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Member sought for Multnomah County Bicycle and Pedestrian Citizen Advisory Committee

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Get involved! Make a difference! Take everything you’ve learned here on BikePortland and put it to good use! (Then become a source for us by telling us what’s going on inside the committee.)

Member sought for Multnomah County Bicycle and Pedestrian Citizen Advisory Committee

Multnomah County is seeking to fill at least one vacancy on its Bicycle and Pedestrian Citizen Advisory Committee with new members who live, work or recreate in Multnomah County. Preference will be given for applicants who live in the east county cities of Fairview, Troutdale, or Wood Village, or in the rural unincorporated areas of Multnomah County. New members will serve a two-year term beginning July 1, 2016.

The committee advises the county on bicycle and pedestrian issues related to the county’s road system, which includes:

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Five months after Clinton diverters, most people who bike say it’s much improved

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A new diverter at SE 17th and Clinton, designed to reduce automotive through traffic on the major bike route. The other new diverter is at 32nd.
(Photos: M. Andersen/BikePortland)

It’s been almost two years since we started reporting on the call by some Portlanders for traffic diverters on Clinton Street, one year since Mayor Charlie Hales and Commissioner Steve Novick approved them, and five months since two were installed.

So as the city prepares for similar diverters on Ankeny and considers them someday on Northeast 7th, we wondered: How are things going? I spent 90 minutes on Clinton Wednesday during the evening rush hour to ask passers-by what they thought.

Here’s what people said…

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Yes! Fixed photo radar cameras coming to four of Portland’s ‘high crash corridors’

Ride Along with Ali Reis-38

This section of Beaverton-Hillsdale Highway is one of four locations that will be monitored by fixed photo radar cameras beginning this summer.
(Photo: J. Maus/BikePortland)

Portland’s fight against the epidemic of speeding on our streets is about to get real. Beginning August 1st of this year the city’s first unmanned fixed photo radar cameras will go into operation.

The new cameras will be installed by Xerox Corporation at four locations as per an ordinance adopted by Portland City Council yesterday (PDF). The ordinance calls for two cameras (facing each direction) that will be in operation 24 hours a day seven days a week at each location: Beaverton-Hillsdale Highway between 30th and 39th, SE 122nd between Foster and Powell, Marine Drive, and outer SE Division. The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) is focused on these locations because they are all on a list of “high crash corridors” that have a history of fatal crashes that’s at least 25 percent higher than normal.

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Legislators’ bicycle town hall on Springwater path will focus on camping issues, safety concerns

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Springwater path near Cartlandia 82nd and Harney-1.jpg

The Springwater Corridor near 82nd.
(Photo: J. Maus/BikePortland)

Several Oregon state legislators will host what they’re calling an “interactive bicycle town hall” on May 14th to learn more about conditions on the Springwater Corridor path.

Interactions between path users and people who live in camps adjacent to the path reached a boiling point back in January. Since then there has been a broad community effort to address the issue. In April, local author and nonprofit director Joe Kurmaskie said he would cancel his youth summer bike camps due to concerns over the unruly and dangerous behaviors of some of the Springwater campers.

The issue was back in the headlines again this week when local news stations reported on a major operation by the Portland Police to move people out of the camps and pick up trash and personal belongings.

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Zipcar, ODOT and Amtrak Cascades Partner to Launch “Zip and Ride”

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Sharing this because we know many BikePortlanders are low-car and love using the train to create big bike adventures…

Zipcars within walking distance of three Amtrak stations in Oregon

PORTLAND – Zipcar, the world’s leading car sharing network, the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) and Amtrak Cascades today announced the launch of “Zip and Ride,” a partnership to locate Zipcars within walking distance of three Amtrak train stations (Portland Union Station, Salem Station, and Eugene Depot) and promote more connected, cost-effective travel options for train riders.

