Pedalpalooza, week one: Rounding up the bike fun

Anti 12-lane CRC Ride-27

Streets filled with bikes: a common
sight during Pedalpalooza!
(Photo © J. Maus)

What an amazing week! Portland bike funnists have been outdoing themselves this year, with the biggest Pedalpalooza ever (over 200 events total!)

Team BikePortland has been scrambling trying to cover all the events we can (is this really our job or is it a dream?) — and reports and photos have been rolling in from the community, true to the DIY spirit of the event. Keep an eye on the Shift list and the Pedalpalooza twitter account for live updates and discussion.

Below is a selection of reports, photos, rumors, and shout outs that we’ve come across in the past week, in rough chronological order. Share your own links and experiences in the comments.

Oh yeah, and be sure to check out our full Pedalpalooza 2009 coverage for more updates and stories, including a daily ride guide and all the ride reports we can get our hands on.

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Job: Adult Program Coordinator (Community Cycling Center)

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Job Title
Adult Program Coordinator

Company/Organization

Community Cycling Center

Job Description
About the Community Cycling Center

The Community Cycling Center, founded in 1994 is a 501(c) 3 that broadens access to bicycling and its benefits through our hands-on programs, volunteer projects, and neighborhood bicycle shop. We believe that the bicycle is a tool for empowerment and a vehicle for change.

The Community Cycling Center is an energetic workplace with a collaborative style. The Community Cycling Center is an equal opportunity employer. Women and people of color are encouraged to apply. Visit www.CommunityCyclingCenter.org for more information about us.

General Position Summary

The Adult Programs Coordinator facilitates the successful delivery of programs for adults including Create a Commuter Workshops, Bike Maintenance classes and outreach programs. The Adult Program Coordinator will organize and develop curriculum, support instructors, oversee bike production and supply ordering, compile evaluation data, write reports, and generally ensure that programs are effectively delivered. Successful candidates will have experience teaching adults, be highly organized, a creative thinker and effective communicator, have a passion for bicycles and enjoy working as part of a team.

Responsibilities
• Develop curriculum, teaching tools and best practices in adult education for our Create a Commuter workshops, adult maintenance classes and outreach programs.
• Provide instruction for adult programs
• Manage registration and scholarship processes for all adult programs
• Coordinate scheduling, provide training and supervision to adult program instructor staff and program volunteers
• Coordinate Get Lit and other outreach programs and events
• Oversee the registration procedures for the annual Holiday Bike Drive
• Coordinate bike production and supply orders with shop staff for all adult programs
• Coordinate inventory, storage and delivery of program supplies and bicycles;
• Complete all invoices and reports for grants and contracts;
• Maintain program evaluation data and data systems;
• Work with appropriate staff to evaluate and develop new adult programming where needed
• Develop and maintain relationships with strategic partners to ensure positive and productive collaboration to expand access to bicycling in the Portland Metro region

Additional Duties
• Work to ensure across-the-board excellence in program delivery and management;
• Work with Programs Manager to recruit and train new program staff as needed;
• Implement youth programming as needed;
• Perform marketing, development and grant writing duties as directed;
• Participate in special events

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor degree or equivalent in related field
• At least two years experience in an educational setting (adult education preferred);
• Experience with program development and implementation;
• Experience with expense tracking and reporting
• Experience working with diverse populations;
• Experience working with and motivating volunteers;
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations particularly over the phone, in writing and in person.
• Ability to solve problems creatively and work in a team environment
• Ability to work a flexible schedule;
• Experience with program content including but not limited to basic bicycle maintenance, safe riding skills (strongly preferred)
• Computer skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite (strong skills in Excel desired) Experience with web platforms and databases (WordPress, html, SPSS, CVENT desired)
• Ability to lift 25 pounds and work a flexible schedule, including occasional weeknights and weekends;
• Ability to ride a bicycle a plus.
• Criminal background check required;

Reports to: Programs Manager

Pay scale: $13.50 per hour. New and used bicycle purchasing perks, generous PTO, and full health benefits

FTE: 32-40 hours per week.

