2022 Archives

Bikes figure prominently in latest Portland Clean Energy Fund grant awards

The second round of potential grantees for the Portland Clean Energy Fund have been selected and there’s good news for everyone who cares about reducing our use of cars and getting more people on bikes.

All four of the recommended winners in the Innovation Grant category — a total of $7.6 million — have a bike component to their project. The nonprofits that would carry out the work include Community Cycling Center, Forth, Bikes for Humanity PDX, and Metropolitan Family Services.

Those are four of 66 grants totaling nearly $111 million that the PCEF committee has recommended for funding in a list that will be heard at Portland City Council July 13th. It’s also a welcome change from the first tranche of PCEF funding in April 2021 that we singled out because it lacked transportation-related grants.

All told, the estimated GHG emission reductions over the life of the projects recommended this time around is 300,000 metric tons, equivalent to about 65,000 gas-powered cars driven for one year.

The stated aim of PCEF is to fund planning and implementation of projects and programs that will combat climate change through a lens of racial and social justice and it’s notable as the first initiative of its kind in Oregon that put people of color at the helm to design the program and decide what gets funded.

“We are really excited about this as an opportunity to demonstrate the power of e-bikes as practical, reliable, clean and affordable everyday transportation for people who need it the most.”
– Jeff Allen, Forth

The Community Cycling Center hopes their project will encourage people of color to bike more and drive less. They are poised to receive $499,419 over three years for a project that will help fund a program that will give away 900 bikes and, “fund 14,000 hours of staff time and provide stipends and logistical support to Black and Latinx community leaders so they can engage in transportation-related system improvement discussions,” says PCEF. “The project goals are to get more people on bikes and out of cars, keep bikes safe and functional, and support the community to advocate for smart intrastate and climate policy improvements.”

CCC Executive Director Momoko Saunders told me today they’ll use the stipends to pay members of partner groups like Andando en Bicicletas y Caminando (Riding your Bike and Walking Around). “The stipends are meant to help incentivise members and also cover any additional expenses they might have to incur while attending meeting/advocacy activities such as child care or transportation,” Saunders said.

The funding will also allow the CCC to expand its bike education efforts in low-income, BIPOC areas — particularly among young people (via summer camps) who’ve been severely impacted by school changes due to the pandemic.

Electric vehicle advocacy group Forth is lined up for a grant award of about $3.8 million over three years. In addition to installing solar panels at the Bybee Lakes Hope Center (a homeless services program), the funding will be used to purchase 30 electric bikes.

The e-bikes will be available for residents through a lending library. Forth Executive Director Jeff Allen says the location of the Bybee Lakes facility on N Marine Drive is .75 miles from the nearest TriMet stop where bus comes just four times a day and there’s no service on weekends or holidays. “The e-bikes will help them to get transit, to social services, to job interviews, and anywhere else they need to go,” he said in an email to BikePortland today. “We are really excited about this as an opportunity to demonstrate the power of e-bikes as practical, reliable, clean and affordable everyday transportation for people who need it the most.”

People experiencing homelessness (and others) will benefit from a $20,000 grant recommended for Bikes For Humanity PDX. Their project would provide 100 refurbished bikes and new u-locks to people in need through partner organizations that service youths in foster care, people recovering from addiction, and other Portlanders who have a hard time buying a bike themselves.

And the last bike-related project recommended by the PCEF committee would direct $3.5 million over five years to Metropolitan Family Services and would include stronger incentives for their clients to purchase e-bikes (just one part of their existing auto loan program).

Three projects not recommended for funding include: $3 million over three years to a group called Portland E-Bike Coalition that wants to give 1,600 Portlanders a free e-bike with a $100 annual fee that would supply them with maintenance and gear to keep them riding; $339,000 for a walking school bus program by Oregon Walks; and an $85,000 grant for The Street Trust to continue their #OurStreets organizing campaign.

The PCEF program is funded via a surcharge on large corporations and was approved by 65% of voters in 2018. City Council will have a first reading of PCEF’s recommended grantees on July 13th. Learn more, submit a comment, and see the full list of recommendations here.

