‘Worst Day’ ride? Looks like the best day to these riders at the 2011 edition.
(Photo: Jonathan Maus/BikePortland)

Almost time to cut loose and embrace some cycling action!

If you read this before Thursday night, peruse the calendar for a big slate of fun ideas. And of course since it’s February and it’s Portland, always be mindful of the weather forecast.

Here are our event picks for Friday night and this weekend…

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Job Title

Sales and Installation Specialist (PT/FT)

Company / Organization

Rack Attack

Job Description

PT/FT Seasonal Opportunity – Ideal for Students

Do you want to become part of a fun working environment in a company that offers career progression and a career path? Rack Attack is rapidly growing and we are continuously opening new stores! And we want only the best to work for us! Training provided with great hours. Opportunities to grow into a Supervisory, Assistant Manager and Store Manager role.

About Rack Attack

Rack Attack started as a single store back in 1996, and we have grown into North America’s premier retailer of vehicle rack solutions. Check out our website at www.rackattack.com

What will you do?

Provide complete and great customer service, putting customer needs ahead of your own;
Sales and installation of the products and services we sell;
Set a good example to other staff in manner, dress, work ethic and professionalism;
Assist in the training of new staff (if requested);
Maintain store product displays and other merchandising activities;
Maintain store cleanliness;
Maintain accurate store records: invoices, sales receipts, purchase orders, receiving products into inventory, appointment bookings, special requests, hold tags, phone messages, inventory transfers and cash out etc;
Be professional on the phone with customers, vendors and other staff members.

Skills, personality traits and interests that will be an asset:

Automotive experience as well as familiarity with hand and power tools is an asset, but not required.
Drivers licence (ability to drive a manual transmission preferred, but not required)
Comfortable working with hand and power tools
Attention to detail
Safety conscious
Retail or customer service experience would be a benefit.
Ability to communicate professionally with customers and your team members
Ability to work well in a team and contribute to a respectful culture and working environment

Competitive wage and benefits include:

Commission / Spiffs
Very good Staff discounts on all stock items and Bike gear
Fun working environment
Other outdoor product discounts
Entertainment nights

How to Apply

Apply via our site at https://www.rackattack.com/info/join-our-team.aspx

OR

Send your resume and short summary of your experience to: tsmith@rackattack.com

Matthew Kopko with Bird Rides (L), and Jonathan Hopkins from Lime.

Senators Lew Frederick (L) and Cliff Bentz.

What was expected to be just another ho-hum hearing on one of thousands of bills working their way through Oregon’s 2019 legislative session, turned out to be anything but.
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Starting Monday, February 25th, the Portland Bureau of Environmental Services will close North Vancouver Avenue from Russell to Hancock.

The closure is part of the Eliot Sewer and Stormwater Project that’s giving a much-needed upgrade to about 10,000 feet of century-old sewer pipes in the southern section of the Boise-Eliot neighborhood.

Unfortunately their work will close the second busiest cycling route in the entire city: North Vancouver at Russell. According to Bureau of Transportation counts, 4,705 people pass by this intersection every day (second only to the N Interstate/Lloyd/Oregon (Peace Park) intersection which has 4,890).

While the majority of people riding southbound on Vancouver (it’s one-way) are headed westbound to the Broadway Bridge, BES will set up a detour that leads riders east two blocks to the neighborhood greenway on NE Rodney Avenue (car and truck drivers will use MLK Jr. Blvd). See the map at right for details.
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Source: Multnomah County

If you were bummed that NW Newberry Road is closed for repairs until April, you won’t be happy about the news I’m about to share.

A major reason Multnomah County needs to fix the landslide that’s made Newberry carfree since January 2017 is because they need to use it as the primary detour for a separate project on nearby Cornelius Pass Road. Starting July 8th, a major project on Cornelius Pass will require it to be closed for thirteen weeks between Highway 30 and Germantown Road.

The recommended detour for the estimated 10,000 daily car and truck drivers will be Newberry to Skyline to Old Cornelius Pass Road — all three of which are very popular cycling routes because of how quiet and low-stress they are.

The impact of all these additional drivers will be very significant. (Keep in mind that large big-rig trucks will be detoured to highways.) And keep in mind that not everyone will opt for Newberry. There’s very likely to be much more traffic on other popular cycling routes like NW McNamee, Logie Trail, and Rocky Point Road as well. Suffice it to say there’s already serious concerns from bike riders and drivers about the impact of this closure.
[Read more…]

Job Title

Kerr Bikes Employees

Company / Organization

Kerr Bikes (Albertina Kerr)

Job Description

Love your job, make a difference.

For over 111 years Albertina Kerr has successfully enriched lives of individuals experiencing mental health challenges and developmental disabilities by empowering people to lead self-determined lives and reach their full potential.

We’re seeking Kerr Bikes Workers, Lead Workers and Mechanics for our seasonal Kerr Bikes rental locations. Kerr Bikes provides the public with seasonal bike rental services and Adaptive Biketown which provides the public with subsidized adaptive bike rentals.

As a Kerr Bikes employee, you will work with other Kerr Bikes staff, volunteers and participants in services we provide to supply our customers with a quality customer service experience. You’ll provide seasonal bicycle rentals to the public utilizing excellent customer service. Our Kerr Bikes Mechanic opportunity will also perform maintenance for Kerr Bikes and bicycle repair practices while representing Albertina Kerr and Kerr Bikes.

Qualifications:
– Excellent customer service skills
– Mechanical aptitude and knowledge of bicycle maintenance
– Ability to work with little supervision
– Ability to lift 75 pounds, continuously squatting, bending and twisting
– Retail cash handling experience is strongly preferred

Apply online at www.AlbertinaKerr.org/Employment.

