Year: 2025

The dream of a zero emission delivery hub at James Beard Public Market is alive in Portland

Rendering of a future zero-emission delivery hub outside the forthcoming James Beard Public Market. (Graphic: James Beard Public Market)

The James Beard Public Market, set to open next year on SW 6th and Alder (one block from Pioneer Square), is one of the most important steps yet in the revitalization of downtown Portland. With about 40 vendor spaces under one roof in the busy central city, planners must be mindful of how they’ll be restocked. After all, it would be embarrassing for Portland if a bunch of large trucks spewing toxic emissions were parked out front.

Good thing there’s another way: What if the market worked with the City and innovative local businesses to create a zero emission microhub that could serve the new market with electric cargo trikes and small electric trucks? That’s an idea currently being tossed around by a Dream Team of experts who hope their plan gains traction in time for opening day.

Franklin Jones, the CEO and founder of B-line Urban Delivery, tells BikePortland he’s shopping around a proposal to create a, “zero emissions logistics model” for the market. Jones is among a group that includes Portland Bureau of Transportation Urban Freight Coordinator Russ Brooks, James Beard Public Market Executive Director Jessica Elkan (who’s leading this proposal), and Honda Brand Strategist June Jashinski (I explain the Honda part below). These four have come together on a proposal they hope to present at a panel at the upcoming SXSW Conference in Austin, Texas in March.

Their presentation is titled, “Rethink Public Markets: Zero Emissions Delivery and Microhubs.” It’s currently one of dozens of panels being proposed for SXSW, which are chosen in part by a vote of the public. Here’s the presentation blurb:

“Picture a market bustling with people as they browse local products, and fresh Oregon produce. Public markets unite people from diverse backgrounds, but truck traffic often follows. This session explores a first-of-its-kind vision by the Portland Bureau of Transportation, B-line, James Beard Public Market, and Fastport to transform the way goods move from farm to vendor. By centralizing deliveries, and using eQuads for the last-mile, this model reimagines public markets, transportation, and urban spaces for communities, creating a model for a more human-first, zero-emissions future.”

Presentation slide.

Jones and PBOT are not newcomers to these concepts. B-line has operated in Portland since 2009 and Jones currently oversees a fleet of electric trikes that serve dozens of customers at his consolidation and distribution center in the central eastside. And the City of Portland has a long record of interest in electric, bike-powered delivery hubs. Since as early as 2021, the City has sought ways to dramatically reduce the number of large trucks downtown. Cargo bikes and micro-deliver hubs played a relatively prominent role in PBOT’s 2040 Freight Plan (adopted in 2023). And just earlier this year, PBOT wrapped up a demonstration project for a Zero Emission Delivery Zone downtown and issued a request for information (RFI) for a micro-delivery hub pilot that would be operated out of a city-owned parking garage.

From PBOT 2040 Freight Plan

Why is Honda involved in this? Turns out they’ve just debuted a new “Fastport” eQuad prototype that’s tailor-made for last-mile business deliveries. Fastport isn’t just a vehicle, Honda says it’s a “fleet-as-a-service” micromobility venture that comes with a turnkey system of software, swappable batteries, service, and more.

Jones and the folks behind the James Beard Public Market see their proposal as a chance to show the world that urban, zero emission delivery can be a reality. As of today, no contracts have been signed and no funding has been identified — although they’ve applied for a Portland Clean Energy Fund (PCEF) grant. Given the experiences and connections of this all-star team and all the excitement about the market, hopefully they can get make funding happen.

If you think this is a cool idea worthy of exploration, go over to the SXSW panel picker and vote for the presentation. You have until August 24th to show your support.

Job: Walk N Roll Bike Educator Assistant – Intercity Transit

Buffered Bike Lane with a bike symbol and arrow pointing forward

Job Title

Walk N Roll Bike Educator Assistant

Company / Organization

Intercity Transit

Job Description

Intercity Transit’s Walk N Roll education program increases independence, improves safety, and inspires a healthy lifestyle by making walking, biking, rolling and riding public transit more accessible to people of all races, ages, incomes and abilities.

