Bike Route Report: Peninsula Crossing Trail (video)

The Peninsula Crossing Trail — a one-mile carfree path between the Willamette River and the Columbia Slough in St. Johns — has gotten a very bad rap over the years. But I’m happy to say the trail is currently in very good shape and if you’re one of the many people who’ve written it off, it’s time to give it another chance.

As Portland’s homelessness problem spiked in recent years, a bike path surrounded by open space and large trees with a railroad cut on one side became a very popular place to camp. But as personal belongings and refuse piled up, and cars became a common sight, many people stopped riding on it. It’s a phenomenon that has played out across Portland. And it’s so unfortunate, because we desperately need safe, carfree spaces in the city where people can ride bikes, walk, run, and get from A-to-B.

Back in 2020, the Peninsula Crossing Trail landed squarely on local political radars when a group of neighbors came together and sent the mayor and commissioners a join statement about the need for the path to be safe and clear. The City of Portland responded several months later with a coordinated effort to address campsites, clean up trash, and help people move to other places. But it didn’t last.

It was only when the City announced a Safe Rest Village would be built along the trail that they got serious about concerns. The Portland Parks Bureau installed anti-car gates at all trail entrances last summer, and early this spring we got word that they would clear the entire trail of trash and campers.

Now that the village is open for business, I wanted to see what the rest of the path looked like. After riding over there Thursday, I’m happy to say it’s almost unrecognizable. I didn’t see one tent in the grass. There was very little trash, and there were no cars to be seen.

Compare the images above to a few stills from my ride through the same trail two years ago:

Stills from July 2021 video taken on the Peninsula Crossing Trail.

The Safe Rest Village looks great. It has 60 sleeping units and I saw several residents come-and-go by bike. It really is a bike-oriented development that underscores the value of the path being so close. If you live at the village, you can enjoy a carfree bikeway (if you use a sidewalk for a few blocks) all the way to many markets and other destinations.

And right next door is a huge enclosure for the Belmont Goats, which just adds to the calm and pastoral vibes.

Check out my video and photos, then go and give this route another chance.

Roseway resident’s fake traffic scheme will likely backfire

Message posted to Roseway PDX group. Background photo of NE 72nd Avenue through Rose City Park Golf Course from Google Earth.

“Our engineers are able to tell if someone’s been trying to do something that is not a normal travel behavior.”
– Hannah Schafer, PBOT

How far will some people go to prevent any loss of car access? At least one resident of the Roseway Neighborhood in northeast Portland is willing to sabotage city equipment to ensure they can still drive as easily as they do now.

Earlier this week, someone in the Roseway PDX Facebook group appeared to encourage others to drive their cars over a set of hose counters that had been laid across NE 72nd where it goes through the Rose City Park Golf Course. The idea was to make sure the tally of cars was high enough to prevent the Portland Bureau of Transportation from moving forward with a plan to turn the street into a one-way for drivers.

As we reported in 2021, PBOT is working on their 70s Neighborhood Greenway project. The plan calls for making the northbound lane a carfree path and allowing car users to only use this section of the street in the southbound direction. The person behind this effort is under the impression that if the hose counter gets more than 3,000 cars per day, PBOT will reverse course on that plan.

PBOT graphic showing the planned changes for 72nd Ave through the golf course.

Keep in mind that one of the main goals of PBOT’s neighborhood greenway program is to reduce auto traffic in order to create a safer environment for walkers and bikers. Northbound NE 72nd dumps right into NE Sacramento, a street that has become a very nice, low-car environment since PBOT added speed bumps, concrete diverters, new striping, and other measures.

Speaking of NE Sacramento, let’s not forget that some folks in the Roseway neighborhood were opposed to the traffic calming project because it ruined their view.

A PBOT hose counter. (Photo: Jonathan Maus/BikePortland)

Back to the hose counter issue.

After some folks in the community were confused and/or not satisfied with an email from the PBOT project director, I called the Communications Director Hannah Schafer and asked her about it.

“I know there’s a lot of concern right now and there’s been talk in the neighborhood about trying to game the hoses to a degree one way or the other,” Schafer shared in a phone call this morning. “Our engineers are able to tell when they pull that data if someone’s been trying to, you know, do something that is not a normal travel behavior.”

Schafer didn’t want to go into any more detail about how engineers can spot fake traffic on the hose counters. That’s understandable, since the more they share, the easier it might be to game the system. The fact that PBOT is aware of folks posting to the neighborhood FB group about it, makes it even easier for them to ferret out any dubious data.

So if you thought a car critical mass going back-and-fourth over the hose counters would fool PBOT, you might want to think again.

And lastly, what does this episode tell us about people people and their driving habit. Can you imagine someone being so blinded by their attachment to their car and the status quo — and their fear of change — that they are willing to resort to this level of subversive behavior? Sheesh.

UPDATE, 9/11: PBOT has already made their decision to close the northbound lane to drivers. It’s official now. Stay tuned for updates and a first look once the project is complete.

Weekend Event Guide: Sunday Parkways, Carry Shit Olympics, and more

Zack’s back and he’s ready to carry shit. (Photo: Jonathan Maus/BikePortland)

Time to make a plan for weekend fun. Check out our picks below for the best things to do this Saturday and Sunday.

