Here's the latest press release about the storm from PDOT (also available online):

City Encourages Commuters to Take Transit Thursday
Expect variable conditions

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­The City of Portland advises commuters to expect variable road conditions throughout the day Thursday and therefore to take transit. If you have to drive, pre-fit and carry chains in your vehicle. According to the National Weather Service, the system that arrived today may bring more precipitation and freezing temperatures through tonight, the Thursday morning commute, and the evening commute. Portlanders could wake to freezing rain or snow, with snow showers expected throughout the day. (more...)

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)

(more...)

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...)

There were still plenty of smiles
at the Holiday Bike Drive yesterday.
(Photo by Chad Berkley)

As we reported yesterday, the Community Cycling Center's Holiday Bike Drive suffered a bit due to extreme weather conditions that kept many families away.

The event is their largest of the year and volunteers had readied well over 500 bikes to give to low-income kids. CCC communications director Alison Hill-Graves sent us an email with the following recap:

"We had a smaller, yet still incredible event despite that pesky storm. We had kids coming in until 3:30 and we still had staff and volunteers around to help. We ended up loading up about 400 bikes and getting them back up to North Portland where we keep them. We plan some kind of alternative event in January."

(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.
(more...)

[UPDATE, 10:50am: Event organizers say due to harsh weather, the event is being cut short. They will finish helping families that are already there, and anyone on the way, but doors will close shortly.]

Bikes await kids at last year's
Holiday Bike Drive.(Photo © J. Maus)

With an Arctic blast of snow and wind hitting Portland this morning, and with images of closed roads and stranded cars streaming on the local TV news, the Community Cycling Center is grappling with what the weather might mean for their Holiday Bike Drive.

Over 500 bikes and hundreds of volunteers are all ready to go at Legacy Emanuel Hospital in North Portland this morning. However, Community Cycling Center communications director Alison Hill-Graves says a few families have already called to say they're staying home. (more...)

It's coming.
(Photo © J Maus)

What did you think of the Bicycle Film Festival that wraps up tonight with a after-party in Southeast Portland (the Sprockettes go on at 11:00!)?

Are you planning to do the Macaframa alleycat and then check the film afterward?

Are you prepping for the snow and freezing temps that are in the forecast? Or, if you're reading this while the white stuff is already coming down -- how's the riding? (more...)

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...)