BikePortland

Journalist wants TriMet feedback

Buffered Bike Lane with a bike symbol and arrow pointing forward

I just got an email from a local journalist who’s working on a story about TriMet and he needs feedback from cyclists. Here are the details:

I’m working on a story about how TriMet handles complaints from passengers, bike riders, pedestrains, and so on. I’m interested in any stories people have about their interactions with their system. Are you happy or dissatisfied with how your complaints were treated? Were complaints followed up? Any help you can offer would be much appreciated. I can be reached at (503) 294-4109 or jimmayer@news.oregonian.com. Thanks!

Airport adds public bike parking

[New and improved PDX bike parking*]

In response to your feedback from my post, Airport bike parking “for employees only”, I have just learned that the Portland Airport has re-designed the employee bike parking area to accomodate the general public. Here’s the scoop from Aviation Planner Jason Gately:

We recently modified our employee bike parking area to include an area for the general public. It is now split 50/50 between the general public and airprot employees (about 40 spaces each side). The employee side is still behind a secure gate, while the general public side is open (for now). We are looking into ways to secure this area, but still make it easy for the public to access at any tme of the day. It is located in a somewhat visible area near the terminal across from administrative offices below the E Concourse. It is located at the end (or beginning) of the new off-street multi-use path that parallels Airport Way into and out of the terminal.

The “Stumptown” incident is far from over. The Oregonian covers it in their business section today with a front page article by Helen Jung. Helen also writes about it on her blog.

This story has sparked 139 comments so far on this site alone and has spread all over the Internet. Specialized has definitely struck a nerve and 99% of the feedback so far has been vehemently opposed to their decision. This article by the Oregonian will take the bad PR for Specialized to a whole new level. It makes me wonder if their response will stay the same or if they’ll change course and back down before more damage is done.

One thing’s for sure, there will be more developments in this story. Stay tuned.

Michael Wolfe helps us escape the city

[Portland to Longview, sans car]

Michael Wolfe has a seriously high bike IQ (or would that be bi-Q?). I met him at the PUMP swap meet and have kept in touch ever since. He recently introduced himself to the Shift email list and has already started sharing some of his vast biking knowledge. One of his interests is figuring out car-free ways of escaping the city.

Here are three routes he’s got so far, complete with Google map assistance from the always handy Gmap Pedometer. File them away for summer, or tackle them next weekend:

[Update: This bike has been recovered!]

[Posted by “Megaroni1983”]

Someone stole my bike today. It’s a size 47 lemond big sky. It’s black and white and BEAUTIFUL. I loved it, and havent even had it a year.

http://www.lemondbikes.com/2005_bikes/big_sky_s.shtml

that is it. It has a flashing red light attached to the back end. It had a light on the front. It detaches, though the base is still on the bar. Silly. I took that off so nobody would steal my light, they just decided to take the whole dang bike.

I WANT IT BACK. I wish that were easy.

if by some chance you see a big burly man riding my little bike, knock him off and use some kung fu. then email me at meghanmeghanbobeggan@gmail.com
Thanks.
heh

Cycle Oregon unveils route at kickoff party

[Art meets sport]

It was fitting that the Cycle Oregon crew unveiled the 2006 route at a classy place like the Portland Art Museum. I’ve never seen such a big hoopla just to announce a ride. It was really impressive.

From the covered and guarded bike parking to the 20 or so smiling, official-T-shirt-clad volunteers who greeted me before I even hit the lobby. If this is how they run their ride, sign me up. Once inside, I saw white linen cloaked tables, bottles of wine, and hundreds of smiling, beautiful baby boomers wearing everything from sport coats to spandex…and this was just the pre-party!

The bike fun rampage continues…

Shift to Bikes presents Valentine’s Day Mocktails on the Hawthorne Bridge

When: Tuesday, Feb. 14, from 4:30 to 6:30pm

Where: On the south side of the Hawthorne Bridge, on the east end (under the I-5 overpass, where the path spirals down to the Esplanade).

Details: Volunteers will be out demonstrating our love for Portland’s bicyclists by serving juice, soda, tea, heart-shaped cookies, and other snacks to riders commuting home — or on their way to a date. The event will also include bike heart art for sale, flowers and candles, bike maintenance, and random acts of bike love.

Contact: Elly Blue, 503 810 9443 (cell)

That “random acts of bike love” part sounds interesting…

A special delivery

[Sharky and Velo]

I snapped these photos downtown a few days ago. I noticed this guy riding around with a kid in his messenger bag and had to stop for a closer look.

Turns out he goes by “Sharky” and his boy’s name is “Velo”. I heard from some other messengers that Sharky is “an animal on the bike” and “sort of a messenger legend”.

Checking in with the Community Cycling Center

[Tom Knipe]

Last week I sat down with Tom Knipe, interim director of the Community Cycling Center (CCC). For the uninitiated, the CCC is known for their great programs, parts recycling, used bike shop, and their Holiday Bike Drive which donates bikes to kids.

When I got there, programs manager Gabe Graff gave me the full tour. I’d never seen the CCC’s basement and it was quite a sight to behold. Bikes and parts were stacked everywhere…and impressively clean and orderly too. They really need more storage space so get in touch with them if you’ve got some laying around.

I’m happy to announce that I’ve now raised almost $1000 for my trip to the National Bike Summit in Washington DC. I’m all registered, I’ve bought my plane tickets, and even snagged a hotel room right across the street from the Summit.

Huge thanks to everyone who donated. I’ve been amazed at your generosity and kind notes. I am honored to represent the Portland bike community and I’m excited to bring my unique perspectives on advocacy, activism and community building to this event.

Special thanks to one loyal reader (who will remain nameless) who paid my entire $350 registration fee (!).

I’m grateful to all of you, even if you weren’t able to donate. Just by reading and contributing comments you play in important role in making this site a success.

Stay tuned for reports, photos and scuttlebut from DC!

Top pro to speak at triathlon club meeting

[Photo by Team Magic]

The fledgling Portland Triathlon Club is hosting professional triathlete Desiree Ficker at their montly meeting tonight. Desiree is a former Pro Duathlete of the Year from 2002-2004 and the USA Triathlon Rookie of the Year in 2001.

According to the club, Ficker has been in town for a training clinic and her talk will take place at 7:00PM tonight at the YMCA in downtown Portland (map here). Tickets are available for $5 to club members and $15 for non-members (here’s the official event flyer PDF).

The Portland Triathlon Club (PTC) was founded in September ’05 and has quickly grown to over 100 members. If you’re into tri, or just tri-curious, learn more about PTC on their website.

Big turnout for Slug Velo’s birthday ride

Cold temperatures didn’t stop over 30 riders from helping Beth Hamon celebrate the third birthday of Slug Velo today. Beth founded Slug Velo as a slow and social riding club and her rides always draw a refreshing mix of bike lovers young and old.

I brought Eleni along, but since today was my birthday Robert offered to pull her in the trailer alongside his son Christopher (thanks Robert!). They both had a great time and were rewarded with treats and strawberry milk at our destination in St. Johns.

See the rest of my photos from this ride.

Journalist wants TriMet feedback

Airport adds public bike parking

Oregonian picks up “Stumptown” saga

Michael Wolfe helps us escape the city

Stolen: very small LeMond – Recovered!

Cycle Oregon unveils route at kickoff party

Shift hosts bike love-fest

A special delivery

Checking in with the Community Cycling Center

Bike Summit fund drive a success!

Top pro to speak at triathlon club meeting

Big turnout for Slug Velo’s birthday ride

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