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UK-based Islabikes opens North American headquarters in southeast Portland

Google Streetview of Islabikes new Portland location
at SE 7th and Lincoln.

Islabikes, a well-known brand from the U.K., is the latest bicycle company to chose Portland for their North American headquarters. The company plans to begin selling their full range of children’s bicycles from a 5,200 square-foot building on the corner of SE 7th Avenue and Lincoln next month.

Islabikes was founded in 2006 by Isla Rowntree. The company started from a small old barn and now employs 19 full-time staff from a new home in Shropshire, England. The North American operation is being run by Tim Goodall, who has worked with Rowntree since the company started. I spoke with Goodall this morning to learn more about Islabikes and how they ended up in Portland.

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Senate committee takes no action on bike helmet bills

Vancouver Helmet Law Protest Ride-14.jpg

A bill to increase the minimum
helmet age was discussed in a
Senate hearing earlier this week.
(Photo © J. Maus/BikePortland)

The two bicycle helmet bills in the Oregon legislature made more waves in the media than in actual debate from lawmakers during a hearing held in Salem on Monday. The bills garnered media attention because they were an opportunity to pit the safety of our children (who could be against that?!) against bicycle advocates who feel mandatory helmet laws are not always what they’re cracked up to be.

At the hearing on Monday even the Senator behind SB 741 and 742, Chris Edwards, seemed a bit uncomfortable with all the attention they’ve gotten. Toward the end of the hearing he said, “This bill is getting a disproportionate amount of focus.”

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Activist claims Forest Park trail being “ruined by cyclists”

Photo by Marcy Houle sent to Mayor Hales
and other City Council members. It shows bike tires
in the mud on what she says is Wildwood Trail.

As we shared last month, the debate over improving bicycle access in Forest Park seems to be heating up once again.

On March 14th, Marcy Houle, an activist and author of One City’s Wilderness: Portland’s Forest Park who has been very outspoken in opposition to bicycling in the park, emailed Mayor Charlie Hales and the rest of City Council urging them to do something about people who ride illegally on Wildwood Trail.

Houle’s email (sent on March 14th) focused on the Wildwood Trail, which she describes as being, “arguably the most pristine, natural, and heralded city park hiking trail in the United States.” Houle shared photos she says show damage to the trail from bicycle tires and she called on the Mayor, City Council members, and Parks Director Mike Abbate to stop the “criminal activity.”

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10th Bunny on a Bike ride is this Sunday

Bunny on a Bike Ride-17.jpg

Put some ears on your helmet and get out there.
(Photos © J. Maus/BikePortland)

On Easter Sunday, March 31st, people throughout Portland will partake in a time-honored holiday tradition: The Bunny on a Bike ride!

This year the ride celebrates its 10th anniversary and given the weather forecast I have a hunch it could be one of the largest gathering of bunnies on bikes in Portland history. Ride organizer Carye Bye has planned an easy and flat 45 minute ride through the “big fun labyrinth” of Ladd’s Addition. “Let’s ride and get lost exploring the diagonal streets, rose diamonds, and hidden alleys,” reads the ride announcement.

After the ride there will be a community potluck at Abernethy School Park (SE Elliott and Birch). Meet at the school at 2:30 and ride out at 3:00. Check out more details on the Facebook event page.

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blue and yellow Burley Bike trailer 1999

Buffered Bike Lane with a bike symbol and arrow pointing forward

Year: 1999
Brand: Burley
Model: Bike trailer
Color:blue and yellow
Size:2 seats with storage
Stolen in Portland, OR 97206
Stolen:2013-03-9
Stolen From: Our home’s garage near SE 52nd and Powell.
Neighborhood: Creston-Kenilworth
Owner: Abbie Trimble
OwnerEmail: abigailtrimble(AT)gmail.com
Description: Old, sun bleached, wire spokes, some mildew stains
Police record with: Portland Police
Police reference#: 13-19470
This registrant does not have proof of ownership of this bike

silver with black stickers Trek 2100 2004

Buffered Bike Lane with a bike symbol and arrow pointing forward

Year: 2004
Brand: Trek
Model: 2100
Color:silver with black stickers
Size:50
Serial: WI3109151
Stolen in Portland, OR 97206
Stolen:2013-03-9
Stolen From: My homes garage near SE 52nd and Powell.
Neighborhood: Creston-Kenilworth
Owner: Abbie Trimble
OwnerEmail: abigailtrimble(AT)gmail.com
Description: the top tube is scratched, the components are stock and it has a trek bike rack on it.
Police record with: Portland Police
Police reference#: 13-19470
This registrant has documented proof of ownership of this bike

