🚨 Please note: BikePortland is currently on hiatus and only publishing guest articles. Learn more here. Thank you. - Jonathan 🙏

Essay: Road rage and the science of happiness

Graphic that accompanied the essay
in Momentum Magazine.
(Illustration by Chris Bentzen)

The always interesting Momentum Magazine (based in Vancouver, BC) has published a timely essay in their July/August issue.

Bike Rage by Charles Montgomery is a provocative look into the psychological, cultural and infrastructural origins of road rage.

Montgomery bases his insights on the research of “road rage guru” Dr. Leon James. James literally wrote the book on the subject and he says that rage on the roads is “quite predictable” due to several factors.

Here’s a snip from Montgomery’s essay,

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Open thread: What’s it like out there?

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Are you smiling or grimacing on the roads these days?
(Photo © J. Maus)

As Portland’s bike-friendly reputation gets dragged through the mud following two high-profile road rage incidents in a week, I would love to get a better sense of what it’s like out on the roads.

I frequently hear about hit-and-runs, near misses, fender-benders, and road rage, and I can’t say that I’ve noticed a big increase lately (although recent headlines would have most people thinking otherwise).

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Kidical Mass

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Kidical Mass Part 2 will be held Friday the 18th. We’ll start from the same location (the playground at the North Park Blocks) and we’ll wind through downtown (staying away from tracks this time) and end up, once again, at Ben & Jerry’s!!! Meet at 6pm for bike decorations, safety reminders and chit chat; we’ll leave at 6:30, arrive at Ben & Jerry’s by 7:15.

In light of recent events and media coverage weI believe it’s very important that we really focus on the fact that all road users are people with loved ones who want them to make it home safely each night. Our kids, especially, need to be protected but also reminded that they are part of a larger community that loves them. We want to show we’re all willing to work together to fill kids’ lives with valuable experiences, and one of those is being on a bike!

We’re feeling particularly compelled to make this ride a fun, safe, visible ride, with the emphasis on fun! We’ll bring some decorating items, but please feel free to bring your own – it’s a decorating pot luck!

Also, we challenge each of you to bring with you one other family. We want to double our ride numbers so we can really get some momentum behind the idea that kids are traffic too!

One final note, we’re planning on holding Kidical Mass in conjunction with Eugene Kidical Mass on the third Friday of each month. Look for more info as we get more organized.

Bike safe, have fun and go give your kids a big fat hug!

Arrest made in new road rage incident

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James F. Millican

A 21 year-old man has been arrested after a road rage altercation in Southeast Portland last night.

A Portland Police Bureau press release says that James F. Millican, who was driving a Ford Escort, chased down 37 year-old Jason Rehnberg after Rehnberg “yelled at Millican to slow down.”

Millican has been arrtested on one count each of Attempted Assault in the Second Degree (felony), DUII, Criminal Mischief in the Third Degree and Reckless Driving (all misdemeanors). He is being held by the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office on $11,000 bail.

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IT Support Specialist (Alta Planning + Design) — FILLED

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Sorry… this position has been filled.

Job Title
IT Support Specialist (Full Time)

Company/Organization
Alta Planning + Design

Job Description
Alta Planning and Design is a 50-person consulting firm with a mission to provide green infrastructure and program solutions that help people live active daily lives. We specialize in bicycle, pedestrian, trail, park, and greenway planning, design, and implementation, in addition to outreach and education programs. For more information, see our website www.altaplanning.com.

SUMMARY
The IT Support Specialist will be based out of our Portland office and provide desktop and network support for the entire company, including 3 remote offices and multiple satellite offices throughout the country.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:
• HelpDesk style support (both local and remote).
• Hardware and software purchase and installation.
• Network/shared storage maintenance.
• Computer and network upgrades.
• Phone system operation and maintenance.
• Troubleshooting and problem solving.
• Serving as a member of the Alta team, providing assistance with miscellaneous projects, creative brainstorming, internal projects and other duties necessary for the success of the organization.

