Dark paths require caution.
(Photo © J. Maus)

This edition of Ask BikePortland comes from reader J. Long. Mr. Long emailed us after he was involved in a collision with someone who was jogging while riding his bike on the Springwater Corridor at night.

"Hey Jonathan, Two nights ago I was riding my bike home on the Springwater [Corridor] between OMSI and Oaks Park.

I hit a female jogger and we both went down hard. As a cyclist I am always worried that somebody may have been hurt; but as I was laying on the ground she just got up and jogged away while I was a little dazed and trying to get untangled from my bike.

Are there rules for joggers to have reflectors or lights as there are for cyclist's on multi-use paths?"

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Back-up during Hawthorne Bridge lift.
(Photo © J. Maus)

Anyone who has ridden a bike in Portland for long has experienced bridge lifts. When they happen, it's common for a long line of people on bikes to queue up.

Reader Rick T. wonders about the proper etiquette for waiting in the line. Check out his question below and then share your thoughts... (more...)

Being seen doesn't have to
cause temporary blindness.
(Photos © J. Maus)

Today's question comes from reader Chris M. Chris wonders if there's such a thing as a front bike light that's just too bright..

"I've been blinded on my morning commute a few times too many. This afternoon while riding north from Sellwood on the Springwater, I was blinded by a dual strobe light on a bike coming towards me.

It seems that some folks have lights that can literally be seen from a mile away and become blinding within a block when I'm riding against them. It's difficult for me to see the road in front of me and it can't be that different for our friends in cars. How bright is too bright for a front light?

I doubt there's a standard, but does anyone else think that there is such a thing as too bright?"

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This sharrow on the N. Concord bike boulevard is meant to guide bicycle operators and show all road users that this is a shared lane, "bike priority street" environment.
(Photos © J. Maus)

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A woman approaches
a T-intersection on Naito.
(Photo © J. Maus)

This week's question comes from reader Ruben Galbraith. Ruben wonders about something I've also thought about a lot. Here's his question:

"How should bikers behave at "T" intersections with traffic signals?

For me, this always occurs while heading North on Naito. What could be really smooth ride is often broken up by a series of (ill-timed) lights. The lights are totally necessary for cars, which need to cross over each others lanes at these "T" intersections. It doesn't feel right to roll on through... But is it kosher to stop, and then proceed through the light? You know, like a right-on-red, or more aptly, from a one-way onto another one-way?"

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Ainsworth can be a very tight fit.
(Photo: Peter Welte)

This week's question comes from reader Kinya Hanada. Kinya touches on a question I've wondered myself for several years now. She loves riding on NE Ainsworth because it's a "nice, direct route," but wonders if there are any plans to make it more pleasant to bike on (emphasis mine). (more...)

Bike lane blockage on N. Williams
last week.
(Photos © J. Maus)

This week's question comes from reader Darren P. Darren wonders about something I think many people have encountered over the years...

"Road crews block bike lanes with their road work signs. The signs intended to warn us of dangers are dangerous. Is this legal? Is there a better way?"

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Not recommended unless
you are friends.
(Photo © J. Maus)

This week's Ask BikePortland question comes from Daniel C. He had a disagreement with someone over how many bikes can fit on one of PBOT's standard staple racks. Daniel also wants to know if there are manners to keep in mind when sharing a staple with someone...

"Following an odd conversation/almost-altercation I had yesterday, I am led to wonder whether his claim that the bike staple can fit 4 bikes has more merit than I'm giving it credit for.
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[Ask BikePortland is a regular feature. See past questions and learn the answers via our esteemed commenters here.]

This week's Ask BikePortland comes from reader Nick V. Nick wants to know how to handle the aftermath of a bike-on-bike collision: (more...)

This week's Ask BikePortland comes from reader Rob B.:

Hey Jonathan,

I was wondering if you have any insight into the issue of delivery trucks illegally parking in bike lanes? In particular, my daily commute takes me south on SW 1st St from the Hawthorne Bridge. In the block between Clay and Market there are often UPS and/or Fed Ex trucks parked in the bike lane, forcing cyclists out into traffic.
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Is driving to a bike race all that bad?
(Photo © J. Maus)

This week's question touches on a topic I've had many conversations about over the years. It comes from reader Steven Case:

"I do most of my commuting by bike and I also do a fair amount of bike races. In some interactions I've had with bike commuting advocates, I've felt a vibe of negativity towards bike racers/races. Have other people felt this vibe or held a grudge like this? Are there things bike racers may do that help or hurt the cause of commuting by bike? Is taking a car to a bike race really that bad?