If you have:
Experience with youth education or recreation programs.
Ability to create a welcoming community space for people of all races, ages, genders, abilities, and backgrounds.
Basic skills in bicycle maintenance.
Bicycle safety and handling skills.

Then this position is for you!
Intercity Transit’s Walk N Roll Program is a recipient of a grant that supports youth development programs for junior high and high school aged youth to develop skills and street safety knowledge to be more confident bicyclists for transportation. The Walk N Roll Bike Educator Assistant will assist with the after-school and summer bike education program called Teens Biking to Destinations and will work with middle and high school aged students, community members, school staff, parents, volunteers, and community partners. The typical work schedule for this position is 20 hours a week, Monday – Friday 2:00 – 7:00pm with frequent Saturday hours. The schedule and number of hours a week will vary based on program needs. This is a grant funded position scheduled from October 2025 to June 2026, and is expected to be extended pending future grant renewal.

Our Teens Biking to Destinations program is funded with a grant from WSDOT and is administered by Cascade Bicycle Club. The funding comes from Washington’s Climate Commitment Act (CCA). The CCA supports Washington’s climate action efforts by putting cap-and-invest dollars to work reducing climate pollution, creating jobs, and improving public health. Information about the CCA is available at www.climate.wa.gov.

As a Walk N Roll Bike Educator Assistant, you will:
Assist with providing instruction to youth regarding basic bicycle maintenance and safe cycling skills.
Assist with the moving, loading, storing, organizing, and inventory of program materials, bikes, and supplies.
Assist with the maintenance and repair of bikes.
Assist with outreach for program participants and volunteer recruitment.
Drives a van and trailer to transport youth participants, bicycles and bike club materials.
Assist with data entry and collecting information for program reports.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Typical Qualifications
Are you the one we are looking for?

At least six (6) months of experience with bicycle mechanics, riding safety, education, recreation, youth development or a closely related field.
Must promote/emulate safe biking practices.
Ability to obtain a Washington State driver’s license by the date of hire.
Must be willing to submit to a criminal background investigation, the results of which must meet the agency’s hiring criteria.
Knowledge of bicycle safety principles; basic bike maintenance; and modern office procedures, methods, and equipment.
Skill in safe, legal, and competent cycling skills; ability to work with the public, youth, educators, and a wide range of stakeholders; ability to safely operate program van and trailer or willingness to learn; and prioritizing work and performing multiple tasks.

This position has physical requirements including climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, pushing, pulling, lifting, and walking up to two (2) miles and biking 5-10 miles on occasion.

What’s in it for you?
Receive a wage of $21.00 an hour.
Work for a public-agency that promotes a work-life balance and provides an essential service to the community.
Accrue Washington Paid Sick Leave.

How to Apply

Ready to jump on board?
We would love for you to apply! Please submit a complete electronic application online at www.intercitytransit.com/employment. Your application package must include a letter of interest and resume that clearly explains how you meet the qualifications of the position. Be advised, we will not consider incomplete applications. Intercity Transit’s preferred method of communication is via email, so an accurate and active email address is essential.

Completed applications must be received by 5:00pm on Sunday, August 31, 2025.

Intercity Transit is proud to be an equal employment opportunity employer and strives to provide a culturally diverse workforce. Intercity Transit does not discriminate in employment or service on the basis of race, creed, color, origin, age, sex, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, or disability.

We also take pride in being a drug free workplace. Note that Intercity Transit is subject to requirements of the Federal Drug-Free Workplace Act and FR Part 40 & Part 655, which prohibits the use of marijuana at any time while employed by Intercity Transit.

Job: Walk N Roll Program Representative – Bike Educator – Intercity Transit

Buffered Bike Lane with a bike symbol and arrow pointing forward

Job Title

Walk N Roll Program Representative – Bike Educator

Company / Organization

Intercity Transit

Job Description

Intercity Transit’s Walk N Roll education program increases independence, improves safety, and inspires a healthy lifestyle by making walking, biking, rolling and riding public transit more accessible to people of all races, ages, incomes and abilities.

