While attending Tuesday’s meeting of the Portland Bicycle Advisory Committee I learned that ODOT has decided to give the St. Johns Bridge 2 lanes in each direction instead of a bike-friendly alternative suggested by traffic-flow consultants and local bicycle planners. With 2 lanes in each direction, there is not adequate room for bicycles. At issue … Read more
Two great sites to help find your way… Just came across this site with 5 classic rides in and around Portland; Sauvie Island, Springwater Corridor/Eastbank Esplanade, Mount Tabor & Rocky Butte, Blue Lake, and West Hills. Here’s the link: Experience Oregon – Five Great Bike Rides in Portland [from Kathy Belge, Oregon.com] This next site … Read more
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 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
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
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
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
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
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