Oregon state Senators want to raise highway speed limit

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“Oregon is the odd one out when it comes to the nation’s speed limits. By modernizing our speed limit we can increase the flow of traffic, lower commute times and fast track commerce through the state.”
— Sen. Bruce Starr (R-Hillsboro)

Saying that Oregon’s speed limit is “behind the times,” state Senators Bruce Starr (R-Hillsboro) and Jason Atkinson (R-Central Point) are working to raise speeds limits on highways and interstates to 75 miles per hour. The senators say they’ll look to amend House Bill 3150, the “neighborhood greenway bill” which was introduced to lower speed limits on certain residential streets by five miles per hour (down to 20 mph).

HB 3150 passed the House back in March by a vote of 45-14.

In a statement released today, Sen. Atkinson said,

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Pedalpalooza update: Poster unveiled, ride deadline, tourist attraction?

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Bowie v. Prince Ride-32

Bikes? Dancing? Fun?
Must be Pedalpalooza.
(Photos © J. Maus)

With our lingering winter weather, it might be hard to get mentally focused on Pedalpalooza; but that’s just what you ought to be doing!

The big event(s) — organized by the community and extraordinary volunteers with Shift — happens from June 9th to the 29th. The ride calendar is already filling up (109 at current count), and the deadline to submit rides for the printed version (which will be inserted into the Portland Mercury) is May 22nd!

If that doesn’t get you fired up for Portland’s seminal celebration of bike fun, perhaps this will: Organizers just unveiled the official 2011 poster (created by Agnes Barton-Sabo)…

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blue Specialized Hardrock Comp 2005

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Year: 2005
Brand: Specialized
Model: Hardrock Comp
Color:blue
Size:XXL
Serial:P38142889
Stolen in Portland, OR 97202
Stolen:2011-05-13
Stolen From: 2828 SE Franklin St. Near Powell and 28th
Neighborhood: Hosford/Abernathy
Owner: Ben Morelli
OwnerEmail: bnjmnmorelli@gmail.com
Reward: 50
Description: This is a large and well used bike. The front disc brake is an Avid and the rear brake is a Tektro Io. The brake cables and housings are brand new and are red. There is a very nice over the wheel rack and a blue plastic crate attached that may now be gone. The seat was low quality and black and red in color. The pedals are large red bear claw style. The wheels are stock with a nice set of schwalbe commuter tires.
Police record with: Portland Police
Police reference#: T11003259
This registrant has documented proof of ownership of this bike

Job: Bike Mechanic (Bike Gallery)

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Job Title: Bike Mechanic
Company/Organization: Bike Gallery
Job Description:
The Bike Gallery is seeking highly experienced professional bike mechanics for Service Department production positions. If you are driven, detail oriented and passionate about customers service, we want to hear from you.

This is a unique career opportunity to be a part of what makes Portland such a great place to live. The Bike Gallery continues to be the top rated bicycle retailer in the area and one of the top 100 in the nation. We offer a fast paced and dynamic work environment, competitive benefits package, a supportive and team oriented culture, employee merchandise discounts and opportunities for advancement within a growth oriented, locally owned and operated business.

Applicants should have a minimum of 3 years experience in a high volume technical service environment, combined with a proven track record of customer service excellence.
Bike Gallery is an equal opportunity employer. This position requires the ability to work extended hours while standing. Applicants must be able to comfortably lift 40 pounds to shoulder height.

How to Apply:
Send a resume and cover letter to resumes[at]bikegallery[dot]com

Southwest Airlines waives bike fees at PDX during Pedalpalooza

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“It’s just friendly nod to the Portland biking community – which several of our employees belong to.”
— Tom LaBonty, Southwest Airlines employee

We all heard the big news back in April when Frontier Airlines removed the flat fee for checked bicycles. Long before that, we’d floated the idea of having Portland International Airport (PDX) become something of a bikes-fly-free oasis. Imagine the symbolism (and huge win for PR/tourism) if PDX convinced all its local carriers to make a clear statement that bicycles (and their people) are welcomed with open arms!

Well, one reader who happens to be an employee of Southwest Airlines, has been pushing on that idea internally and he’s made a bit of a breakthrough.

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Jobs of the Week

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Just in case this week’s employment opportunities quietly slipped past while you nodded off at the control tower of your current job…WAKE UP! Here they come again featuring shiny new bikes, born again bikes and bikes that need your love. Best of luck!

For a complete list of available jobs, click here. If you’d like more information about the BikePortland Job Listings, contact us, or visit the Job Listings page.

You can sign up for all the latest job listings via RSS, email, or by following us on Twitter.

Event: 4th Annual Blessing of the Bikes (6/12/11)

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Event Name: 4th Annual Blessing of the Bikes
Event Start Date: 12 June 2011
Start Time: 2:00:00 PM
Web Site: http://www.archdpdx.org
Event Description: The parish of St. Mary’s Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and the Archdiocese of Portland’s Department of Evangelization announce the fourth annual “Blessing of the Bikes,” on Sunday, June 12, 2011 at 2 PM in the courtyard of the Cathedral. The parish is located at the corner of NW 18th and Couch Street in the heart of Northwest Portland, and is bordered by bike lanes on NW 18th and Everett Street.

The program will include the blessing of riders, bicycles and remembering those who have died this past year.

(Information 503-228-4397)

Bring your bike … Invite your friends!

Event: Gorge Ride (6/11/11)

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Event Name: GORGE RIDE
Event Start Date: 11 June 2011
Start Time: 7:00:00 AM
Web Site: http://www.GorgeRide.com
Event Description: THE GORGE RIDE | June 11 – The Dalles

Get lost in time as you participate in the fifth annual Gorge Ride, a celebration of the “King of Roads” – the Historic Columbia River Highway (HCRH). Pedal from the Gorge Discovery Center in The Dalles, along America’s first scenic highway and the HCRH State Trail to the Senator Mark O. Hatfield West Trailhead near Hood River. This out-and-back 38.5 mile ride with world-class scenery is a fundraising event whose proceeds go toward restoring & reconnecting the Historic Columbia River Highway and State Trail from The Dalles to Troutdale by its 100th Birthday … June 7, 2016.. The route is a gorgeous, quiet combination of historic highway that is open to motor vehicles and a paved state trail that is open only to hikers and cyclists.

Along the way you will enjoy breathtaking views of the Columbia Gorge from Rowena Crest and you’ll ride through the remarkable restored Mosier Twin Tunnels. Riders will be rewarded with a rest stop break on the impressive grounds of the historic Mayerdale Estate.

To register go to: www.GorgeRide.com

It’s always sunny — we’ll see you there!