Saturday, September 9th

Historic Highway Ribbon Cutting – 8:00 am at Bridge of the Gods (Cascade Locks in the Gorge)
Ride out to Viento State Park from Cascade Locks with an experienced ride leader and friendly group from Portland Bicycling Club and join the grand opening of two new miles of the Historic Highway State Trail. More info here.

Ride Westside – 9:30 am at Tigard Public Library (Washington County)
This merry band of bike lovers and Washington County advocates is at it again. This time they’ll help you discover the Tualatin River Greenway Trail on a 10-mile loop. More info here.

PSU Farmers Market Ride – 10:00 at SE Clinton & 41st (SE)
Grab your groceries and treats in style as you support local farmers and build community in one fell swoop. Always great people on this ride and what better way to break the ice on new friendships then breaking fresh bread together on a bike ride?! More info here.

The Every Bike Ride Bike Ride – 7:00 pm at Irving Park (NE)
One ride to rule them all. Join a fun-loving crowd to celebrate all the great rides that happened over summer. Soak up the final warm nights of the year with friends old and new! More info here.

Sunday, September 10th

Harvest CX Corn Cross – All day at Liepold Farms (Boring, OR)
Stop #2 in the Harvest CX series heads southeast of town to a farm with classic course features that includes a flyover, tight turns among the corn stalks, and more. More info here.

Carry Shit Olympics – 10:00 am at Colonel Summers Park (SE)
Zack is back for another batch of loaded bike lunacy. Register and take part in one or all of the events taking part throughout the day. Bring your cargo bike — or remember that everything is a cargo bike as long as you’re carrying something. More info here.

Sunday Parkways SW – 11:00 am to 4:00 pm (SW)
PBOT is back with our city’s premiere open streets event. Walk or ride your bike on a fun 3.5 mile loop between Gabriel Park and Spring Garden Park. See the amazing new bikeways on SW Capitol Hwy and be enchanted by the magical neighborhoods and green streets of southwest. More info here.

PBOT will seek federal grant for major redesign of N/NE Broadway

PBOT slide. Note that NE Broadway would have one fewer travel lane after the redesign.

Tucked into President Joe Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) was a new, $3.2 billion infrastructure program specifically tailored to fund projects that make biking and walking easier and safer in underserved areas where existing facilities, “create barriers to community connectivity.”

The City of Portland Bureau of Transportation thinks North/Northeast Broadway and Weidler between 7th Avenue and the Willamette River fits that bill. They plan to apply for $25-30 million in federal funding through the USDOT’s Neighborhood Access and Equity (NAE) Grant Program. According to a presentation shared by PBOT, the project would extend east and west of the surface street changes the Oregon Department of Transportation has planned as part their I-5 Rose Quarter project.

PBOT Planner Mike Serritella told members of ODOT’s Historic Albina Advisory Board at their August 22nd meeting that the NAE program is a “once in a generation opportunity” to get this project built because Democrats in Congress are pushing out huge grant allocations while they have power in the Senate and White House. Serritella said USDOT has combined five years of NAE program funding into one tranche. Another reason PBOT is eager to apply? The program does not require any local matching funds.

At its widest point (adjacent to Moda Center and Memorial Coliseum), North Broadway is 96-feet from curb-to-curb (widest street in the central city) and presents significant safety and livability issues for everyone traveling through the corridor. It’s a major bike route and has a long history of right-hooks and high-stress encounters. Currently the bike lane is unprotected and riders pedal next to 3-4 lanes used by drivers.

The ink on PBOT’s application isn’t dry, but when they submit it by the end of this month, it will include a funding request of $25 to $30 million to build protected bike lanes, new crossing treatments, add street trees, street lighting, and more. Serritella mentioned “reimagining N Larrabee” and making safer connections north of Broadway.

These new bike lanes would connect directly to 7th Avenue, the carfree Blumenauer Bridge, and recent changes made to strengthen the Lloyd-to-Woodlawn Neighborhood Greenway.

2010 photo looking east on N Broadway. NOTE: PBOT has since added a painted buffer to the bike lane. (Photo: Jonathan Maus/BikePortland)

In addition to complementing surface street changes that are likely to come with the I-5 Rose Quarter project, PBOT is mindful of the Albina Vision Community Investment Plan, whose first project — a 94-unit affordable housing development — broke ground August 22nd. One of PBOT’s project goals is to make N/NE Broadway-Weidler a “more human-scaled environment” that can “honor the district’s history through public realm elements including public art, urban design, and monumentation.”

With uncertainty around the I-5 Rose Quarter project Serritella told the city’s freight advisory committee this morning that their intention is to, “Create a project that is flexible and somewhat modular with the Rose Quarter project… something that can come concurrently, ahead of, or after the Rose Quarter project — depending on their ability to secure funding.”

Serritella said if all goes according to plan, Broadway would be transformed into a “civic main street” that “knits neighborhoods together” and where he’d be able to take a pleasant walk with his young child from NE 7th to Waterfront Park.

The deadline for NAE grants is October and PBOT says they expect a decision in about six months.