If you have:
Experience leading and administering programming
Bike education experience.
Experience with youth education or recreation programs.
Ability to create a welcoming community space for people of all races, ages, genders, abilities, and backgrounds.
Basic skills in bicycle maintenance.
Bicycle safety and handling skills.

Then this position is for you!
Intercity Transit’s Walk N Roll Program is a recipient of a grant that supports youth development programs for junior high and high school aged youth to develop skills and street safety knowledge to be more confident bicyclists for transportation. The Walk N Roll Program Representative (Bike Educator) will be responsible for planning, coordinating, and implementing an after-school and summer bike education program called Teens Biking to Destination by working with middle school and high school aged students, community members, school staff, parents, volunteers and community partners. The work schedule for this position is Monday – Friday with frequent evening and weekend hours. This is a grant-funded position scheduled from October 2025 to June 2026, and is expected to be extended pending future grant renewal.

Our Teens Biking to Destinations program is funded with a grant from WSDOT and is administered by Cascade Bicycle Club. The funding comes from Washington’s Climate Commitment Act (CCA). The CCA supports Washington’s climate action efforts by putting cap-and-invest dollars to work reducing climate pollution, creating jobs, and improving public health. Information about the CCA is available at www.climate.wa.gov.

As a Walk N Roll Program Representative, you will:
Coordinate and implement a middle and high school bike education after-school and summer program, including bike-based education events and activities. Develop curriculum implementation plan and provide instruction to youth regarding basic bicycle maintenance and safe cycling skills.
Manage the purchasing, storing, organizing, and inventorying of program materials and supplies.
Coordinate the maintenance and repair of a bike fleet.
Recruit, train, track, and provide technical oversight for staff and volunteers on youth development, bicycle repair and safe cycling skills.
Maintain tracking tools, databases, reports, and evaluation tools for the bike education program.
Draft and distribute materials to publicize and recruit for the bike education program including flyers, social media, newsletters and program web pages.
Develop and maintain a strong relationship with school administrators, staff and teachers.
Drive van and trailer to transport youth participants, bicycles, and program materials.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Are you the one we are looking for?
Associates degree or a specialized certificate training in marketing, communications, environmental studies, bicycle mechanics or riding safety, education, youth development, or related field AND one (1) year of professional experience working with youth or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job.
Must promote/emulate safe biking practices.
Ability to hook-up and drive a van and trailer or willingness to learn.
Ability to obtain a Washington State driver’s license by the date of hire.
Must be willing to submit to a criminal background investigation, the results of which must meet the agency’s hiring criteria.
Knowledge of bicycle safety principles; basic bike maintenance; modern office procedures, methods, and equipment; volunteer recruitment and coordination; youth development and education.
Skill in safe, legal, and competent cycling skills; public speaking and presenting; ability to work with the public, youth, educators, and a wide-range of stakeholders; using computers and related software applications; ability to safely operate program van and trailer; prioritizing work and performing multiple tasks; establishing and abiding by project timelines; compiling and distributing data, materials, and information.

What’s in it for you?
Receive a competitive salary of $31.69- $42.82 an hour.
Work for a public-agency that promotes a work-life balance and provides an essential service to the community.
Accrue Washington Paid Sick Leave.

How to Apply

Ready to jump on board?
We would love for you to apply! Please submit a complete electronic application online at www.intercitytransit.com/employment. Your application package must include a letter of interest and resume that clearly explains how you meet the qualifications of the position. Be advised, we will not consider incomplete applications. Intercity Transit’s preferred method of communication is via email, so an accurate and active email address is essential.

Completed applications must be received by 5:00pm on Sunday, August 31, 2025.

Intercity Transit is proud to be an equal employment opportunity employer and strives to provide a culturally diverse workforce. Intercity Transit does not discriminate in employment or service on the basis of race, creed, color, origin, age, sex, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, or disability.

