🚨 Please note: BikePortland is currently on hiatus and only publishing guest articles. Learn more here. Thank you. - Jonathan 🙏

Job: Mechanic – Metropolis Cycles

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Job Title

Mechanic

Company / Organization

Metropolis Cycles

Job Description

Job Title:
Retail Sales, Customer Service & Mechanic

Job Type:
Full-Time

Summary:
Metropolis Cycle Repair is a community oriented bike shop committed to serving our customers. Whether it be customer service, sales, or repairs we strive not only to meet expectations, but to exceed them.

As a small bike shop, our employees must have a do it all attitude and be willing to jump in on any task. Every day at Metropolis Cycles offers a wide variety of opportunities and challenges that require great communication and teamwork in order to be successful.

Our employees’ in-depth product knowledge, love of the cycling community, eagerness to provide customer service, and a willingness to continually learn are all key aspects of what sets Metropolis Cycles apart.

Job Responsibilities:
Providing in depth, friendly customer service whether it be in store or over the phone.
Performing a variety of functions within Lightspeed including cash register, appointment scheduling, inventory search and management, creating customer profiles, special order creation and management, as well as others.
Navigating multiple distributor sites to find the parts our customers want and need.
Processing incoming repairs with in depth workorder writing and cost estimates for customers.
Performing tune ups and necessary mechanical repairs for both scheduled appointments and on a walk in basis as available.
Building new bikes for sale on the retail floor.
Restocking and maintaining inventory on the floor as needed.
Cleaning and maintaining both the shop floor and personal workspace.
Other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:
2 year of professional bike mechanic experience in a professional bike shop. This is a must.
Prior customer service experience (preferred)
Computer skills including POS & appointment scheduling software
Phone skills and experience
Availability to work Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays with flexibility to cover shifts
Light to moderate lifting with reasonable accommodations
Standing for long periods of time

Pay:
$19.00 to start
Access to industry discounts
Benefits starting after 90 days of employment

Please email resume and cover letter to brad@metropoliscycles.com

How to Apply

email brad@metropoliscycles.com

Reminder: No riding through River View Cemetery during Memorial Day Weekend

(Photo: Lois Leveen)

— This guest article comes from Lois Leveen — an author, activist, bicyclist, and ukulele player in Portland.

If you are one of the many bicyclists who enjoys pedaling through River View Cemetery for your commute or your recreational rides, you may already have seen the signs notifying cyclists that the Cemetery will be closed to bicyclists from Saturday 5/23 through Monday 5/25. This annual observance of Memorial Day weekend maximizes access for those mourning and remembering loved ones. 

It is also a good reminder that River View Cemetery is a private entity that kindly allows bicyclists and pedestrians to pass through their property. For those of you who make this ride regularly, you know it is a beautiful route, and the only safe way to get to/from/through much of Southwest Portland. Please comply fully with this closure, and always be respectful whenever passing through River View Cemetery during the rest of the year.

Although many of us treat Memorial Day as we do other holidays and long weekends, and particularly as a kickoff to summer fun, it’s worth pausing for some Memorial Day-specific reflection. So as you read this and as you bike and walk your way around this coming weekend, it’s a good opportunity to remember the many Portlanders, Oregonians, and United Statesians we lose to vehicular violence each year (as well as the countless others whose lives are shortened/worsened by pollution, the climate crisis, and other aspects of unfettered car culture). May their memories be an inspiration as we work to make the places we live and ride safer for all our community members.

Guest Article: Demand a pause on PBOT’s SW Alder decision

This guest article is an action alert from Portland bike advocacy organization BikeLoudPDX.org.

PBOT’s altered design that preserves curbside auto parking.

Last week, PBOT announced their intention to abandon a decade-long plan to install a two-way protected bike lane on SW Alder between 14th and 15th after hearing pushback from neighbors about the loss of car parking. 

