ODOT urged to consider road diet on Barbur Blvd

ODOT map.

The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) plans to spend $5 million to rehabilitate and repave the Vermont and Newbury bridges on SW Barbur Blvd just south of downtown Portland. Southwest neighborhood activists, the Bicycle Transportation Alliance, the Portland Bureau of Transportation and others see the project as a golden opportunity to improve bike access on the bridges; but so far, ODOT has no such improvements in their plans.

At issue is that the existing bike lanes on SW Barbur Blvd suddenly disappear over each of the viaducts. This lack of a bike lane on the bridges means people on bicycles must squeeze dangerously close to motor vehicle traffic that travels at 55 mph. These conditions are hair-raising for people that use them today and they’re exactly the type of thing that prevents people from biking in the first place.

Over the bridges, Barbur has four standard travel lanes (two are 10-1/2 feet, two are 12-1/2 feet) over the bridges and a three foot sidewalk on each side.

Here’s a graphic (from ODOT) of the cross-section as it stands today:

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54 fuji newest 2.0 2008

Buffered Bike Lane with a bike symbol and arrow pointing forward

Year: 2008
Brand: fuji
Model: newest 2.0
Color:54
Size:blue/gray
Serial: IF70807616
Stolen in Portland, OR 97232
Stolen:2013-01-3
Neighborhood: east burnside
Owner: Rayna Mayo
OwnerEmail: Raynamayo( atsign )gmail.com
Reward: $150
Description: plastic fenders and a rear rack
This registrant has documented proof of ownership of this bike

BTA 2013 legislative push: More funding, lower speeds, more enforcement

BTA Advocacy Director Gerik Kransky
at Velo Cult last night.
(Photo © J. Maus/BikePortland)

The Bicycle Transportation Alliance has embarked on their 2013 legislative campaign. Last night they revealed that the three bills they plan to lobby for center around funding, speed limits, and enforcement.

The bills are substantial and they mark a full-force return to lobbying in Salem after the BTA opted to lay low and rebuild relationships with legislators in the 2011 session.

At a BTA-hosted happy hour event at Velo Cult Bike Shop last night, Advocacy Director Gerik Kransky shared that their “three-pronged approach” is “all about safety.”

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Thieves steal tandem from Vancouver couple that can’t drive – UPDATED

White Peugeot tandem stolen in Vancouver.
(Photo: Kimberlee Turner)

Several readers have shared a bike theft story from just over the river that deserves wider attention.

According to The Columbian, a young married couple that live in Vancouver have had their tandem stolen. The reason I’m putting this on the Front Page is because the couple, Harly and Courtney Forbes (22 and 21 years of age) are “developmentally delayed” says the paper, and are unable to drive a car. Not only that, but Mr. Forbes just recently traded in his Schwinn Varsity to buy the $900 tandem so he and Courtney could get around together.

Here’s more from The Columbian:

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blue & white Gary Fischer ? road bike 2009

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Year: 2009
Brand: Gary Fischer
Model: ? road bike
Color:blue & white
Size:~53cm
Stolen in Portland, OR 97217
Stolen:2013-01-8
Stolen From: Holman Ave between Montana Ave & Maryland Ave, North Portland 97217
Neighborhood: Arbor Lodge
Owner: Janna McDougall
OwnerEmail: janna.mcdougall(AT)gmail.com
Description: blue Gary Fischer with white checks on the frame; clipless pedals, women’s specific seat (white), white handlebars
Police record with: Portland PD
This registrant does not have proof of ownership of this bike

silver Bianchi Pista 2007

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Year: 2007
Brand: Bianchi
Model: Pista
Color:silver
Size:~54cm
Stolen in Portland, OR 97217
Stolen:2013-01-8
Stolen From: Holman Ave between Maryland Ave and Montana Ave, North Portland 97217
Neighborhood: Arbor Lodge
Owner: Janna McDougall
OwnerEmail: janna.mcdougall(replace with at sign)gmail.com
Description: Silver bianchi pista, flip flop hubs, set to freewheel, handlebars that extend in front (not rams horn)
Police record with: Portland PD
This registrant does not have proof of ownership of this bike

White Peugeot Grand touring 1975

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Year: 1975
Brand: Peugeot
Model: Grand touring
Color:White
Size:Tandem
Stolen in Vancouver, WA 98663
Stolen:2013-01-7
Stolen From: Stolen from 3029 V St in Vancouver
Neighborhood: Rosemear
Owner: Harly Forbes
OwnerEmail: Mrms.forbes(A T)yahoo.com
Description: 18 speed tandem. It has a shimano 600 front derailer. 700cc tires. It has a bell and horn. Orange lettering on the frame.
Police record with: Vancouver Police
This registrant has documented proof of ownership of this bike