We also take pride in being a drug free workplace. Note that Intercity Transit is subject to requirements of the Federal Drug-Free Workplace Act and FR Part 40 & Part 655, which prohibits the use of marijuana at any time while employed by Intercity Transit.

Check out latest designs of new carfree bridge over Columbia Blvd

View from bridge deck looking southwest toward Chimney Park dog area. (Graphics: Portland Parks)

The design of the new Willamette Greenway Trail Bridge over Columbia Boulevard in north Portland was revealed by Portland Parks and Recreation at an open house late last month. New renderings show a structure that will span across the road with transparent fencing and lighting that will make the bridge safer to use at night.

Parks’ Bridge Over Columbia project was on hold for several years as the city ironed out some funding wrinkles. Now it’s full steam ahead and the new drawings give us our best view yet on what to expect.

This project, estimated to cost $11-$15 million, will build a half-mile of new paved path inside Chimney Park (just north of Pier Park). That path will connect to a new bridge that will span over Columbia Blvd on a gentle grade. After coming off the bridge, riders will continue on the new path, cross a Union Pacific Railroad track, and then continue northeast to the edge of the North Columbia Slough.

An existing bridge over the slough (owned by Metro) will eventually connect the new path to another future path that will wind two miles around the outside edge of Metro’s St Johns Prairie (a 244-acre former landfill). At the northern tip of the Prairie, Metro and their partners are already planning another new bridge that will ultimately connect to an existing (although heavily damaged and in need of repair) path that leads to Kelley Point Park.

Check out more of the open house materials below:

Screenshot
Screenshot

This project marks very exciting steps forward for the NP Greenway that will eventually connect the Eastbank Esplanade to Kelley Point Park. Parks expects to finish design next year and build the project in 2027-2028. For more information, see the project website.

UPDATE, 8/21 at 8:50 am: I replaced two of the aerial images with updated versions after realizing that the proportions were out of whack. Sorry for any confusion.

So many surveys to take right now: Here’s a roundup

What should be the main objective of the future Green Loop? That’s just one question you can help answer. (Photo: Jonathan Maus/BikePortland)

Being in the transportation advocacy space means I come across many surveys throughout the year. Having a platform to share them and encouraging folks to give feedback on important topics is a very important role of BikePortland. But not every survey warrants its own post, and sometimes I don’t mention them at all because I just don’t get to them or they slip through the cracks.

Lately I’ve come across so many surveys I feel like a roundup is necessary. Below are seven transportation and planning-related surveys that are currently open. Please consider spending a bit of time to do these if they interest you. And if you know of others that would be relevant for us, please share in the comments and I’ll add them to this list.

Portland Bureau of Transportation – Plaza Survey

This is part of PBOT’s annual data gathering effort that helps them plan for the future. Given all the controversyaround street plazas lately, I feel like this has even more urgency than in past years. Take survey here

PBOT – Green Loop Plan Survey

From PBOT: “This survey asks for feedback on the Green Loop vision, how you’d use it, priorities and trade-offs. Your feedback will inform this next phase of Green Loop planning, which focuses on design and implementation strategies.” Survey asks key questions about what the main goal of the Green Loop should be. Takes 10-15 minutes to complete. Take survey here

PBOT – Transportation System Plan Vision + Goals Survey

PBOT is working on a TSP update, which is the framework that sets our next 20 years of decisions into stone. PBOT says you should take this survey because, “your voice will have the biggest impact in the Transportation System Plan update process at this very phase of the work, ensuring your values are present and reflected throughout the work plan and in guiding how we prioritize future transportation system investments.” Should take 5-10 minutes to complete and is open through October 1st. Take survey here

PBOT – Walk PDX Downtown Pedestrian Wayfinding

I covered this yesterday but figured it couldn’t hurt to remind you about it. This survey will help PBOT understand if a $150,000 wayfinding route in the downtown core is working well and how it could be better once a more permanent version is designed. Wayfinding nerds unite! This survey will remain open through the three-month pilot which began August 1st and runs through end of October. Take survey here