This design was part of the City Council-approved Central City in Motion plan. The two-way bike lane was the missing link to the network, connecting the rest of NW Portland to the Max, Providence Park, and Lincoln High School. But as BikePortland shared earlier this year, tenants at an adjacent residential building expressed concern over a loss of auto parking. That pushback led to a meeting between the tenants and PBOT to discuss alternative designs.

Under the current plan proposed by PBOT, people riding bikes will have to ride two extra blocks to get to these destinations. Instead of riding on a protected two-way bike lane up to SW 17th, you will have to drop down to 15th and then go back up on an unprotected bike lane. Only 42% of people feel safe on the new design, while 93% feel safe on the old one. 

On January 22 2026, Mayor Keith Wilson said, “We are and have to be the biggest bike mode city in the nation. Our multimodal focus has got to be at the center of every decision we make.” This is an opportunity for our mayor to show Portland that his words have meaning and for the City Council to demand accountability for the plans that they have passed. 

We need you to write to our city council and mayor and ask for an immediate pause on this major route change. Large changes, like this, that impact the usability and route of our bike network should be presented to the Bicycle Advisory Committee before being decided on. Use the blue banner to send an email to the Mayor, D4 City Councilors, PBOT Director, and City Manager.

Click here to view and send a sample email to city leadership.

Guest Opinion: The bike beat lives on in all of us

Selfie with my new hat at a pre-train ride pizza stop in Davis, California.

This guest article is from Jessica Fletcher, the organizer and leader of the James John Elementary School Bike Bus. Jessica just returned from a trip to Davis, California where she became a League Certified Cycling Instructor. She wrote this in Davis while waiting for her train back to Portland.


I attended BikePortland’s 20th anniversary party recently and bought a $20 hat. Simple enough purchase. But every time I wear it, I suddenly feel like I’m on duty, like I’m representing something bigger than myself.

And lately, maybe that matters.

With Jonathan Maus in transition at BikePortland, there’s a feeling that a beat in Portland journalism may need to evolve. Not disappear, just look different.

The bike beat.

Because maybe the bike beat was never only one person covering meetings, infrastructure fights, ribbon cuttings, crashes, and community victories. Maybe it has always also belonged to the people riding the lanes, teaching safe cycling, organizing rides, advocating for better streets, and simply showing up.

I’m writing this from Davis, California, after returning from a ride from Woodland where I earned my League Cycling Instructor certification through League of American Bicyclists. I’m waiting for the train home, wearing that Bike Portland hat, feeling strangely accountable to an idea.

Not Portland-the-place, exactly.

But Portland-the-practice.

The belief that cities can be shaped around people instead of just cars. That transportation can build community. That local stories about bike lanes and crossings and near-misses matter because human beings move through them every day.

Maybe the future of Bike Portland, and local bike advocacy generally, is more distributed. More participatory. Less about one newsroom voice and more about a network of people paying attention where they are.

A teacher in East Portland.
A commuter in Beaverton.
A parent biking with kids in Lents.
Someone waiting for a train in Davis, California after a long ride.

The beat continues because we continue.

And maybe wearing the hat means accepting a little responsibility for that.

Job: Part-Time Sales Associate – NwProGear Bicycle Shop & Repair

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Job Title

Part-Time Sales Associate

Company / Organization

NwProGear Bicycle Shop & Repair

Job Description

Part-Time Sales Associate – NwProGear Bike Shop

NwProGear is looking for a part-time sales person to join our team! We are a busy, family-owned bike shop in Portland with an awesome crew, a huge selection of new and refurbished bikes, and a strong focus on helping customers find the right bike without the pressure.

This is a part-time position with the potential to become full-time during the busy summer season. Sunday availability is required, as Sundays are one of our busiest days. We are closed on Saturdays, so Saturday will always be a day off.

We are looking for someone with previous bike shop experience and a solid baseline knowledge of different types of bikes, including mountain bikes, road bikes, gravel bikes, commuter bikes, kids bikes, and e-bikes. We work with 15+ brands for our new bike lineup and also have a vast used bike inventory. In total, we stock 400+ bikes, so this is a great fit for someone who enjoys being around a wide variety of bikes and helping customers find the right one.

