2010 Archives

What do studded tires have to do with bike funding?

Studded tires cause $50-60 million
in road damage across the state
each year — like these ruts on
N. Rosa Parks Way in Portland.
(Photo © J. Maus)

With a lack of funding for transportation projects such a major issue in this town, it’s not surprising that some activists are taking a serious look at studded tires. Why? According to the Oregon Department of Transportation, studded tires cause an estimated $50-60 million a year in road damage and ODOT spends $11 million a year fixing it.

Citizen activist Jeff Bernards has been trying to raise awareness of this issue for five years and says, despite contacting Governor Kulongoski’s office and PBOT and ODOT officials, he’s gotten “nowhere.” Now, Bernards wants to pursue a ballot initiative to ban studded tires. He explained his interest in this issue in a recent email:

Buffered Bike Lane with a bike symbol and arrow pointing forward

Our story about public accusations of illegal activity by The Recyclery bike shop has sparked a lot of dialogue. Yesterday, I spoke about this issue with Portland Police Bureau Sergeant Troy King who works in the PPB’s Special Property Investigations unit.

One of Sgt. King’s main responsibilities is enforcing Portland’s Secondhand Dealer regulations. I asked Sgt. King if his office has had any dealings with The Recyclery and/or if they’ve received complaints about illegal purchases or sales of stolen goods at that shop.

TriMet has launched an online survey to help come up with a name for their new bike parking facilities. The facilities, funded with $1,000,000 in federal stimulus funds, will provide secure bike parking at the Sunset, Beaverton and Gresham Central transit centers.

The survey includes several names to choose from, including “Bike & Ride,” “Bike Barn,” “Cycle Station,” and “Park & Pedal.” You can also write in your suggestion.

Open House at Portland Bicycle Studio-12

Inside Portland Bicycle Studio at
a recent “In Studio” event.
(Photos © J. Maus)

A hub of bicycle-related businesses on Martin Luther King Jr., Blvd in Northeast Portland has become a one-stop shop for performance-minded cyclists.

On Monday evening, the Portland Bicycle Studio opened its doors to the community for an up-close look at high-end helmets and bikes — but the event also gave attendees a chance to see how several business owners have come together to offer an impressive list of services that cater to Portland’s vast crop of bike loving, performance-minded athletes.

Kids love bike camp!
(Photos © J. Maus)

With spring almost here, many Portland parents find themselves trying to choose between the myriad choices of local summer camps. Among them are two camps that will introduce your kid to the mix of fun, function and fitness that only a bicycle can bring.

Here’s a bit more information on two great options. One comes from local non-profit stalwart the Community Cycling Center and the other from well-known youth biking instructor Gregg Lavender.

Robby Fenstermaker, owner of
The Recyclery.
(Photo © J. Maus)

A flyer that has been posted far and wide on the streets of Portland contains allegations that the owner of local used bike shop chain, The Recyclery, “knowingly purchases” and then sells stolen goods.

The flyer contains serious accusations and names The Recyclery’s owner Robby Fenstermaker as being responsible for the alleged “fencing operation.” Fenstermaker says he’s aware of the flyers and maintains the allegations are likely the result of sour grapes due to the success of his business.

New crossing treatment coming in the next few weeks to the intersection of N. Rosa Parks Way and Concord.
(Graphic: PBOT)

oregon manifest constructor's design challenge

An entry in the 2009 Constructor’s
Design Challenge.
(Photo © Elly Blue)

Organizers of the Oregon Manifest have announced they’re moving to a biennial format and scaling back the event to focus on the Constructor’s Design Challenge. The event, which began as a handmade bike show over one weekend in 2008 and grew into a six-week series of events last year, will take place again in 2011.

Year: 2008
Brand: GMC
Model: Denali
Color:Blue
Size:57cm
Serial: not avail
Photo: http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/109/gmcdenaliroadbike2.jpg
Stolen in Eugene, OR 97403
Stolen:2010-02-27
Stolen From: Eugene, Or near U of Oregon campus
Neighborhood: 18th & Hilyard
Owner: Brad Miller
OwnerEmail: bradmiller16@gmail.com
Reward: Yes
Description: It has been converted from multi-speed to single speed but still has a triple sprocket up front and single sprocket in back
Police record with: Eugene PD
Police reference#: 10-3394
This registrant has documented proof of ownership of this bike

Blumenauer legislation would create $2 billion active transportation fund

Congressman Earl Blumenauer has introduced new legislation that will create a $2 billion competitive grant program for communities to promote eco-friendly transportation options. The bill, which we first reported on back in December, is now known officially as the Active Community Transportation Act of 2010.

In a statement about the ACT Act, Blumenauer said,

“Too often we take for granted the value of being able to bike and walk to work. It’s unfortunate that many communities don’t have the infrastructure in place to make active and healthy forms of transportation more accessible. The ACT transportation grants will make it easier for people to get out of their vehicles and onto sidewalks or bikes, boosting both heart rates and community vitality.”

This week’s question comes from a reader who asked to remain anonymous. Why? Read the question to find out:

“I just moved here, and I feel the urge to bike around the city. One problem – I never learned how to when I was younger. Now I’m uncoordinated on the bike and looking for some help to start riding in the area. I want to learn now, but it’s really difficult as an adult. Any ideas?”

This is a great/interesting question on many levels. But first, let me be the first to say that you shouldn’t be ashamed! Biking is not second-nature to everyone, especially if you didn’t pick it up as a kid.

The Northwest Trail Alliance has announced the first annual Portland Trail Fest. The event, which organizers says will become their annual signature event, will be a four day “celebration of trails, knobby tires, and the planet.”

Beginning on Earth Day (4/22), the Trail Fest will start with a party at the headquarters of Chris King Precision Components in Portland’s Northwest Industrial Area (rumor has it this event will be held on their roof which overlooks Forest Park). The party will be emceed by Joe “Metal Cowboy” Kurmaskie and the Director of the International Mountain Bicycling Association, Mike Van Abel will make a keynote speech on “the current state of affairs and the future of mountain biking across the globe and in our backyard.”

What do studded tires have to do with bike funding?

Police: No complaints lodged against The Recyclery

Help TriMet name their new bike parking facilities — UPDATED

Recovery, training, coaching, and custom bikes; all under one roof

This summer, treat your kid to a bike camp

Shop owner responds to allegations of selling stolen bikes, parts

Update on the North Concord Avenue bike boulevard

Oregon Manifest scales back, moves to biennial format

Blue GMC Denali 2008

Blumenauer legislation would create $2 billion active transportation fund

Ask BikePortland: Where can I learn how to ride a bike?

Inaugural Portland Trail Fest will celebrate trails, off-road riding

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