Note: I'm currently on a family trip and not working normal hours. Email and message responses will be delayed and story and posting volumes here and on our social media accounts will not be at their usual levels until I return to Portland September 4th. Thanks for your patience and understanding. - Jonathan Maus, BikePortland Publisher and Editor
Nice ride with the family yesterday…went down the Esplanade to the Goodwill in SE. While checking out the books I saw an issue of VeloNews with a boyish Lance Armstrong on the cover smiling after his 2nd Tour de France win…probably should have bought it, but I didn’t. From the Goodwill we cruised over to … Read more
This just in from the BTA’s Jessica Roberts: Our (the BTA’s) Safe Routes to School bill just passed the House–unanimously! This bill would create a statewide Safe Routes to School program for Oregon, helping get kids active and reversing frightening trends towards childhood obesity and inactivity. It will also create safer neighborhood streets for all … Read more
This Sunday is your chance to meet and ride with the “Gal from Down Under” and Bike Friday evangelist Lynette Chiang. Never heard of Lynette Chiang? Here’s how she describes herself: “failed hippie, couldn’t-navigate-her-way-out-of-a-paper-bag world traveler from Downunder, who in May 1997 pedaled away from security, prosperity (longevity?) on a small folding bicycle.” She’ll be … Read more
With New Seasons Market opening right down the street from me in a few months, this might be just the ticket for getting the groceries home. If you’d like to build one yourself, here are the full instructions. [via Fixedgear]
This weekend is a great opportunity to explore Smith and Bybee Lakes at the height of bird migration season. Join Slug Velo (motto: “We’re Slow. We’re Sociable. We’re Slug Velo!”) for their “Brake for Birds” ride. Meet at the Delta Park/Vanport Park & Ride at 10 AM on Saturday…and don’t forget a sack lunch and … Read more
Noticed this Opinion piece by Chaelan MacTavish in PSU’s paper, The Vanguard. While the language and tone is decidedly anti-car I think it brings up a good point. “There are enough bad drivers that a daily ride means defensive cycling.” Riding defensively (especially in the city) is important not only for your own safety but … Read more
Nestled in the heart of downtown, amid the tranquil North Park Blocks lies Portland State University…OK, OK, you already knew that. But…did you know they’ve got a thriving bicycle club and team that competes in the NW Collegiate Cycling Conference? Besides being a strong team that boasts NWCCC champions in two categories, they’re active in … Read more
Why is she smiling? -because she’s riding on a splendid spring day? -because 35 of her friends are riding with her? -because the two men next to her are wearing dresses? -because her Pretty Dress Ride was a huge success! Answer: All of the above! We all had a great time on the Pretty Dress … Read more
Two very different and uniquely Portland bike events are happening this weekend… Saturday, get to know your local bike cult, CHUNK 666 for the Organ Donor Invite, a tall-bike jousting tournament beginning at 3:00 at Colonel Summers Park on SE Belmont and 20th. (I would leave the kids home on this one). Pretty Dress Ride … Read more
You’ve probably heard of Critical Mass…the sometimes controversial always misunderstood bike ride that traverses, amoeba-like through the usually auto-dominated city streets. I’ve been on several of them myself and have always had an inspiring time. Last month I brought along my 2 year-old daughter and I even met Mayor Potter on one back in February. … Read more
…this just in off the Shift email list newswire… The Oregon Transportation Commission approved a $1.2M Transportation Enhancement grant to the City of Portland for construction of the Waud Bluff Trail to Swan Island! This project will upgrade an existing “made trail” down the bluff from Willamette Blvd to the north end of Basin Avenue … Read more
Local bike messenger Ira Ryan (center in photo) won the first-ever Trans-Iowa endurance mountain bike race on Sunday. Ira beat a field of top-notch riders in the 2-day, 300+ mile, self-supported event. A downtown ticker-tape parade is scheduled for next weekend (just kidding)! Visit the Trans-Iowa event blog for more information.
Comment of the Week: Gratitude for N/NE Broadway project