Two-mile carfree section of paved Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail opens Saturday

The dream of connecting the 73-mile Historic Columbia River Highway between Troutdale and The Dalles will become even closer to reality after this weekend. A celebration with activities for the kids and an open house for new, ADA-accessible and bike-friendly campsites will be held at Viento State Park on Saturday to welcome two new miles of paved, carfree path.

When it first opened in 1922, the Historic Highway was a marvel of engineering. Referred to as a “poem in stone” and the first official “Scenic Highway” in America, it allowed adventure-seekers to explore deep into the Gorge from the comfort of their automobiles. But the old highway was considered old news when Interstate 84 came on the scene in 1975. A bit of over 10 years later, as mother nature reclaimed the road and many sections fell into disrepair, the Oregon Department of Transportation became obsessed with rebuilding the old highway as an alternate to the fast, loud interstate.

In 1986, 22 miles of the old highway were out of commission and needed to be rebuilt and/or reconnected. After this Saturday, when ODOT opens another two-mile section between Viento and Mitchell Point, we’ll have 18 miles of carfree paths between Troutdale and The Dalles and just 3.8 miles of the 73 original miles will remain (of which ODOT has funding for all but 1.6 miles).

About one-third of the entire length is carfree. The remaining sections on low-traffic roads shared with car drivers.

The new segment will give riders, walkers, and rollers of all types (except car drivers) eight miles to enjoy between Wyeth Trailhead (exit 51 off I-84) and Mitchell Point (even more if you ride on shared backroads from Cascade Locks). The 0.7 segment to reach Mitchell Point Tunnel — and the tunnel itself — aren’t quite ready yet. The spectacular, 655-foot tunnel and adjacent 1.5 mile segment of the carfree trail will open next spring (2024) and will be fully connected to Viento in 2026 (both projects are already funded and under construction).

After that, the final 1.6 mile segment from Ruthton Point to Hood river will be all that’s left. ODOT says they need about $45 million to build it and they plan to reach a 50% design milestone this fall.

According to Gorge Pedal organizer, former Historic Columbia River Highway Advisory Committee member, and veteran cycling advocate Armando Zelada, the new trail segment that opens Saturday is something we should all be excited about:

(Left photo of new path segment by ODOT; Right photo of Starvation Creek Falls by A.J. Zelada)

“This trail portion is an intimate view of the Gorge, waterfalls, and has grand views up and down the Columbia River. It deserves visiting for that intimacy, much like a quartet playing is different than the full orchestral blast of Multnomah Falls. It allows one to actually follow the original Highway without vehicles as the route serpentines within the forest canopy and pops out to see the carved Columbia River Gorge slopes. And it wouldn’t hurt for you to daydream that the 100-plus year old road might just have been built on top of footpaths worn down by indigenous people who have occupied this Gorge for 9 to 12,000 years or more.”

For more on the route between Cascade Locks and Viento, check my recent report and photos.

And if you’re looking for a fun event in the Gorge this weekend, the ribbon-cutting celebration will be Saturday (9/9) from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at Viento State Park South Campground. ODOT will have food from Empanadas Maria Elba on-site and there will be a kids scavenger hunt and other activities. Car parking is very limited, so consider taking Columbia Area Transit (CAT) from Portland. You can also bike there from another trailhead nearby or join Portland Bicycling Club for a group ride to the celebration that leaves from Cascade locks at 8:00 am.

Job: Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Coordinator – p:ear

Buffered Bike Lane with a bike symbol and arrow pointing forward

Job Title

Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Coordinator

Company / Organization

p:ear

Job Description

Position: Contract Full-Time SRTS Coordinator (BPSEOC) 3 year position
FTE thru 7/1/2022-6/30/2026: Requires occasional evenings and weekends Reports To: p:ear Works Director
Compensation: $55,000 Annually

This position requires an energetic self-starter with excellent communication, leadership and public speaking skills that also has a commitment to contribute to bike works’ mission through bicycle and pedestrian education and safety for the communities in East County. The SRTS Coordinator will assist with planning, organizing, implementing, and teaching bicycle curriculum at local schools, community events, and community partner spaces – both in person and virtually. Additionally, they will collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to support SRTS programming and a variety of bike works’ initiatives. This position will be responsible for implementing new bike focused education and safety lessons, while working to coordinate the
maintenance of our bike fleet.

