February 2010 Archives

Unauthorized bike trail damages “pristine habitat” in Forest Park

Portland Parks & Recreation staff have discovered an unauthorized mountain bike trail built in the northern end of Forest Park. Parks spokesperson Beth Sorensen said the trail was found at the end of last week in “one of the most pristine habitat areas in the park.”

According to Sorensen, the trail is “pretty damaging” and whoever built it cut down trees, removed large rocks, and dammed a stream. The trail was created where elk and deer are active and Sorensen says it has “destroyed an area of highest habitat value.” The location of the trail is about 200 yards off of the Forest Park entrance on Harborton Drive, about 10 miles north of downtown Portland.

Buffered Bike Lane with a bike symbol and arrow pointing forward

Any advice for someone who’d like
to see more clearly in the rain?
(Photo © J. Maus)

Today’s question comes from Matthew Bowers:

“I commute about 3 miles to work (and back, obviously) 5-6 days a week, and I wear glasses. This becomes an issue when it’s raining, and was wondering what other glasses-wearing riders do about it. I asked the gentleman at my local bike shop, and he didn’t really have any useful suggestions — so I turn to you!

I know they have prescription goggles, but I was really hoping for a slightly less expensive alternative — something I can wear over my glasses, perhaps? Please help!”

Job Title
Retail Sales Staff

Company/Organization
The Bike Gallery

Job Description
The Bike Gallery is seeking outgoing and dynamic individuals for positions on our sales floor. The Bike Gallery is one of the most acclaimed specialty bicycle retail organizations in the U.S. and currently has openings for full and part time seasonal positions working directly with customers to deliver exceptional customer service in a fast paced, high volume setting. Preference given to applicants with bicycle retail experience and who demonstrate a commitment to and enthusiasm for, the cycling lifestyle; other specialty retail experience is also helpful.
Applicants must be able to demonstrate a strong history of self motivation, professionalism, team work, and customer service excellence.

The Bike Gallery is an equal opportunity employer. Sales positions require the ability to lift 40 pounds to shoulder height and to work extended hours while standing.

How to Apply

To apply send a resume and cover letter to resumes(at)bikegallery(dot)com. The Bike Gallery does not maintain a policy of responding to all applicants.

How PBOT wants to spend $14 million in new state revenue

Estimated distribution of how PBOT wants to spend $14 million in new state revenue. (Figures are in millions.)
(Graph: BikePortland/Source info: PBOT)

Cover of The Lost Cyclist.

David Herlihy’s forthcoming book, The Lost Cyclist: The Epic Tale of an American Adventurer and His Mysterious Disappearance, has a Portland connection that’s over a century old.

Herlihy, author of the award-winning Bicycle: The History, got in touch recently to tell us a bit about the story of Frank Lenz, the “lost cyclist.”

Back in 1892, Lenz set off from Pittsburgh on his innovative “safety” bicycle (a prototype of the modern bicycle design) with an aim to cycle around the world. According to legend, and Herlihy’s book, Lenz disappeared under mysterious circumstances in Turkey two years later.

Oregon Bike Summit afternoon sessions-24.jpg

In 2008, Summit attendees asked for a
website. In 2009, they got it!
(Photo © J. Maus)

Speaking of bike tourism promotion… The fifth annual Oregon Bike Summit has been scheduled for June 4th.

Organized by Cycle Oregon, this Summit has become the key event in galvanizing the effort to make Oregon “The land bicycles dream about.” The 2010 event will be one day only (it’s been a two-day event since 2007) and it will be held at the World Trade Center in downtown Portland from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Cycle Oregon Day 4 - Lake Selmac to Glendale-45

Riding along the Rogue River
in Southern Oregon.
(Photo © J. Maus)

Travel Oregon is currently developing a marketing campaign for the 2010 spring-summer season that will focus on Oregon’s outdoor recreation opportunities. According to Linda Andrews, a tourism development assistant with Travel Oregon, the campaign will “specifically focus on cycling and mountain biking.”