You do not need to know everything, but you should be comfortable talking with customers, understanding their needs, helping with sizing, explaining basic bike features, and working as part of a fast-moving team.

Part of this role will also include helping keep the shop clean, organized, and flowing well. That means restocking inventory, moving bikes and boxes, keeping the sales floor presentable, and helping with the day-to-day tasks that keep a busy bike shop running smoothly. Applicants must be able to lift and handle 50+ lbs. Mechanical experience is a plus, but not required.

Responsibilities include:

* Greeting customers and helping them find the right bike or gear
* Answering basic questions about different bike styles, sizing, and components
* Helping with test rides and customer follow-ups
* Keeping the sales floor clean, organized, and presentable
* Restocking inventory and helping maintain shop flow
* Moving bikes, boxes, and inventory as needed
* Working with the service team to help customers with repairs, accessories, and bike setup
* Providing friendly, honest, low-pressure customer service

What we are looking for:

* Prior bike shop experience is required
* Good baseline knowledge of different types of bikes
* Sunday availability is required
* Able to lift and handle 50+ lbs
* Friendly, reliable, and comfortable talking with customers
* Able to work in a busy shop environment
* Strong communication skills
* Willingness to learn and be part of a team
* Mechanical experience is a plus

Shop perks:

* New and used bike/parts hookups
* Rad coworkers and a fun shop environment
* Espresso machine in the shop
* Saturday is always off
* Potential for full-time hours during the summer season
* A huge variety of bikes to learn from and work around

About us:

NwProGear is a local, family-owned bike shop serving the Portland area for over 11 years. We carry a wide range of quality new and certified refurbished bikes, working with 15+ new bike brands and stocking 400+ bikes in total. From mountain bikes and road bikes to gravel bikes, commuters, kids bikes, and e-bikes, we take pride in offering customers a wide selection, knowledgeable help, and a low-pressure shopping experience.

This is a great opportunity for someone who loves bikes, enjoys helping people, and wants to be part of a growing shop with a strong team.

How to Apply

Please send us your resume and a short note about your bike shop experience and what types of bikes you are most familiar with.
to nwprogear1@gmail.com

Job: Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Coordinator – p:ear

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Job Title

Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Coordinator

Company / Organization

p:ear

Job Description

About This Position
bike works by p:ear is seeking a Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Coordinator to support youth, families, schools, and community partners in building safer, more connected opportunities for walking, biking, rolling, and using transit throughout East Portland and East Multnomah County.
The SRTS Coordinator will work closely with the SRTS Program Manager, Bicycle & Pedestrian Safety Education staff, school districts, SUN programs, jurisdictional partners, and community-based organizations to implement education, encouragement, engagement, and planning strategies that improve transportation safety and increase access to active transportation for students and families.
This position plays a key role in advancing bike works by p:ear’s mission to create equitable, community-centered transportation systems by delivering culturally responsive programming, supporting school-based events, strengthening community partnerships, and helping families feel confident choosing active transportation.

Position Details
Position: Safe Routes to School Coordinator
Schedule: Grant-funded through 6/30/2029 (with the possibility for extension); occasional evenings and weekends required
Reports To: SRTS Program Manager
Compensation: $75,108 annually, (base pay + fringe benefits stipend)
Location: East Portland / East Multnomah County, with regular regional travel
Position Summary
The ideal candidate is an organized, relationship-driven self-starter with strong facilitation, communication, and project management skills, along with a demonstrated commitment to transportation equity, youth engagement, and community-led systems change.
The SRTS Coordinator will support the planning, implementation, and evaluation of Safe Routes to School programming, including bicycle and pedestrian safety education, e-bike education, school events, encouragement campaigns, family engagement, and community outreach.
This role requires collaboration across multiple sectors, including schools, local government, transportation agencies, nonprofit partners, and neighborhood communities.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Program Implementation & Education
Deliver bicycle (traditional and electric), pedestrian, and traffic safety education programming for K–12 students, families, and community members
Coordinate and facilitate school- and community-based SRTS activities, including:
Walk + Roll events
Bike rodeos
Community rides
Safety trainings
E-bike education and hands-on riding instruction
Support safe and accessible use of electric bicycles through education, demonstrations, and community engagement activities
Support the development and implementation of culturally responsive active transportation curriculum and educational materials
Promote safe walking, biking, rolling, transit use, and e-bike transportation through encouragement campaigns and community outreach