Job: Program Support Specialist – Community Cycling Center

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Job Title
Program Support Specialist

Company/Organization
Community Cycling Center

Job Description
About the Community Cycling Center:

We believe that the bicycle is a tool for empowerment and a vehicle for change. The Community Cycling Center is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization that broadens access to bicycling and its benefits through our hands-on programs, volunteer projects, and neighborhood shop. The Community Cycling Center is an energetic workplace with a collaborative style. Visit www.CommunityCyclingCenter.org for more information about us.

The Community Cycling Center promotes an inclusive culture and encourages people with diverse backgrounds and abilities to apply.

Essential Job Function:

The Program Support Specialist is a half-time position that supports direct service programs of the Community Cycling Center. The Program Support Specialist will oversee online registration, including technical support, customer service, and marketing updates that will maximize registration for programs. This role will also include general program support, program instruction and training support. An ideal candidate will have strong computer skills, a creative and effective approach to customer service, is detail-oriented, pro-active, and has a passion for experiential education.

Duties:
• Registration Coordination lead for programs requiring online registration
o Online registration system tech support for both staff and registrants
o Customer Service for registering individuals and agencies; heavy phone utilization at times
o Management of waitlists to maximize participation in programs
o Collaboration with communications team to utilize social media for recruitment
• Program Support
o Planning, implementation, and reporting support
o Distribute and collect follow up surveys to partner agencies
o Enter data for grant and organizational reporting
o Instructor support – on-the-road, training, parent contact, etc.
o Support off-site programs as necessary (including camps and rides)
• Participate in team meetings
• Complete other administrative duties as needed
• We believe that fundraising is everyone’s job. There is an expectation that all employees will support fundraising activities.

General Qualifications:

• Previous experience supporting community-based or experiential education programs
• Previous experience working with low-income and diverse individuals
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office programs, basic HTML, and online software
• Excellent research skills
• Effective communication with key program stakeholders, co-workers and school district staff, campers, parents, and volunteers
• Ability to work a flexible schedule. This position has varying hours throughout the year depending upon program need
• Criminal background check required
• Driver’s License required
• Spanish proficiency strongly desired
• Substitute support and instruction preferred.

Schedule, Hours and Status: Part Time (average of 20 hours week), permanent, nonexempt position. Schedule to be determined.
Pay scale: $12.50 hourly
Benefits: Benefits after 30 days, generous PTO, annual Used Parts Allowance, flexible scheduling.
Reports to: Program Manager

How to Apply
How to apply: Please send your cover letter, resume, and two references to: jobs@communitycyclingcenter.org. This position is open until filled. No phone calls please.

Job: Inventory Specialist – Community Cycling Center

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Sorry. This job has been filled.
Job Title
Inventory Specialist

Company/Organization
Community Cycling Center

Job Description
About the Community Cycling Center
We believe bicycles are a tool for empowerment and a vehicle for change. The Community Cycling Center broadens access to bicycling and its benefits through hands-on programs, volunteer projects, and neighborhood bike shop. This position is located at the Community Cycling Center bike shop at 1700 NE Alberta. The Community Cycling Center is an energetic and collaborative workplace. Visit www.CommunityCylingCenter.org for more information about us.

The Community Cycling Center promotes an inclusive culture and encourages people with diverse backgrounds and abilities to apply.

General Position Summary:
The Inventory Specialist is responsible for the intake, organization, and stocking of parts and accessories at the Community Cycling Center bike shop. With the support of the shop management team the Inventory Specialist will work to ensure that shop inventory remains adequately stocked and well organized. This position will require experience working with inventory management systems, the ability to refine and develop workable systems, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively as needed.
Essential Job Functions/Major Responsibilities:
• Shipment Reception and Inventory Management
• Receive and organize all delivered shipments from distributors
• Stock shop and retail items on a daily basis
• Maintain and improve storage systems and retail environment to increase efficiency, capacity and inventory reliability.
• Advise shop management on stocking levels based on inventory trends
• Work collaboratively with all shop staff to maintain reliable and relevant inventories
• Perform regular inventory checks
• Work to refine current inventory management system
• Communicate with customers concerning special orders
• Work with retail management to create displays to showcase products in innovative and efficient ways
• Participate in team meetings
• As a non-profit we believe that fundraising is everyone’s job. There is an expectation that all employees will support fundraising efforts.