Outside of events, in-person meetings and mechanic work withing the shop, this position is remote. Required Qualifications & Competencies
• Experience building trusting, healthy relationships with people of all ages and backgrounds – Specifically K-8 grade levels
• Commitment to advancing equity and inclusion by creating and maintaining a diverse environment
• Excellent interpersonal skills – Must be a positive and strong role model, have a collaborative, team-oriented work style and strong problem-solving skills
• Commitment to non-violence and compassionate responses
• Strong written, oral and online communication skills – Including public speaking
• Excellent organization skills – Needs to effectively prioritize and manage time
• Project management from start to finish – Assume responsibility and accountability for
assignments and tasks
• Committed to personal growth with a willingness to learn
• Self-initiating, independent and highly motivated
• Physical ability to stand for multiple hours and lift/move up to 40 lbs
• Ability to transport self and supplies in a timely manner to multiple locations
• Experience with maintaining and repairing bicycles
• Experience in writing lesson plans and curriculums in order to provide bicycle safety lessons
• Ability to drive large vehicle while hauling a 20’ trailer
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
• Work in tandem with Multnomah County Transportation Planner and existing Bicycle & Pedestrian Safety & Education Outreach Coordinator to promote transportation health in East Multnomah County
• Help create correspondence with flyers, brochures, presentations, etc. in support of educating stakeholders in SRTS and bike works’ goals
• Develop meaningful relationships with stakeholders and successfully cultivate leaders within stakeholder groups
• Actively work with local school districts, CBOs, and other community partners to build community, collect and evaluate data, support and create enthusiasm in walking, biking, and driver safety
• Coordinate with school staff and SUN program coordinators to discuss/plan pedestrian and bicycle safety education and events
• Participate and organize a variety of community/education activities and projects in East Multnomah County – Including tabling, workshops, training, presentations, meetings, block parties, festivals, and more
• Provide resources for school district staff, administrators, and families to promote walking and biking initiatives, via campaign tool kits, videos, etc. that can significantly increase active transportation culture at each school
• Maintain records/data and prepare accurate reports quarterly
• Communicate and correspond with colleagues, stakeholders, community partners, schools,
etc. as requested or required
• Maintain the educational bicycle fleet and ensure that all bicycles are safe for students to ride
• Ensure that all equipment, bicycles, and tools within the trailer are well-organized, stocked, and taken care of
• Promote safe, active transportation in the East Multnomah County area and provide resources and tools to encourage pedestrian and cyclist engagement
• Provide bicycle engagement events by hosting bike rodeos, bike rides, and other bike- themed events in collaboration with other community partners

Work Experience
Applicants must show at least one (1) year of experience working with groups of children and families, and/or diverse communities – General knowledge of active transportation and bicycles is helpful.

About bike works by p:ear
bike works by p:ear is your go-to repair shop and lead advocate for people riding bikes in East Portland. Founded in 2017, bike works is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit working to create a more bike- friendly community by advocating for safe, connected bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure; supporting programs and events that foster a thriving, fun cycling culture; and ensuring that diverse constituencies have a voice in the development of new policies and infrastructure.

Our mission is to advocate for a world-class network of active transportation infrastructure in East Multnomah County that provides equitable access for people of all ages and abilities. Our vision is a safe, convenient, and seamless active transportation network that connects people to where they live, work, and play.

Travel
Travel expected in the Portland/Gresham Metro area for this position.
AAP/EEO Statement
It is the policy of bike works by p:ear to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, bike works by p:ear will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Other
Please note: This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Additionally, this is a contract position – taxes will be your responsibility.

How to Apply

TO APPLY: Please send resume and answers as PDFs to the questions in lieu of a cover letter to nathan@bikeworkspdx.org with “SRTS Coordinator” in the subject line. The job will remain open until full. Email only, no phone calls, please – phone calls will not be returned.
1. How will you use bike works by p:ear’s equity statement (see below) to further advance equity within the SRTS Coordinator position in East County? Please provide specific examples.
2. Please share a time when you’ve provided education/facilitation for kids in elementary and/or middle school.

EQUITY AND INCLUSION
We believe in the young people at bike works by p:ear and in their unique, creative and powerful place in our community. In order to help youth live healthy and meaningful lives, bike works must combat the structural and institutional systems and personal attitudes and behaviors that exist to create and perpetuate racial, social, economic inequities in our community.

bike works by p:ear respects and celebrates the diversity, creativity and strength of the p:ear community. Equity and inclusion are a priority across all parts of our organization from programs to administration to personal development. We commit to creating a culture of inclusion, self- reflection, and personal growth. We are committed to using our time and resources to help identify and eliminate disparities based on identity and to promote equitable and inclusive access to our programs. We do this work so we can live in a world where everyone can thrive.
bike works by p:ear is building dynamic relationships based on this understanding. Equity means examining our weaknesses and identifying disparities where they arise. It means aligning with needs and redistributing resources. Equity at p:ear means a thoughtful approach and compassionate action, which includes advocacy in the community and equity education in all areas that p:ear touches and beyond.
Because bike works by p:ear is deeply rooted in compassion – which we define as a relational act of understanding another’s experience while providing a safe space – we commit to deep, program- wide and viscerally equitable practices for homeless and vulnerable youth as they access our programs. We call this love.

bike works by p:ear respects and celebrates the diversity, creativity and strength of the East
Multnomah County community. Equity and inclusion are a priority across all parts of our organization. We are committed to using our time and resources to help identify and eliminate disparities based on identity and to promote equitable access to our programs.
bike works by p:ear
The Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Coordinator will work with the existing Bicycle & Pedestrian Safety & Education Coordinator, Multnomah County Transportation Planner, and Alta Consultants to carry out the mission of transportation health in East Multnomah County. Additionally, this position will provide an important link between jurisdictions that will work with individual schools, after school SUN programs, community partners, and SRTS Coordinators to establish programming and plans. Primary tasks include educating students, families, and community members about bicycle and pedestrian safety, safely riding a bicycle, providing bike rodeos and bicycle education. The ideal candidate will strive to establish curriculum in the region, support and coach the community on building multigenerational pedestrian and cyclist awareness, and mitigate traffic concerns by promoting a comprehensive, proactive behavior and infrastructure-based approach to securing safety along school routes, within school sites, and the surrounding East County neighborhoods.