You should bike to The Big Float on Sunday

Headed to the river! (Photo: Jonathan Maus/BikePortland)

“The test of a truly green city is that you can bike to a river and swim.”
– Willie Levenson, Human Access Project

If you love cycling and great cities, The Big Float is a much bigger deal than it first appears.

On the surface, the event that celebrates its 10th birthday on Sunday in Tom McCall Waterfront Park, is just a big party where everyone hops into the Willamette River. But if you look deeper, you see that the event was launched by a public space activist who wanted to change the narrative about how and where we access our beloved river.

For Human Access Project Founder Willie Levenson, being able to easily go for a swim in the Willamette says a lot about Portland. “To me,” he said in a phone call a few days ago, “the test of a truly green city is that you can bike to a river and swim.”

And if you think Levenson is just shilling for his big event this weekend, you don’t know him very well. As leader of HAP he’s pushed for bike racks at Duckworth Dock on the Esplanade and more recently spearheaded an effort to create an entirely new park off the Burnside Bridge that would be accessible by a bike ramp (not a horrible elevator like Multnomah County wanted).

So it should come as no surprise that at Sunday’s Big Float, HAP wants to make sure as many people arrive by bike as possible.

HAP has partnered up with Bike Loud PDX and The Street Trust to plan two rides that will gather floatie-adorned cyclists from northeast and southeast to make a grand, mass entrance to Waterfront Park. The groups have free tickets available and Levenson says they’ll have an air compressor on-hand to make it easier for folks to carry inner tubes and other flotation devices by-bike. There will also be a bike valet with secure parking for your precious steed.

And there’s no party ride without music, so if you can show up with a mobile sound system and help out with some tunes, you’ll receive a free drink ticket and t-shirt.

If you’ve been inspired by our recent bike-to-paddle stories, this is a perfect opportunity to go for it!

You can just roll over to Tom McCall Waterfront Park on Sunday or join one of these rides: 10:30 am at Irving Park (hosted by Bike Loud PDX) or 10:00 am at Lents Town Center (hosted by The Street Trust).

See you on the river.

Job: Cycling Lead – Multnomah Athletic Club

Buffered Bike Lane with a bike symbol and arrow pointing forward

Job Title

Cycling Lead

Company / Organization

Multnomah Athletic Club

Job Description

Cycling Lead – Multnomah Athletic Club
This is a part-time position – pay rate $25/hour
Current shifts include Wednesday and Thursday evenings 5:30pm-7:30pm and Saturday (shift times vary)

Job Summary
Under the supervision of the Outdoor Manager/Outdoor Supervisor the Cycling Lead assists and oversees daily operation of the cycling program, leads rides, communicates to members, and plans programming in the offseason. The Cycling Lead will be expected to oversee all offsite rides and be a model of safety and professionalism while leading members of the MAC offsite in local and regional areas.

Essential Job Functions

Oversee and lead Cycling Rides including but not limited to Wednesday night rides, Thursday night rides, Saturday rides, Cycling events and maintenance clinics. This will be under the leadership of the Outdoor Manager/Outdoor Supervisor and under the vision of the Cycling Committee
Lead cycling rides in a professional, positive, safe, and respectful manner.
Assist the cycling committee with the ride schedule.
Plans the routes ahead of time to ensure preparation.
Attend Cycling Committee meetings as requested by the Outdoor Manager/Outdoor Supervisor.
Greet riders when they meet for a ride, talk to the riders about the route, assess the groups pace by ability.
Conduct ride safety concerns and assessments during each ride
Communicates effectively to riders through the use of the program’s, social media platforms, e-mail, and telephone.
Collect waivers for each rider before the ride takes place.
Creates a welcoming and friendly environment for the regular riders as well as for the new riders.
Introduces and instructs the riders of the route and ride objectives.
Establishes a pace that all levels of riders will feel a part of the group.
Communicate member concerns to Outdoor Manager.
Always maintain standards of exemplary riding conduct.
Answer questions regarding outdoor program as necessary.
Attend all scheduled Outdoor Department staff meetings, clinics, workshops, seminars, etc.
Maintain regular and predictable attendance.
Recognizes and/or anticipates potentially dangerous situations and any unsafe behavior and take appropriate action to prevent accident or injury. Action may include approaching members and communicating guidelines, demonstrating safe techniques, increased education, and awareness of safety rules, correcting unsafe activity.
Promotes the MAC code of conduct in club activities and demonstrates the importance of providing quality service to members.
Secondary Functions

