As long as Critical Mass exists in Portland it will be controversial and divisive. Recent events have renewed the debate about its merits and purpose within the cycling community and beyond. Critical Mass is a big, complex idea that has as many definitions as participants. No one person can define Critical Mass and each city … Read more
[Coming in July.] Last week, while running some errands in the Hollywood area, I came across this pickup. Naturally I started taking some photos and a few minutes later, two ladies walked up. Turns out the truck (and trailer) was being driven by Candace Shadley and none other than former NORBA Downhill Champion Lisa Sher.
Flexcar is a national carsharing company that operates 104 vehicles in the Portland area. They bridge the gap between owning a car and going completely carfree. It’s a good system and I know several people that are members. A reader and Flexcar member just forwarded me this announcement:
[Picturesque PIR] [Check out the Monday Night Racing photo gallery.] Last night I rolled over to Portland International Raceway (PIR) to take in some race action compliments of the Monday Night Bike Race Series. PIR is a real gem for the Portland race scene. The expansive area, serpentine roads, and good pavement make it a … Read more
[Photo Kerrke Yu] The calm and civility that has long been the hallmark of Portland’s Critical Mass ride was shattered last Friday. According to a report and photos on Indymedia there were several arrests that got out of hand. As usual, there are several different accounts of what happened. One says the riders instigated the … Read more
[You may kiss the ride.] On Saturday I was lucky enough to join local cyclist Elicia Cardenas in a beautiful ceremony to wed her beloved bicycle, Vanilla. It was touching to see the young couple so happy and it’s obvious they were meant to be together. The formal affair took place in the front yard … Read more
[Re-united with owner.] I’m happy to report that over the weekend, the vigilance and awareness of the bike community scored yet another victory over bike thieves. On Saturday, Carl Larson noticed a nice Blue Schwinn Homegrown mountain bike in front of Red Light Clothing Exchange in downtown Portland. The bike looked very similar to a … Read more
Despite some scary and somber times last October, I’m happy to report that bikey shenanigans and mayhem are alive and well at the Alberta Clown House. Last night was the first warm and dry Last Thursday celebration of the year and the Clowns and all their friends took full advantage. The Mud Pit of Doom … Read more
[Custom rack madefrom recycled frames.] I’m very excited to announce that my new postcards are available at bike shops throughout Portland. You might remember that I showed up to BikeCraft in December with postcards. Since then I have redesigned them, sourced a new printer, and commissioned a few postcard racks made out of bike parts … Read more
Wanted to point out today’s Oregonian article on the new bikeway network signs. For most of you, these signs are old news. What’s cool about the article (besides the nice photo) is that I believe it’s the first time a comment on BikePortland.org has been quoted in the Oregonian. Here’s the last paragraph of the … Read more
[Photo: Bike Walk Vote] Bike Walk Vote, the political action committee that tries to get bicycle and pedestrian friendly candidates into elected office, has just released their endorsements for the 2006 election. Never heard of Bike Walk Vote? They were key in pushing the current bike-friendly Transportation Commissioner Sam Adams into office in 2004 (back … Read more
[For reference, here are the previous posts on this issue: Springwater development may nix trail improvement Springwater development update] This morning I spoke with Wayne Kingsley, the owner on record of the land being purchased by SK Northwest. Wayne is a well-known local businessman and president of American Waterways, Inc. owner and operator of the … Read more