[Tori Bortman] Here’s something I could really use…Tori Bortman has started a mechanic school in her basement. An experienced mechanic (most recently at North Portland Bikeworks) and teacher, Tori is offering both structured courses and one-on-one tutoring. According to Tori: “…there seems to be a need for folks who are looking to learn how to … Read more
[5 squirrels = 1 hat] Shaun Deller (Portland’s hipster cycling hat maker) has just unveiled his latest, the squirrel hat. Shaun says, “Don’t tell me you were never out for a ride and passed by a freshly roadkilled animal and thought ‘maybe I could make a hat from that hide?”
Thanks to everyone who has donated so far to help pay my way to DC for the National Bike Summit. I’m looking forward to joining my friends at the BTA and spreading the word about how an independent advocate can use the web to build, nurture, and connect a bike community. Jessica at the BTA … Read more
It was an amazing morning of bike love here in Portland. We had a great turnout at both Breakfast on the Bridges: Driver Donut Edition (photos), and the “I Share the Road” rally (photos). The sun even came out to lend its endorsement to the proceedings. And I’m sure it didn’t hurt that the events … Read more
Someone just emailed me a link to Phil Stanford’s column in the Portland Tribune. They got an interview with the guy that beat up Randy. Turns out his nickname is “Gater” and he’s an ex-boxer! Here’s an excerpt: “Gater says he was on his way to work that morning when this guy – who’d been … Read more
The City of Portland will hold a rally tomorrow morning to “recommit community support for all modes of transportation” and officially launch the “I Share the Road” campaign. According to the official statement (PDF here) from the Office of Transportation, the joint effort has brought together a diverse group including; the Mayor of Portland, and … Read more
Just a quick note…one of Kryptonite‘s top tech guys is in town and I’m meeting him for dinner tonight. Do you have any questions you’d like me to ask him? I plan to touch base about the latest in bike security and hear what they’ve learned about lock design since the Bic Pen Fiasco. It … Read more
A group of cyclists intends to put a TriMet twist on this Friday’s Breakfast on the Bridges. The event (which happens on the last Friday of every month) usually consists of volunteers handing out free coffee and pastries to early-morning bike commuters on the Hawthorne and Broadway Bridges. However, in light of recent events organizers … Read more
The Portland Police staged an unannounced stop sign enforcement action this morning in inner southeast Portland. Unlike previous “enforcement actions” that were highly publicized beforehand and with signage in the road, this morning’s operation was more covert and unexpected. Check out the reaction to it on the Shift email list and a bit more, including … Read more
Critical Mass defies a neat definition. It is simultaneously revered, despised, and tolerated. Regardless of what you think about it, it’s important to remember that everyone does the ride for different reasons, and every city’s Mass has a different vibe. Here in Portland, our ride is completely civil and law-abiding. Cyclists and cops even have … Read more
The Portland Bike Forums are officially open for business. My feedback and testing crew have been playing around with them for a few weeks now so there’s already some good information posted. My goal is to provide a place where all Portland cyclists can connect, interact and share experiences. I also hope it becomes a … Read more
[Click to enlarge] A few months ago I got a call from one of the editors at Bicycling Magazine. We’d met at last year’s Sea Otter Classic and I of course went on and on about what’s happening in the bike scene up here. I told him about everything from wonky ridership stats to Chunkathalon, … Read more