Job: Processing Coordinator – Community Cycling Center

Job Title

Processing Coordinator

Company / Organization

Community Cycling Center

Job Description

ABOUT THE COMMUNITY CYCLING CENTER

For nearly 30 years, we have been a nonprofit organization on a mission to broaden access to bicycling and its benefits. Our vision is to continue building a vibrant community where people of all backgrounds use bicycles to stay healthy and connected. We believe that all Portlanders should have the opportunity to experience the joy, freedom and health benefits of bicycling. In addition to delivering dynamic programs that benefit underserved communities, we operate a retail shop, offer classes to our community, and we operate a membership DIY workspace where members can work on their bikes.

Here at the CCC we value and support one another through the work we do and are committed to working collaboratively to meet our goals. We are proud that people of color, women, neuro-divergent, gender non-conforming and LGBTQIA+ folks choose to work at our organization. Having a diverse team is a priority for us, and we encourage people from varied and diverse backgrounds to join our lively, talented team.

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY

The Processing Coordinator is responsible for overseeing the receipt and processing of donated goods and used inventory, storage of inventory, transportation of inventory between CCC locations, posting inventory on online platforms for sale, and managing timely shipping for goods leaving the organization. They supervise mechanics who perform teardowns and direct what components to save to be processed as used inventory. Working under the direction of the Shop Leadership Team, they will cultivate the delivery of consistent quality, help meet sales goals and support staff working in their department. Experience in a high-volume shop environment, clear communication skills, and proven effectiveness in supporting staff are crucial to the success of this position. Seasonally, shop staff will need to provide retail support at pop-ups and events. Staff in all positions at the shop will also be responsible for providing support to the Programs department as needed. This may include working mechanic shifts at one of our free service events or locations, providing ride support at events, or assisting at a learn to ride event.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Processing Used Inventory (30%)
• Harvest and clean bike parts and accessories from incoming donations
• Work with management to determine what used inventory to sell through ebay, salvage, Pop-Ups & Events, Annual/Scheduled Events, and the Retail Store
• Coordinate prompt shipping or pick-up of online sales
• Lead by example and work alongside staff to reach inventory and sales goals

Inventory Management (30%)
• Assist in organizing storage space and inventory tracking of used inventory in all CCC locations
• Maintain and improve storage systems to increase efficiency, capacity and inventory reliability.
• Refine and update inventory management systems to maximize efficiency
• Work collaboratively with all shop staff to maintain reliable and relevant inventory
• Perform regular inventory checks

Retail (20%)
• Collaborate with the Membership Coordinator and leadership to create displays to showcase products in innovative and efficient ways in the retail space
• Work with the Membership Coordinator to analyze sales trends to determine adequate stocking levels and product selection for the retail store
• Occasionally work retail shifts to sell new/used parts and accessories to customers and community members

Strategic Planning and Process Evaluation (10%)
• Collaborate with other senior staff to maintain and improve shop systems and facilities
• Work with the Shop Leadership Team to evaluate opportunities, trends and feedback

Other Responsibilities (10%)
• Help advance the mission of the Community Cycling Center across all departments
• Contribute to a standard work environment – answer phones, maintain a safe, clean & organized workspace
• Collaborate with other senior staff to train and support less-experienced mechanics and shop staff, including youth interns and apprentices
• Other duties as assigned

REQUIRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS
• Customer service experience
• Familiarity and working knowledge of a large variety of new and used bicycle related components and materials
• 5+ years of professional bike mechanic experience
• Experience supervising, training and supporting staff
• Strong interpersonal communication skills
• Strong organizational skills including the ability to manage multiple assignments simultaneously
• Ability to meet project deadlines and account for detailed objectives
• Experience and success in creating inclusive work environments where people from diverse backgrounds feel safe and welcome
• Must be available to work at least 2 night shifts (2pm-10:30pm) per week in the workshop or retail store at the Alberta location
• Must be available to work weekends
• Ability to lift, bend, squat, climb and more—this is a physically demanding job but reasonable accommodations can be made

PREFERRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS
• Attention to detail and a methodical approach to accomplishing tasks
• Experience with workflow improvement methods
• Experience in a high-volume bike shop
• Valid driver’s license
• Experience with Lightspeed POS, Excel, Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe
• Proficiency in Spanish

REPORTS TO: Shop Director and Processing and Production Manager
UNION/NON UNION: Union – ILWU Local 5
HOURS: Full Time (40 hours)
COMPENSATION: $22 per hour
TERM: Permanent
SCHEDULE: 5 day week, workdays may vary, hours may fluctuate, will work nights
BENEFITS: Health, dental and vision, 401k, 144 hrs of PTO at FT + 69 hrs of sick time
Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Community Cycling Center, we value having a team with varied strengths, skill sets, and areas of expertise. We encourage you to apply even if your professional experience doesn’t match every qualification listed above. You may be exactly who we are looking for!

