First cones DEPLOYED! Find them; enjoy them. pic.twitter.com/4RgpXWm2Wa
— PDX Transformation (@PBOTrans) December 30, 2015
Fed up with standard bike lanes that offer only paint as separation between bicycle and car operators, an anonymous group of activists has placed traffic cones on the bike lane at the intersection of Southeast Powell at Pershing.
Following the news in your city is like braiding hair: you won’t be able to weave it all together unless you can keep track of each separate strand.
What’s more, the whole thing only makes sense after it’s finished.
With the 1,060 front-page stories BikePortland has published so far this year — that’s 20 per week, four per weekday — we’ve tried to help you follow the braid of what matters to Portland biking in all its richness, from off-road recreation to new businesses to wonktastic policy detail to weather reports. Back when the year started, we took a crack at “33 questions that’ll shape Portland bike news in 2015.”
It’s time to step back and look at the year we’ve had. Below are answers to the 33 questions we asked nearly 12 months ago. We’ve broken them down into handy topics for your reading pleasure…
After a decade of struggling to pay for a street network that is in some parts dangerous and in other parts crumbling, Portland’s city council voted 4-0 Wednesday to do a small something about it.
The $4 million annually that’ll be raised by hiking downtown parking meter rates from $1.60 an hour to $2 is a far cry from the $53 million that might have been raised by last year’s original street fee proposal, and even further from the $100 million that the city would need each of the next 10 years to prevent any of its paved streets from gradually turning to gravel.
But the meter rate hike will mean that it’ll no longer be cheaper to spend three hours parked along a public curb than to take a three-hour bus trip or to spend three hours in one of the city’s off-street garages.
Welcome to the last video roundup of 2015! Our first video has a cute puppy in it, because puppies are awesome. A rider found this puppy while cycling near Houston Texas, then transported the puppy home to save it. His neighbor later adopted the puppy.
If you rode into work this morning and are reading this, congratulations: You survived one of the most harrowing commutes of 2015. And I’m only slightly joking.
I almost didn’t.
Job Title *
Summer Bike Camp Instructor
Company/Organization *
Washington County Bicycle Transportation Coalition
Job Description *
We are looking for two individuals who are comfortable riding their bike in traffic, can ride 10-20 miles in a day, and have experience working with youth. You and your co-instructor will be responible for the day to day activities of up to 12 campers, ages 9-11 or 12-14, including teaching a core bike safety curriculum. We are looking for someone who is self-directed and able to teach in a collaborative setting.
We plan to hold four camps, each 5 days long, based in Hillsboro, Tigard (and if enough interest in Beaverton and Bethany). Camps will be held M-F on four consecutive weeks beginning Monday, July 11 and last camp starting on Aug. 1 and ending on Aug.5th.
Instructors will be required to successfully complete our “Confidence in Traffic” clinic or show similar competency, as well as have first aid training and basic bike repair. You will also be required to know the material contained in our “Bike Camp Instructors Manual” and the safety curriculum in the “Safe Routes to School” manual. We will provide the training and written materials to you. You will also be required to pass a criminal background check.
e-mail questions and resume to camps@washcobtc.org
Visit our website at www.washcobtc.org
How to Apply *
e-mail your resume to Camps@washcobtc.org or send it via mail to:
WashCo BTC Summer Bike Camps
Attention: Steve
137 NE 3rd Ave.
Hillsboro, OR. 97124
For years now transportation advocates have been battling the tides of the Oregon Department of Transportation. It’s an agency — like all state highway agencies — that was born and raised in the automobile era yet now operates in an era where many people want to walk and bike and use our roads without a car. While there have been glimmers of reform, recent decisions have made it clear that the real changes many of us hope for are still a ways off.
No matter where you like to shred, The Lumberyard has you covered.
Portland’s beloved indoor bike park has inked a deal with Timberline Ski Area to give season pass holders discounts at both facilities. It goes both ways: If you’re a member of the Lumberyard you can now get 15 percent off your midweek lift tickets at Timberline; and if you are a season or annual pass member at Timberline, you can get a 15 percent off admission and bike rentals at The Lumberyard
If you’ve followed our coverage of The Lumberyard since they opened back in 2012, this news won’t come as a surprise. The company’s founders, Will Heiberg and Michael Whitesel, have modeled their ticketing plans on ski areas since the beginning.
“My heart is so full of love for this city, and for everyone far and wide who somehow heard my story and took a moment to care and empathize.”
— Megan Holcomb upon the recovery of her stolen bike back in July.
It’s been the best of times; it’s been the worst of times.
If 2014 was the year when Portland first came to terms in a meaningful way with the fact that it’s no longer the nation’s undisputed biking capital, 2015 has been the year when Portlanders responded. It took a year of tireless work by local volunteers and pros, working alone and in institutions new and old, but it culminated in a series of major victories in late summer and fall:
Job Title *
SoupCycler
Company/Organization *
SoupCycle`
Job Description *
We are in the midst of our busiest time of the year and we on the search for a couple back-up cyclists to help out as we have people out for vacation or sick leave.