Oregon Department of Transportation – Transportation Safety Partner Survey

ODOT is in the process of updating the state’s Transportation Safety Action Plan (TSAP), which was last finalized in 2021. The 2026 version will guide how ODOT invests in projects and programs that will reduce crashes and eliminate road deaths. They want, “to hear what’s working — and what’s not — when it comes to transportation safety.” So tell ’em! Takes about 10 minutes to finish and you have until August 31st to get it done. Take survey here

Oregon State Parks – Reimagine Oregon State Parks Survey

There are lot of cool bikecamping spots in State Parks and OSP manages some excellent trails (paved and unpaved) around the region and state. This survey is part of OSP’s effort to, “better understand the public’s values and priorities as we shape that future.” It should take about 10-15 minutes and is open through September 8th. Take survey here

US Department of Transportation – Transportation Bill Feedback

*Note: This survey closes on Wednesday August 20th! Survey timeline extended to September 8th. I’m sharing this one at the urging of the League of American Bicyclists. It comes as the Trump Administration begins to shape the next transportation bill and his DOT Sec. Sean Duffy look to zero out all spending on bikeways and anything that “takes away” space for driving cars. Take survey here

Did I miss anything? Told you there were a lot (and one just closed yesterday)! I know it feels tedious, but you know how those government folks are. They often put a lot of stock in these surveys — especially if they reinforce what an agency already wants to do. Thanks for taking time to share your feedback.

Jobs of the Week: Mokwheel, Community Cycling Center, Intercity Transit, The Athletic

Need a job? Want a better job? Just looking for a change? You are in the right place. Don’t miss these recent job announcements. (Remember, you can always stay abreast of jobs as soon as they get listed by signing up for our Job Listings email.)

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 Bluesky

These are paid listings. And they work! We’ve helped hundreds of people find great jobs and great staff members. 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 $100. Learn more at our Job Listings page.

MADE Bike Show is coming and I’ve got a discount code

(Photo: Daniel Sharp)

Get hyped all you silly bike lovers, the biggest show of the year is coming! MADE will return for its third year at the Zidell Yards in South Waterfront starting this Friday, August 22nd and running through the weekend. MADE is your chance to revel in the artisanal beauty and craft of bicycles, parts, and all types of other cool things that are made by actual cool human beings — many of whom you can actually meet in person at the show.

Just think: Right now, dozens of builders from across the country are putting finishing touches on brand new bikes they’ve made specifically for MADE. The colorways, the build, the lines and angles — each element thoughtfully chosen so that the whole is something much more special than any individual part. Whether it’s the complete bikes you’re most excited about, or the intriguing parts and components you’ll find, or even the oft-whimsical swag that’s likely to emerge from the show floor — MADE has something for everyone.

Official poster.

This year, show organizer Billy Sinkford (who some of you met at Bike Happy Hour last week) says they’ll have a test ride area. Now that should be interesting. And of course there are some pre-show events already scheduled like a social ride Thursday morning and the big shindig at Cyclepath NW later that night where No. 22 Bicycle Company will offer a sneak peek of their rigs.

Over 200 builders and brands are expected to be at the show and this year the floor plan has been expanded to fit them all. I’ve also heard that adult beverages can be consumed throughout the show floor, so you don’t have to remain corralled in the beer garden.

I’m more excited than usual this year because it’ll be my first time attending! I’ve been out of town the first two years and haven’t been able to be there, so I am very hyped to finally take part. I’ll talk to builders and attendees, shoot photos and share them here, and probably do a video or two as well. If you plan to attend, I’ve got a discount code that will give you 25% off a single day or weekend pass (good for one ticket only). Just use code BPMADE (case sensitive) when you check out on the ticket purchase page.

Check the MADE.bike website for all the official info and tickets and be sure to follow MADE on Instagram for the latest and greatest updates.

See you there!

