(Photo © J. Maus)
The Oregon Convention Center was overwhelmed with guests arriving by bike for the North American Handmade Bicycle Show (NAHBS) today.
As crowds hit their peak around mid-day today, hundreds of bikes were locked to every piece of metal in sight. Convention Center staff tried to alert show-goers that they would remove (or “tow”) bikes that were not in designated bike parking areas. They made announcements over the PA system and placed at least one sign on one of the center’s doors.
But that wasn’t enough and some visitors had their locks cut with bolt cutters wielded by Convention Center security guards.
Reader Jeff T. noticed one such security guard working on the U-Locks of two bikes parked just north of the main entrance. He took this video from his cell phone…
The day before the show, NAHBS organizers announced that indoor bike parking for 500 bicycles would be available, but by 1:30 or so there was barely a spot available.
While a hassle and an annoyance for some, others took it in stride. One commenter said the “packed to the gills” indoor bike parking area was one of their favorite parts of the show. He said,
“Watching bikes hunt for parking spots always puts a grin on my face. We should be so lucky to have that problem every day! There were some gems tucked in there as well, sort of like an Easter egg hunt for well ridden hand built frames. Very cool.”
NAHBS organizers say they’ll take steps to prevent problems tomorrow.
Volunteer coordinator and operations coordinator Bob Mandelson says they’ve ordered 10 additional racks for the tomorrow that should increase parking capacity by about 100-200 bikes. He says they’ll ask for as many racks as they can get. More signage directing visitors to available parking and warning them about where not to park will also be posted.
The show begins at 9:30 tomorrow and doors close at 5:00.