The bike/transit alliance: The good, the bad, and the experts

This guest post is by Michael Andersen of Portland Afoot, a “10-minute newsmagazine” and wiki about low-car life in Portland.

max and bike (old shot from archives)

A big strategy shift was in the air at this year’s Oregon Active Transportation Summit, the two-day conference and lobbying blitz that was, until 2011, known as the Oregon Bike Summit. Woven through the lectures and panels was a new bit of gospel: That bike and transit advocates need to work together. That they’ll get more done if they team up.

The umbrella they should share, believers say: “active transportation.” “Active transportation” includes riding the MAX? You’d better believe it, said BTA Executive Director Rob Sadowsky.

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Bike Science: Trigonometry and carbon fiber help Paralympian win

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[After a hiatus, our Bike Science column is back. Below, carbon fiber master and engineer Shawn Small shares the science behind one of his recent projects.

Steven Peace at start line of 2010
UCI Para-cycling Road World Championships.
(Photo: Joy Anderson)

Steven Peace was a Lieutenant Commander in the Navy in his early 30s when he suffered a massive stroke while lying alone one night in his apartment. He was found 14 hours later when EMT’s broke down his door. When he came to, he was paralyzed on his right side and suffered from severe aphasia.

Only 6 months after leaving the hospital Steven quickly defied all odds by riding a Catrike Trail (recumbent) in the Soldier Ride which goes from Phoenix, AZ to Las Vegas, NV. Here’s how Steven described that first ride; “..the ride was unbelievable, and life-changing. After the first ride, I knew I had to do another one, and another, and another.”

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The weekend in pictures

Bike to Blazers

A little biking Blazer fan.
(Photo © J. Maus)

So much cool bike stuff goes on every weekend here in the Portland region that I thought a quick recap would be one way to share some of it.

Cherry Blossom Road Race
A lot of Portlanders competed at the first big road stage race of the year. The Cherry Blossom took place out on the wide open and sunny roads of The Dalles. The photo below is by Kenji Sugahara (see fully gallery here):

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saphire (blue) Lemond Tourmalet 1997

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Year: 1997
Brand: Lemond
Model: Tourmalet
Color:saphire (blue)
Size:55
Stolen in Portland, OR 97214
Stolen:2011-03-31
Stolen From: PSU Shattuck Hall
Owner: Logan Cravens
OwnerEmail: lcravens1@hotmail.com
Description: Bontager wheels, specialized seat, shimano RSX rear derailleur and shift/brake levers, shimano spd pedals,black bike rack, black handlebar tape, cat eye speedometer bracket and wirem bronze bell, Bike Gallery decal at lower seat tube
Police record with: PSU Campus Police
Police reference#: 11-0152
This registrant has documented proof of ownership of this bike

The Monday Roundup

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Here’s the news that caught our eye in the last week:

– Friday was a notable news day across the board, and we would be remiss not to point out several of the more important transportation stories broken that day: New York City has unveiled its truly visionary new transportation plan, even if one prominent politician has suddenly become a surprise advocate for greener alternatives.

– Okay, seriously now, in NYC, the campaign (in which the above mentioned politician has a role) to abolish a successful new bike lane turns out to be something other than the grassroots initiative by safety-conscious citizens that it’s purported to be. Who knew?

– A Danish researcher shows that despite common assumptions to the contrary, bicycling is safer than driving.

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Sand Kona Stuff 2004

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Year: 2004
Brand: Kona
Model: Stuff
Color:Sand
Serial:H3K31094
Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/42584179@N04/5589225802/
Stolen in Portland, OR 97205
Stolen:2011-04-04
Stolen From: Stolen on 6th Avenue downtown between Alder and Washington. Locked to a bike staple under rain covering outside the Star Park Garage elevator.
Neighborhood: Downtown/City Center
Owner: Anthony Leopold
OwnerEmail: AnthonyJLeopold@gmail.com
Reward: Yes, Cash
Description: Bike is sand colored, has no front brake or front derailer. On the front fork there is a decal that says "Toyo Tires". Had U-Lock on frame but not to staple. No reflectors. Maxxis Holy Roller 26 x 2.4 Tires front and rear.
Police record with: Portland PD
Police reference#: 11-26394
This registrant has documented proof of ownership of this bike

