|
|
(Photos © J. Maus/BikePortland)
It’s not all bad: Northern sections of North Portland Greenway worth excitement
The northern segments of the North Portland Greenway alignment being proposed by Portland Parks (green line) follows nearly the same route dreamed up by advocates (orange line).
CRC update: Kitzhaber drops “CRC” moniker, activists heat up
CRC? Never heard of it.
(Photo © J. Maus/BikePortland)
(Photo © J. Maus/BikePortland)
Controversy and opposition has dogged the Columbia River Crossing (CRC) project for many years. That controversy — along with a daunting price tag estimated at $4 billion — has made it extremely difficult for politicians to vote in support of funding the five-mile freeway widening and interchange building mega-project.
Now, with increasing pressure to move forward after several years and over $100 million spent on planning, Oregon Governor Kitzhaber has teed up a bill (H.B. 2260) in in the legislature that would make the project an official state priority and would give the state authority to raise revenue through tolling (something they’ll desperately need to come up with Oregon’s $450 million (without interest on bonds or cost overruns) share of the project). But, as the Willamette Week pointed out yesterday, there’s one thing missing from the bill: the Columbia River Crossing.
Your comments help raise bike access issue in Sunriver
Bikes made the ‘Scene’ in Sunriver.
(Photo: Tigue Howe)
(Photo: Tigue Howe)
As often happens here on BikePortland, reader comments bring up unexpected insights into our stories. While Internet comments are the butt of a lot of jokes and criticism, I remain extremely proud of the smart and valuable contributions many of you make to our stories. Case in point…
Back in July I wasn’t shy about my feelings for the riding conditions in Sunriver, the privately-owned resort community nestled in the Deschutes River valley just south of Bend in central Oregon. I deemed Sunriver’s 33 miles of dedicated bike paths, “the best bikeway network in North America.” I still believe that due to the mix of safety, connectivity, and wayfinding Sunriver’s path network provides people of all ages and riding abilities.
While my story had a very positive tone, several commenters pointed out their disappointment that the paths don’t serve their needs and the more direct roads that wind through Sunriver expressly forbid bicycles. While bikes are not allowed on the roadways, the paths are serpentine, subject to low speed limits, and are set up for recreational riding rather than direct access and/or fast riding. Here’s a sampling of your responses:
People on Bikes: In the cold in Ladd’s Circle
Welcome to our latest installment of the People on Bikes series.
On Tuesday, I stood out in the very chilly early morning air to photograph folks riding through Ladd’s Circle at SE Harrison. I saw a steady flow of bike traffic, which is to be expected in this very bikey corner of southeast Portland. I loved seeing all the different ways people tried to combat the cold. One very useful thing about these photos is that you can learn a lot about gear and preparedness simply be seeing how others dress. It’s also fun to compare this set of images to the warm and sunny shots on the Esplanade back in May.
If you’re still riding this time of year, hopefully these photos will remind you that you’re not alone. If you’ve stopped riding due to the weather… Well, these photos show there’s really no excuse to not be out there!
Have a look for yourself…
Red/Blue Chariot Corsaire XL 2009
Year: 2009
Brand: Chariot
Model: Corsaire XL
Color:Red/Blue
Size:2 children
Photo: http://www.mommygearest.com/2012/06/21/chariot-carriers-corsaire-xl-review/
Stolen in Portland, OR 97217
Stolen:2013-01-21
Stolen From: Stolen from the east parking lot of Chief Joseph Elementary school on N Saratoga Street. It was locked with a Kryptonite cable lock that was left behind when the trailer was stolen.
Neighborhood: Arbor Lodge
Owner: Monica Seidel
OwnerEmail: monica.l.seidel( atsign )gmail.com
Reward: $100
Description: This is a large bike trailer with the stroller conversion kit handle installed on the back. Inside was a child’s Giro Flume helmet and child’s ski pants & gloves. In the inside pocket was also a small knitting project.
Police record with: Portland PD
Police reference#: 13-150569
This registrant has documented proof of ownership of this bike
Friends remember Steve Gitchell
Steve Gitchell, 1949-2013.
