BikePortland

Crossers ready to party

Buffered Bike Lane with a bike symbol and arrow pointing forward

Saturday night is the Cross Crusade party and awards ceremony. It’s happening at Mountain Cycle/Kinesis (3808 N. Williams). I heard last year there were 400 people in attendance and given the burst in popularity of ‘cross in Portland one can only expect it to be bigger and crazier this year.

The Cross Crusade folks have a lot to celebrate. They’ve established themselves as the premier cross series in the country. According to numbers given to me by OBRA’s Candi Murray, they had 3390 racers in just 6 races this year. They also had over 300 new members sign up just for ‘cross. Those are big numbers folks.

Don’t miss this article by Jeff Mapes in today’s “inPortland” section of the Oregonian. Jeff (who is working on a book about how bikes are transforming cities around the world) accompanied the delegation of local bike advocates that went to Netherlands last month.

This discussion comparing Portland and Amsterdam is very intriguing to me. The article also gives insight into the thinking of the people that shape policies that affect our experience as cyclists in this city. Here are some of the quotes that stood out for me:

For all of you that weren’t up at 6:00AM for Sunday morning’s national TV coverage, here’s a quick recap (I had my neighbor tape it for me):

They incorrectly mentioned that cyclists get $94 tickets (see this post for more on the confusion).
They interviewed traffic division commander Bill Sinnott and said the program was his “bright idea”.
They rode around with Officer Hoesly (a really nice guy) and installed 6 sets of lights.

The BTA‘s Alice B. Toeclips Awards are like the Oscars for the Oregon bike scene, and they just put out the call for nominees. Here’s the info:

“It’s time once again for all good cyclists to heed the call and help us build up to the big bang – by nominating your biking heroes for one of Alice awards!

Who in your community – an individual, business, government agency or group – has provided inspiration to cyclists, made biking safer or easier, or helped make bikes a part of the fabric of your community? Alice wants to know – who are your bike heroes?”

[updated*]

Just one week until the BikeCraft Faire! Here’s an update followed by a plea for help in spreading the word…

In addition to an impressive list of very talented and bikey artists and crafters there are a few surprises that you won’t want to miss:

My Gary Fisher hardtail (front suspension only) was taken last week from the federal building at Oak and First downtown on Tuesday night, November 22nd). Whoever took it cut through a pretty knarly bike chain, so they must have really wanted my bike. It has climbing horns, all XTR components, cages, and is black with red and white markings. There was a small bell pouch with tools on the seat. If you see my beloved mountain bike please email me because I am sad. It was a great bike.
genevieve_cox@hotmail.com

New “Voices” section launched

I sometimes get emails from readers that have something to “get off their chest” but it doesn’t quite fit as a post or as a comment to an existing post. I also know that many of you are intelligent and creative and have helpful and engaging thoughts about riding a bike in Portland that you might like to publish and share with a larger audience.

[Bob in 1975]

The Mountain Bike Hall of Fame has recognized Portland resident Bob Crispin’s 1975 “Tankagnolo” as the “first mountain bike with a disc brake.” The bike is now on display at Portland’s first bike shop, 80 year-old Weir’s Cyclery in St. Johns.

Just ordered new stickers (below). They’ll be available for sale at the BikeCraft Faire. I went through my first batch so quickly that I’ve decided I can’t give them away for free any more (sorry). I’ll still give some away around town, but officially they’ll be 3-for-a-buck from now on. Hope you like ’em!

Check out all 5 designs and make sure to check out the photos people have sent of my stickers in action…

There are two urgent issues that need input from Portland cyclists.

First, please submit your comments on the River Plan Concept draft before they are due December 1st. The River Plan includes the Willamette Greenway Trail and city planners need to hear that you want this new trail that will connect Cathedral Park to the Eastbank Esplanade (wouldn’t that be amazing!?).

Here’s a chance to make a difference, spread pedal power, and fix your busted up bike all at the same time…

A special women’s bike maintenance class is being held at NoPo Bikeworks to benefit the Village Bicycle Project. The VBP supplies bikes, maintenance classes, and repair tools to thousands of Africans. Here’s the info:

Joe Biel (founder of Microcosm Publishing) is working on a short documentary about Portland bike art for From Portland with Bike Love II. It will focus primarily on the infamous bike lane stencil characters but will touch on other bike art in Portland as well. Joe will also explore why this town is so full of great bike art to begin with.

Crossers ready to party

Oregonian article on Netherlands trip

CBS Sunday Morning recap

BTA seeks “bike heroes”

BikeCraft update and a call for help

Stolen: Fisher MTB

New “Voices” section launched

Hall of Fame MTB at Weir’s Cyclery

New stickers ordered

Time to speak up for bikes

Class to benefit Village Bicycle Project

Bike art documentary in the works

Latest Headlines

Podcast: In The Shed Episode 39

Opinion: It’s time to reflect on River View Cemetery access

Advocates in shock as Dems float ‘cap and pave’ plan while funding bill remains secret

Council boosts PBOT budget with increase to Uber and Lyft fees

From the Archives

The good, the bad, and the ugly on the Oregon Coast Bike Route