School & Community Engagement
Build and maintain strong partnerships with school districts, administrators, SUN programs, teachers, families, and community organizations
Serve as a liaison between bike works, schools, public agencies, and community stakeholders to align programming and identify community needs
Support community engagement efforts related to transportation safety, school access, and neighborhood mobility barriers
Cultivate youth and community leadership around active transportation and transportation justice

Planning, Coordination & Data
Coordinate logistics, scheduling, supplies, and communications for programs and events
Maintain accurate participation records, program data, and outcome tracking
Support grant reporting, evaluation, and documentation requirements
Assist with outreach materials including flyers, presentations, toolkits, newsletters, and digital communications
Transport bicycles, equipment, trailers, and event supplies using organizational vehicles, including vans and larger fleet vehicles

Organizational Support
Collaborate with bike works staff on related programming, advocacy efforts, and special initiatives
Represent bike works by p:ear at community meetings, trainings, tabling events, and partner convenings
Support additional duties as needed in alignment with organizational and program goals
Required Qualifications & Competencies
Minimum one year of experience working with youth, families, schools, and/or diverse communities
Experience facilitating educational programming, workshops, or community outreach preferred
Strong commitment to equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive community engagement
Excellent interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills
Strong written, verbal, and public speaking abilities
Excellent organizational, time management, and project coordination skills
Ability to work independently while collaborating across teams and partner organizations
Adaptability, problem-solving skills, and comfort working in a nonprofit/community-based environment
Commitment to nonviolence, compassion, and trauma-informed engagement practices
General knowledge of bicycles, pedestrian safety, and/or active transportation preferred
Familiarity with electric bicycles and/or willingness to learn e-bike operation, safety practices, and maintenance basics preferred
Experience riding bicycles in urban environments and confidence discussing active transportation safety with youth and community members preferred
Valid driver’s license and clean driving record required
Ability and willingness to drive organizational vehicles, including vans and larger vehicles used for program operations and event support
Comfort transporting bicycles, equipment, and materials throughout the Portland/Gresham metro area
Ability to stand for extended periods, work outdoors in varying weather conditions, and lift/move up to 40 pounds
Reliable transportation or ability to travel regularly throughout the Portland/Gresham metro area
About bike works by p:ear
bike works by p:ear is East Portland’s nonprofit bike shop, advocacy hub, and youth workforce development program. Founded in 2017, bike works works to create safer, more equitable transportation systems by advocating for connected bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, providing community education and programming, and ensuring historically underrepresented communities have a voice in transportation planning and policy.
Mission:
To advocate for a world-class network of active transportation infrastructure in East Multnomah County that provides equitable access for people of all ages and abilities.
Vision:
A safe, convenient, and seamless active transportation network that connects people to where they live, work, learn, and play.
Equal Opportunity Employer
bike works by p:ear is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity at all levels of the organization. We encourage applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences to apply.
Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified individuals with disabilities.
Additional Information
This job description is intended to describe the general nature of the role and is not a comprehensive list of all duties or responsibilities. As a nonprofit organization, flexibility, collaboration, and a willingness to support evolving organizational needs are expected.

How to Apply

TO APPLY:
Please send a resume and cover letter to info@bikeworkspdx.org with “SRTS Coordinator” in the subject line. Position open until filled. Email only; no phone calls please.