Year: 2007
Brand: Jamis
Model: Nova
Color:Orange/Black
Size:53cm
Serial: WE7H00605
Stolen in Portland, OR 97006
Stolen:2010-02-18
Stolen From: Portland Convention Center, 777 NE MLK Portland. Bike rack on north side of building
Neighborhood: Downtown-east side
Owner: Scott Spiker
OwnerEmail: spiker691@gmail.com
Reward: $200 if good shape
Description: Orange and Black 2007 Jamis Nova Cycle-cross bike, 53cm frame. Also had handlebar bell, waterbottle cage, handlebar mount for riding light and seat mount for tail light
Police record with: T10000944
This registrant has documented proof of ownership of this bike

Photo of the Week: An overturned 4×4 in Forest Park – UPDATED

UPDATE: Several people in the comments below have shared that they feel this photo and my call for captions were inappropriate. I was very surprised at this reaction and had no intentions at all of making light of this crash. I appreciate the feedback and will take even more care with these decisions in the future. Thank you. — Jonathan Maus

Here’s something you don’t see everyday — a truck that managed to drive off a road above Forest Park and came to rest right near a popular trail.

This photo was taken in June 2007 during a group ride in Forest Park. You can view a larger version below or see it on Flickr.

I’d love to read some clever captions… feel free to share yours in the comments.

The NW Bike Show was held at the Expo Center
in North Portland.
– Slideshow Below –
(Photos: Jim Parsons)

The Northwest Bike Show was held over the weekend out at the Portland Expo Center. Our correspondent Jim “K’Tesh” Parsons was there and shot a bunch of photos of exhibitor booths and attendees (watch his slideshow below).

I didn’t make it out to the event, but have heard from a few folks that it wasn’t quite what they’d hoped for. BikePortland Business Manager Jonathan “J.R.” Reed attended the show on Sunday. He was jazzed about his test-ride of the Nuvinci CVT hub from Fallbrook Technologies. He also liked the $30, DIY Bike Fitting Kit from Beaverton-based CycleTime LLC.

The Portland Police Bureau issued 384 citations and 31 warnings for violation of Oregon’s new cell phone law during the month of January. The law, which makes it a primary offense (meaning cops do not need any other reason to pull you over) to hold a cell phone to your ear while driving, went into effect on January 1st.

– What did the big quake do to Haiti’s transportation and urban infrastructure? And what was it like before? This photo essay tells part of the story.

– Federal funding has been withheld from a controversial light rail project in the Bay Area after local organizations filed a Civil Rights Act complaint stating that the project would result in increased fares and decreased service for low-income residents. See more details on the project’s history here.

– A federal judge in New York City has upheld rule limiting the number of people allowed to ride bikes together without permits to 50. The rule was created by the Manhattan police department in response to Critical Mass rides.

Unauthorized bike trail damages “pristine habitat” in Forest Park

Ask BikePortland: How do I see clearly in the rain?

Job: Retail Sales Staff (The Bike Gallery)

How PBOT wants to spend $14 million in new state revenue

“Lost Cyclist” has historical Portland connection

Save the Date: Oregon Bike Summit is June 4th

Travel Oregon marketing campaign will focus on bike tourism

Orange/Black Jamis Nova 2007

Photo of the Week: An overturned 4×4 in Forest Park – UPDATED

NW Bike Show: Slideshow and mini-report

Portland Police issue 384 citations in first month of cell phone law

The Monday Roundup

Latest Headlines

Guest Opinion: Portland needs more protected bike lanes — and we need them now

District 2 finally gets representation on key city council committee

Lawmakers want $3 million from state coffers for 82nd Avenue bus lanes

Neighborhood group, backed by bike advocate, opposes bike lane upgrades

From the Archives

With six kids and no car, this mom does it all by bike