Who says families with small kids (on their own bikes) can't bike through big cities?
(Photos © J. Maus/BikePortland)

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Emily Finch pedaling talk show host Ricki Lake
during a recent trip to L.A.
(Photo: The New Ricki Lake Show)

When I first saw Emily Finch with her six kids in tow at a local farmer's market this past summer, I had no idea she would become a bona fide bike celebrity before the year was out. But that's exactly what has happened.

This Friday night, Finch is hosting a viewing party at Velo Cult Bike Shop (1969 NE 42nd Ave) for her recent appearance on The New Ricki Lake Show. Where Emily will show up next is anyone's guess; but there's no guesswork about how far her story has traveled and how many people she has already inspired. (more...)

Photo from the scene.
(Photo: Chris Dorr)

On Thursday evening the unthinkable happened.

While waiting behind two cars at a red light on SE 60th at Division, a Portland man — with his four year-old son in a trailer behind him — was rear-ended by someone driving a car. The police haven't released many details, but I've talked with him at length. At this point, he has asked to remain anonymous because he’s conflicted about having himself and his family thrust into a public debate about biking with children.

Here's what happened...

The man was headed south from his child's preschool near Mount Tabor, at 60th and Salmon, to their home just south of Division. He chose SE 60th because it's the only traffic signal to get across Division. He was wearing a reflective yellow jacket and his trailer had a strobing rear tail-light. The last thing he recalls before impact was standing at the light, and an instinctive concern that the car sounds behind him were approaching too fast. Then he's flying through the air after being thrust up onto the hood of the car behind him, breaking its windshield, eventually impacting the car in front of him. When he came to, he realized his son was still in the trailer, which had been crumpled by one of the car's wheels.  (more...)

At the Fiets of Parenthood event, Emily Finch and her seven kids of cargo, hit the teeter-totter ramp with gusto.
(Photos © J. Maus/BikePortland)

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Emily Finch powers her seven-person family vehicle down SE Clay Street.
(Photos © J. Maus/BikePortland)

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Re-defining car camping.
- Photos and story by Russ Roca. -

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The lot in front of Trillium Charter School (which used to be used for auto parking, but cars are now prohibited) on Interstate, bustled with bikes this morning.
(Photos © J. Maus)

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The school band welcomed bikers and walkers
to Atksinson Elementary in Southeast.
(Photo: Rob Sadowsky)

The streets were busy with kids and parents on bikes and on foot this morning as over 60 local schools took part in International Walk and Bike to School Day. From Sellwood to St. Johns, hundreds of people enjoyed a sunny, crisp morning to exercise their transportation options and get to school under their own power.

Here are photos and videos of just some of the action... (more...)

Get on the bike train!
(Photo © J. Maus)

Remember back in May when I happened upon the Beach Elementary School bike train? Now, a former volunteer intern with the City of Portland's Safe Routes to Schools program is organizing the first-ever Portland Bike Train Conference.

Recent college grad Kiel Johnson says he helped get the Beach School bike train going last year and it was "really successful" so he wants to bring the idea to other schools. The Beach bike train averaged about 10-20 riders per week. On one morning back in May, over 100 kids and parents rolled into school together, cementing Beach's reputation as a school where biking is taken seriously. (more...)

Eleni's new Batavus.
(Photos © J. Maus)

My seven-year old daughter Eleni is the proud owner of her first city bike; meaning it came with fenders, a rack, integrated light, and more.

It wasn't easy to find a well built kids city bike in local bike shops. Most kids bikes are just mini versions of adult bikes that aren't really functional for getting around, riding in traffic, carrying stuff, and so on. When I saw this gorgeous, 24-inch wheeled, three-speed Batavus, I was immediately impressed. Eleni likes it too. Here are a few highlights: (more...)