(Photo: Elizabeth Craig/ODOT)
It’s not everyday that people in the eastern parts of our city feel Portland’s legendary bike love. But this isn’t everyday; it’s Bike to Work Day!
On that note, I thought I’d share an email I got from reader Michael Mann, who was setting into his usually lonely commute this morning when — lo and behold — he was greeted by coffee, pastries, and smiles:
“I was hunkered down and facing another wet and cold commute in to Gresham when I saw the blue pop-up, smelled the coffee, and was greeted by those awesome folks from Shift, PBOT, and whoever else was there [ODOT, Friends of Trees, and the East Portland Action Plan Bike Subcommittee]. Plus they were handing out free lights.”
Mann added that everyone was surprised at how many bikes they saw go by in this area not known for two-wheeled traffic. Mann says that jibes with his personal experiences of late. “Bike commuting in east county is growing,” he wrote, “I’m so used to reading with envy about BoB [Breakfast on the Bridge] on the Willamette that it was a big surprise. Thank you, BoB folks – you made my morning!”
How was your ride this morning? Did you notice more people than usual in the bikeways today?