll be well taken care of on this ride.

Reach the Beach is a fundraiser for the American Lung Association of Oregon. In addition to having a great time on the ride, you can feel good knowing you are promoting cleaner air and lung health in Oregon.

Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 11:02 AM | Permalink | TrackBack

January 26, 2006

TriMet on the KBOO Bike Show

Have you heard about the cyclist who blocked a TriMet bus and was punched by a rider who was let off the bus? Probably you have because it was front page news in the Oregonian. Well, the issue has really blown up. People have all sorts of opinions on the incident, but now they are also having heated discussions about the behaviors of TriMet operators. Even the folks of Breakfast on the Bridge are getting involved to give doughnuts to bus drivers as a thank you for sharing the road. Jonathan Maus's blog BikePortland.org has about 160 posts on all the TriMet artic