6/25: Hello readers and friends. I recently had my second (of two) total knee replacement surgeries so I'll be out of commission for a bit while I recover. Please be patient while I get back to full health. I hope to be back to posting as soon as I can. I look forward to getting back out there. 🙏. - Jonathan Maus, BikePortland Publisher and Editor

An interview with Safe Routes to School policy advocate Kari Schlosshauer

Mom, bike commuter, advocate — it’s all in a day’s work for Kari Schlosshauer.
(Photos: J. Maus/BikePortland)

Even if you don’t know Kari (it rhymes with “safari”) Schlosshauer, chances are you’re familiar with her work.

As the Pacific Northwest Senior Policy Manager for the Safe Routes to School National Partnership, Schlosshauer has spent the last five years making our neighborhoods safer for walking and biking. Her position puts here at the center of discussions and deals about how and where our city, region, and state spend money for school-related transportation projects.

Schlosshauer lives in the Hosford-Abernethy neighborhood near Powell and 25th. Earlier this week I sat down with her around her kitchen table before riding downtown where she attended a meeting of the Vision Zero Task Force (she’s a member) at City Hall.

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Weekend Event Guide: Womxn’s Ride, Timber Logjam, The Evelyn Hamilton Story, and more

Where will your bike take you this weekend?
(Photos: J. Maus/BikePortland)
The Weekend Event Guide is sponsored by Abus Bike Locks. Thanks Abus!

The signs of spring are popping up everywhere: There are buds on the trees, flowers in the streets, and our bike event calendar is filling up quickly.

Today is also International Women’s Day and March is Women’s Month, so we’re proud to feature several events led by — and about — women in this week’s guide.

Here’s our full menu of special selections sure to satiate your appetite for cycling and socializing…

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Job: Experienced Mechanic – Vancouver Cyclery

Buffered Bike Lane with a bike symbol and arrow pointing forward

Job Title *
Experienced Mechanic

Company/Organization *
Vancouver Cyclery

Job Description *
Vancouver Cyclery (Vancouver, WA) is seeking an experienced, detailed orientated mechanic for the upcoming season. Must have at least 3 years of professional shop experience who is ideally suited for a team-oriented shop who enjoys giving their customers excellent customer service. Having service writer experience and knowledge or past and current technologies is a plus along with a great sense of humor. This position could lead to a year long part/ full time position of the right candidate.

How to Apply *
Please email resume along with cover letter to vcbikewrench@gmail.com

Racial bias concerns and staffing shortage present enforcement challenges for Portland Police

Vision Zero Task Force member Karis Stoudamire-Phillips speaks at a meeting in City Hall yesterday.
(Photos: J. Maus/BikePortland)

We hear from many of you that it feels like streets in Portland are getting more lawless by the day. One reason is a severe lack of police presence due to a staffing shortage that’s been years in the making. The flip side of that is a concern among traffic safety advocates and the Police Bureau that too much presence in certain parts of the city might lead to unfair or over-policing.

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The ODOT Files: Portland Mercury checks in on freeway tolling efforts

“Significant congestion will exist in 2027 on the I-5 and I-205 study corridors, even with all the improvements listed in the Regional Transportation Plan.”
— from a report published by ODOT as part of their Value Pricing Feasibility Analysis

The ODOT Files is our attempt to keep you informed of stories from around the web that illustrate how our state transportation agency is falling down on the job.

The latest entry into the ODOT Files is a story by Dirk VanderHart published today in the Portland Mercury: A New Report Shows Highway Widening Won’t Solve Portland’s Congestion Woes.

The piece centers around ODOT’s Value Pricing Advisory Committee, a group of advocates, electeds, and transportation leaders tasked with determining whether or not we should toll highways — and if so, how exactly it should be implemented. The central tension here is that ODOT wants to build lots of new highways (including an expansion of I-5 through the Rose Quarter) and there’s increasing political and public demand to consider tolling them before — or instead of — building them.

Then there’s the fact that expanding highways does not relieve congestion. And based on the Mercury story, even ODOT’s own analysts are trying to tell them that:

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Job: Bike Camp Instructor – Community Cycling Center

Buffered Bike Lane with a bike symbol and arrow pointing forward

Job Title *
Bike Camp Instructor

Company/Organization *
Community Cycling Center

Job Description *
Reports to: Camp Manager
Status: Seasonal, Non-exempt
Start Date: June 1st, 2018
Location: Portland, OR
Compensation: $13.50 starting, opportunity for raises for returning staff
Benefits: Labor Credit, Used Parts Allowance, Discounts on new items

Organizational Overview
We love Portland and bikes. So we put our two loves together over 20 years ago, creating a nonprofit organization on a mission to broaden access to bicycling and its benefits.

