(Photo by J.Maus/BikePortland)
Four panels lined with heavy-hitting employers in Multnomah and Washington counties are lined up for next week’s free half-day summit about the best practices for businesses that want to support bike commuting.
Hosted for the third year by Regence, the regional health insurer affiliated with the Blue Cross-Blue Shield brand, the Portland Employers Bike Summit will also feature a keynote from city Transportation Commissioner Steve Novick.
The event is Friday, May 16, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Regence’s headquarters, 1621 SW First Ave. Before the event, human-resources and facilities professionals are invited to a free on-site lunch.
Here’s a listing of the breakout sessions planned:
Don’t Sweat the Commute
As the number of people pedaling to work continues to grow, bike gear and worksites are evolving to accommodate the bike commuter. This session covers both tips for biking to work while dressing for success, as well as policies and facilities that employers are offering to support bike commuting by their employees. Presentation includes sample gear from local bike shops and special attention on common concerns of women bike commuters.
Moderators: Rae-Leigh Stark, WTA & Lindsay Walker, Go Lloyd
Panelists:
Amy Long, Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon
Hannah Dondy-Kaplan, Bonneville Power Admin.
Grace Cho, Oregon Metro
Martina Fahrner, Clever Cycles
Leah Benson, Gladys Bikes
Workplace Bike Amenities: What’s inside the neighbor’s garage?
This workshop will present the results of the BTA’s Bike Amenities Survey and give participants a snapshot of what different Portland Metro area workplaces are offering to employees to support bike commuting. Hear the stories from a few best in class examples.
Moderator: Stephanie Noll, Bicycle Transportation Alliance
Panelists:
Wade Lang, American Assets Trust
Bjorn Freeman-Benson, New Relic
Courtney Martin, Intel- Open Bike Inititave
More Bike Fun at Work
You catch more new commuters with donuts than with preaching. Hear fun examples from workplaces that are great at demonstrating the number one reason to get on a bike: it’s fun. Leave with accessible tools for increasing bike fun (and bike commuting) at your workplace. Whether or not you’re fun now, you’ll be more fun after this workshop.
Moderator: Stephanie Noll, Bicycle Transportation Alliance
Panelists:
Birgit Hess and Timothy Morita-McVey, Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon Bike Commute Team
Shanna Brownstein, NW Natural
Theresa Carr, CH2M Hill
Joining Forces with Human Resources
We all know that bicycling makes for healthier employees and fewer sick days. This should make Human Resource professionals and bicyclists natural allies, yet workplace advocates and HR don’t always seem to speak the same language. Learn tips on presenting biking proposals to HR and hear case studies of successful partnerships.
Moderator: Steve Hoyt-McBeth, PBOT
Panelists:
Jodi Wilson, Metro
Jim Maestretti, Regence BlueCross Blue Shield of Oregon
Philip Moran, Stoel Rives
The event’s supporting organizers include Go Lloyd, the Portland Bureau of Transportation and the Bicycle Transportation Alliance. You (or your favorite HR colleague) can preregister now for free on the BTA’s website.
Full disclosure: BikePortland is also a media sponsor of the event. See you there!