How to Apply
Send your resume and cover letter to jobs@CommunityCyclingCenter.org. No calls, please. Open until filled.

Job: Development Director (Community Cycling Center)

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Job Title
Development Director

Company/Organization
Community Cycling Center

Job Description

About the Community Cycling Center

The Community Cycling Center, founded in 1994 is a 501(c) 3 that broadens access to bicycling and its benefits through our hands-on programs, volunteer projects, and neighborhood bicycle shop. We believe that the bicycle is a tool for empowerment and a vehicle for change.

The Community Cycling Center is an energetic workplace with a collaborative style. The Community Cycling Center is an equal opportunity employer. Women and people of color are encouraged to apply. Visit www.CommunityCyclingCenter.org for more information about us.

General Position Summary
The Development Director holds a key role in the organization and will be responsible for developing the unrestricted contributions program. Working within the Community & Programs team, the Development Director will improve and increase the individual and grants programs, including major gifts, grant writing and foundation relationships, annual fund development, special events, planned giving, and other activities as required to ensure support for the Community Cycling Center’s programs.

We are looking for someone who has a firm understanding of fundraising principles and practices, a good sense of Oregon’s philanthropy community, and fresh, innovative ideas. This position is supported by a 0.5 FTE Development Specialist.

The Community Cycling Center is a healthy organization with a diversified funding stream. 71% of organizational revenue is earned income (bike shop and program fees) and 27% is raised from individuals, businesses, grants, and contracts.

Successful candidates will have a passion for and belief in the transformative power of the bicycles, be goal-oriented, creative, and collaborative.

Responsibilities
The Development Director is responsible for increasing annual unrestricted fundraising and maintaining the fundraising program with integrity and creativity.
• Strategize, manage, and grow the individual donor and grant programs, including appeals and publications, major donor solicitation, grant writing and management, and fundraising events, involving appropriate staff and board as necessary;
• Develop policies and procedures to track, reconcile, and report on donations to ensure best practices and ability to plan effectively;
• Plan and oversee fundraising events;
• Other duties as needed.

Required Skills & Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree and 3-5 years experience in a leadership role in nonprofit development;
• Experience with developing and implementing fundraising plans utilizing traditional and creative fundraising strategies;
• Experience in local grant and donor relations;
• Proven track record of setting and achieving annual revenue targets, including securing major donor gifts and obtaining foundation grants;
• Demonstrated ability to articulate the mission and make persuasive and compelling presentations to all levels of prospective donors and diverse members of the community in order to advance the organization’s profile in the community and maximize resource development;
• Strong interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills. Intercultural communication skills preferred;
• Demonstrated effective use of communications and marketing strategies to support fundraising efforts;
• Proven ability to solve problems, work in a team environment, and meet deadlines;
• Self-starter, motivated and able to take initiative in all situations. Ability to influence and motivate;
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, Adobe Acrobat, and donor databases;
• Ability to lift 25 pounds and work a flexible schedule, including occasional weeknights and weekends;
• Ability to ride a bicycle a plus.

Reports to: Director of Community & Programs

Pay rate & benefits:
This is a full-time permanent position with an annual salary between $42,000 – $48,000 depending on experience; new and used bicycle purchasing perks, generous PTO, and full health benefits after 30 days.

How to Apply
Send your resume, cover letter, and two writing samples (donor letter and grant proposal) to Jobs@CommunityCyclingCenter.org. No phone calls, please. Open Until Filled.

The Oregonian video: How to ride a tall bike

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Tour de Fat 2008-21.jpg

Tall bikes, yeah!
– Watch video below-
(Photo © J. Maus)

Wow. It’s been amazing to watch how much publicity The Irondelles have gotten since their big public debut last week.