(Photo: Ira Ryan Cycles/Flickr)
(Photo: Ira Ryan Cycles/Flickr)
Steve Gitchell, a man well-known locally for his friendly demeanor and love of riding bikes, passed away on January 15th. According to the Oregon Herald, he was found in his home in Newberg by a neighbor and his death is believed to have been from natural causes. I didn’t know Steve personally, but I distinctly remember his on-the-bike style, his classy, long mustache, and his gorgeous Pereira Cycles randonneuring bike. He was 64 years old.
Portland resident Theo Elliot counted Steve as a friend and shared memories and photos of him on Flickr. Theo met him three years ago on the train en route to a Oregon Randonneurs event. It was a 200 km brevet, Theo recalled, which is short by randonneuring standards. “He would tell me,” Theo recalled on the phone today, “That he’s too old to have to prove himself on 600 km events.”
Many people knew Steve for his two bikes; an orange Ira Ryan and his Pereira. According to Theo, Steve was an Oregon native who lived in northwest Portland until moving to small house in Newberg a few months ago. “He wanted to live in the country,” Theo said.
Job: Bicycle Mechanic – Community Cycling Center
Sorry. This job has been filled.
Job Title
Bicycle Mechanic
Company/Organization
Community Cycling Center
Job Description
About the Community Cycling Center
We believe that the bicycle is a tool for empowerment and a vehicle for change. The Community Cycling Center is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization that broadens access to bicycling and its benefits. The Community Cycling Center is an energetic workplace with a collaborative style. Visit www.CommunityCyclingCenter.org for more information about us.
General Position Summary:
The Bicycle Mechanic is responsible for supporting the mission of the Community Cycling Center. This includes assessing, refurbishing and repairing bicycles as well as working with our community in our fundraising and education work. Under the supervision of the shop management team, the Bicycle Mechanic will work to consistently and efficiently deliver on the demands presented by our customers and programming efforts. This position will require technical proficiency in bicycle assessment and repair procedures, attention to detail, the ability to multitask, and to act as an ambassador for the Community Cycling Center.
The Community Cycling Center promotes an inclusive culture and encourages people with diverse backgrounds and abilities to apply.
Essential Job Functions/Major Responsibilities:
• Assess and repair bicycles and parts in order to perform customer repairs and to rebuild bicycles for retail and programs
• Educate customers about the operation and maintenance of bicycles, including the purchase of bikes, parts and accessories
• Assist customers in a retail setting, answer shop phone, write service tickets, and maintain stock
• Cooperatively maintain a safe, clean, and organized work space to meet the goals set forth by the shop management team
• Be a public representative of the Community Cycling Center and its mission
• We believe that fundraising is everyone’s job. There is an expectation that all employees will support fundraising activities.
General Qualifications:
• 5 years experience working in a high volume bike shop
• Ideal candidate would have knowledge and experience with bicycle fitting
• Consistent attention to detail and a methodical approach to repair process
• Ability to meet production and service goals as outlined by shop management
• Willingness to accept guidance and feedback related to job duties
• Ability to physically complete job duties including lifting up to 50lbs
• Effective communication both written and verbal
• Ability to work in a collaborative environment
• Commitment to and respect for equity, sustainability and diversity
• Spanish proficiency strongly desired
• Belief in our non-profit business model
PAY RATE & BENEFITS:
Hours: Full Time (32-40 hrs/wk)
Pay Range: $12.39 to $14.25 depending upon experience and expertise
Status: Permanent, nonexempt
Schedule: Flexible – 5 days a week with at least one weekend day
Benefits: Health, dental, and vision insurance, Paid Time Off, Used Parts Allowance, flexible scheduling, working for a dynamic nonprofit in an exciting time in its organizational history.
How to Apply
Please submit cover letter, resume, and (3) references by Sunday, February 17, 2013 to: Jobs@communitycyclingcenter.org. Address your cover letter to Hiring Committee, RE: Bicycle Mechanic (please put this in the Subject Line of your email). Mechanical tryouts and interviews will be scheduled as applications are received.