Job: Lead E-Bike and Community Shop Mechanic – bike works by p:ear

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Job Title

Lead E-Bike and Community Shop Mechanic

Company / Organization

bike works by p:ear

Job Description

bike works by p:ear
bike works by p:ear is seeking an experienced and community-minded Lead E-Bike and Community Shop Mechanic to support our nonprofit bike shop and youth internship program in East Portland. This position combines high-quality bicycle and e-bike repair with mentorship, relationship-building, and community engagement.
The ideal candidate is a skilled mechanic who values accessible transportation, enjoys working collaboratively, and is excited to support young people in developing both technical and professional skills. This role requires strong traditional bicycle mechanic experience alongside hands-on knowledge of modern e-bike systems.

Position: Lead E-Bike and Community Shop Mechanic
1 FTE: Tuesday-Saturday. Requires occasional evenings and Sundays
Reports To: p:ear Works Director & Shop Manager
Compensation: $60,463 + benefits: Benefits include 3 wks. paid vacation, health, dental, 2% Simple IRA match, short-term disability, 8 paid sick days

Bike Mechanic Job Description

As our E-bike mechanic, you are a dynamic individual who will help support our non-profit community bike shop and youth internship program in East Portland. We are seeking a skilled and motivated E-Bicycle Mechanic to join our team. The ideal candidate will have a strong proficiency with modern bicycle and e-bike technology. You’ll play a crucial role in ensuring customer satisfaction by delivering high-quality service, ensuring safety, and keeping e-bikes in peak condition

The ideal candidate is an experienced and highly competent bicycle mechanic who is equally passionate about community impact, mentorship, and accessible transportation. They are comfortable working independently, thrive in a collaborative nonprofit environment, and bring both strong traditional bicycle mechanic skills and modern e-bike technical expertise.

Core Qualifications
• Minimum 3 years professional bicycle mechanic experience preferred
• Minimum 1 year professional e-bike mechanic experience required
• Strong proficiency servicing traditional bicycle systems and modern e-bike technology
• Experience working in a professional bicycle retail or service environment
• Familiarity with major e-bike systems such as Bosch, Shimano STEPS, Brose, Yamaha, or similar platforms
• Commitment to safe battery handling and thorough repair safety inspections
• Excellent customer service, communication, and organizational skills
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage workflow in a busy community shop
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, trauma-informed care, and compassionate engagement with youth and community members
• Ability to mentor and positively support youth interns from diverse backgrounds
• UBI, BBI, Bosch, Shimano STEPS, or similar certifications preferred
• Valid driver’s license required

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Exemplifies compassion and understanding around the barriers of homelessness and underrepresented populations in the community
• Maintain an organized and efficient work environment
• Proficiently execute assembly, repairs and maintenance for all types of bicycles, particularly used and older bicycles
• Represent bike works and p:ear and its mission positively and professionally
• Identify barriers and recommend solutions to better serve the community
• Teach and model safe and professional mechanic practices for youth interns
• Break down technical concepts into accessible, age-appropriate instruction
• Support interns in developing confidence, accountability, and workplace readiness
• Collaborates with PCEF grant manager around grant reporting

Technical Qualifications
• Minimum 3 years professional bicycle mechanic experience preferred
• Minimum 1 year hands-on professional e-bike mechanic experience required
• Advanced proficiency diagnosing and repairing traditional (“acoustic”) bicycle systems including:
o drivetrains
o hydraulic brakes
o wheel truing
o hub and bottom bracket systems
o headset/fork service
o suspension setup and maintenance
• Experience diagnosing and servicing e-bike electrical systems including:
o motors
o batteries
o displays
o wiring harnesses
o firmware/software updates
o torque and cadence sensors
• Familiarity with major e-bike systems such as Bosch, Shimano STEPS, Brose, Yamaha, Bafang, SRAM, etc.
• Ability to safely troubleshoot electrical/mechanical integration issues
• Ability to accurately document repairs and communicate technical issues clearly to customers and staff
• Diagnose mechanical and electrical issues on a wide range of e-bike systems
• Perform firmware updates and manufacturer-recommended diagnostics when applicable
• Maintain service records and communicate repair timelines clearly
• Stay current on evolving e-bike technologies and service standards
• Support fleet maintenance for program and community-use bicycles
• Assist in developing preventative maintenance schedules for e-bike fleets

