One month later: Hawthorne bike counter and the Bike Commute Challenge bump

bike barometer

(Photo © J. Maus/BikePortland)

This weekend will mark one month since the “bicycle barometer” was installed on the Hawthorne Bridge. According to data posted online by the manufacturer of the counter, there have been 180,556 bicycle trips over the bridge since August 7th — or an average of about 6,000 bike trips per day (including weekends).

Yesterday, the counter — which counts bike traffic in both directions — tallied its highest mark ever with 7,680 trips. That’s 195 more trips than the 7,485 recorded on the Bridge Pedal Sunday of August 12th, and 248 more trips than the third highest tally of 7,432 that was recording on opening day.

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Licensing discussion hits the airwaves Sunday

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Still image from last night’s taping.
(That’s Bob Huckaby on the left, KATU’s Steve Dunn
in the middle, and some bike blogger on the right.)

UPDATE, 9/9: The show is now posted online. Watch it here.

The potential of two statewide ballot measures that would require a license plate on all bicycles and would mandate bicycle law testing for everyone who doesn’t have a driver’s license, has once again thrust the licensing debate into the public dialogue. This Sunday morning, our local ABC station, KATU, will air a special segment on the topic as part of their Your Voice/Your Vote program. Last night, KATU News anchor Steve Dunn did a great job moderating a discussion on the issue between myself and Bob Huckaby, the man behind the ballot measure effort.

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Job of the Week

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Remember Chris Sanderson? He’s the guy who has started a handyman/contractor business using a cargo bike and a trailer. Well, his business has picked up so much that he needs another pedaler on staff. Sound interesting? Check out the details of his job listing via the link below…

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Mustard Yellow Cannondale R500 2002

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Year: 2002
Brand: Cannondale
Model: R500
Color:Mustard Yellow
Size:52
Stolen in Portland, OR 97202
Stolen:2012-09-6
Stolen From: Mt. Scott Community Center, 5530 SE 72nd Ave · Portland
Neighborhood: Arleta – Southeast
Owner: Sarah Raff
OwnerEmail: saraharaff@gmail.com
Description: Mustard yellow Cannondale R500 aluminum road bike. It has drop bars with black bar tape, a bkack Terry butterfly saddle and a back rack.
Police record with: Portland Police
Police reference#: T12007499
This registrant does not have proof of ownership of this bike

Dark green Raleigh SC-30 2004

Buffered Bike Lane with a bike symbol and arrow pointing forward

Year: 2004
Brand: Raleigh
Model: SC-30
Color:Dark green
Size:16
Serial:U41K45968
Stolen in Portland, OR 97212
Stolen:2012-09-06
Stolen From: NW corner of NE Tillamook & NE 40th
Neighborhood: Hollywood
Owner: Maureen O’Donnell
OwnerEmail: mod528@yahoo.com
Description: Woman’s bike with back rack,sack attached, blue bell attached
Police record with: Portland PD
Police reference#: T12007488
This registrant has documented proof of ownership of this bike

Local headlines go after Portland Bike Share

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It’s a “Bike-Share Snare” in the Willamette Week

The City of Portland hasn’t even chosen a vendor for their Bike Share system yet; but the local media is already showing its skepticism about the project. Two recent stories — one in The Oregonian, the other in the Willamette Week — have given the Bureau of Transportation a clear indication that the PR stakes are high with this project.

Last month, the Willamette Week looked into what they see as a “Bike-Share Snare” due to the fact that PBOT has yet to choose a vendor:

But with seven months left until the projected start date, the city hasn’t decided how many bicycles it will rent out, for what lengths of time it will rent them out, or how much it will charge. That’s because it doesn’t have an operator for the program.

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Bikeasaurus set for 2nd anniversary party

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Bikeasaurus (1725 SE Hawthorne Blvd) is a great little retail shop that sells an awesome assortment of bike accessories and bike-inspired gifts. And many of the items are locally made! I’m happy to hear owner Becky Morton is celebrating her second year in business (no small feat for a small retail business!). Join her for a party tomorrow (Friday the 7th). Details below…

It’s officially been 2 YEARS since BIKEASAURUS opened its doors. Come celebrate with us!