General Qualifications:
• Attention to detail and a methodical approach to accomplishing tasks
• Ability to evaluate weekly and seasonal trends
• Capacity to work independently and deliver on objectives
• Experience with POS and general computer systems
• Knowledge of bicycles and their components
• Previous experience working with diverse individuals and communities
• Ability to work a flexible schedule if needed
• Successful candidate must be able to pass a criminal background check

Desired Qualities:
• Proficiency in Spanish strongly desired
• Driver’s license a plus
• Graphic design experience a plus

PAY RATE & BENEFITS:
Hours: Full Time (32-40 hrs/wk), nonexempt, seasonal
Pay: $11.50 – 12.50/hour
Term: Start approximately March 1st. End: November 30
Schedule: Flexible, Monday through Sunday.

How to Apply
Please submit cover letter, resume, and (3) references to: Jobs@communitycyclingcenter.org
Please indicate “Inventory Specialist” in Subject Line. This position will remain open until filled. No phone calls please.

PBOT adds warnings to bike lane on SW Madison

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Changes at SW Madison 3rd-6

The new warnings have
been painted in the bike lane.
(Photos © J. Maus/BikePortland)

The Bureau of Transportation has completed installation of new signage and pavement markings on SW Madison where a woman was killed in May of last year.

In the bike lane on SW Madison between 3rd and 4th, PBOT has added white hash marks followed by the words, “SLOW LOOK FOR RIGHT TURNS.” In addition to those markings, new turn warning signs (directed at people driving cars) have been added (see photos below).

The changes were announced back in October after PBOT revealed that crash statistics showed an unexpectedly higher rate of right-hook collisions at four intersections where bike boxes had been installed. Given the rise in collisions, coupled with a detailed investigation from the District Attorney’s office about what led up to the fatal collision that claimed the life of Kathryn Rickson, PBOT determined that changes were necessary.

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Orange Schwinn FASTBACK CX 2007

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Year: 2007
Brand: Schwinn
Model: FASTBACK CX
Color:Orange
Size:Medium
Photo: http://www.dubjay.com/images/schwinn_fastback_cx_01.jpg
Stolen in PORTLAND, OR 97211
Stolen:2013-01-5
Stolen From: 5027 NE 14th Place.
14th and Alberta
Garage behind house.
Neighborhood: Alberta Arts District
Owner: Cord Amato
OwnerEmail: cordamato( atsign )hotmail.com
Description: Sizes medium
Colors Caramel (ORANGE)
Item ID 95012

Frame & Fork
Frame Construction TIG-welded
Frame Tubing Material Aluminum, butted
Fork Brand & Model Schwinn Gold Label CX
Fork Material Aluminum/chromoly steerer, aero crown
Rear Shock Not applicable

Components
Component Group Road Mix
Shimano Tiagra STI levers
Shift Levers Shimano Tiagra STI
Front Derailleur Shimano Tiagra
Rear Derailleur Shimano 105 SS
Crankset Truvativ Rouleur
Bottom Bracket TruVativ Giga X Pipe
BB Shell Width Unspecified
Rear Cogs 9-speed, 12 – 26 teeth
Chain Shimano CN-HG73
Seatpost Ritchey OE
Saddle Selle San Marco Ponza
Handlebar Ritchey Biomax
Handlebar Stem Ritchey OE
Headset 1 1/8″ FSA IS-3 Integrated

Wheels
Hubs Formula CXR-6
Rims Formula XSR-6
Tires 700 x 30c Schwalbe CX Pro Sport
Spoke Brand Formula
Spoke Nipples Unspecified

Accessories
Rear Rack
Fenders
Under Seat storage bag
Front and rear lights
Toe Clips
At time bike was stolen,
it had two portland Timbers stickers on the frame.
Police record with: Portland PD
Police reference#: T13000205
This registrant does not have proof of ownership of this bike

Framing the NE Multnomah Street project

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The new NE Multnomah -7

(Photo © J. Maus/BikePortland)

From my perspective, the most positive and important project (in terms of improving bicycle access) the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) has completed in many years is their redesign of NE Multnomah Street. The project not only put the street on a serious diet — from five standard lanes and narrow bike lanes to three standard lanes and wide, protected bike lanes — its transformation was spearheaded by unusual suspects. Instead of being pushed for by citizen activists and advocates, the project was largely pushed forward by powerful, local business interests*.

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