Shop Operations
• Assist Shop Manager with a variety of tasks, including maintaining an inventory of new and used parts, placing orders with distributors as needed, maintaining shop tools and restocking as necessary
• Assist customers in the shop with purchases and bicycle repairs during sales
• Strong proficiency with bicycle tech

Community Programming
• Help maintain and support SRTS e-bike programs
• Build and sustain relationships with the East Portland community
• Represent p:ear and its mission positively and professionally
• Work on integrating and developing long term proposed strategies: community outreach, youth and adult classes and bicycle programs
• Participate in Sunday Parkways, Free Bikes 4 Kids, as well as the occasional Community bike ride events (Safe Routes to School, Oregon Walkways etc.)

p:ear Intern Support
• Develop healthy, mentoring relationships with youth interns
• Maintain appropriate boundaries

Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.

• Able to sit or stand and walk throughout the scheduled work shift
• Ability to lift and/or move up to 75 lbs

Travel
Some local travel expected for this position.

AAP/EEO Statement
It is the policy of p:ear to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, p:ear will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

How to Apply

Cover letters and resumes can be sent to: nathan@bikeworkspdx.org with “Bike Works Mechanic” in the subject line. This position will remain open until filled. Email only, no phone calls please – phone calls will not be returned.

Our 20th Anniversary Party is this Wednesday

The new Bike Happy Pale Ale is being canned as I type this and last minute preparations are underway for the BikePortland 20th Anniversary Party this Wednesday from 4-7:00 pm (or so) at Migration Brewing on North Williams Avenue.

I hope you can join us for a night of friends, food, drinks, memories, and conversations that will help write the next chapter of this bike blog/transportation news operation. In addition to hanging out with a lot of really great folks to toast two decades of independent community journalism, here’s what’s in store at the party:

  • Grab a free raffle ticket for a chance to win a Primos Dame bicycle. To receive a ticket, you must volunteer, be a member of, or have spent time getting to know the wonderful folks from the following nonprofit orgs who will be at the event: Bike Farm, The Street Trust, NW Trail Alliance, Families for Safe Streets PDX, Bike Loud PDX, Cycle Oregon, Oregon Trails Coalition, or Strong Towns. Must be present to win. Exchanges for size and color allowed.
  • Get the very first taste of the new Bike Happy Pale Ale, a beer brewed just for us that pays homage to Bike Happy Hour and our wonderful community. How long has it been since Portland had a bike beer? The master brewers at Migration have put together a very special blend of ingredients and it’ll be super fresh as it’s being put into cans today and tomorrow.
  • Food from Five Star (the folks who cook for Migration). Come around 5:00 or so for the free catered food. Quantities are limited because I don’t know how many folks are showing up and I couldn’t afford to feed everyone! But this is a lot more than our typical “free fries at 4:00” we do each week at Bike Happy Hour.
  • Hear from guest speakers and step up to the open mic to share your thoughts (keep it short!!). If you’d like to speak and want a time slot, please contact me.
  • Cake from Helen Bernhard’s and cupcakes from Likely Ivy for desert.
  • I’m bringing a big ol’ box of Portland bike stickers to swap if you’re into that. Bring some of your own to share!
  • View some bike photos and other Portland bike culture memorabilia.
  • Sign the 20 Years of BikePortland guest book and share something you love/hate/appreciate about BikePortland.

I can’t wait to see everyone and I hope you can make it!

BikePortland 20th Anniversary and Beer Collab Release Party
3-7:00 pm on Wednesday, May 13th
Migration Brewing on N Williams Avenue (between N Failing and Shaver, bikes enter from the back alley!)

What does our city need? And how can BikePortland help?