City wants to improve downtown for non-drivers with ‘Walk Portland’ pilot

One of the new signs at Salmon Street Springs. (Photos: City of Portland)

There’s often backlash whenever we talk about spending money on marketing instead of infrastructure. But sometimes you just need to show people that something exists (a.k.a. marketing), and then try and persuade them to do it. When it comes to downtown Portland, contrary to all the haters and false narratives, it really is a great place to walk. It’s not that big and we’ve got nice things to see, awesome events going on (especially in summer) with cool shops and food destinations all over.

So I’m pretty optimistic about the joint pedestrian wayfinding effort from nonprofit Oregon Walks, Travel Portland and the Bureau of Transportation (PBOT). Officially launched the first week of August, this $150,000 project (and please don’t tell me how many crosswalks they could have built with that because the funding comes from a tourism-related grant), is a bunch of signs and markings that help folks get around downtown without a car. There’s also a companion website that lists events and shops along the route.

The route.

It’s called “Walk Portland” and it’ll be a three-month pilot that will run through the end of October. It’s a pilot and yet another effort to increase foot traffic in the downtown core. After the three months is up, professional planners and marketing folks will get together to assess what they’ve learned, combine it with public feedback, and design a future permanent wayfinding system

The Walk Portland route goes between Salmon Street Springs on SW Naito to Powells Books on NW Couch. They’ve chosen the SW Yamhill/SW Morrison couplet to take folks between SW 2nd and SW 10th. The route also utilizes SW Harvey Milk Street.

Oregon Walks Executive Director Zachary Lauritzen said the system will help people feel more confident — whether you’re new to town or have lived here your whole life. And Travel Portland President and CEO Megan Conway says it’s about being inclusive: “A place cannot be truly welcoming without being accessible and pedestrian-friendly.”

If you need an excuse to check out the cool new signs and markings, be sure to put the Downtown Sunday Parkways on your calendar for September 14th — part of the route intersects with the Walk Portland route.

And tomorrow night (Tuesday, August 19th), PBOT Pedestrian Advisory Committee will meet in person for a walking tour of the system. Everyone is welcome to join them. If you’d like to hear about the Walk Portland initiative from city planners and other smart folks, meet at 6:00 pm at the southwest corner of Pioneer Courthouse Square. The plan is to do a one-mile walking route that will, “allow participants to see all of the different interventions for the pilot, including both directional (small) and orientation (large) signs, nudge signs, sidewalk decals, and viny storefront window coverings.”

If you can’t make Tuesday’s night walk (where you can share feedback directly with city staff), be sure to take the survey after you’ve taken a closer look. Feedback is really important on things like this, because it’s being done specifically to see how people respond to it.

For more info on the project, check out WalkPDX.com.

Monday Roundup: Auto-shifting, one less car, e-bike love, and more

Hi friends. Welcome to the week.

Here are the most notable stories of the past seven days…

Seattle’s biking stride: It’s hard not to be a bit envious of the groove that Seattle’s transportation bureau is in right now. With several key bike projects lining up and solid political leadership behind adopted bike plans, their DOT has dubbed this “Hot Bike Summer.” (The Urbanist)

Auto-shifting, finally? The bike industry has chased automatic shifting systems for many years, but this attempt from Bafang, which integrates it all into a nifty three-speed rear hub looks very promising. (Electrek)

Body image: Concerns and debate over pro cycling’s dysfunctional relationship with food, body image, and personal health have reached such a high level that a rider advocacy group has called on the UCI (international governing body of pro cycling) to act. (Velo)

Not just cars: As non-car vehicles like bikes and scooters have gotten more popular, cities must adapt and create more safer space on the road for them. If not, we risk backlash from Big Auto and public sentiment will sour. (Wall St. Journal)

Manhattan revitalization: Lots of talk in Portland about how to revitalize downtown and I’ve been saying the same damn thing the entire time: Make it harder and more expensive to drive there, while boosting the quality of bikeways and walkable public spaces and we’ll see a renaissance of the central city on par with what’s happened in Manhattan. (Gothamist)