I am interested in what other people think about this issue."

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Easy pickings for thieves?
(Photo © J. Maus)

This week's question comes from reader Carl Blanchard. He wants to know if the bike racks on the front of TriMet buses are secure. Here's the question:

"Are you aware of any incidents of bikes being stolen from the racks on the front of TriMet buses? I'm always leery of leaving my bike up there and having to take a seat further back in the bus. And even if I am close to the front, would I have time to stop the thief?"

Carl, I haven't personally heard of anyone getting a bike stolen from one of those racks, but it does happen. What I have heard of are people simply forgetting their bikes and hopping off the bus without it. (more...)

This week's questions comes from reader Joe W.

Joe has a problem. His friend is a "car addict" and Joe wants to help him quit, but it's a sensitive subject. Can you help? Here's Joe's question:
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You'll be riding in no time.
(Photo © J. Maus)

I've really enjoyed all the helpful advice shared in response to our new Ask BikePortland column. Several people said they'd like to read a follow-up post with the most popular answers summarized, so here goes...

This week's question was from a reader who said she never learned to ride a bike as a kid, but wants to learn. Where/how can an adult learn to ride a bike in Portland? Below are some of the top answers. (more...)

Not everyone knows how.
(Photo © J. Maus)

This week's question comes from a reader who asked to remain anonymous. Why? Read the question to find out:

"I just moved here, and I feel the urge to bike around the city. One problem - I never learned how to when I was younger. Now I'm uncoordinated on the bike and looking for some help to start riding in the area. I want to learn now, but it's really difficult as an adult. Any ideas?"

This is a great/interesting question on many levels. But first, let me be the first to say that you shouldn't be ashamed! Biking is not second-nature to everyone, especially if you didn't pick it up as a kid. (more...)

Any advice for someone who'd like
to see more clearly in the rain?
(Photo © J. Maus)

Today's question comes from Matthew Bowers:

"I commute about 3 miles to work (and back, obviously) 5-6 days a week, and I wear glasses. This becomes an issue when it's raining, and was wondering what other glasses-wearing riders do about it. I asked the gentleman at my local bike shop, and he didn't really have any useful suggestions -- so I turn to you!

I know they have prescription goggles, but I was really hoping for a slightly less expensive alternative -- something I can wear over my glasses, perhaps? Please help!"

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Do you have to put your foot down?
(Photo © J. Maus)

This week's "Ask BikePortland" comes from Daniel Knutson. Mr. Knutson, 52, wrote in to express his frustrations at getting a ticket from a Portland Police Officer a few months ago for doing a "track stand" at a stop light.

On September 19th, Knutson says was riding home from work on East Burnside when he came to the intersection of 82nd. Like he always does, he balanced on his bike instead of putting his foot down. When the light changed, he rolled through the intersection and was pulled over by Officer Royce Curtiss.
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(Photo © J. Maus)

[Note: Based on the large number of helpful responses to a reader's request for help back in December, I thought I'd make this a more regular feature. I'll try to do an "Ask BikePortland" post at least once a month. If you have a burning bike question -- whether it has to do with product recommendations or legal advice -- drop us a line. Between myself and this excellent community of readers, I'm sure we can get you an answer.]

This one comes from reader N.M., who was unfortunately the victim of a dooring on N. Williams:
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Just got this email from reader Maria M. in Portland:

Last night during the pouring rain and darkness I was hit while on my bike. I wasn't hurt but my front wheel was damaged. I was at the Marriott on Naito crossing over to the park when a car turned into me. I had the green light and was in the crosswalk with the walk signal. The guy who hit me pulled over. We exchanged info. and the very kind valet guys at the Marriott gave me their info as witnesses. Mostly, I was in shock.

Should I file a police report? Should I ask him to pay for damages to my bike?

[See our answer and share yours below the jump.] (more...)