The nature of the services we provide prevents us from allowing in-person applications or inquiries. Albertina Kerr Centers is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to status as a protected veteran or a qualified individual with a disability, or other protected status, such as race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, age, or other factors protected by law. Individuals with disabilities can request accommodation in the application and employment process by contacting 503-262-0145.

How to Apply

Kerr Bikes Worker, Kerr Bikes Lead Worker and Kerr Bike Mechanic opportunities are available. Visit www.AlbertinaKerr.org/Employment to apply online!

Capitol building in Salem.
(Photo: Jonathan Maus/BikePortland)

We’re about one month into Oregon’s 80th legislative session. And while no blockbuster bike-related bills have emerged yet, there are still a number of things we’re keeping our eyes on.

Here’s our list and a few notes about all the bills we’re tracking this session…

(NOTE: This list has been updated since first published. Please refresh to see latest version.)

Senate Bills

SB 7 – Lower BAC Level – Overview
Senate President Peter Courtney wants to lower the legal level of alcohol a person can have in their blood while operating a vehicle. Currently at .08 percent, this bill would make it .05 percent. I interviewed Senator Courtney about this bill back in December. Status: Referred to Judiciary Committee.
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This week’s Monday Roundup is sponsored by Ride Like A Girl, now offering a special “Ready to Ride” coaching program to help you get ready for your big spring/summer rides!

Yes I know it’s Tuesday. But yesterday was a holiday, remember?!

Here are the most noteworthy things we came across in the past seven days…

Ride as an act of resistance: An immigrant from Africa shares how cycling has provided solace from the culture shock of living in 80-percent white Denver and an America as divided and vitriolic toward outsiders as its ever been.

Trump’s accidental parking tax: Portland’s very own Michael Andersen got a whopper of a scoop when he uncovered a piece of the new tax code that might (inadvertently?) punish corporations that subsidize auto parking as a commute benefit.

Stronger aluminum bikes? A new aluminum welding process is on its way to bike frames and the result could lead to very light, strong, and affordable bikes.

[Read more…]

Job Title

Bike Mechanic

Company / Organization

Cynergy E-Bikes

Job Description

We are a growing electric bike specialty shop looking for a customer-oriented bike mechanic to service and build electric bikes. While some experience with e-bikes will be helpful in this position, a general knowledge of bicycle maintenance, strong mechanical skills, troubleshooting abilities and a desire to learn are far more important. We will train you on the “e” aspects.

Responsibilities:
* Perform all types of standard bicycle repairs.
* Assemble e-bikes and perform adjustments.
* Install components and accessories – fenders, racks, integrated lighting, saddles and tires, etc.
* Diagnose & repair electrical problems.
* Keep the department well-organized.
* Assist on the sales floor.
* Be part of the team for evaluating new bike models, new accessories, for improving productivity of the service area, for building store traffic and generating sales.
* An occasional delivery of an e-bike to a customer.

Desired Qualifications:
* At least 1+ years of professional bike mechanic experience in a bike shop.
* Some experience servicing e-bikes a plus, but not required.
* Strong interpersonal skills a plus.
* A team orientation towards improving the overall performance and productivity of a growing business.
* Driver’s license.

30-40 hours per week. Must be able to work Saturdays and may be asked to work some Sundays in peak season.

Location: Southeast Portland, OR

We offer a very competitive wage and generous bonuses based on the overall performance of the team. Health insurance benefits are also available.

How to Apply

Send your resume and/or a description of your qualifications and interests to rich@cynergyebikes.com.

Job Title

Seasonal Mechanic

Company / Organization

Kenton Cycle Repair

Job Description

Kenton Cycle Repair is the oldest bike shop in the Kenton neighborhood.

We specialize in providing obscenely friendly service, quality products and repairs, and unsolicited, but useful advice.

We repair all types of bicycles, sell new and used parts, and are a Raleigh Bike dealer. We’re looking for someone to join our team for the season.

2019 Current Openings:

Bicycle Mechanic
Qualifications:
Excellent Customer Service competency
5 years of professional shop experience preferred
Willingness to learn new and old technologies & repair procedures
Willingness to accept guidance and feedback related to job duties
Proficiency in being nice to all customers regardless of bicycle knowledge

Preferred skills:
Desire to be a part of a small but growing shop in the Kenton neighborhood
Creative, innovative, and interested in expanding knowledge
Strong interpersonal skills
Familiarity with disc brake service
Flexible schedule
Proficiency in Spanish language
Interact positively with customers who are new to bicycling

Key Duties and Responsibilities:
Contribute to a warm and welcoming atmosphere for workers and customers
Intake, assess, repair, and check over bicycles
Assist in all daily shop operations
Strong attention to detail and follow thru

Hours: Up to 25 hours mid March – May. 32-40 per week May – September. Potential for long term employment.
Must be available on weekends

Benefits:
Competitive wages based on experience
Potential for longer term employment
Amazingly wonderful, entertaining, and humble coworkers
Ability to learn different areas of a bike shop rather than stick to one role

Kenton Cycle Repair strives to have an environment in which any employee can work in a safe and accepting environment, free from prejudice and/or discrimination of a person’s race, color, ancestry, place of origin, political beliefs, religion, marital status, family status, physical disability including HIV and AIDS, mental disability, sex, gender, sexual orientation, or age, or otherwise. Individuals who identify as people of color, women, trans, and/or non-binary are strongly encouraged to apply.

How to Apply

Resume and cover letter accepted in person or via email.