POSITION SUMMARY
Our SoupCyclists are energetic, upbeat and strong-legged people who can brave the winter rains of Portland and still be smiling when they deliver soup to customers. This position is pretty rad if we do say so ourselves. It’s a combination of working in the kitchen one day each week and delivering soups two days/week.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
• Personable and unflappable. There is a lot of customer interaction while you deliver and strong customer service is a must.
• A safe cyclist (uses hand-signals, wears helmet, respects drivers, etc)
• Excitement about food and sharing that with customers during deliveries.
• Excitement to work with a small, local business.
• Physically able to lift 75 lbs and pedal a bike trailer carrying up to 215 lbs.
• A sturdy bike to attach to our soup trailer for deliveries (you get to use your bike, we provide the trailer, and reimburse you for the use of your bike).
HOURS: 6-25 hours a week
PAY: $11.00/hr
How to Apply *
Send 2-3 paragraphs expressing your interest and a resume to nate@soupcycle.com
Job Title *
Project Coordinator
Company/Organization *
Gresham Area Chamber of Commerce
Job Description *
CANDIDATE PROFILE
Enthusiasm and passion for business and biking is a must. The combination of the two will be evident in your cover letter and during the interview process. Independent, self-motivated, wise decision maker who appreciates and values local economies and the possibilities of bringing biking to East Multnomah County ultimately for economic growth. Project oriented, thorough, thoughtful, and high expectations for success. Plays well with others. Strong personal familiarity with East Multnomah County is a plus.
OVERVIEW
Job duration 18-24 months. Renewal determined by continued grant funding.
Current position funded by 3 separate grants.
Reports directly to the Chamber CEO and with other chamber staff engagement.
IN THIS ROLE
The Project Coordinator is responsible for marketing bicycle tourism in East Multnomah County. The Initiative is intended to draw visitors to the East Multnomah County region through bicycling and other events that promote overnight stays and patronizing local businesses. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to list below. In this role you will:
– Develop cycling routes, itineraries, and travel experiences that appeal to a broad range of cyclists including families, distance riders and mountain bikers;
– Work with bicycle tourism groups, travel organizations, chambers and visitor organizations to promote bicycle tourism in East Multnomah County;
– Develop and execute a marketing plan to promote bicycle tourism and East Multnomah County as a destination;
– Create and manage bicycle-related, and family-oriented events to draw visitors to East Multnomah County for day trips and overnight stays;
– Coordinate meetings with Gresham Chamber Executive and full Board, Advisory committee as needed to obtain input on project direction;
– Report and coordinate with funding agencies, including Metro, Travel Portland and Travel Oregon;
– Participate on steering committees and other advisory groups related to bicycle transportation and tourism including other chambers of commerce, visitor centers, Metro and Multnomah County officials.
– Prepare and write grants for continuation of project
– Network with potential funders
– Engage with partners, businesses and communities to better leverage existing community and tourism assets and increase return on investments, overnight stays, tourism activity within east Multnomah County; works with communities, lodging partners, tour operators, and others to support growth of existing and potential tourism related opportunities and activities.
– Respond to public inquiries in person, over the phone and via email
DO YOU QUALIFY?
– Knowledge of bicycle transportation and bicycle tourism
– Ability to develop bicycle routes and itineraries and map them on RidewithGPS or other related programs
– Event planning and tourism development
– Marketing, communications and public relations
– Project management, reporting and budgeting
– Self-starter able to work independently on multiple assignments and projects simultaneously; manage time effectively
– Ability to travel within the region and maintain an acceptable driving record.
– Experience with Microsoft office, GPS and GIS
– Successful grant writing experience
– Must own a bike or can ride one
EDUCATION / MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
– Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in transportation, planning, public relations, or communications
– Minimum five years professional experience in related field or industry
SALARY AND BENEFITS
Hourly based on experience approx. 20 hours/wk variable: monthly transit pass and reimbursed mileage and work related expenses.
How to Apply *
Email cover letter and resume to lynn.ceo@greshamchamber.org or mail to Gresham Area Chamber of Commerce, ATTN: Lynn, 1005 N Main, Gresham, Ore 97030
Job posting will be open until Jan 20, 2016 or the most qualified and best candidate is selected.
Just an FYI: Our annual end-of-year $99 Bike Fitting special is coming to an end next week on 12/31 for any and all bikes + skill levels. This killer price also good for Gift Certificates!
If you ride regularly, are getting a new bike for X-mas, or have big plans to ride a TON in 2016, it’s a great investment in your overall cycling health. More about us and our comprehensive, experienced bike-fitting service by Physical Therapists –> www.pedalpt.com/bike-fitting/
Happy Holidays!