January 2015 Archives

Washington County proposes biking-walking bridge in Aloha

The proposed bridge alignment is marked in red.
(Main image: Google Maps)

If we’ve been writing more than usual lately about the county to Portland’s west, it’s because they’ve got a lot of things going.

As the Oregonian reported Monday, the county is seeking Metro grant funding to help build a $1.5 million, 550-foot bridge across Beaverton Creek in Aloha.

The proposed bridge would both have big benefits to its immediate surroundings and fit into a rapidly improving bike network in the area. Here’s the Oregonian’s Dana Tims on the hyperlocal benefits:

This could be you!
(Photo by J. Maus/BikePortland)

Once again Travel Oregon is taking their commitment to bicycle tourism to the next level: They plan to award five, $1,000 scholarships to the 2015 National Bike Summit in Washington D.C. The catch? You must be working on projects or policies that focus on rural bicycle tourism.

From their rural tourism studios to the RideOregonRide website, Travel Oregon has gone “all-in” on bicycle tourism over the past few years. And they’re no strangers to the National Bike Summit. Top-level staffers from the organization have been attending the event since 2007.

Buffered Bike Lane with a bike symbol and arrow pointing forward

(Image: Google Maps.)

Washington County has opted to spend $125,000 to $175,000 on temporary repairs to its least sturdy bridge rather than close it to auto traffic.

As we wrote last month, the bridge on Porter Road northeast of Forest Grove is significant for biking because it’s part of the Tualatin Valley Scenic Bikeway and might also become part of a “Council Creek Regional Trail” that would eventually create a low-stress link between Hillsboro and Banks.

It’s also significant for driving because it currently carries an estimated 1,100 motor vehicles per day.

Some bikey questions are up for debate.
(Photo: J.Maus/BikePortland)

What do you do when a person in a car yields to you at an intersection for no reason?

How do you have a productive discussion with someone who isn’t excited about biking?

If you could get one bike-friendly person in Portland into public office, who would it be?

For the second year, we’ve dedicated an episode of our monthly podcast to answering questions that were, like these, submitted by readers and listeners. So producer Lillian Karabaic, Joathan and I put 20 minutes on my kitchen timer and answered as many as we could before the bell. The result is rapid-fire and fun.

Job Title
Mechanic

Company/Organization
Bike Gallery – Lake Oswego/Woodstock

Job Description
The Bike Gallery is looking for a full time mechanic at both our Lake Oswego & Woodstock stores.

Responsibilities:

* Be able to diagnose and service a wide range of performance complaints for a wide range of equipment types
* Be able to diagnose and service a wide range of noise complaints for a wide range of equipment types
* Be able to complete a bicycle assembly for any product carried, to the established quality standard, and within the established time parameters for the product in question
* Be able to identify and perform all aspects of replacement part installation to the established time and quality standards
* Be able to deliver established service packages (tune-ups, overhauls, etc.) to the established time and quality standards
* Be able to recognize and respond to changes in the work priorities of the service department as indicated by volume or other circumstances
* Test ride all completed service work to verify performance
* Be able to recognize and respond to opportunities to build customer loyalty through the delivery of prompt, accurate service
* Be prepared to demonstrate the value of the service menu pricing and as well as all work performed
* Stay current with equipment manufacturer specifications and product developments that affect service procedures or compatibility issues
* Greeting customers who are picking up or dropping off bikes for service
* Provide estimates for service and repairs based upon customer interaction and an evaluation of the bike in question
* Write service tickets that are clear and legible
* Provide customers with an estimated time for completion of the work; remind customers of our service hours and that they will be called when the work is done
* Investigate and capitalize on opportunities to sell customers upgrades in repair or replacement parts
* Investigate and capitalize on opportunities to sell customers replacement rubber
* Be able to answer customer questions about accessory compatibility and installation with confidence
* Initiate contact with customers when service work is completed

How to Apply
Send Resume & Cover Letter to:

BGresumes@bikegallery.com

The Monday Roundup: Family Feud on ‘cyclists,’ ice-skate commuting and more

The most popular responses have the
highest numbers.
(Image via Road.cc)

Here are the bike links from around the world that caught our eyes this week:

Seahawks cycling: Seattle’s NFL team is headed back to the Super Bowl and — believe it or not — it was a bicycle that stole national headlines after their thrilling playoff win.