Performs other tasks as assigned by Outdoor Manager.
Essential Tools, Equipment, Vehicles, and/or Machinery

Requires all appropriate equipment needed in riding. This includes but is not limited to bikes, maintenance equipment and safety equipment. Requires the use of a multi-line telephone, Windows operating system and software applications including Word and Excel. Ability to use social media platforms.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

Candidate must work comfortably and safely outdoors in various weather conditions. Cycling rides can introduce varying weather conditions during various times of the day. Physically fit to perform long rides while being capable of teaching riders. Work may be performed in awkward positions. Job entails frequent walking, stooping, bending, squatting, and lifting to 75lbs. Must have the ability to move easily on soft or irregular surfaces and stand on feet for continuous hours at a time. Exposure to incidents requiring the administration of minor first aid may occur.

Qualifications

High School Diploma or GED
Two or more years experience as a cycling coach, lead or guide.
Must have the ability to obtain a USAC coach membership.
Working knowledge and proven experience with cycling equipment.
Demonstrated leadership, organizational, and planning skills.
Demonstrated skill in team development and motivation.
Must be very familiar will Portland’s bikeways, cycling street network, parks, and hidden connectors.
Ability to promote a positive and professional riding experience to MAC members, athletes, staff, and the local cycling community.
Ability to interact effectively with a variety of people under a variety of circumstances.
Knowledge of basic computer skills and office procedures preferred.
Possession of current AED, CPR and first-aid certifications required within the first 6 months of employment.
Familiarity and skills with urban design districts, landscape and Portland’s unique layout and bridges.
Ability to understand the importance of safety within and outside the club
Ability to perform the essential job functions.
Ability to communicate effectively with members, guests, and employees.
Demonstrated professional and courteous communication skills with emphasis on customer/member service.

Benefits

Full-time employees may choose from a comprehensive benefit & welfare package including medical, dental, and vision insurance.
Facility use privileges including exercise room, climbing gym, swimming pools, and exercise classes
Free parking
Discounted public transportation passes
401(k) retirement program with employer match
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Access to Headspace wellness app
Discounted club services and meals

COVID-19 considerations: Your health and safety are a top priority at the MAC. In an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our facilities, we have implemented specific precautionary measures and processes for employees. Beginning October 1, 2021, all MAC employees must be fully vaccinated or have been approved for a legal exception. Fully vaccinated is defined as two weeks following receiving the second dose of a two-dose or one dose of a single-dose COVID-19 vaccination. Job offers are contingent on providing proof of vaccination or securing a documented and approved medical or religious exception.

The Multnomah Athletic Club believes that each employee makes a significant contribution to our success. This position description is designed to outline primary duties and qualifications but not limit the employee or the Club to just the work identified.

How to Apply

Visit our careers page at: www.themac.com/careers

Diamonds (and bike-friendly speed bumps) are a rider’s best friend on Michigan Ave neighborhood greenway

When we think of what makes a great neighborhood greenway we often think of anything that reduces the speed and/or volume of cars. But just as important as who bike riders share the street with is the surface of the street itself. Large potholes, cracks and uneven bits are not only uncomfortable and inconvenient, they can also force someone into a crash or lead to other negative outcomes (like cargo or accessories rattling out of place). Even speed bumps, which bike safety advocates often push for, come at a cost for bicycle riders whose bodies and bikes bear the brunt of through no fault of their own.

