In new video, Metro takes you across I-5 bridge

Buffered Bike Lane with a bike symbol and arrow pointing forward

As part of their ongoing Drive Less/Save More campaign, Metro has produced a new video to demonstrate how to cross the I-5 bridge. Here’s their blurb about it:

The bridge does pose some challenges like narrow paths, curving railings and traffic noise. The video provides riders with important knowledge of the bridge. It gives you the sensation of what you’ll experience first hand. It also shows the crossings you’ll need to navigate and where not to ride as you make your way through the Hayden Island area.

Metro staffer Kathryn Sofich, who works with Councilor Rex Burkholder and serves on the City of Portland’s Bicycle Advisory Committee, is the host. Check it out below…

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Silver Bianchi Pista 08

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Year: 08
Brand: Bianchi
Model: Pista
Color:Silver
Size:53CM
Serial: H8ZR10583
Stolen in Portland, OR 97212
Stolen:2010-07-7
Stolen From: PSU
Neighborhood: SW
OwnerEmail: yumsweetbasil@gmail.com
Reward: Yes
Description: Stickers on bike, blue handlebars, red tires, bike seat with blue rails…
This registrant has documented proof of ownership of this bike

Metro’s JPACT votes for 75/25 split in favor of active transportation

JPACT meeting-1

JPACT Chair Carlotta Collette at this
morning’s meeting.
(Photos © J. Maus)

Metro’s Joint Policy Advisory Committee on Transportation (JPACT) met this morning to set policy parameters on how to allocate $20-24 million in federal Metropolitan Transportation Improvement Plan dollars (MTIP) — also known as Regional Flexible Funds. After some tense discussion, the committee split 7-6 in favor of a motion to target 75% of the funds for active transportation projects and 25% for freight projects (after that contentious amendment passed, the committee unanimously passed the full resolution).

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Job: Bike Mechanic/Sales (Waterfront Bicycles)

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Job Title
Bike Mechanic/Sales

Company/Organization
Waterfront Bicycles

Job Description
Come Join Our Team! We are looking for a dynamic part-time mechanic/sales person to come in on a part-time basis.

Job requires previous shop experience working as a mechanic and with customers.

Excellent customer service and knowledge of cycling in Portland!

How to Apply
Please send cover letter with resume to: Karen@waterfrontbikes.com

JPACT decision could decrease funding for active transportation

metro hearing on the CRC-10.jpg

Tomorrow’s meeting will likely be
packed as the fate of $24
million hangs in the balance.
(Photo © J. Maus)

Active transportation advocates will be listening closely to Metro’s 17-member Joint Policy Advisory Committee on Transportation (JPACT) when they meet tomorrow morning. Based on proposals currently on the table, JPACT’s vote on how to set parameters for doling out $20-24 million in federal funds is likely to result in less funding for biking, walking and trail projects.

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Event: Tour de Tillamook (7/30 – 8/1)

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Event Name: Tour de Tillamook
Event Start Date: 30 July 2010
Start Time: 5:00 PM
Web Site: http://www.nw-trail.org/2010_Tour_de_Tillamook
Contact Email: fred@nw-trail.org

Event Description:

Ladies and Gentlemen, It’s that time of the year again where we host the annual Tour de Tillamook, Friday July 30th through Sunday August 1st. Join us for two nights of camping and two days of riding in the Tillamook State Forest. We have many great sponsors again this year helping us to provide lunch and dinner on Saturday.

This year we have professional Mountain Bike instructors teaching a child’s class and a separate adult skills class. We will also have a family, beginners, intermediate and hammer level rides, with guides. Bring your significant other for the professional instruction while you hit the trails. Then meet back up for lunch and dinner.

Bring a swim suit and go for a swim in the Wilson River after your ride while were grilling you dinner.

Event: Bike+Pilates=LOVE (7/24/10)

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Event Name: Bike+Pilates=LOVE
Event Start Date: July 24, 2010
Start Time: 12:00 PM
Web Site: http://www.deeannnelson.com
Location: Edge Performance Fitness 1502 N. Ainsworth Portland (www.edgeperformancefitness.com)

This $15 workshop is investigating improper movement patterns riders may have while on their bike. These movements can lead to “wobbly” hips and achy backs. PILATES offers an emphasis on overall strength and flexibility. Giving you tools to make your next ride more fun!

If you have any questions regarding the workshop feel free to contact – deeann.nelson@gmail.com.

Job: Finance Director (BTA) – FILLED

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Job Title
Finance Director

This position has been filled.

Company/Organization
Bicycle Transportation Alliance

Status: Regular, exempt position
Reports to: Executive Director
Starting Salary: $40,000 – $45,000 / year
Location: Portland, OR

The Bicycle Transportation Alliance (BTA) is 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with the mission of creating healthier, more sustainable communities by making bicycling safe, convenient and accessible. Our vision is to open minds and roads to bicycling.

The BTA is seeking an experienced, motivated, and passionate person to fill the position of Finance Director. The Finance Director is a key position at the BTA, working with the Board of Directors and its Finance Committee to ensure that the BTA holds a strong financial position and practices.

