With snow and ice a reality for at least a few more days, and with many Portlanders still choosing to go by bike, it's time to give studded tires a closer look. They require a bit of investment (about $50 a piece for the good ones, or you can make them yourself), but as we'll find out, one local bike expert says they're well worth it over the long haul.

Back in January 2007, we took a look at using zipties around your rim/tire for better traction. It's cheap and simple, but it only works for fixed-gear bikes doesn't work if you have rim brakes and plastic zipties don't evoke the same level of confidence over ice as sharp, spikey things like studs (nor do they sound as good in a Blade Runner sort of way). (more...)

Riding on SE Main just before 8th.
(Photo © J. Maus)

I thought it would be helpful to refresh my call for feedback on what the riding conditions are like throughout the Portland metro area this morning.

I'm still undecided if I'll ride down to the Central Eastside today (from North Portland) because I don't want to get caught if/when things ice over.

To kick things off, here's a comment from "shawn" that came in a few minutes ago: (more...)

The gravel-strewn bike lane
on SE Madison.
(Photo © J. Maus)

Here in Portland, after the novelty of riding in the snow wears off and the fear of icy roads subsides, people that bike are faced with an unfortunate byproduct of severe weather -- gravel.

The gravel is a more eco-friendly way to deal with slippery streets (Portland doesn't use salt because of concerns over runoff into rivers), but it makes for an annoying ride.

Remember the big TriMet lawsuit saga back in January of 2006? That entire incident, according to the guy on the bike, was caused when he was forced to ride outside of the bike lane due to gravel accumulation. (more...)

This man didn't let a bit of snow and ice keep him from his commute this morning.
(Photos © J. Maus)

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PDOT just sent out a lengthy press release that gives an overview of their status and strategy in tackling the ongoing issues created by this week's severe weather. The full press release is below (scroll to the bottom for some biking and walking tips):

City Crews Working to Clear Main Streets of Ice

Neighborhood Streets Still Very Icy
(more...)

Stay away from shiny spots.
Going south on N. Interstate Ave.
(Photo © J. Maus)

Now that was a bit scary.

I just arrived at our office in the Central Eastside after a challenging and harrowing ride from North Portland. I consider myself a pretty skilled rider, but with many streets covered in a sheet of ice, there's really no chance of staying upright.
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Bring it on!
- Slideshow below -
(Photos © J. Maus)

There's snow in the forecast around Portland this weekend; but that doesn't mean you've got to leave the bike at home.

The last snow day I can recall was back in March, and from people I've talked to, they remember that day with fondness. Now, I realize snow is a big headache for some folks and that it causes PDOT all sorts of maintenance issues, etc..., but for those Portlanders who go by bike, it also brings something to be cherished -- quiet streets with very few (and slow-moving) cars.

A snowy bike commute definitely presents some challenges, but with the type of minor snowfall we tend to get, it's no reason to leave the wheels at home. On that note, I've put together a little slideshow of past snowstorms to keep you inspired... (more...)

Tony Tapay enjoying the snow.
(Photos © J. Maus)

This morning was (I think) the year's first snow-filled morning commute! It didn't stick for too long and it wasn't as major as last year, but it was still fun.

I headed to work into a flurry of white flakes and a few minutes into my ride I ran into my old friend (and fellow Piedmont resident), Tony Tapay. It was nice to have a bit of company, not to mention a willing model for a few photos... (more...)

Last year's snow storm
didn't stop cyclists.
(Photo © Jonathan Maus)

The crazy wind and relentless downpour we're getting right now is the most severe weather I can remember since I moved to Portland in 2004.

Last winter many of you braved snowy conditions (see photo at right), but that seems tame compared to what's going on out there today.

Did any of you brave the elements on your commute into work this morning? If so, do you have tips to share? We'd love to hear about your experiences...

Check out this photo from KATU-TV (sent in by reader Bob K.) (more...)

[Cheaper and lighter than chains.]
Photo by Todd Boulanger

Having trouble getting a grip on all that compacted snow and ice? Here's a super-cheap DIY solution sent in by City of Vancouver transportation planner Todd Boulanger (and originally commented on by Ian...thanks guys!):
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[See the updated Snow Day photo gallery]

[This is what a California
boy looks like when snow falls
on his street.]

Woke up this morning to a winter wonderland...and it's still falling!

Wow. Excuse the excitement, but for someone that grew up in Southern California it's pretty amazing to bare witness to real snowfall in my own backyard.

After the girls and I took out the sled and cruised the neighborhood, I took the Puch out for a little snow-biking.

The silence and slow pace were a welcome change to the usual hectic morning traffic.

Here are a few more photos:
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Last night Portland got doused with fluffy, white snow. It's been arctic cold around here for a few days. Black ice, wind, and now snow.

Has this weather deterred you or your friends from riding? Yesterday I was at the City of Portland building and I was shocked to see just one bike in the usually overflowing bike racks.

I'm proud to report that Juli braved the conditions to take our four year-old to school this morning! Here's a photo I snapped of them leaving our house... (more...)

[Aaron Tarfmann on his way to the store]

Portland has seen a bit of snow in the past few days. Of course I'm missing all the fun down here in California, but through the wonders of the Internet I have come across a few photos and reports of intrepid Portland cyclists braving the conditions.

Check out Shawn Granton's tale of his unexpectedly adventurous trip home. His advice for riding in the snow: "load up your saddlebags and keep a low center-of-gravity!"

And I just had this photo sent in to the BikePortland.org sticker gallery. It was taken in a backyard in the NE Alberta neighborhood.

What are your snow stories? I'd love to hear about your experiences biking around snowy Portland...