[Movie still from 1954 GMpropaganda film. (Click to watch)] America’s pervasive car culture is a major barrier to making bicycles a respected mode of transportation. Many of the decision makers, planners, and traffic engineers in cities throughout the country were brought up to think that driving everywhere in a private car was an essential part … Read more
I recently stumbled upon Steven Reed Johnson’s excellent history of Portland’s bicycle “movement”. In that paper, he details the formation of the Portland’s first official group of bicycle activists: “In November 1971, the City of Portland created the first citizen committee to examine bicycle programs in the city, the Bicycle Path Task Force (led by … Read more
The issue of enforcement against bicycles is contributing to an increasingly acrimonious relationship between the Police Bureau and some members of the bike community. In addition to the well-publicized and unresolved fixed-gear bicycle issue, allegations of selective enforcement are still being made, especially by downtown messengers who feel they’re being unfairly targeted for both fixed-gears … Read more
[Get Lit display at the 2005 BikeCraft.] The Community Cycling Center (CCC) plans to take over the popular Get Lit program, run by citizen activist Jeff Bernards since 2003. The plan is “still in the works” according to the CCC’s Alison Hill, who also says, “We’re excited about the opportunity to continue Get Lit. It’s … Read more
Although they met at Interbike and were in the midst of ongoing discussions, the Portland Oregon Visitor’s Association (POVA) did not expect Messe Friedrichshafen’s big announcement to bring a major bicycle trade show to Portland in September of 2007. In a conversation today with POVA’s VP of Sales, Michael Smith, I learned that the two … Read more
By Elly Blue Bicycle boulevards — which are adored by both PDOT and the BTA — are a major buzzword among bicycle transportation gurus nationwide.
[Photo: Brian Ellin] Yesterday Hillsboro (a few miles West of Portland) played host to the US Gran Prix of Cyclocross (USGP). By all accounts, the rain-soaked course did little to dampen the spirits of the racers and the spectators. In fact, the challenging conditions were welcomed by many. In a report on VeloNews.com, USGP series … Read more
The Community Cycling Center has just announced their annual Bicyclist Safety Mini-Grant Program. These grants (up to $5,000) are available for projects that, “promote the safety of bicyclists in Oregon.” Last year, these grants helped fund the Share the Road Mural, a Shift helmet giveaway, and the popular Get Lit program. The grants are available … Read more
[Doubtful] With each passing day, the likelihood of Messe Friedrichshafen (the company behind Eurobike) following through with their announcement to bring a major bicycle trade show to Portland grows slimmer. With only ten months left until their alleged show, they still have not confirmed dates, approached exhibitors, or even given it a name. Even as … Read more
[You’ve got to seeit to believe it!] Tonight at Disjecta (SE 3rd and Ankeny), Portland begins a three-day celebration of pink mini-bikes and Sprockettes-style fun. Yes, our beloved Sprockettes are pulling out all the stops and the whole thing kicks off tonight at 7PM. Check out the line-up: B:C:Clettes and The Brakes bikedance teams from … Read more
“Not a lifestyle, not for fitness: it’s an experience. People like the idea of riding a bike just as they like the idea of going to the park, farmer’s market, lake, picnic, outdoor music/arts, festivals or chatting with neighbors. Unfortunately most people don’t do it as often as they would like.”-from Shimano Coasting marketing materials … Read more
[Austin and NatalieRamsland of SweetpeaBicycles] Austin and Natalie Ramsland — the husband-wife duo behind Sweetpea Bicycles — will open up their framebuilding studio on Saturday night. They’ll have frames on display (in various states of completion) and Natalie (she builds the bikes) will be happy to answer questions about her craft. It’s also a great … Read more