Black Trek Mountain Bike 1990

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Year: 1990
Brand: Trek
Model: Mountain Bike
Color:Black
Photo: http://img810.imageshack.us/img810/203/trekbike.jpg
Stolen in Portland, OR 97206
Stolen:2011-04-2
Stolen From: My driveway, stored under a wet weather structure. Cabled with an Eggplant color 21 spd. Specialized Crossroads Hybrid bike, also stolen.
Neighborhood: Creston/Kenilworth
Owner: Brian Elliot
OwnerEmail: brianaddisonelliot@gmail.com
Description: Black Mtn. bike, Green logo, Antique red fenders, collapsible rear basket
Police record with: Portland
Police reference#: T11002333
This registrant does not have proof of ownership of this bike

Eggplant purple Specialized Crossroads Hybrid 1991

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Year: 1991
Brand: Specialized
Model: Crossroads Hybrid
Color:Eggplant purple
Size:41.5 cm
Photo: http://profile.imageshack.us/user/eggplan/
Stolen in Portland, OR 97206
Stolen:2011-04-2
Stolen From: My driveway, stored under a wet weather structure. Locked to a black TREK Mtn. bike, also stolen.
Neighborhood: Creston/Kenilwroth
Owner: Jane Elliot
OwnerEmail: janeandb@yahoo.com
Description: 21 Spd, 41.5 cm size, 27″ tire, 700 x 41C, 25″ rim, Suntour Diacompe XCT 21 Speed Shifter, Dark purple Eggplant color, Pink logos, Bike Gallery sticker, Avocet gel seat
Police record with: Portland
Police reference#: T11002333
This registrant does not have proof of ownership of this bike

Blue Deep blue Velocity rims Track 07

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Year: 07
Brand: Deep blue Velocity rims
Model: Track
Color:Blue
Size:700
Stolen in Portland, OR 97232
Stolen:2011-04-01
Stolen From: 28th and NE Halsey
Neighborhood: Sullivans gulch
Owner: Kiran Sarkar
OwnerEmail: Kirinichiban3@comcast.net
Reward: 50
Description: Deep blue velocity rims laced to grand compe with black spokes. Pretty scratched up.
This registrant has documented proof of ownership of this bike

Job: HR & Payroll Administrator (Alta Bicycle Share) – FILLED

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Job Title: HR & Payroll Administrator
Company/Organization: Alta Bicycle Share
This position has been filled.


Overview:
Bicycle sharing is a sustainable, healthy, and community-based transport option that enhances urban livability and mobility. Through partnerships with government agencies, Alta Bicycle Share currently employs approximately 40 employees in the United States, with plans to add two more operations and an additional 20 employees in the US this spring in a total of 4 US states.

Alta Bicycle Share is currently seeking a spirited self-starter to develop overall company human resources practices, including: payroll administration, training & development, employee relations, health & safety compliance, benefits administration, and much much more!

This position is based in our Portland, OR corporate office.

Responsibilities:
• Develop, implement, and administer human resources systems
• Process payroll for all staff
• Recruiting and staffing logistics
• Performance management and improvement systems
• Organization development
• Ensure employment compliance to contractual obligations, legal concerns and reporting requirements (EEO, drug-free workplace, wages, etc) in all operating jurisdictions
• Employee orientation, development, and training
• Policy development and documentation
• Employee relations
• Company employee communication
• Compensation, reward, retention assessments
• Update Employee Handbook and Health & Safety Manual as necessary and assure employee compliance with its provisions
• Perpetuate personnel files and other employee records
• Benefits assessment and improvement
• New hire paperwork
• Manage workers compensation, unemployment, and other claims

Qualifications:
• BS or BA degree in human resources management, business or related field. Advanced degree a plus.
• At least 3 years experience in related role
• Experience with a start-up and/or Fortune 500 company a plus
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Creative self-starter and problem solver with tolerance for ambiguity
• Employment history of stability and progressive success
• Passion for bikes, efficiency, or sustainability a plus

Compensation commensurate with experience. Competitive benefits and incentive package.

How to Apply:
Submit a cover letter and resume to: resumes+HR(at)altabicycleshare(dot)com

Weekend Event Guide – Updated!

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(Photo © J. Maus)

Spring has arrived in Portland and there’s no better way to enjoy the sights and sun than on a bike (at least in my unbiased opinion 😉 ).

Check out some ride and event suggestions below and share your plans in the comments.

Enjoy the weekend!

Friday, April 1st

6:00 – 9:00 pm: First Friday Art By Bike
Join Pedal Bike Tours for a free guided bike tour of Southeast Portland art galleries. Meets at their shop on 133 SW Second Ave downtown.

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