Dates set for 2013 Oregon Active Transportation Summit
Hope you plan to join us for the 2013 Oregon Active Transportation Summit down in Salem. Check out the latest announcement about the event below:
Save the dates: April 24-25 for Oregon Active Transportation Summit 2013
Now in its third year encompassing all of active transportation, the Active Transportation Summit is taking a two-pronged approach to shaping our transportation future. On Day One of the conference we’ll hear from influential and inspiring speakers, and expand our knowledge in breakout sessions. On Day Two everyone will gather for a motivational meeting, and then some attendees will take issues directly to legislators in the State Capitol, while others attend committee meetings and breakout sessions.
Four areas of focus
This year’s summit will home in on four main subject areas integral to active transportation:
• The Fight for Funding
• Planning Tools
• Invaluable Information
• Examples that Work
Survey: Majority of Seattleites like bikes, ride bikes, want more bikes
Seattle wants more of them.
(Photo © J. Maus/BikePortland)
(Photo © J. Maus/BikePortland)
An ongoing “bike backlash” and “war on cars” pushed by the local media, biking as a wedge-issue in political campaigns, fear from politicians about doing “too much” for bikes — sounds like Portland right? Well, Seattle (not to mention New York City and many others) suffers from the same illusion. Now, a new survey commissioned by Seattle’s Cascade Bicycle Club could help tamp down this pervasive — yet false — narrative.
According to a memo (PDF) about the survey from public opinion research firm Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin, Metz & Associates, the results provide, “absolutely no evidence of widespread anti-cycling sentiment in Seattle.” The memo goes on to explain that (among other things) 78% of those surveyed ride a bike at least once a year, 45% ride monthly, and 60% say they’d like to ride more*.
While the perception of people who ride bikes has become the butt of jokes, the Seattle survey found that people, “overwhelmingly report positive feelings towards the City’s bicyclists.” 78% say they have a “favorable opinion” of people who ride bikes, including 38% who said “very favorable” (just 19% said their opinions of people who ride are “unfavorable”).
Trail group sees “major failings” with North Portland Greenway alignment
Advocates say putting the Greenway Trail
on surface streets (like N. Interstate shown here)
is unacceptable.
(Photo © J. Maus/BikePortland)
on surface streets (like N. Interstate shown here)
is unacceptable.
(Photo © J. Maus/BikePortland)
The City of Portland Parks & Recreation bureau continues to come under fire for their work on the North Portland Greenway Trail project. PP&R is in the process of designing the route of the paved path that will connect Kelley Point Park north of St. Johns to the Eastbank Esplanade in the central city. However, as we reported last month, many people are disappointed by the chosen alignment in the trail’s southern portion. Instead of staying along the Willamette River and creating a path away from auto traffic, PP&R has focused their efforts on what they consider a “near-term buildable” route on sections of busy, and sometimes narrow surface streets. The route, critics say, fails to live up to the vision and promise of the trail.
Freezing rain, icy conditions slated for tomorrow morning
A frosty Broadway Bridge on January 11th.
(Photo © J. Maus/BikePortland)
(Photo © J. Maus/BikePortland)
Looks like the weather is set to go from bad to worse. The near freezing (and below it at times) cold we’ve been experiencing has tested our resolve for weeks. Tomorrow, weather watchers are forecasting freezing rain. The Bureau of Transportation is nervous about how icy conditions will impact roads. And they should be. Earlier this month, when the morning commute was marked by extremely icy conditions, we heard of dozens of people who slipped and crashed while riding into work. Here’s more from PBOT about what might be in store:
The National Weather Service in Portland has issued a freezing rain advisory for light icing in effect from 4 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, January 23. The public is advised to be alert for limited visibility, freezing temperatures and ice accumulations on roadways, bridges, overpasses and sidewalks Wednesday morning.
According to the National Weather Service, the “main threat of freezing rain will be between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m., with the threat of freezing rain lasting until noon in areas closer to the Columbia River.”
The traveling public is advised to be prepared for localized icy conditions and make a plan now for their Wednesday morning commute. People should avoid driving on icy streets, take transit if possible or delay their trip until conditions improve. Motorists should be ready to use chains if conditions are icy in the morning, slow down, use headlights and leave plenty of distance ahead of you.