Armadillos in L.A.: Looks like Los Angeles’ DOT is also looking to upgrade from plastic posts, but instead of the nice concrete curbs we get, they’re using plastic “armadillo” curbs from Zicla. (Streetsblog LA)

No more street art: Cities are facing a mandate to remove rainbow-colored crosswalks and other street art due to an order from the Trump Administration whose DOT Secretary believes they are often political in nature and don’t belong in the street. (Washington Post)

It’s all about power: I like how this essay gets at one of my key talking points about why e-bikes are so popular: Because they alter the typical power dynamic on American roads and make bike riders feel like they’re on a bit more equal footing with car users. (WBUR)

The low-car trend: I love seeing a level-headed analysis of how it’s actually not that big a deal to live with one less car. This type of article gives me hope! (The Future of Where)

Video of the Week: OK, it has finally happened. I’ve said for years that Portland is the best city for bicycling in the world and some folks just don’t understand. Well, look at this, YouTuber David Wen visited and says Portland is the “coolest city for cycling in the world.” Now just add better bike infrastructure and we will be the Best Cycling in the World for real!

Thanks to everyone who sent in links this week. The Monday Roundup is a community effort, so please feel free to send us any great stories you come across.

Video and Photo Gallery: Portland Criterium takes over the North Park Blocks

Speed, beauty, bikes. What more could you want? (Photos: Jonathan Maus/BikePortland)

UPDATED: Scroll to end of post to watch video!

Bike racing rocked the North Park Blocks today thanks to the return of the Portland Criterium presented by Steeplejack Brewing.

There was food, a great DJ, a beer garden, solid announcers, lots of cool people and rad bikes — and of course all types of racing action. If you missed it, there’s more racing tomorrow as day two gets underway in The Lloyd.

Check out my full gallery below and stay tuned for a video coming soon.

Pro cycling legend Chris Horner!!!

Podcast: About those diverters!

You knew I had to make at least one podcast out of the northwest diverter plan saga. As we enjoy this pause period on the City’s plans to increase access for cars on two key neighborhood greenways, I asked Joan Petit to join me in the Shed for a chat about it. Joan has been posting about the story on Bluesky and I know she’s fired up about what’s been going on. She’s also one of the former co-hosts of the Sprocket Podcast, a fellow politics and biking nerd, and someone who knows her way around city government.

We touch on everything from how the issue could lead to local government reforms, why this story touched such a nerve for so many people, a few conspiracy theories, and more.

Listen in the players above, directly on YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Police use bait bike to catch thief

(Photo: Portland Police Bureau)

The Portland Police Bureau baited someone into stealing a bike and it worked so well they want to do it again.

According to a statement shared this afternoon, the PPB worked with their specialized Bike Squad and Entertainment Detail on a “bait bike crime reduction mission.” They focused the mission in the Downtown core, Old Town, South Park blocks, Couch Park, and Goose Hollow. The mission resulted in three arrests: two for outstanding warrants and one for Theft in the First Degree. In addition, more than 14 grams of cocaine were seized and two vehicles towed. 

This mission came in response to one particular bike theft that happened in broad daylight last month on SW 10th Avenue. “While two people acted as lookouts, an individual used a power grinder to cut a lock and steal an e-bike,” the PPB described in the statement. “The bike was equipped with an AirTag and it tracked to North Portland.”

Police are still looking for the suspects and the bike (see below). Anyone who recognizes the individuals is asked to contact crimetips@police.portlandoregon.gov and reference case number 25-183852.

This isn’t the first time the PPB has used trackers to bait a bike. Back in 2017, I reported on a theft in Old Town, and even Washington and Clackamas County Sheriff’s Offices have used bait bikes. It’s unclear whether this time around the PPB used video as part of their mission; but back when they had a Bike Theft Task Force (R.I.P.), using video along with the tracker was considered essential in order to prove to judges that the person they caught with the bike was the same person who initially stole it.

Bike theft remains a problem in Portland. If you want to keep your bike safe, here are a few things to keep in mind.

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From the Archives

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