NECESSARY SKILLS:
• Microsoft Windows and Office support
• Adobe Suite, GIS, and AutoCAD support
• Remote desktop support
• PC installation/configuration (single & network)
• Email (Google Apps)/business communication support
• Windows Server configuration (medium level)
• Office networking (computers, servers, peripherals)
• VPN & remote access configuration
• Network/shared storage configuration
• Basic FTP server configuration/maintenance
• Familiarity with Adobe Suite, GIS, CAD licensing & network installation
• File backup & archiving on and off site
• Ability to lift up to fifty pounds

EXPECTATIONS
• Have an upbeat, he lpful, and professional demeanor.
• Demonstrate an excellent work ethic.
• Provide prompt, friendly, and respectful service to clients and co-workers.
• Forward thinking with vision for future.

HOURS and WORKSPACE
• Full time
• Professional workload of 40 hours per week, as well as any additional time necessary to complete your duties.
• 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 pm.
• Flexible hours when necessary (available to work “off” hours and on-call when necessary, nights, weekends)
• Some travel will be required

COMPENSATION and BENEFITS
• $40,000- $50,000 DOE plus excellent benefits, flexible work schedules, and a fun, collaborative work environment with an extremely dedicated and skilled group of planners and designers.

QUALIFICATIONS
• Education or certification in Information Technology or related field.
• Minimum of two years professional experience in IT leadership or supp ort role.
• Working knowledge of all relevant systems, preferably in a professional services company environment.
• Well developed participatory management and administrative skills.
• Well organized with strong analytical and reasoning abilities.

Please send Brie Becker by e-mail or snail mail: resume and 3 references.

This position is open until August 1st. No calls please.

Brie Becker
Alta Planning+Design
1638 NE Davis
Portland, OR 97232
www.altaplanning.com

How to Apply *
Please send Brie Becker by e-mail or snail mail: resume and 3 references.

Brie Becker
Alta Planning+Design
1638 NE Davis
Portland, OR 97232
briebecker@altaplanning.com
www.altaplanning.com

Sales and Service (Bike n Hike) – FILLED

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Sorry. This job has been filled. Job Title
Sales and Service

Company/Organization
Bike n Hike

Job Description
Bike n Hike is seeking friendly, motivated applicants for full-time and part time positions in service and sales at all of our Portland-area locations. Bike n Hike has a team-based working environment centered on customer service, with career potential for individuals who demonstrate commitment to excellence on a daily basis.

Bike n Hike is a locally-owned, nationally recognized top 100 Retailer, and offers a competitive compensation package with benefits, discounts and advancement opportunities.

Passion for great customer service is mandatory for all positions, and applicants with previous bicycle-industry experience and knowledge of current trends and products will receive greater consideration during the hiring process.

Duties for Sales Team Members include initiating and closing sales, merchandising and stocking product, and assisting management in inter-store inventory transfers. Interpersonal communication skill s are of the highest importance for these positions.

Duties for Service Technicians include all forms of repairs and component installation, service writing and occasional assistance to the sales team. Attention to detail, efficiency and the ability to multi-task are among the desired qualifications.

How to Apply
Apply online at Bikenhike.com, or drop off a resume and cover letter at any Portland-area Bike n Hike.

Transportation Options Specialist (PDOT)

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Job Title
Transportation Options Specialist I

Company/Organization
Portland Office of Transportation

Job Description
The Transportation Options Specialist I (TDM I), in the Office of Transportation Options Division, will work on the Safer Routes to School (SR2S) Program which is a community-based encouragement and safety training program to increase the number of school-aged children walking and biking to school safely. Works in Portland Office of Transportation (PDOT) and selected schools with school administrators, faculty, parents, contractors, and students to develop and implement special events, pedestrian and bicycling safety education programs and encouragement activities. Approximate Monthly Salary: $4,059 to $5,179.

How to Apply
To apply via the Internet, go to http://www.ci.portland.or.us/jobs/ Application deadline 4:30 pm, July 28, 2008. The City of Port land is an Equal Opportunity Employer