Stop by this Friday for the anniversary festivities and ALSO for the First Friday opening reception for local artist Matt Gauck. It’s a 2-for-1 event!

15% off everything in the store!
Free cake & drinks!
Raffle!
Free BIKEASAURUS posters!
Awesome paintings by Matt Gauck!

Click here for the Facebook invitation.

If you can’t make it Friday night, everything in the store is 10% off this entire week (through Sunday) in honor of our anniversary!

Thank you for all your support over the last 2 years.

Here comes ‘cross season!

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Cross Crusade 2010 #2 - Rainier-69

It’s time!
(Photo © J. Maus/BikePortland)

The weather might still be dry and warm, but for many folks in the Portland area, it’s beginning to feel an awful lot like cyclocross season. With a few races already in the books, training rides and clinics all over town, and a full calendar ahead, now is the time to get yourself into cyclocross mode.

I’ve rounded up a few event and news bits below to help get you started…

New Portland-based e-commerce site, Cyclocross.com, now open for business

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Job: Handyman/Contractor – Builder by Bike, LLC

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Job Title
Handyman / Contractor

Company/Organization
Builder By Bike, LLC

Job Description
Do you like to ride a bike? Do you like to fix, build, and repair things? Are you a good planning ahead, self-motivated, active, resourceful, hard working, and good with people? If you answered yes to all the above questions, then perhaps you are the right candidate to work with Builder By Bike.

Builder By Bike is a bicycle-based handyman / general contracting business serving the Portland Metro area since 2011. My name is Chris Sanderson, and I am the founder, and owner of Builder By Bike.

I am seeking not only an employee for this business, but perhaps a potential partner, who can compliment my skills, and grow with this business. I am also looking for someone who can serve clients in North or Northeast Portland, but is also willing to make trips into Southwest or Southeast Portland as needed. Also, there will be times where it is necessary for us to form a “critical mass,” and team up to accomplish a job together.

Starting out, this will be a part-time position but has serious potential to grow into a full-time work. Employee will be provided a cargo bike, trailer, and some tools to compliment his/her own cache.

Requirements:

G.E.D. (college degree preferred)
A good assortment of tools (if necessary, some tools can be provided)
Live in North or Northeast neighborhoods of Portland
Access to a secure garage, or basement to store bike and equipment
Bicycle helmet, and rain gear.
Access to a computer
Willing to ride a bike everyday

Required Skills:

Drywall Repair
Painting
Tile Work
Light Construction
Window Repair
Some Electrical
Some Plumbing
General Repair
Familiarity With Tools
Estimating

Experience:

I am looking for someone who can hit the ground running. That is, I need someone with experience with the above required skills. I am also looking for someone who is knowledgeable of bike routes, and getting around in Portland. Candidate should have excellent interpersonal skills, and know how to treat a client right.

Compensation: $20/hour to start. Employee will also be provided a cargo/utility bike, trailer, locks, some tools, and a uniform.

How to Apply
Please send resume and cover letter to builderbybike@gmail.com. On the subject line of the email, please write, “Employment Opportunity”

Dark Green Bianchi Volpe 2009

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Year: 2009
Brand: Bianchi
Model: Volpe
Color:Dark Green
Size:58cm
Serial: H9ER02385
Photo: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152095051845112&set=a.307388655111.336411.837710111&type=3&theater
Stolen in Portland, OR 97266
Stolen:2012-08-27
Stolen From: North end of Bloomington Park, 100th & SE Holgate, Lents, East Portland. Out of my backyard.
Neighborhood: Lents
Owner: Avery Welkin
OwnerEmail: welkinavery@gmail.com
Reward: $100
Description: 2009 Bianchi Volpe D2 Cross, dark green with silver and turqoise lettering, front lever brakes, mini morph pump mounted, axiom rack, Specialized Milano saddle, had Kryptonite U lock and cable unlocked(!) on it, as well as a brown and orange Bern helmet with an orange matchbox car.
Police record with: PPD
Police reference#: 12-155264
This registrant has documented proof of ownership of this bike