Map PBOT sent to Michigan Avenue residents.

These realities have forced the Portland Bureau of Transportation to get creative when it comes to smoother greenways. Now, instead of adding material to streets, they’re improving the cycling experience by taking it away.

Last year we reported on a new microsurfacing treatment for greenways that allows them to smooth out cracks at a fraction of the cost of a full repaving. Another new method is what PBOT refers to as “diamond grinding” where they trim and level uneven spots and reduce the depth of cracks and small potholes (the “diamond” part refers to the diamond blade in the grinder).

The city recently used this technique for just the second time on a stretch of the North Michigan Avenue neighborhood greenway between Killingsworth and Alberta. They also added five speed cushions (AKA speed bumps) that have notches cut into them for bicycle riders.

The result is a smoother ride and slower driving speeds — both of which add up to more comfortable cycling.

According to PBOT, diamond grinding, “corrects surface defects and provides a more uniform surface for biking comfort”. It’s most commonly used on freeways, but it also works on older streets that have a concrete base. The first place they used this technique was on NE Hancock between 33rd and 37th. These types of streets (NE Holman is another one that comes to mind) are often in terrible shape and give riders a very bumpy, stressful experience.

Street smoothness is even more important these days as overall average speeds of bicycle users have increased due to widespread use of electric motors.

I ride this freshly-ground section of Michigan very often and there was always only one narrow line I could use if I didn’t want to get shaken up. The new surface feels a lot better!

As for the bike-friendly speed bumps, these have gotten mixed reviews from riders in the past. Some folks think the notches are too narrow, and others don’t like how drivers will swerve to fit into them. PBOT has heard these criticisms and has tried to adjust the design accordingly.

Have you ridden these yet? What do you think?

The perils of using map apps in southwest Portland

Google Maps streetview image looking west on SW Patton Road.

I’ve got a pretty strong stomach, but it lurched when I read BikePortland regular Mark McClure’s comment about his recent experience walking down SW Patton. Apparently the Apple Maps walking instructions led him to a disappearing shoulder on this unwalkable road. Where did Apple think it was going to send him, Scholls Ferry? The horror.

There were several stretches where I could barely find a shoulder to walk on. In a few cases, I had to cross SW Patton from the left side (facing oncoming traffic) to the right side to even find the shoulder. The crossings where I had poor sight visibility were especially unnerving.

Folks, don’t rely on Silicon Valley to mediate your southwest walking experience. Instead, turn to your friends at SW Trails PDX. What would have helped Mark was the SW Trails Urban Trails arcGIS map which guides you to “low traffic streets, parks and key unbuilt rights-of-way linking walkers to schools, shops, parks and public transit.”

SW Trails arcGIS map of walking trails in Southwest Portland. (Source: SW Trails PDX)

There are many lovely walks in SW Portland, in some ways it is a walker’s paradise, but don’t go it alone. Most southwest collectors and arterials don’t have sidewalks—on either side of the road. (At 26%, Southwest’s sidewalk coverage on collectors and arterials is less than half that of East Portland). Chasing disappearing shoulders by making multiple crossings is, unfortunately, the norm on the larger roads here.

Happily, almost 30 years ago a small group of plucky residents set out to provide an alternative to the second-class status of the walker in this auto-centric environment. What they built is a true grass roots organization fueled by a lot of volunteer labor. Today, SW Trails has a walking map of nearly fifty miles of wayfinding-signed trails, and their accomplishments include conceiving and securing funding for the 4T trail loop (Train, Trail, Tram and Trolley).

In addition to their twice-monthly guided group hikes, SW Trails responded to pandemic disruptions by launching a series of 35 self-led hikes covering over 200 miles of unique SW Portland hikes.

Mark, I’m glad you made it home okay. I hope you, and everyone else, can find time this summer for a SW Trails self-guided hike through Southwest Portland.

Jobs of the Week: Wounded Warrior Project, Kerr Bikes, Multnomah Athletic Club

Need a new job? Want a better job?

