Streetfilms put together a nice video of Bike to Work Day action and interviews from around the country.
Cities featured are San Francisco, Austin, New York City, and Portland.
Check it out below:
Month: May 2008
Obama in Portland: Props to our “bicycle lanes” and bikes as far as the eye can see
(Photo: Bob Crispin)
“It’s time that the entire country learned from what’s happening right here in Portland with mass transit and bicycle lanes and funding alternative means of transportation.”
— Senator Barack Obama
The historic crowds from yesterday’s Barack Obama rally made headlines from Chicago to India — but the big news around here is that bicycles left their mark not only that event, but that they have staked their claim as an important part of Oregon politics.
Let’s start with bikes — thousands of them.
In Portland, when 75,000 people show up on the Waterfront for any event on a gorgeous spring day, you’d naturally expect many of them get their on two wheels.
Weekend open thread: Share your bike fun
Relaxing in Mt. Tabor Park.
(Photo © J. Maus)
(Photo © J. Maus)
OK Portland, bike season has arrived.
The sun is out, and you’ve got plenty of options to choose from.
What are your plans for the weekend?
Will you join in the big parade on Alberta Street? Race your mountain bike? Head out to the Gorge?
I plan to take my girls over to Alberta Street later and then on Sunday, we might roll down to Waterfront Park to catch a glimpse of Mr. Obama.
Whatever you do on your bike this weekend, share your adventures below…
(For inspiration and ideas, check out the weekend bike guide.)
Short on cash? Local credit union helps with new Bicycle Loan program
Picture yourself on a new bike?
How about a bike loan?
(Photo © J. Maus)
How about a bike loan?
(Photo © J. Maus)
Portland-based Unitus Community Credit Union has announced the creation of a bike loan program.
According to Tracy Streebel, business development officer with Unitus, the new Bicycle Loan will allow any member of the credit union to borrow money to put toward the use of a bicycle or any related accessories (like cargo trailers, components, etc…).
BikePortland mentioned in USA Today
Couldn’t resist sharing some great news: BikePortland.org received a nice mention in a USA Today article today (5/16).
The story Gas costs push commuters to park and pedal is all about Bike to Work Month events all over the country.
Here’s the part where reporter Marisol Bello mentions Portland:
“Concerns about the environment, reducing the reliance on cars and gasoline and improving personal health fuel the bike-to-work movement, says Jonathan Maus, founder of BikePortland.org, an online biking magazine in Oregon.”
It’s not just a nice feeling to get such major exposure for Portland and this web site…it’s also good for business!
Sam, Sho and the race for mayor
Due to his role as Commissioner in charge of Transportation, I have reported on Sam Adams many times in the past few years. Last week I finally sat down with Sho Dozono — a Portland business owner who is Adams’ only competition in the race for mayor.
Below are some of my thoughts on this race, along with excerpts from my conversation with Dozono. With nearly two-thirds of Portland voters still holding onto their ballots, I hope the information below helps you with your decision.
Adams at his campaign announcement.
(All photos © J. Maus) |
Sho Dozono during our conversation
last week. |
Your guide to the weekend
A scene from last year’s
Alberta Art Hop Parade!
(Photo © J. Maus)
Alberta Art Hop Parade!
(Photo © J. Maus)
If you’re looking for something to do on a bike this weekend, check out the events listed below.
Saturday, May 17
Gorge Bike and Hike
9:00am
Led by Exchange Cycle Tours: Join us for a moderately paced ride out to the gorge, followed by a beautiful 2 mile hike before biking back to PDX. Total miles: 56, some hill climbing.
More info here
Reach the Beach
Couch potatoes, weekend warriors, and seasoned cyclists alike, will enjoy one of five different routes through Oregon’s wine country, forests, and little known towns. All routes end at Cape Kiwanda in beautiful Pacific City at the Oregon Coast.
More info here
State officials endorse Portland’s bike boxes
Download the letter (490k, PDF)
On Tuesday, the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) pledged their full support for PDOT’s efforts to improve bike safety by installing bike boxes at intersections.
Their support came in the form of a letter written to Scott Wainwright, a top highway engineer for the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), who also sits on an important committee that is in the process of formerly approving PDOT’s “Request to Experiment” with the bike boxes.
ODOT responds to tack incident with a State Trooper and a big magnet
“”It’s a great place to ride and I don’t want to take that away from anyone.”
— ODOT maintenance manager Larry Olson
The Oregon Department of Transportation has responded to reports that Troutdale residents scattered tacks on the shoulder of the Historic Columbia River Highway — a popular bike route and gateway to riding in the Gorge.
Larry Olson is ODOT’s maintenance manager for that area and he says they’ve confirmed that a retired Oregon State Trooper will monitor the area to “keep an eye out this weekend and watch for suspicious activity.” Olson also told me that work crews are out right now sweeping the shoulder with a large magnet attached to the front of a truck.
Jobs of the Week
A few more excellent job opportunities were listed on the BikePortland Job Listings this week. Check them out at the links below (and good luck if you apply!):
- Bike Retail Sales – Bike Gallery
- Tour Mechanic – American Lung Association of Washington
A strapless dress in the bike lane is a sure sign of summer
The sun is out and Portland’s streets are full of signs that summer is fast approaching — including this fantastically flowerly dress I spotted on my way to a meeting today…
Tour Mechanic (American Lung Association of WA)
Sorry folks… this job has been filled.
Job Title
Tour Mechanic
Company/Organization
American Lung Association of Washington