Our vision is to help build a vibrant community where people of all backgrounds use bicycles to stay healthy and connected. We believe that all Portlanders—regardless of income or background—should have the opportunity to experience the joy, freedom, and health benefits of bicycling. This is the motivation behind everything we do.

In addition to delivering dynamic programs that benefit underserved communities, we operate a full-service bike shop in NE Portland that is staffed by highly experienced mechanics from diverse cycling backgrounds. Combined, our programs and shop services help riders build their skills and confidence; empower young people to ride to school and adults to ride to work; offer educational opportunities for teens to earn school credit; and support everyone in riding for health and recreation. We also collaborate with numerous community partners to generate pathways to employment and engagement within the growing bicycle movement by training new educators, leaders, advocates and mechanics.

Our goal is to help create a healthy, sustainable Portland for all community members.

The Community Cycling Center is an equal opportunity employer and strongly values diversity, equity and inclusion. Individuals with diverse backgrounds, abilities and experiences are encouraged to apply.

About Bike Camp
The Bike Camp program, started in 2001, is a week-long day camp for kids age 6-14 years old to develop their cycling skills in a fun, safe, and supportive environment. Groups of 12 campers, led by two instructors, ride bikes around the city visiting parks and destinations of interest. Campers learn experientially about riding on the road, navigating using maps, and basic bicycle maintenance. In addition to these cycling related skills, campers develop self-confidence, enthusiasm about bikes, and the social and communication skills to work well in a team environment. Specialty camps include Food Cart Seekers, Mechanics Camp, and Girls Cruisers.

General Position Summary
Instructors work in pairs to lead a group of 12 students and are responsible for planning each day’s route, lessons, and activities. Instructors have the flexibility to tailor rides and activities according to their instructional style and the group’s needs and ability. The role involves effective communication with co-instructors, campers, parents, and supervisors. This includes group management, active listening, and conflict resolution with the campers. The ideal applicant will have enthusiasm and experience working with youth and an interest in riding bicycles (with a bicycle of their own). This is a full-time, seasonal position that will run from June 4th through August 31st. This is a great opportunity to gain valuable, hands-on teaching experience in a collaborative, fun environment.

Hours

36-40 hours per week between June 4th – August 31st
Working hours during camp are 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday
Bike Camp instructor training is June 4th-8th (mandatory for new instructors)
Post-season wrap-up is August 31st
No camp on July 4th
Instructors will be scheduled for one week off during the summer
Locations

Instructors will be selected to work either from our Northeast location at our bike shop on Alberta St. or from our offsite locations (Sellwood Cycle Repair, OMSI, Cully, and East Portland). Instructors will work with either the Alberta shop camps or the offsite camps for the duration of the summer. Please indicate in your cover letter if you have a location preference.

Responsibilities
Maintain a physically and emotionally safe environment for all participants
Along with a co-instructor, plan lessons, games, activities, destinations, and routes to meet the needs and desires of the group
Fulfill goals of the program to provide a consistent positive experience inclusive of all campers across differences of race, class, gender identity, and background
Attend and contribute to weekly check-ins and staff meetings
Open communication with families and supervisors on day-to-day camp occurrences
Assist with daily camp set up and wrap-up
Support one youth volunteer to assist with camp
Represent the Community Cycling Center on and off site
Qualifications & Characteristics
Required

1-2 years’ experience in education, youth work, and/or childcare
Complete a week-long paid training course for all summer Bike Camp instructors June 4th-8th
Group management and facilitation experience
Effective communicator with co-instructor, campers, families, and supervisors
A bicycle in good working order (mechanical check will be required prior to start of camp)
Ability to ride a bicycle 10 miles per day*
Ability to lift up to 25 pounds*
Criminal background check will be required once hired
Valid CPR/First Aid certification required prior to the first day of training*Reasonable accommodation will be made for instructors with a disability
Preferred

Spanish proficiency
Educational experience with youth in Title 1 schools, mixed income housing, communities of color and/or immigrant communities
Experience leading group bike rides with either adults or youth
Basic knowledge of bicycles and their components
How to Apply
Please submit cover letter, resume, and three references by email with “Bike Camp Instructor” as the subject line to jobs@communitycyclingcenter.org.

One-page cover letter should include:

Why would you like to be a Bike Camp instructor?
Your experience working with youth and your approach to creating an inclusive and safe environment.
Location: do you prefer to work offsite at our camps in Southeast and/or East Portland or onsite at our camps at our Alberta St. Bike shop? If you have no preference, please specify.
This announcement was originally posted on March 6th, 2018.