We’ve got three great opportunities that just went up this week.

Learn more about each one via the links below…

– Soldier Ride Specialist – Wounded Warrior Project

– Kerr Bikes’ Lead Worker – Albertina Kerr / Kerr Bikes

– Cycling Lead – Multnomah Athletic Club

For a complete list of available jobs, click here.

Be the first to know about new job opportunities by signing up for our daily Job Listings email or by following @BikePortland on Twitter.

These are paid listings. And they work! If you’d like to post a job on the Portland region’s most popular bike and transportation news platform, you can purchase a listing online for just $75. Learn more at our Job Listings page.

Weekend Event Guide: Cargopalooza, Yacht Rock, fruit tree finding, and more

Hi everyone!

We’ll have partially cloud-covered skies this weekend with a higher chance of sun on Sunday, much to the benefit of folks heading to the Willamette for The Big Float. Remember to wear sunscreen!

Here’s our selection:

Friday, July 8th

Yacht Rock Ride – 6:00 pm at the Cart Blocks (W Burnside)
Back for another year, this classic Pedalpalooza ride promises all the tunes you love and a sunset on the water’s edge. Attire is 70s evening or leisurewear… and make sure it’s something you can dance in. More info here.

Wonder Woman Ride – 6:00 pm at Sewallcrest Park (SE) – UPDATE: Ride was postponed to 7/29
It isn’t Pedalpalooza until rides go theming. Join folks on this event looking back on one of the most memorable female heroes of pop-culture from the last hundred years. More info here.

Saturday, July 9th

FTW Bike Camping Info Meetup – 10:00 am at Mount Scott Park (SE)
Summer is still midway through, and for this reason WeBike brings another clinic on hows and wheres to camp with your bike. Experts are also invited to share some wisdom. Once again, this event is for FTW folks only, which means it is for anyone who does not benefit from cis male privilege. More info here.

Fruit Finding Fun Ride – 10:30 am at Parkrose Community Orchard (NE)
Here’s something of an “interactive” event for the weekend. Your mission: work in teams and help the Portland Fruit Tree Project locate the most urban fruit trees in the area to win a great bounty. More info here.

Where’s Waldo – 5:00 pm
Another quest ride for the day sets folks on the search of someone in the unmistakable red and white disguise somewhere out there in the city, to later join the parade. Don’t worry! A link tracking the group will be provided by the organizers so that folks aren’t wandering around. More info here.

Sunday, July 10th

Heat Island to River Relief – 10:00 am at Lents Town Center (SE)
As it sounds, the Street Trust takes you on a ride from the hottest part of the city to the coolest. Attendants will be provided either BikeTown codes or Trimet passes (both are free!) and their ultimate treat will be tickets to The Big Float at the Willamette. RSVP is required. More info here.

Bicycle Advisory Committee Ride – 10:00 am at Lents Town Center MAX Plaza (SE)
Join PBOT staff members, Bryan Poole and Zef Wagner, on a family ride that will discuss Lower SE Rising Plan, a program assessing land use and transportation issues in Brentwood-Darlington neighborhood and its northern surroundings. More info here.

Cargo-palooza – 5:00 pm at the Splendid Bikes store (SE)
The second Cargo-palooza of the year gathers all the cargo-havers, cargo-wannabes and cargo-enthusiasts on a ride that’s all about showing off and sharing advice and ideas on how to pimp your bike. Ride ends somewhere by the river. More info here.

Stay plugged into all the bike and transportation-related events around the region via our comprehensive event calendar.

PSU and Metro study shows active transportation investment helps the economy

“Projects are more likely to reach their full potential when they reduce the effects of an auto-oriented environment.”

The PSU and Metro study looked at 12 projects spanning the Portland metro area. (Graphic: Metro)

Have projects funded with Oregon Metro’s Regional Flexible Funds provided an economic return on investment? In partnership with Metro, Portland State University researchers embarked on a study to find out, and analyzed 12 of these projects funded between 2001 and 2016 to evaluate if they had “significant effects on the local economy.” The results, released last month, confirmed what transportation and safe streets advocates have long been saying: when an area is safe for people to walk and bike in, they’ll feel more comfortable spending time – and money – there.