The “Zip and Ride” program allows anyone using the Amtrak Cascades service to use a Zipcar to and from destinations, in concert with train service. This combination helps avoid traffic headaches and parking stress while taking advantage of special “Zip and Ride” membership and reservation rates at Amtrak stations in Eugene, Salem and Portland and throughout the Portland area. Amtrak Coast Starlight passengers can also take advantage of this program at all three stations, and Amtrak Empire Builder passengers can do the same at Portland Union Station. Uses include:

  • Government employees commuting or traveling for meetings between Eugene, Salem and Portland for work can take the train to their destination, then pick up a Zipcar at the train station and drive around town for meetings or site visits.
  • Local business employees can travel to work via train, then reserve a Zipcar to run supplies between offices or meet with clients. Zipcar has vehicles of all shapes and sizes to meet every trip’s needs.
  • Bike commuters can board Amtrak Cascades with their bikes, then reserve one of Zipcar’s Yakima bike rack-equipped vehicles to complement their trip.
  • “Oregon is a national leader in sustainable and innovative transportation, and this partnership provides yet another ‘green’ option. Drivers can avoid I-5 congestion and take Zipcar for convenience and flexibility at their destination, all while enjoying free time and comfort on the train with Amtrak Cascades’ bistro and free Wi-Fi service,” said Hal Gard, Administrator for ODOT’s Rail and Public Transit Division.

    “Our ‘wheels when you want them’ service is a true complement to the Amtrak Cascades line,” said Jeremy Nelson, Zipcar Portland general manager. “The ‘Zip and Ride’ program will enhance the quality of life for Oregonians by making it easy and affordable to get out and experience all that the state has to offer.”

    Zipcar gives its members on-demand access to a fleet of 12,000 cars in hundreds of cities, as well as colleges and university campuses worldwide and major airports throughout North America and in Europe. Zipcars are available 24/7 for reservation by the hour or by the day via Zipcar’s mobile app, online, or over the phone.

    Prospective members can join the service instantly on Zipcar’s mobile app, and Oregonians can now take advantage of special “Zip and Ride” membership and reservation rates. For more information on “Zip and Ride,” visit www.zipcar.com/zipandride.

    Amtrak Cascades operates four daily round trips between Portland and Seattle; two daily round trips between Seattle and Vancouver, British Columbia; and two daily round trips between Portland and Eugene, Oregon.

    Job: Brand Ambassador – BIKETOWN

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    Job Title *
    Brand Ambassador

    Company/Organization *
    BIKETOWN

    Job Description *
    About BIKETOWN:

    Bicycle sharing is a sustainable, healthy, and community-based transport option that enhances urban livability and mobility. Under contract with the City of Portland and with sponsorship from NIKE, Inc., Motivate International is excited to announce the beginning of its operation of Portland’s bicycle sharing program, launching this summer. The system will include 100 stations and 1,000 bikes. Motivate is the largest operator of bike share systems in North America.

    Overview of Position:

    BIKETOWN is seeking talented and dedicated individuals who will work as Ambassadors for our outreach events. Ambassadors will do community outreach, help the public understand how to use BIKETOWN, promote BIKETOWN membership, and assist with staff presentations and special events. We are seeking applicants who represent a diversity of ages and cultures to assist us in making BIKETOWN inclusive and inviting.

    Applicants must be team players available to work irregular hours. This is a part-time, temporary position. Temporary employees will have the opportunity to apply for regular part-time or full-time positions, as the openings become available. This position reports to the Marketing Manager in Portland.

    Responsibilities:

    – Perform community outreach to help businesses, private property owners, and potential members understand the benefits of bike share.
    – Staff special events (corporate membership sign-ups, festivals, street fairs, etc.).
    – Help facilitate the sale of memberships.
    – Help facilitate purchases of casual passes at select BIKETOWN stations and educate casual pass users about the system.
    – Demonstrate bike features, removal and return procedures for bikes, kiosk signup and pricing.
    – Collect contact information for the BIKETOWN database.
    – Assist with membership mailings and fulfillment as needed.
    – Other duties as assigned.

    Note: The above description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the job. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities due to the nature of work performed to accomplish Motivate International’s mission.

    Required Skills and Experience:

    – High School Diploma or the equivalent.
    – Minimum one year of experience in sales, marketing, education, or customer service.
    – Experience interacting with very large, diverse groups of consumers of all age ranges.
    – Ability to engage audiences in a meaningful way and enjoy social interaction.
    – Ability to memorize basic facts about the BIKETOWN system.
    – Excellent organization and communication skills.
    – Basic computer skills with an emphasis on social media.
    – Basic knowledge of iPad devices and ability to navigate to various web pages.
    – Excitement and interest in bike sharing.
    – Ability to work various shifts, as assigned.
    – Ability to report to work at the BIKETOWN operations center in SE Portland and/or field locations, as assigned.
    – Ability to safely operate a bicycle.
    – This position may require frequent or prolonged standing, sitting, bicycling, bending, stooping, and lifting up to 25 pounds.