These positions will be open until filled. We plan on scheduling interviews beginning March 26th

How to Apply *
Please submit cover letter, resume, and three references by email with “Bike Camp Instructor” as the subject line to jobs@communitycyclingcenter.org.

One-page cover letter should include:

Why would you like to be a Bike Camp instructor?
Your experience working with youth and your approach to creating an inclusive and safe environment.
Location: do you prefer to work offsite at our camps in Southeast and/or East Portland or onsite at our camps at our Alberta St. Bike shop? If you have no preference, please specify.

Job: Bike Mechanic – Cynergy E-Bikes

Buffered Bike Lane with a bike symbol and arrow pointing forward

Job Title *
Bike Mechanic

Company/Organization *
Cynergy E-Bikes

Job Description *
We are looking for a detail-oriented, resourceful mechanic to join our rapidly expanding electric bike specialty shop. While experience with e-bikes is useful, good general bike mechanics knowledge, troubleshooting abilities and a desire to learn are what count most.

Responsibilities:
* Perform repairs and tunes on both electric and non-electric bikes.
* Assemble e-bikes and perform adjustments.
* Install components and accessories – fenders, racks, integrated lighting, tires, saddles, etc.
* Occasional delivery of an e-bike to a customer.
* Diagnose & repair electrical problems. (We will train.)
* Keep the department well-organized.
* Assist on the sales floor as needed.

Desired Qualifications:
* 1+ years of professional bike mechanic experience or other extensive experience working on bikes non-professionally.
* Experience servicing e-bikes a plus.
* A team orientation towards improving the overall performance of the business.
* Driver’s license.

Nice Extras to Have:
* Knowledge of principles of electricity.
* Enthusiasm for learning changing technology.
* Retail sales.

Full and part-time may be available. We offer a very competitive wage and bonuses based on the overall performance of the team. Paid time off, including some holidays. Health insurance available for full time.
Location: Southeast Portland, OR

How to Apply *
Forward your resume or an explanation of your qualifications to info@cynergyebikes.com.

Biking with the family dog

Pixie at the helm.
(Photos by Madi Carlson)

What’s a family biker to do when the kids have graduated to riding their own bikes? One way to conquer the empty [bike] nest doldrums is by joining the #carrypupolympics.

Our Family Biking column is sponsored by Clever Cycles.

➤ Read past entries here.

I was born into a household run by cats and didn’t know the love of a dog until I was nine and we got Mandy, a mid-sized Shepherd mix, from the animal shelter. Mandy and I logged many miles on foot, but I never thought to combine playing with the dog with biking or skateboarding.

When I left home I became a small dog person and ended up with Lyle the chihuahua. My boyfriend at the time had wanted a chihuahua ever since, having been attacked by what he mistook for a woman’s fur while working at a taco restaurant drive-thru. Fortunately, Lyle had a lovely personality and I was delighted by his portability. Back then I rode a hybrid bike with a backpack so I tucked Lyle in front, between my t-shirt and sweatshirt, and brought him to college classes with me. This system worked well except for one time when a friend hailed Lyle from the sidewalk and Lyle leapt out of my sweatshirt. He got a bit scratched up, but luckily didn’t hold it against me or the bike and we lived to ride another day.

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Take PBOT’s survey if you want better bike access on North Rosa Parks Way

Rosa Parks is dangerous and outdated. We can do a lot better.
(Photo: J. Maus/BikePortland)

When we reported on the major changes coming to North Rosa Parks Way last month, the City of Portland hadn’t released their survey for the project.

It’s out now. And because this project is so important, we want to make sure you take a few minutes to fill it out.

To refresh your memory, the Portland Bureau of Transportation plans to update the street after they do a repaving project. The plan is to redesign the street from Willamette to Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. PBOT says changes will include: “Improved pedestrian crossings at key locations, improved transit stops on N Rosa Parks at N Albina Street, protected bicycle lanes in the corridor; and a street design with a more neighborhood feel.”

This is a crucial neighborhood street that desparately needs a makeover.

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In the survey, PBOT wants to know specific locations you have difficulty getting to transit stops, walking, or bicycling. And in classic PBOT fashion, they also want to know about, “Any specific locations… where on-street automobile parking is important for the community.” There’s also a question that asks about your overall level of support for the proposed changes.

We’re tired of having to advocate for what should be common sense updates to streets where auto users are given way too much priority. But at this point, PBOT still puts value into these surveys so it’s in everyone’s best interest to fill it out and share your input.

Here’s that link one more time.

— Jonathan Maus: (503) 706-8804, @jonathan_maus on Twitter and jonathan@bikeportland.org

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