HOW TO APPLY:  Send your resume and cover letter to jobs@CommunityCyclingCenter.org with the subject line “Processing Coordinator”

We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY
The Community Cycling Center is an equal opportunity employer. We will not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex, age, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, citizenship, veteran status, marital status, sensory disabilities, physical disabilities, mental disabilities and/or any other bases protected by state and federal law. We take proactive measures to ensure against discrimination in hiring, compensation, promotions, and termination of staff, selection of volunteers (including board members) and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, customers, clients, volunteers (including board members), subcontractors, vendors, and other members of our community.

How to Apply

HOW TO APPLY:  Send your resume and cover letter to jobs@CommunityCyclingCenter.org with the subject line “Processing Coordinator”

Job: Processing and Production Manager – Community Cycling Center

Job Title

Processing and Production Manager

Company / Organization

Community Cycling Center

Job Description

ABOUT THE COMMUNITY CYCLING CENTER

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY

The Processing and Production Manager is responsible for the smooth and organized intake of donated goods into the organization for production, resale, reuse, or recycle. They supervise mechanics who prepare bikes and goods for sale in our shop or delivery through our programs department; and supervise used inventory processors who sort donated goods. Working collaboratively with the Shop Leadership Team, they will cultivate the delivery of consistent quality, help meet sales goals and support staff working in their department. Experience in a high-volume shop environment, clear communication skills, and proven effectiveness in supporting staff are crucial to the success of this position.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Management of Donated Goods (35%)
• Manage the process and procedure of intake, sorting and processing of donations in the shop
• Adapt procedures as needs and demands of the organization fluctuate through the year
• Continually develop and refine intake and processing procedure to help reduce costs while supplying the shop with quality goods

Management of Production Process (35%)
• Work with the Bicycle Production Coordinator to supervise production mechanics, volunteers, and interns working on new and used bikes for sale or programs.
• Work with Bicycle Production Coordinator and Programs managers to lead quality control efforts to ensure high quality used bikes
• Work with Inventory Coordinator and Membership Coordinator to meet store needs for retail used parts sales and inventory management
• Work with other departments to meet production needs of programs supporting the community. Ex: Earn a Bike and STEM
• Work with shop leadership team to maintain adequate inventory levels of new and used parts to support production needs
• Continually develop and refine the production process to help reduce cost while providing excellent quality bicycles
• Lead by example and work alongside staff to reach production and sales goals

Management of Staff & Shop Operations (20%)
• Partner with Shop Leadership Team to hire, train, and evaluate staff based on the quality and effectiveness of their work
• Partner with Shop Leadership Team to develop and ensure adherence to policies and procedures governing shop practices
• Other duties as assigned
• Manage staff timesheets and schedules

Strategic Planning and Process Evaluation (10%)
• Leverage quality control process to identify growth areas for mechanics and used part processors to provide support and training as needed to improve outcomes
• Work with the Shop Leadership Team to evaluate opportunities, trends and feedback towards financial growth for the shop and professional development for their team
• Contribute to the Shop’s annual budget process

REQUIRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS
• 2+ Experience supervising, training and supporting staff
• Strong interpersonal communication skills
• Strong organizational skills including the ability to manage multiple assignments simultaneously
• Ability to meet project deadlines and account for detailed objectives
• Experience and success in creating inclusive work environments where people from diverse backgrounds feel safe and welcome
• Ability to lift, bend, squat, climb and more—this is a physically demanding job but reasonable accommodations can be made
• Experience with online sales
• Experience and familiarity with a wide range of bicycle technology, new and old

PREFERRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS
• 5+ years of professional bike mechanic experience
• Experience with workflow improvement methods
• Experience in a high-volume shop
• Customer service experience
• Experience with Lightspeed POS, Excel, Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe
• Proficiency in Spanish
• Proficiency with eBay sales

REPORTS TO: Bike Shop Director
UNION/NON UNION: Non Union
HOURS: Full Time (40 hours)
COMPENSATION: Salalried $50K, Exempt
TERM: Permanent
SCHEDULE: 5-day week, workdays may vary, hours may fluctuate, may work nights occasionally
BENEFITS: Health, dental and vision, 401k, 144 hrs of PTO at FT + 69 hrs of sick time

HOW TO APPLY:  Send your resume, cover letter, and (3) references to Jobs@CommunityCyclingCenter.org. No phone calls, please.

How to Apply

HOW TO APPLY:  Send your resume, cover letter, and (3) references to Jobs@CommunityCyclingCenter.org. No phone calls, please.

Police seek bike rider for alleged racial assault in downtown Portland

A person riding a bike is wanted for what law enforcement is calling a racially motivated assault. It happened August 21st just before 3:00 pm at the intersection SW 2nd Avenue and Pine in downtown Portland.

The Portland Police Bureau released a photo of the suspect on Monday (9/4), along with a $2,500 cash reward for any information that leads to an arrest. The photo shows a bike rider on a flat-bar road bike with a bag in its front rack and the person is wearing a large backpack — the type typically used by delivery riders.

According to the PPB, the bike rider spat on and physically assaulted a group of people who are Asian. One of them was Tommy Ly, owner of a nearby business. Here’s what Ly told KGW:

… he and his family were walking in a crosswalk when the man on a bike “came barreling down” and almost hit his mom. He told the man to watch out and that’s when the situation escalated.

