“I don’t hate bikes”; Rose Quarter petitioner reaches out

Buffered Bike Lane with a bike symbol and arrow pointing forward
bikes and buses

(Photo © J. Maus)

The TriMet bus operator who started a petition hoping to stop a plan to allow bike access through the Rose Quarter Transit Center has just left a comment here on BikePortland.org explaining his views.

Dan Christensen wrote that he loves to bike and that “one of the best times” of his life was a bike tour through Europe with his wife.

In his comment, Christensen also tries to make it clear that his concerns do not come from a hatred of bikes (“I love bikes and what they are bringing to my beloved city”), but that, “before we put bike lanes through Rose Quarter all voices should be heard.”

Read more

New Alberta eatery goes big for bike parking

Buffered Bike Lane with a bike symbol and arrow pointing forward

While riding down NE Alberta Street yesterday I noticed a new cafe with some fantastic bike parking.

The Radio Room has devoted a considerable portion of their property at NE 11th and Alberta to bike parking.
(Photos © J. Maus)

Read more

Milkshake Ride

Buffered Bike Lane with a bike symbol and arrow pointing forward

AWESOME SHAKE2SHAKE

Mio Gelato, NE 15th Ave and Brazee St
12:30pm
What’s better than a milkshake on a hot summer day?! See how we shake it in NENE Portland on a slow, leisurely tour exploring the milkshake emporiums of Beaumont, Roseway and Hollywood: more shake! less ride!

Bring $$ and/or a cup for sharing. No rider left behind (unless you want to stay for more); we will climb the ridge once (sloooowly). Nonlooping ride (but I can take you back to the start).

Drink your milkshake! Drink it up!
Jenny, editrixpdx@hotmail.com

Reminder: Tonight on Alberta; Sprockettes, photos, and more

On tour with the Sprockettes Day 1-31.jpg

See this and other shots from
my road trip with the Sprockettes.
(Photo © J. Maus)

Just a reminder to stop by the Breeze Block Gallery (NE 10th and Alberta) tonight for a special, Sprockette-themed art and photo exhibition.

Tonight will be the opening of my first photo exhibition and I’ll be sharing images from a recent road trip to California when I followed the Sprockettes on their Operation Bike Nation Tour. I’ve selected 22 of my best shots from that week-long trip (and they look much better printed by a professional photo lab than they do on a computer screen!).

Read more

Portland mountain bikers pumped about Sandy River Basin project

PUMP's Forest Park mountain bike tour

(Photos © J. Maus)

A plan to develop close to 15,000 acres of public land for recreational use in and around the Sandy River (“Located in Portland’s backyard”) has local mountain bikers excited for the potential of new trails and riding opportunities close to home.

The Salem District of the Bureau of Land Management is in the process of seeking public input and comments on their Sandy River Basin Plan. Among the issues they want to learn more about are “Potential non-motorized multiple use trail systems for hiking, mountain biking and equestrian use in the Mount Hood Corridor.”

Read more

Old Apple Tree Park Ride

Buffered Bike Lane with a bike symbol and arrow pointing forward

ECT Slow & Easy “Old Apple Tree Park” Ride

Sponsored by the Community Exchange Cycle Touring Club. We leave no
riders behind.

The Old Apple Tree, planted in 1826 in Vancouver, Washington, is
thought to be the oldest apple tree in the northwest. Along the way
we will be taking in bicycle paths along the Columbia Slough, Smith
Lake, the Columbia River, and Fort Vancouver.

This ride is ideal for anybody looking for a ride set at more relaxed
pace and will be routed using streets with bike lanes, bike paths,
and/or minimal automotive traffic. We leave nobody behind!

The ride will end at the Expo Center Transit Center for those wishing
to take the light rail back into town but the ride leader will be
bicycling back to the start point and all riders are welcome to join
in on that return trip if they wish.

When: Saturday, Aug 30, 2008
Time: Assemble 11:00 am, Depart 11:10 am
Start Point: Madison Plaza (underneath east side of Hawthorne Bridge)
End Point: Expo Center Transit Center
Distance: 15 miles
Pace: Easy – pace set at speed of slowest rider
Expected Duration: 3 hours
Forecast: 75 degrees, mostly sunny

Ride Leader and contact information: Severt Lawyer,
wsevert(at)gmail(dot)com, 503-234-7778

ECT is a non-profit organization promoting peace and cultural exchange
through bicycle touring and bike school operation. We are registered
with the State of Oregon and we are applying for our 501(c)3 status
with IRS. Upon receipt of our non-profit status, your donations will
be tax deductible with a retroactive effective date of 3/29/2007 –
our incorporation date.

Your participation, volunteering, and donations are much appreciated.

Our website: www.ExchangeCycleTours.org
Also on YahooGroups: ExchangeCycleTours

Bike-sharing at the DNC exceeds expectations

A Freewheelin’ station in Denver.
(Photo: Freewheelin/Flickr)

A bike-sharing program that started as an employee perk for Lousville, Kentucky-based Humana Corporation has taken the national stage this week.

Humana — a $30 billion a year, 9,000 employee health insurance company — has partnered up with Bikes Belong and a host of bike manufacturers to set up their Freewheelin’ bike-sharing system at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) that wraps up in Denver tonight.

Read more

Nike Store Benefit for the CCC

Buffered Bike Lane with a bike symbol and arrow pointing forward

Shop and drop at the Nike Community Store this weekend

Nike is hosting a bicycle collection this Saturday and will also donate 10% of the day’s sales to the Community Cycling Center.

This weekend clean out your garage and bring your unused bicycles to the Nike Community Store. All bicycles donated will help to support bicycle safety programs for adults and youth.

While you’re there, stock up on some Nike gear: the Community Cycling Center will receive 10% of sales made on Saturday, August 30th!

Where: Nike Community Store on NE MLK Blvd. between Knott and Russell
When: Saturday, August 30th, 10am-3pm
What: Bicycle collection for the Community Cycling Center hosted by Nike