In my line of work, it’s easy to get excited about how bicycling is taking off in Portland.
From congested bike lanes to brisk sales (and expansions) at local bike shops and daily media coverage, I hear and see constant signs of this city’s velo vitality from many perspectives.
Cases in point:
While reading a story on the Oregonian’s website the other day, I came across this ad from Home Street Bank…
Then, just a few days later I got an advertising inquiry from the marketing person for a local credit union. She said they’re hoping to “build a relationship with this (the bicycling) community”.
These (and many other) examples make it clear that bicycling is tightly woven into the fabric of Portland. Like concentric circles radiating across a pond, the appeal of bicycling and the visibility of the bike community is expanding and touching many parts of our city.
The excellent work of our advocates, bureaucrats, activists, and volunteers has clearly begun to push bicycling into the mainstream.
I hope we continue to make cycling not just “the new golf,” but push toward making it as normal, accepted, and respected as our four-wheeled friends.
Does your CEO/boss ride a bike to work? (On that note, has your company signed up for the Bike Commute Challenge yet?)