Pedalpalooza Kickoff Ride, 2016. (Photo: Jonathan Maus/BikePortland)

Note: I am still on hiatus. Part of what I’m doing is seeking advice and feedback on how to build back better. This post is part of that process.

When I started documenting Portland’s bike scene in April 2005, my main goal was to provide a window into an amazing community. I was new to town and was deeply inspired and excited by what I saw on the streets — and I figured other people would be too. I wanted everyone on the Internet to get a taste for the creative and vibrant culture around bicycles that was being created in this city and a daily blog just happened to be a great tool for the job. As the site grew and my role changed, there was always one question I would ask myself when I needed editorial guidance:

What does our city need most from BikePortland?

Was there a new bike-related business that needed help getting off the ground? Do a profile. Was a nonprofit looking to gain traction? Highlight their work and events. Was a good policy or program under threat? Draw attention to the issue. Was a politician being bad? Expose them. Was a piece of infrastructure dangerous to cyclists? Explain why and help push for changes.

Today, as I’ve stepped away from the daily grind of BikePortland, that question seems relevant once again. I want to strip BikePortland down to the studs and rebuild it, while adding back only what’s needed most. And I would love your feedback as I go through this exercise.

So again, I ask: What does our city need most from BikePortland?

At its core, BikePortland is a trusted, multi-channel platform with an audience from all walks of the cycling life. So what should we do with that? What type of information does Portland need from a bicycling and transportation site? Where should I focus my energy in the future? And how could readers like you take on a larger role?

Below are some types of content BikePortland has created in the past. Which of these are most important? Least important?:

  • Breaking news
  • Policy deep dives/explainers
  • Personality profiles
  • Event coverage and ride recaps
  • Product reviews
  • Infrastructure project previews, breakdowns, and reviews
  • Event promotion
  • Sharing relevant links (Monday Roundup) and examples from other cities
  • Interviews with interesting people
  • Guest articles
  • Guest opinions
  • Editorials by me

I can’t do it all anymore — nor do I want to! — so what pieces should I pick back up? And which pieces should I look for others to do?

Beyond the various types of stories and content you’ve seen on BikePortland, there’s also the question of framing and intent. As in, does a story push specific advocacy buttons? Or is it more for general interest or fun? (For example, Streetsblog is 100% focused on advocacy and pushing a specific agenda.)

If you wanted to build an influential and widely-read, cycling-focused outlet, where would you focus your energy?

When I started BikePortland, cycling in our city was on an upward trajectory and my work added fuel to a fire that was already burning. Today, we’re coming out of a bicycling decline/plateau and a socio-political milieu where bicycling doesn’t have the potency it once did. Even with me in a reduced role, I believe BikePortland can play a big part in whatever comes next.

I’ll be asking this question at Bike Happy Hour tomorrow (Weds, 4/29 from 3-6 pm at Migration Brewing on N Williams Ave) and wherever else I bump into you. Thanks for your feedback and patience as I go through these thought experiments.

Job: Operations Manager (Independent Contractor) – Mokwheel E-Bikes

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Job Title

Operations Manager (Independent Contractor)

Company / Organization

Mokwheel E-Bikes

Job Description

Mokwheel Factory Store — Oregon’s official Mokwheel flagship dealer — is looking for a motivated self-starter to run our Tualatin store part-time, with a clear path to ownership.
Part-time · 20–30 hrs/week · Independent Contractor
What you’ll earn:

$22/hr base
20% of all service & repair labor
$20 per Mokwheel bike sold
Monthly sales bonus based on store performance
$200/month insurance stipend
Company phone
2 weeks paid vacation

The part most job ads skip: Hit your Year 1 goals and we put phantom equity in writing. Hit Year 2 and we talk real ownership in the next location.
You’re a fit if you: love bikes, work independently, communicate well with customers, and bring one idea to make the store better on day one.