blue and yellow Lemond Criox de fer 2005

Buffered Bike Lane with a bike symbol and arrow pointing forward

Year: 2005
Brand: Lemond
Model: Criox de fer
Color:blue and yellow
Size:57
Serial:WL3170725
Photo: http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploads5/croixdefer1120594659.jpg
Stolen in Portland, OR 97206
Stolen:2013-03-09
Stolen From: My homes garage near SE 52nd and Powell
Neighborhood: Creston-Kenilworth
Owner: Abbie Trimble
OwnerEmail: abigailtrimble@gmail.com
Description: The components are all stock. The top tube is scratched.
Police record with: Portland Police
Police reference#: 13-19470
This registrant has documented proof of ownership of this bike

Portland Parks offering kids MTB summer camp

Buffered Bike Lane with a bike symbol and arrow pointing forward

Portland Parks & Rec has announced their two-day, kids MTB skill-builder camp! Check out the video and details below:

We will be offering another 2-day kids mountain bike skill-builder this May on the 4th and 5th. We have a great documentary on last year’s camp that is viewable here:

Below is a description of the camp. Any interested parties can contact me at: 503-823-8840 cole.robinson@portlandoregon.gov

Experience the excitement, joy, and unique feeling of being covered in mud with an ear-to-ear smile. Mountain biking is a fun and accessible sport that teaches us many lessons about fitness, nature, and self-empowerment. Dirt Dojo instructors Michelle Emmons and Matt McPharlin will teach you the secrets of ride technique that will give you confidence to fly down the trail, conquer challenging terrain, and exceed your expectations on your bike and beyond. Day 1 will feature fun and informative bike games and drills that will teach you bike handling, pump track skills, commuter safety, and sustainable trail-riding etiquette. Day 2 you will experience riding one of Oregon’s most prestigious mountain bike trail systems, Sandy Ridge, located on the lower slopes of Mt. Hood. Bring your bike and helmet or ours. Transportation Provided from East Portland Community Center. Registration Deadline: April 22nd.

Job: Salesperson and/or Experienced Technician – Tacoma Bike

Buffered Bike Lane with a bike symbol and arrow pointing forward

Job Title
Hiring for Salesperson and/or Experienced Technician

Company/Organization
Tacoma Bike

Job Description
Tacoma Bike is Hiring

We have openings for salespeople and experienced bike mechanics.

Each staff member at Tacoma Bike takes responsibility for a large part of the customer’s experience. Applicants should be confident helping customers as well as doing excellent technical work. Communication is key. We expect that all staff work with customers, coworkers, and suppliers, and that staff respectfully bridge differences in knowledge levels. Applicants should be consistent and professional in their work and bearing.

If this sounds like you, let us know by delivering your resume (cover letter encouraged) to either store location, or to bikes@tacomabike.com

How to Apply
Tacoma Bike
309 Puyallup Ave.
Tacoma, WA 98421
253 272 1351
bikes@tacomabike.com

56 Trek 5200 1999

Buffered Bike Lane with a bike symbol and arrow pointing forward

Year: 1999
Brand: Trek
Model: 5200
Color:56
Serial: 5667-rear dropouts
Stolen in 97215, OR
Stolen:2013-03-27
Stolen From: Easy entrance of Kohl’s gateway. At 11:57
AM.
Neighborhood: Gateway
Owner: Daniel Robinson
OwnerEmail: tandy409( atsign )gmail.com
Reward: 200
Description: Black blue, with clip in pedals. For additional details please call-5413912211
Reward
Police record with: Portland
Police reference#: 13-2431
This registrant has documented proof of ownership of this bike

New bike clothing boutique opens on SE Hawthorne Blvd.

Joe Bike Apparel-6

Joe Bike Apparel on SE Hawthorne.
(Photos © J. Maus/BikePortland)

Southeast Portland’s Hawthorne Blvd is a destination for fashion lovers. Now it’s also home to Joe Bike Apparel, a new boutique devoted solely to stylish cycling.

Joe Bike Apparel, which opened its doors at 3953 SE Hawthorne on March 19th, is the latest business foray by bicycling entrepreneur Joe Doebele. You might remember Doebele as the guy who created the Shuttlebug cargo bike back in 2010. That project helped establish the Joe Bike retail shop which used to be in the location where Joe Bike Apparel is now.

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