Researchers evaluated projects in Portland as well as smaller cities in Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties including Milwaukie, Oregon City, Gresham, Beaverton, Cornelius, Forest Grove and Tigard. Most of these projects focused primarily on improving conditions for people walking by widening sidewalks, making crossings safer and adding landscaping, lighting and public art, but some included bike infrastructure upgrades as well.

The active transportation improvements on Division St have made it safer and more appealing for people to walk and shop at local businesses.

These projects are part of Metro’s 2040 Growth Concept, the long-range plan for the region’s infrastructure. Analyzing the benefits of these projects to “clarify the relationship between these investments and economic activity” is important for determining which investments Metro should make going forward.

“One of the most important outcomes of the study is informing the region’s decision makers, business owners, and the general public in the recent public comment period for Metro’s Regional Flexible Funding Allocations (RFFA) for transportation projects. With 29 project proposals on the table, it’s important to have the context and data on what has been effective in the Portland region,” the report states.

PSU researchers used quantitative and qualitative methods to measure these 12 projects, which were chosen based on similarities making it possible to compare them. According to the PSU and Metro report, 75% of the project locations “saw measurable economic gains in the food or retail industries after implementation,” with the greatest benefits occurring in places with multiple complementary transportation investments, like layering a new light rail stop with nearby crosswalk enhancements. But in order to see the most improvement, projects need to explicitly tamp down on local car traffic speeds and volumes.

“Projects are more likely to reach their full potential when they reduce the effects of an auto-oriented environment and create places for walking that are also less stressful and more comfortable,” the report states.

The majority of the projects studied had positive impacts on local retail and food businesses.

One Portland project researchers analyzed is the SE Division Streetscape Project, which was completed in 2014 and included landscaping, transportation and general street improvements on inner Division St to “create a more pedestrian- friendly, economically vibrant, and environmentally sustainable corridor.” Though people surveyed would still like further improvements on inner Division, especially to make it safer to bike, researchers found this project was overall successful and “created favorable conditions for developers creating a high-density residential area and developmental sector and turning Division into a destination street and restaurant district.”

Division is almost unrecognizable from its pre-streetscape upgrade days. The report quotes Chris Eykamp, the Chair of the Hosford-Abernethy neighborhood which encompasses inner Division Street, who said it’s “unimaginable” that you can now go on Division and get world-class food. Wider sidewalks and adequate crosswalk placement has made Division Street a street to casually stroll down with a Salt & Straw ice cream cone and with plenty of places to window-shop, which was not the case 10 years ago.

But the report makes it clear returns on active transportation investments are not limited to the Portland urban core. In fact, smaller communities may even benefit more from these projects. One of the places where investments were “layered” was at the Milwaukie Town Center with a project to connect the Milwaukie MAX station with Main Street and South Downtown Plaza in order to “help restore the Milwaukie historic downtown as a vital town center, strengthen the retail character of Main Street, and create a flow of pedestrian activity.”

People the researchers surveyed responded positively to these upgrades, with one respondent saying “downtown Milwaukie used to be a dump and not an interesting place to walk at all” but now it “seems livelier, more like a neighborhood.” This has created opportunities for businesses to move into the area.

Active transportation investments to improve safety for people walking, biking and taking transit are important even if they don’t provide measurable economic benefits. However, money can perk people’s ears faster. Local policymakers hesitant to support active transportation projects may be lured by the prospect they could bring economic benefits to an area, which will be especially appealing in the wake of the pandemic that devastated small businesses across the region.

“While this report only explores the effects of active transportation infrastructure on business trends, we are currently developing methods to help us measure other ways that active transportation infrastructure impacts the region by quantifying things such as travel cost savings and health benefits,” the report says.

You can check out the full report, which details the methodology and describes more case studies, here.