“He turned back around and just started yelling racial slurs at us… stuff I don’t really want to repeat anymore,” Ly told KGW in an interview after the assault.

Ly also said that the man flicked a burning cigarette at his mom and threw a punch at him. He said that’s when he warned the man that he was armed with mace.

“He just biked back around, got close to my mom and spit in her face and at that point I just lost it, and just grabbed my mace and emptied the whole can straight into his face and then he just biked off,” Ly said.

Unfortunately, this is not the first time our community has confronted anti-Asian bias.

Detail from page 11 of Portland Safe Routes to School Strategic Plan 2018-2023.

In 2020, a bike shop owner in Hood River apologized after he posted anti-Asian sentiment on Instagram related to the coronavirus outbreak. In 2022, Portland Police said that racial bias was behind an assault of a Japanese family bicycling on the Eastbank Esplanade. And just this week a man was charged with stabbing two teens on a MAX train allegedly, “because of his perception of the victims’ race.”

A report published by the nonprofit Community Cycling Center last week found that among some east Portlanders, “people of color felt especially unsafe while biking due to concerns of racism and race-based violence, from individuals or police officers.” And the City of Portland’s latest Safe Routes to School Strategic Plan cited a fear of traveling in public by students and families of color as one reason some people don’t choose to walk, bike, or take transit.

If you know the identity of the bike rider in the photo above, you can contact the PPB non-emergency line at (503) 823-3333 or share your tip anonymously online via CrimeStoppers.

BikeLoud’s City Hall rally on Wednesday will demand safer streets

Safe streets advocate Ted Buehler played dead while PBOT Commissioner Mapps made a speech at a press conference at Portland City Hall on August 7th. (Photo: Jonathan Maus/BikePortland)

A phalanx of street safety advocates wearing the color of blood will gather on the front steps of Portland City Hall on Wednesday (9/6). Led by nonprofit BikeLoud PDX, the event aims to raise awareness and urgency to remedy what they feel is an “epidemic” of traffic deaths brought on by “streets designed to prioritize speed and capacity over safety.”

The rally will coincide with an event planned by climate group 350 PDX who will be at City Hall to confront “reckless” city councilors they say are responsible for a “backdoor deal” with Zenith Energy, an oil company that operates on the Willamette River.

“We ask participants to wear red to represent traffic violence,” says a statement from BikeLoud. “We will stand alongside our allies at 350PDX who also will wear red to bring attention to the City Council’s negligence in allowing Zenith Oil to harm Portlanders by operating highly dangerous oil trains through our neighborhoods.”

To put a finer point on the protest, BikeLoud has set out a list of four demands:

1) SAFE STREETS:

Our streets are failing us. We Demand the City to respond to every crash with a commitment to implement physical protection that protects our lives. The Safe System Approach is a USDOT program to rethink the planning, design, and operation of our road system to be forgiving of inevitable human mistakes, so that serious-injury outcomes are far less likely to occur. Implementing the Safe System Approach demands decision-makers do the right thing – to always choose to keep all people safe on our streets, whether they are walking, rolling, wheeling, or driving.

2) FUNDING:

The money is here. We demand our leaders fund safety first. Portland needs to fund programs that support Vision Zero, instead of forcing PBOT to cut programs and projects that keep us alive. A huge proportion of Portlanders do not have access to a car and have no choice but to be left unprotected on our roads. Ultimately: the most inequitable action is the City’s lack of action allowing this harm to continue.

Pricing Options for Equitable Mobility (POEM) has a thoughtful menu of smart revenue building mechanisms that are linked to reducing traffic deaths and injuries. Another funding source could be to use liquor/cannabis sales to tax a fund for victims of DUI-involved crashes. We demand Portland reprioritize where our transportation money goes and support safety first.

3) AUTOMATIC ENFORCEMENT:

Short-term: Provide a detailed memo of what is delaying the implementation of roadway traffic safety cameras throughout High Crash Corridors (HCC). Use your positions as leaders to elevate this critical piece of planned infrastructure to state and federal supporters to remove barriers in procuring traffic cameras.

Long-term: Implement automatic enforcement as a standard on Rose Lanes/enhanced transit corridors that will be placed on many high-crash corridors in the next 10 years per the current METRO RTP. Outline clear goals for future expansion of traffic camera locations, including speed enforcement for all schools on arterial streets.

4) VEHICLES:

Large cars are killing us. Oversized, overpowered cars and pickups are 90% more likely to seriously injure or kill people walking, and 50% more likely to injure or kill people in other cars. While there’s no way to completely limit the size of vehicles permitted on Portland’s streets, the City can discourage their use with registration fees and parking permits tied to vehicle size. As vehicles have gotten larger, it’s become more critical that we consider limiting their size as they have a profound impact on roadway users outside these vehicles. Use your roles as city leaders to work with the US Department of Transportation and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to rein in oversized vehicles on our roads.

This rally comes one month after protestors shouted-down Portland Bureau of Transportation Commissioner Mingus Mapps at a press conference back in August. Mapps held that event after a record 13 people were killed using Portland roads in just one month. After a fatality-free August, there have been two traffic deaths so far this month, bringing the annual total to 47.