Since then, they’ve been on the Willamette Week blog, featured in a live, prime time news segment on KGW-TV (NBC in Portland) and they got an above-the-fold spread on the front page of the The Oregonian’s Metro section.

It can’t be just a fascination with the tall bikes. Those have been around for a long time and we’ve got several other groups who are known for riding them. I think it’s more of a tipping point that The Irondelles represent (or maybe it’s the fishnet stockings they wear).

Now, The Oregonian has a how-to video featuring Skye Blue (the group’s founder). Skye explains to reporter Joseph Rose how to mount and dismount a tall-bike. Watch it below the jump:

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black/chrome with green bar tape centurion turbo 1984

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Year: 1984
Brand: centurion
Model: turbo
Color:black/chrome with green bar tape
Size:62 cm
Stolen in Portland, OR 97217
Stolen:2009-06-16
Stolen From: Stolen directly outside of Flower shop on N Killingsworth and N Vancouver in N Portland.
Neighborhood: N Killingsworth, North Portland
Owner: Mike Warm
OwnerEmail: mikenapkin@gmail.com
Reward: YES!!!!
Description: Vintage Centurion road racing frame, black. drop bars, wrapped in green schwinn bar tape. Has all shimano durace and shimano ultegra components. Velocity rims with Ultegra hubs.
This registrant does not have proof of ownership of this bike

First outline of new federal transportation bill expected Thursday

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Cycle Oregon Day 4-Ride-16.JPG

Let’s hope Rep. Oberstar’s love
of biking seeps into his thinking on
federal transportation policy.
(Photos © J. Maus)

On Thursday (6/18), U.S. Congressman Jim Oberstar (D-MN) is expected to release a white paper outlining his plans for the forthcoming re-write of the federal surface transportation bill (Oberstar is Chair of the House Infrastructure and Transportation Committee).

The current bill, passed in 2006 and known as SAFETEA-LU, will expire on September 30th. Many bicycle and sustainable transportation advocates are eager for a glimpse at what’s on Oberstar’s mind. They hope he makes good on the positive signals being sent from U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, that this bill will chart a new course for America’s ailing transportation system.

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Naked Ride organizers stress over costs (let’s help them out!)

World Naked Bike Ride - Portland-16

Imagine if each one of them donated $5.
Click here to donate
(Photo © J. Maus)

Last Saturday night, 1% of Portland’s population reveled in the World Naked Bike Ride. 5,000 people enjoyed it by bike (or on roller skates, skateboards, etc…), and thousands of others did so either by seeing it live and/or by enjoying the reports and photos online.

By all measures, the event’s success was an exciting watershed moment in Portland’s cultural history.

But behind the scenes, the celebration has been muted. As a very small core of volunteers recover from the intense amount of work it took to plan and pull off the party and the ride, they also face debt from costly permits, licenses, porta-potties, bike racks, decorations, and so on.

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Hotel near airport offers “Bike and Fly” service, free loaner bikes

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Loaner bikes await guests at the new
Aloft hotel near the airport.
(Photo: Aloft)

Portland is fortunate to have a bike-accessible (and friendly) airport just a few miles out of town. It’s a good thing too, because there are also growing number of people who bike there to catch a flight. We also get our share of car-conscious visitors (meaning, folks that would rather not drive once they get here in order to experience our world-famous bike scene).

The options at the airport for either parking your bike for extended periods, or for taking your bike with you aren’t so hot. As we’ve discussed recently, prices for bikes as baggage can be pretty high. And as for parking, there’s no secure area for biking travelers to park (there is however, a locked and gated parking area for airport employees).

Leave it to a bike-loving general manager of a hotel near the airport to see an opportunity.

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Survey ranks Portland drivers “most courteous”

[Via Hard Drive]

A nearly carfree Last Thursday on Alberta-71.jpg

A friendly finger on NE Alberta St.
(Photo © J. Maus)

Once again, a national survey of driver behavior has put Portland on top of the the “Most Courteous/Least Road Rage” list. Portland held the title in 2007, but came in 2nd place last year.

