17 October 2008 Archives

The bike box lifestyle

The bike box; a symbol of a family
un-friendly lifestyle?
(Photo © J. Maus)

In a stack of old notes on my desk, I came across a passage from an Oregonian article published a few months ago that I’ve been wanting to share.

The story, Our diversity myth: Portlanders live in a like-minded bubble, making it easier to get things done but harder for dissenting voices to be heard, is about how Americans are increasingly choosing to live in communities that reflect their existing lifestyles and values.

Buffered Bike Lane with a bike symbol and arrow pointing forward

A Starbucks employees stands in front of the display.
(Photo: Brian Borrello)

BikeTiresDirect.com’s new location.
(Photo: Mark Blackwelder)

After a fire back in August completely gutted the Northeast Portland headquarters of BikeTiresDirect.com, Velotech Inc. is getting back on its feet.

Velotech (which also runs WesternBikeworks.com) has leased a new, 20,000 square foot warehouse, office and retail space and they’ve planned a grand opening party for October 30th.

Cover of Portland’s
Community Case Statement.
(Download PDF here)

As part of their 2010 Campaign for Active Transportation (which launches Monday), the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy has helped cities across the country develop “Community Case Statements”.

These case statements will be used to garner media attention for the campaign, but more importantly as tools to lobby Congress for increased federal funding in “active transportation” (biking and walking).

Commissioner Adams at the
opening ceremony yesterday.
(Photo � J. Maus)

In a blog post published yesterday, City Commissioner and Mayor-elect Sam Adams wrote that with each new innovation the city rolls out for bicyclists, “our bicycle community assumes more responsibility as well”.

“As we make continued investments in our street system to accommodate bikes, it is imperative that our bike community respond with responsible behavior. No excuses.”

Adams added that,

“with strong support of the BTA,” he has asked the Portland Police Bureau to “adopt a no discretion/zero-tolerance policy for red light running (applicable to all modes) through the Rose Quarter Transit Center”

Jim Anderson, the man behind the Monday Night Racing series and a successful series of women’s clinics, has launched a new business — BikeSmart Portland.

Partnering with Anderson is Russell Cree. Cree launched a cycling performance center in downtown Portland last month called Upper Echelon Fitness.

Below are two great opportunities listed on the BikePortland Job Listings this past week.

See below for more information:

Warehouse Manager — Castelli USA
Mechanic P/T — Custom Bicycles of Portland

The bike box lifestyle

Bryant Street Bridge designs on display at Starbucks

From the ashes: BikeTiresDirect.com to open in new location

Portland and the region join to make the case for millions in federal funding

Adams calls for “newfound maturity” in bike community

‘BikeSmart Portland’ will teach cycling skills

Jobs of the Week

Latest Headlines

Reminder: No riding through River View Cemetery during Memorial Day Weekend

Guest Article: Demand a pause on PBOT’s SW Alder decision

Guest Opinion: The bike beat lives on in all of us

Our 20th Anniversary Party is this Wednesday

From the Archives

The 10 busiest bicycling spots in Portland