Despite telling protestors in August that he shares their rage and frustration, and that the current state of our roads is a “dire threat to public safety,” Mapps has revealed no new plans or further statements about how he’s going to turn things around.

In the past 10 days, we’re aware of at least two horrific cases of drivers showing complete disregard for human life and using their vehicles to badly injure unprotected road users. On August 26th, a woman intentionally drove into a teenager who was walking near NE 72nd and Lombard in the Cully neighborhood. The victim was sent to the ICU with life-threatening injuries and the driver was arrested for attempted murder. And last Thursday, a person drove their car into a bike lane on NE 21st Avenue and slammed into a bike rider going the opposite direction. The rider was injured and is on the road to recovery, while the driver was arrested Sunday (and then released yesterday) for felony hit-and-run.

On August 18th, BikeLoud was one of six local advocacy groups that signed onto a letter to local leaders calling for more action to make streets safe. Following the protest tomorrow, current BikeLoud Chair Nic Cota and another volunteer have signed up to testify in front of Mayor Ted Wheeler and other council members. That testimony is part of the coordinated plan outlined in the 8/18 letter where local groups say they’ll do more lobbying at council each week to make sure leaders hear their voices.

The BikeLoud protest will take place on Wednesday morning from 8:30 to 9:30 am (to coincide with City Council meeting) at City Hall. More info here.

Monday Roundup: Utopia, hiking without driving, vigilantes, and more

Hope you enjoyed the long weekend. It was just OK for me, since I tested positive for Covid on Saturday morning. Luckily I have a very mild case so far with just aches in my head and body. Hoping it passes soon, but looks like I’ll miss another Bike Happy Hour on Wednesday.

But I’m not too sick to work, so here goes…

Below are the stories you should read, from sources you can trust:

They’re in the money: Portland-based tech company Ride with GPS has landed a $3 million investment. (GeekWire)

No more shared e-scooters: Major news in Paris as that city has banned private companies from deploying e-scooter fleets. Important to note that the problem isn’t with e-scooters themselves (which are still allowed), but the model of companies renting them. (NPR)

Whose streets?: One of the reasons I love controversial issues like congestion pricing is because they force us to debate fundamental questions over what types of road users should have the cheapest access to right-of-way. (NY Times Opinion)

Carfree > tax-free: Montreal is enjoying the fruits of carfree streets throughout their city because they had the guts to go big during Covid and the foresight to make the public street spaces permanent. If we give downtown businesses a tax holiday (like Wheeler and City Council want to do), we should require them to submit a carfree street plan to qualify. (The Star)

Workers unite: With all the strikes and labor momentum in Portland these days, it’s notable that bike share workers in New Orleans have voted to unionize. (Truthout)

Adventure without driving: To bag all 100 of the highest peaks in the Pacific Northwest in one season is an amazing accomplishment. But to do it by bike like three Washingtonians just did? That’s extraordinary. (OPB)

It’s bike bus season: School has started, so what better time to read this in-depth piece on the Portland bike bus craze and how you can start one at your kids’ school. (Portland Monthly)

Bike theft vigilantes: A volunteer group in Finland have banded together to recover almost 1,300 stolen bikes in the past year as police have said the crime isn’t a high priority. Sounds like Portland! (BBC)

America’s failure, part 1: A school district in Philadelphia doesn’t have enough school bus drivers so they’re paying parents up to $300 per month to drive their kids to school in the family car. (WHYY)

America’s failure, part 2: Another sign that the Democratic establishment is clueless when it comes to transportation and climate: Biden, like Obama before him, is eager to subsidize the most unhealthy form of transportation ever invented. (Bloomberg)

Can utopia be bought?: It’s the most tech-bro thing ever to give up on cities and try to build one from scratch. Even so, note that the folks behind this effort want to build the same type of city every one of Portland’s adopted plans calls for. Good luck! (Guardian)

Thanks to everyone who shared links this week!

Comment of the Week: The best moments of life

Happy Labor Day!

This week we feature a sweet comment that seemed appropriate for the last lazy, long weekend of summer. If you haven’t gotten out yet, there is still another day—enjoy some of it on a bike!

Here’s what SD wrote:

I couldn’t do one kid without a cargo bike or two kids without an e-cargo bike. The secondary market for these has really picked up making them more affordable. This summer, I saw a lot more around.

I’m not exaggerating when I say that the times I’ve spent riding my kids around on a bike are some of the best moments of my life. There is so much to see and talk about and the simple joy of being outside together is the best.

There are probably a good number of cargo bikes that would be great for carrying kids sitting in garages that should be sold to people who want them. True, they don’t work for every trip, but there are so many trips that are done by car out of habit rather than necessity.

Thank you again SD! You can read what SD wrote under the original post.

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Saturday, September 9th

Sunday, September 10th

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Two-mile carfree section of paved Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail opens Saturday

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Police seek bike rider for alleged racial assault in downtown Portland

BikeLoud’s City Hall rally on Wednesday will demand safer streets

1) SAFE STREETS:

2) FUNDING:

3) AUTOMATIC ENFORCEMENT:

4) VEHICLES:

Monday Roundup: Utopia, hiking without driving, vigilantes, and more

Comment of the Week: The best moments of life

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From the Archives

Protestor blocks bus and bike lanes on Division with his car