Executive Summary
The Finance Director will oversee all organizational financial systems and processes by preparing and tracking financial documentation, including financial reporting, budgeting and forecasting processes of the organization and prepares financial analyses of operations for use by management. This person will be responsible for the company’s financial plans and policies, accounting practices, the maintenance of fiscal records, and the preparation of financial reports and the primary staff person to ensure that the BTA completes successful audits. The Finance Director will also coordinate and supervise the organizational operations at the BTA.

Responsibilities

Finance Management
• Development and analysis of accounting information in order to appraise operating results in terms of profitability, performance against budget, and other matters bearing on the operating effectiveness of the organization.
• Maintains the company’s system of accounts and keeps books and records on all company transactions, assets, liabilities and equity accounts.
• Prepares reports that outline the company’s financial position in relation to established economic objectives and policies for the company.
• Directs the preparation of the budget and financial forecasts; implements and maintains other planning and control procedures; analyzes and reports variances.
• Responsible for tax planning and compliance with all federal, state, and local corporate, payroll, and other applicable taxes.
• Manages day-to-day treasury duties, including daily cash management, investing, and other treasury duties as appropriate.
• Maintain QuickBooks accounting system and troubleshoot any system related issues.
• Ensures accuracy in calculating numbers.
• Prepares organization to be audited by outside Auditor.
• Maintains and updates fiscal policies and procedures.

HR Management
• Manages all fiduciary and fiscal responsibilities related to insurance (liability, health, D&O, work comp) and personnel (payroll, BOLI, benefits, vacation).
• Manages timesheets, vacation accrual, and payroll.
• Administers personnel benefits including 401k, health and dental insurance.
• Oversees management and filing of invoices.
• Oversees management of all contracts, leases and legal documents.

Administrative
• Oversees financial data entry and monthly reconciliations.
• Maintains and develops financial reports and records for board and staff.
• Complete assignments and/or agreements within deadlines.
• All other tasks and duties as assigned.

Requisite Experience
• BA/BS Degree in Accounting, Finance or related major.
• MBA, CPA or CMA preferred.
• 2 – 6 years of progressively responsible business management and accounting experience, including management.
• Superior proficiency in the use of accounting and finance related software, including Excel and QuickBooks.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to interact with internal and external clients at a variety of levels and functions.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven leadership strengths and ability to mentor subordinates.
• Excellent organizational skills, ability to plan tasks and delegate responsibility.

Compensation
The Finance Director position has a starting salary range of $40,000 – $45,000/ year. We offer excellent benefits, including health and dental insurance, a robust vacation and sick leave policy, and 401K enrollment. We would entertain candidates who would be interested in working 28-32 hours a week in this position if the candidate can demonstrate adequate work management skills.

How to Apply
Please send your cover letter, resume as well as a completed BTA application form in PDF format via email to fdhr_humanresources@bta4bikes.org. No calls, please.

View job postings and download BTA application form at: http://bta4bikes.org/at_work/job-openings.php

The BTA does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital or familial status, physical or mental disability or legal source of income.

Purple KHS

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Brand: KHS
Color:Purple
Photo: http://img412.imageshack.us/img412/6717/bikeke.jpg
Stolen in Portland, OR 97214
Stolen:2010-07-6
Stolen From: Se 15th and Hawthorne Blvd, between approximately 12 noon and 1pm.
Neighborhood: Hawthorne – Ladd’s Addition – Buckman – Hosford-Abernethy
Owner: Kate Lindstrom
OwnerEmail: ktsmurf_loves_linux@yahoo.com
Reward: yes, contact for more info
Description: It’s a royal purple KHS 15 speed women’s mountain bike with road tires. It has stickers on the frame that say things like “Whiptastic Handling,” “Vegetarian For Life,” “Equal Rights,” and other similar phrases. When it was taken it had a blue flashlight taped to the handle bars with electrical tape. It has a padded seat.
Police record with: Portland PD
Police reference#: 1055004
This registrant has documented proof of ownership of this bike

From bikes to books: Mia Birk gets ready for her ‘Joyride’

Cover of Joyride

Mia Birk, the woman who fought in the trenches to put biking on the map in Portland back in 1990s, is now gearing up to promote her new book, Joyride: Pedaling Toward a Healthier Planet.

Joyride is Birk’s first foray into the publishing world and she’s doing it with the help of seasoned author and fellow bike activist Joe “Metal Cowboy” Kurmaskie. Kurmaskie helped Birk write the book and he’s also behind Cadence Press, a new publishing company which which will make Joyride its first title.

Joyride chronicles Birk’s 20-year crusade to make biking normal in America. She started in Portland as the City’s bike program manager in 1993 and oversaw (what I consider to be) the golden age in the development of Portland’s bike network. Working under a Transportation Commissioner named Earl Blumenauer (now a member of the U.S. Congress), Birk helped Portland become one of the most bike-centric cities in North America.

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Is Burnside construction making Ankeny worse for bikes?

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I got a tip from a reader about a traffic safety situation that more people should be aware of. Erik Isaacman, who runs Inner Gate Acupuncture witnessed the aftermath of a severe collision* on Friday (7/2) in front of his shop on the corner of SE Ankeny and 14th.

Isaacman says the person on the bike was riding west on Ankeny when a car heading east “took a sharp left” from Ankeny onto 14th (to go north).

Here’s a photo from the scene:

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