Way back in November 2021, I was sitting in the waiting room before a doctor appointment scrolling through Twitter when I saw a job listing posted by BikePortland. I remember immediately becoming very nervous that someone would apply for the job before I would be able to do it, so I started drafting an email to Jonathan on my phone right then and there. A few weeks later, elated, I began my journey writing for this site. Now, as I prepare to move onto a new opportunity, I want to reflect on my time at BikePortland and thank everyone who has so graciously read and engaged with my work.
I had lofty goals for what I would include in this “goodbye post.” I wanted it to be robust and meaningful and serve as some kind of representation of my experience at BikePortland over the last year and a half. But this is proving to be much more difficult than I thought it would be. BikePortland is a living blog — no story is ever the definitive post on any given subject, and there’s always room for a follow-up. The idea of writing some kind of capstone piece that can stand on its own is too daunting, and not really in the nature of this site anyway.
Here’s what I will say: I have changed so much on a personal and professional level since the fateful day in fall 2021. I looked back in my sent folder at that first email I sent Jonathan, where I wrote that “I’m always happy to stretch out of my comfort zone and try new things.” I don’t think I anticipated all the new things I’d try!
I’ve met amazing, brilliant people and fallen deeply in love with Portland by spending so much time biking its streets. I’ve been able to travel near (Multnomah Falls) and far (Europe), documenting these journeys for the site. And I am so impressed by the passion and dedication from BikePortland readers and commenters. We don’t always agree, but I have never experienced a more knowledgable group of people. And I am very grateful for the warm embrace I received when I first started out, even though thinking back now I’m embarrassed about how little I knew at the beginning.
I’m not leaving Portland or the journalism industry — starting next week, you’ll be able to read my work at the Portland Mercury. I’m very excited for this new opportunity, which wouldn’t have been possible without all the freedom I had here at BikePortland to cover such a range of topics and get to know this city so well.
So thank you again, all of you wonderful readers. Please continue to support BikePortland — it’s abundantly clear that this website is an invaluable archive of information that may be lost to the wind if Jonathan wasn’t so good at tracking everything happening in this city. It has been a true honor to get to be a part of it.
And it’s not quite over. My final assignment is to cover today’s big bike rally. Hope to see you out there!
I’m sorry to see you go. I’ve appreciated reading your stories here.
Congratulations on your new job at the Mercury.
I’ve appreciated your writing and perspective, and getting to know you a bit in person, too, Taylor. I’ll miss you here! Also very excited to read you in the Mercury. Go get ’em.
Sad to see you go, but glad you’re staying in PDX – Best of luck on the new gig!
I’ll miss your coverage here but as someone who lived in soviet-era apartment blocks, I look forward to coverage of housing that does not always toe the market urbanist line at the Mercury.
Blocuri din bucuresti:
You will be missed, Taylor. Good luck on your next endeavor!
Taylor, Bon chance!…and keep fighting the good [mobility] fight, now within the Mercury!!
Thank you, Taylor for all your work. Best of luck in your new job!
Congratulations Taylor:-)
I very much enjoyed your writing and im glad you have an exciting new opportunity that’s still local.
keep doing awesome work Taylor!! You’re super talented and I am grateful for all the marvelous things you’ve done, and written, about bicycling in Portland!
I’ve enjoyed your articles and very happy you’re staying in Portland. Mercury made a great choice in luring you away
Congrats on the new job Taylor. You’ve done an amazing job at BP!
Sorry to see you go, I have appreciated your articles on here, you’ve always covered things I find interesting. You know, bike stuff 😛
Taylor, I’ve really appreciated your in-depth journalism and your excellent photos. I wish you the best of luck at the Mercury.
Congrats on the new opportunity! I look forward to reading your Mercury pieces. Hopefully you’ll be able to do some guest articles here still 🙂
I have no words that that have not been said by the rest of the gang. Just a simple Thank You and Good luck.
It was a pleasure reading your work, good luck on your next assignment.
Congratulations, Taylor! I’ve really enjoyed your work here at BikePortland and that’s very exciting to hear you will be joining the Portland Mercury. I’ll admit I mostly stopped reading them when they discontinued their print edition, but I’ll make sure to check the Mercury website more often to see what you’re writing about!
Congratulations, Taylor! So glad you’re staying in town and switching to another of the few good news sources we have.
Sorry to see you go, Taylor. I have enjoyed your stories. Good luck at the mercury!
BikePortland will miss you Taylor! You’ve done a great job. Now, I will have to remember to pick up the Merc!
You were a breath of fresh air at BP. I have to admit that I fear you will find yourself compelled to toe a certain line at the Merc. I used to think the Merc was hilarious: they were fun and sexy, but then they became like a bunch of old scolds – always reminding us traditional Portlanders that we just aren’t enlightened enough. I used to think the Merc’s attitude to casual drug use was no big deal, but now we all see on the streets every day where a laissez faire approach to drugs and camping gets us. The Merc has become a bigger enabler of homelessness than WW, which is really saying something. Anyway, good luck with your new job but my advice is be prepared to walk away when your editor makes you toe the party line.
Best of luck in your new gig!
Congratulations!
Thanks for your contributions to Bike Portland! If you have not taken the PSU transportation class, ask contributor Lisa C about it.
There is life beyond the Portland Mercury, and many former writers have expansive careers. Keep an eye on their mother publication, the Seattle Stranger. Both have hired well and birthed generations of journalists who had an impact.
Congratulations and so glad to have met you along your journey here. I look forward to seeing your work with the Mercury, best of luck!
Congratulations and good luck!
Thank you for your work at BikePortland, and congratulations on your new job. I have enjoyed reading your reporting.
Taylor,
We’re sorry to see you leave BP! I feel like we won’t see you as often. It’s been awesome having you around PDX and moving your house by bike was so fun! Best of luck at the new job!
So long, and thanks for all the bike stories! 🙂