    Preferred Skills and Experience:
    – Experience with bikes and bike safety
    – All multi-linguals are strongly encouraged to apply
    – Cultural competency with regards to engaging diverse communities.
    – Valid Driver’s license and clean Motor Vehicle Record and a willingness to drive a company vehicle

    We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

    Motivate is a drug-free workplace.

    How to Apply *
    Please apply through the BIKETOWN website. Here is a link to the online application:

    https://www.appone.com/MainInfoReq.asp?R_ID=1294197

    Chris DiStefano hired for new marketing and public affairs position at River City Bicycles

    Dave Guettler (L) and Chris DiStefano outside River City's central eastside location. (Photo: River City Bicycles)
    Dave Guettler (L) and Chris DiStefano outside River City’s central eastside location.
    (Photo: River City Bicycles)

    Bicycle industry veteran Chris DiStefano has accepted a position as marketing and public affairs director for River City Bicycles.

    DiStefano’s career in the bike world spans over two decades and he has held high profile roles with Shimano, Chris King Precision Components, and most recently Rapha, where he was communications director for North America. River City Bicycles was founded by Dave Guettler in 1995 and is one of the most successful independently-owned bike shops in America. Put together, these two powerhouses of business and advocacy are very likely to make huge waves in Portland and beyond.

    In past positions DiStefano has embraced his role as a lobbyist for bike product makers and has proven to be an effective advocate. He’s been a loud voice pushing for mountain bike trails, he helped ferry the data-sharing relationship, between Strava and the Oregon Department of Transportation, and was picked by ODOT to serve on their Bike and Pedestrian Plan update committee. While at Chris King he made several trips to the National Bike Summit and even accepted invitations to the White House where he forged a working relationship with Secretary of Commercie Penny Pritzker.

    Check out the official press release below:

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    Better Naito organizers urge patience as lane gets used as loading zone

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    Acceptable trade-off for a “Better Naito”?
    (Photos: J. Maus/BikePortland)

    Having a reduced speed limit and 15 feet of space dedicated to biking and walking on Naito Parkway for three full months is a welcome improvement. But it comes with a trade-off: In order to get full support for the project from Waterfront Park event organizers, the City of Portland is allowing trucks to use the lane as a loading zone.

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    Willamette Greenway trail link might wait decades if Tesla plan goes through

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    (Image: Bob Cronk via South Waterfront Facebook group)

    Half a mile south of the lonely riverside trail segment derided recently by The Oregonian as a “pathway to nowhere,” the city could miss a chance at a key connection.

    Last week, Tesla Motors filed an application to convert an old metal-parts warehouse between Macadam Avenue and the Willamette River into an auto showroom.

    But for people who would like to see a continuous riverside trail here, there’s bad news: a special section of city code exempts projects in the South Waterfront from having to connect greenway trail segments on their property unless they’re adding at least 50,000 square feet of new floor space. Because Tesla only plans to remodel the warehouse, not expand it, the unused space behind its shop wouldn’t have to redevelop.

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    We need your help (tonight!) to make a ‘Better Broadway’

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    The Better Broadway project is one of the most ambitious temporary space activation projects ever attempted in a US city. If it is successful the door will be opened to an entirely new narrative in Portland around auto space on our busiest roads. The scope of the project is ambitious. From NE 24th to 7th the entire north side-parking lane will be moved to the other side of the bike lane. This will create a parking protected bike lane with 5 temporary pedestrian crossings and islands alongside transit islands. It involves over 50 businesses and unlike the SW 3rd project, which ran for a weekend, Better Broadway will last for an entire week.

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    Bike traffic on Williams Avenue is bonkers right now

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    Peak-hour traffic on Williams Avenue.
    (Photos: J. Maus/BikePortland)

    It’s been a few years since the last time we shared a look at Portland bike traffic. With the sunny weather we’ve been having and the first year of the Bike More Challenge in May instead of September, I figured it was time to take another look.

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