Front Page
Twilight Criterium rocks the Park Blocks
Bikes, beers, bands and burgers. You couldn’t go wrong at last night’s Twilight Criterium at the South Park Blocks in downtown Portland. The racing was all-out and the scene was massive. Thousands of bike-lovers from all over the city converged on the event. They were treated to a great event that featured the best athletes … Read more
Bike There! map and Google Earth
I’ve just learned of an exciting development in Portland’s quest for an interactive bike route map. It looks as though Metro is trying to partner up with Google and their new Google Earth program. No official partnership yet, but Metro is actively experimenting with the technology (check the screenshot on the left). The idea is … Read more
It’s not us vs. them
In the last several days there has been a flurry of discussion in the bike community about safety on our streets. I have been inspired by the outpouring of energy and dialogue around this issue. There is much more to be said and done, and I have no doubt that because of all of your … Read more
Willamette Week letter blames cyclists
This week’s Willamette Week features an interesting letter from a cyclist named Frank DiMarco. His letter was written in response the Aug. 3rd column that named “Self-Absorbed Motorists” as the “Rogue of the Week.” In his letter, “Share the Lane, Share the Blame” DiMarco says that cyclists would be safer if we only rode on … Read more
Criterium action this weekend
Criteriums (“crits”) consist of short laps where strategy is key and the sprinting is fierce. Riders not only compete for the final victory, but they also race for money and prizes on random laps within the race called primes (say “preems”). Two big criterium races are happening this weekend in and around Portland. First up … Read more
Vernonia Campout this weekend
If the Bridge Pedal isn’t your cup of tea, perhaps you’d be interested in doing a bike campout to Vernonia. The ride will be led by none other than Jeff Bernards, a local bike camping veteran who recently led a very successful trip out to Oxbow Park. The route will be 45 miles each day … Read more
Portlandia goes bikey
Yesterday, Mayor Potter officially kicked off the 10th annual Bridge Pedal ride with a ceremony downtown. The press conference was held in front of the Portlandia sculpture across from the Portland Building. I wasn’t able to be there, but thanks to Roger Geller I’ve added a few photos of the festivities to the BikePortland photostream. … Read more
Bike safety books and resources
With all the recent bike safety talk, I thought I’d point out a few books that will make you a more confident and safe cyclist. The Art of Urban Cycling by Robert Hurst (2004). This book is current, not dumbed down and very well done. I highly recommend it. Anyone that says, “Road rash is … Read more
Oregonian and Willy Week weigh in on bike safety
Two more articles released today try to shed light on the hot topic of bike safety on the streets of Portland. The Willamette Week “Riding Herd” – Cyclists pressing for crackdown on bike-unfriendly motorists. The Oregonian “Bike group rolls out safety plan” – After five recent deaths, the Bicycle Transportation Alliance pushes proposals to better … Read more
18,000 signed up for Bridge Pedal
The Oregonian is reporting a whopping 18,000 people have registered for the 1oth annual Bridge Pedal ride this year. Wow. That’s going to be an amazing day for bicycles in Portland. I can’t make it this year because I’m expecting my 2nd child sometime that same week! Gotta stay close to the nest if you … Read more
Wanted: your close calls
We as cyclists risk our lives every day on the streets of Portland. Many of us have had near-misses and other altercations that left us rattled, angry, and feeling vulnerable. Yet the only people that ever hear about these incidents are our friends, families and riding buddies. The media, the police and our elected officials … Read more