The fourth annual survey compared 25 major cities (through 2,518 telephone interviews) and was commissioned by Autovantage, a national auto club.

Here’s a blurb about Portland from a press release on the survey:

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Black KHS Urban X-press 2007

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Year: 2007
Brand: KHS
Model: Urban X-press
Color:Black
Size:XL
Serial: U80903261
Stolen in Portland, OR 97214
Stolen:2009-06-16
Stolen From: Stolen from locked apartment building.
Neighborhood: Belmont/Sunnyside
Owner: Jon Brown
OwnerEmail: jumpinjonbrown@gmail.com
Description: Clipless pedals, fenders, kryptonite lock, rear rack, bar-end shifters.
This registrant has documented proof of ownership of this bike

Report: Romance Redux and the Dark Knight

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After the brazen bareness of last night’s naked ride, a handful of dreamy romantics spent some wholesome quality time this afternoon reclining on the grass in the rose gardens of Ladd’s Addition, listening to, and giving, dramatic readings of the “good parts” of romance novels. These were, for reasons I never fully understood, interspersed with quotations from Batman movies, delivered from behind a mask.

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Pedalpalooza Daily: Tuesday, June 16

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[Welcome to your daily Pedalpalooza rundown. We’ll post each day’s events and rides here, so you can plan, email them to your friends, etc…

See all our Pedalpalooza coverage here and follow the latest updates on Twitter.

Click ride title for full details… have fun out there!]


7:00am – 9:00am: Coffee on Clay
The city of Portland is your host on SE 9th Ave and Clay Street. Stop for coffee and learn about the city’s efforts to turn Clay into a Green Street, reduce runoff in Southeast Portland, and more.

10:15am: Economy Sucks But I Don’t Care
Sleep late, forget about that job you don’t have, and meet at the Albina Press at N Albina and Blandena.

2:00pm – 3:00pm: Mountain Hardwear Hardgear
Three-block long race. The catch: all three blocks are up really, really steep hills. Prizes for speed and valiance. Meet at Mountain Hardwear, 722 SW Taylor St

4:00pm: Benson Bubbler Bonanza!
Ride around and learn the story behind Portland’s ubiquitous public drinking fountains. Meet at SW 5th Ave and Washington St.

5:30pm – 6:30pm: Dutch Your Bike: Netherlands Uw Fiets
DIY Dutch accessories for your bike — skirt flaps, flower vases, and more. Meet at Angst Gallery, 1015 Main Street, Vancouver

5:30pm – 7:00pm: Dyke Your Bike
Prefer sparkles, feather, and ribbons to the Dutch utilitarian look? Make your bike look fabulous! Followed by a veggie potluck in the park and then happy hour. Meet at Angst Gallery, 1015 Main Street, Vancouver

6:30pm – 8:30pm: Remedial Ride 2: Fries and Shakes
Fries and milkshakes. Bring your appetite and any hungry kids you meet along the way. Meet behind the bleachers at Col. Summers Park, SE 20th and Belmont.

7:00pm: Take the Lane Ride
Even in Portland, you can’t yet get everywhere on a Bike Boulevard. Learn the tricks of staying safe and sane on bigger streets. Meet at Laurelhurst Whole Foods, 2825 E Burnside St (in the parking lot by the Dog House).

7:00pm – 9:00pm: Gratefully Dead
Join the folks behind Oregon’s Death With Dignity Act for this ride to honor the dead and the living. Meet at Colonel Summers Park, SE 20th and Belmont.

7:00pm: The Pun-ishment Ride
Earn points for bad puns and creative wordplays as you ride. Winner gets beered. Meet at Colonel Summers Park, SE 20th and Belmont.

7:30pm: Bikendo
Learn to feel safe and stay safe with this bicycle self-defense and awareness class. Meet at the Skidmore Bluffs, 2299 N Skidmore Court.