Annoying game show: Australia’s version of the Family Feud game show decided to ask: “What is something annoying that a cyclist might do?”

Ice-skate commuting: An Edmonton landscape architect has proposed a “Freezeway” that would let people skate to work. The winter “skate lane” would serve as a bike lane in the summer.

Our friends at Portland-based Showers Pass have become an annual sponsor of Bike MS, “the nation’s premier cycling fundraising series”. Check out the official announcement below:

Job Title
Bicycle Mechanic

Company/Organization
Athletes Lounge

Job Description
Athletes Lounge is still looking for an experienced Service Technician to work in our retail location at 2671 NW Vaughn St., in Portland. Pay is based on experience. This is a full time position and includes weekend work. If interested, please send your resume and cover letter to Gary@athleteslounge.com. Athletes Lounge is a full service bicycle shop.

How to Apply
Please send your resume and cover letter to gary@athleteslounge.com

Comment of the Week: Commissioner Steve Novick on the virtues of taxes

Steve Novick at a Bike Walk Vote
candidate party in 2012.
(Photo: J.Maus/BikePortland)

With friends like Joe Cortright, Transportation Commissioner Steve Novick doesn’t need enemies.

That’s the case Novick made this morning in a sharp response in the comments beneath a widely circulated column we published by Cortright, a local urban economist.

Cortright, who like Novick comes from a generally leftish perspective, had made eight arguments about transportation revenue in the context of Portland’s effort to create a new, local street fund. In the comment below, Novick raises thoughtful objections to two of them.

I have two main problems with what my friend Joe Cortright said in his recent column. First, he’s using generic arguments against a specific proposal while largely ignoring what the proposal actually is. Second, he’s adopting the rhetoric of his political opponents to attack spending on projects that he actually isn’t opposed to.

Park A Bike’s Christopher Luyet explains
the features of his “bike dock”.
(Photos by J. Maus/BikePortland)

Bike thieves have upped their game and rack manufacturers see a business opportunity.

Not content with using mere bolt-cutters to snip your cable lock or a mini car-jack to pry open your u-lock, thieves are now using power saws. Yes, power saws that can easily zing through the rounded pipes used in over 6,000 of those official blue “staple” Bureau of Transportation bike racks and countless street signs that people lock to when there’s no staple nearby.

Just this morning we learned about the latest power-saw-bike-theft victim via reddit.

Winter doldrums got you down? Look up and learn
about local exotic greenery on the Palm Tree Ride.
(Photo by J. Maus/BikePortland)

Welcome to your menu of weekend rides and events, lovingly brought to you by our friends at Hopworks Urban Brewery.

This is the time of year when the weather can make it tough to get out and ride. That’s where your fellow bike lovers come in. A group ride, or a ride that takes you to new places, might be just what you need to cure your case of the winters.

A special shout-out this week is due to Shawn Granton’s Palm Tree Ride. He’s been leading it every year since 2005 and it’s true gem. With his trusty guidebook of local trees in hand, he’ll share his vast knowledge of Portland’s sidestreets, urban history, and local flora with everyone lucky enough to join this ride. He says it’s the last one, so that’s all the more reason to not miss it.

Have fun out there! And special thanks to Hopworks Urban Brewery for renewing their sponsorship of this weekly feature!

Washington County proposes biking-walking bridge in Aloha

Bike tourism your thing? Win a scholarship to the National Bike Summit

Washington County will repair bridge rather than prohibit driving

BikePortland Podcast: Your questions of the year, answered

Job: Bike Mechanic – Bike Gallery Lake Oswego/Woodstock

The Monday Roundup: Family Feud on ‘cyclists,’ ice-skate commuting and more

Industry Ticker: Showers Pass steps up support for National MS Society

Job: Bicycle Mechanic – Athletes Lounge

Comment of the Week: Commissioner Steve Novick on the virtues of taxes

Bike rack company touts security at Portland demo event

Weekend Event Guide: Palm trees, volcanoes, freak bikes, and more

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From the Archives

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