How to Apply

Send a brief intro and your background to tualatin@mokwheelstore.com

I’m going on hiatus

Hi everyone. As you might have sensed, things have slowed down a lot on BikePortland lately. There are a lot of reasons for that, and I might share them in more detail some day. For now, I just want you to know that I need a bit of space from the daily grind. BikePortland has taken a lot out of me for 21 years, and I’ve finally taken time to think deeply about what that means for me, my family, and our community.

I’ve always been honest with you and I just want you to know where I’m coming from. This is me saying I need a reset and the community needs to reset their expectations of BikePortland. For now, at least.

I’m not sure yet exactly how things will be different going forward, just that I’m sure things will be different. I’ve come to realize that I can’t find the clarity and space I need to chart a different path forward until I get off the path I’m on.

I’m sure for some of you this won’t be a surprise since I’ve been dropping hints for a while. Heck, there was an article about me in The Oregonian in 2007 — just two years in! — where I was already talking about the toll of this work on me and my family. I’ve come a long way since then in my work-life balance and in how I handle my role in the community. But the fact remains that doing BikePortland to the extent I believe it needs to be done, is a heavy burden. I need to let some of it go.

Maybe I’ll come back with a smaller editorial scope. Or perhaps I’ll stop creating as much for social media. Maybe I’ll turn BikePortland into just a podcast, or just focus on videos, or focus solely on watchdog journalism. It’s the trying-to-do-everything-well-at-once which has really wore me out — in addition to the natural shifts in energy and mindset that happen to a 51-year old. I might also consider an entirely new role in the community. I’m not exactly sure yet!

And to be clear, I’m in a really great place right now — mentally and physically. I just passed the one-year anniversary of my knee replacements (it’s going well, thanks), I’ve got a new basketball coaching side-gig which I’m excited about, and slowing down with BikePortland recently has put me in a much healthier head space in general (although a messy one at times, as I try to figure out what this all means).

As always, I’m very grateful for your support and I’ll keep you posted on the future as it comes into focus. For now, I hope you’ll consider coming out to the 20th Anniversary Party and Beer Collab Release Party at Migration Brewing on May 13th. And while I have your attention, consider grabbing tickets to the “Tough Shit” event on April 24th. It’s hosted by Oregon Humanities and I’ll be one of panelists for what will be a very engaging discussion.

Feel free to ask me questions in the comments or via email. And I’ll still hold my virtual office hours Friday from 10:30 to noon if you’d like to meet and talk face-to-face (sign up for a 15-minute slot here).

Thank you!

Come to BikePortland’s 20th birthday and beer collab release party!

Teaser! The back of the label has a few paragraphs about the beer and includes our “20 Years!” logo.

I hope you’re free on Wednesday, May 13th. That’s when we’ll toast 20 years of BikePortland and release a special beer crafted for us by our friends at Migration Brewing. Bike Happy Pale Ale was inspired by Bike Happy Hour and is an homage to two decades of independent community media. Whether you enjoy a local pale ale or not, you’ll want to grab one of these for a friend and/or as a piece of Portland bike history!

At the event, we’ll relive the past and look forward to what comes next. On that note, I’ll share a special announcement about the future of BikePortland. There will be food, drinks, guest speakers, a sticker and patch swap (bring some! take some!), maybe a prize raffle, reps from local bike clubs and organizations, and more. To get you in the mood, don’t miss this fun story about BikePortland in the current issue of the Portland Mercury (and yes the event date has changed since it was printed).

If you are part of a local riding club or advocacy group, please attend! I’d love to give you an opportunity to tell everyone about what you do and why folks should join your ride or cause. BikePortland has always been about making our community stronger and I want this event to reflect that.

If you’d like to speak and share thoughts about how BikePortland has impacted you, please reserve a speaking slot ahead of time. To do that, just drop me a line at maus.jonathan@gmail.com.

It’s at Migration Brewing on N Williams Avenue (bike parking in back via the alleys off N Shaver or N Failing) from 4:00 to 7:00 pm on Wednesday, May 13th.

Hope to see you there as we celebrate the past, talk about the present, and look toward the future!