[Update: more photos of the markings]
In the past 24 hours I have heard from several reliable sources that the new Hawthorne Bridge markings were done with little to no input from cyclists. One bike advocacy insider went so far as to say:
“I am incredibly disappointed in the County (again, I might add) for failing to include an engineer in the Bridge Advisory Committee. Once again, bikes get screwed.”
[Update: more photos of the markings]
Multnomah County work crews restriped the bike/ped path on the popular Hawthorne Bridge this morning. The new markings were done in an effort to “reduce conflicts between pedestrians and bicyclists” according to the official press release (PDF). Here’s more from the release:
Friday’s Bike Film Night and Sunday’s PUMP Swap Meet were smashing successes!
On Friday, when I pulled up to the Clinton Street Theater, cyclists were spilling out into the street and the vibe was electric. Hundreds of people milled outside waiting for a chance to support Times Up! and see a collection of bike movies put together by RevPhil and Sara Stout.
There were bikes everywhere. Several of us ended up just locking up together in the middle of Belmont Clinton Street!
With plenty of beer (donated by Widmer) the scene inside was racuous. The show kicked off with a hilarious short featuring dueling clowns on the infamous Spin Bikes racing to their death around the Alberta St. Clownhouse. The last movie was “Still We Ride“, a documentary about the ongoing battle between the NYPD and cyclists in New York City. It was depressing to see such misunderstanding between fellow humans. Remember folks, bicycling is not a crime!
I’m happy to share these images of the first-ever Sprockettes Calendar! The Sprockettes are Portland’s very own mini-bike dance troupe (check out my photos of them).
They’ve performed all over Portland and next year they’re looking to spread their message of fun feminism through funky dance moves outside our borders. You can help with their big plans by buying a calendar (or two). They’re just $7 (plus shipping) and they won’t last long!
The calendars are still at the printers, and will be available for purchase on this site as soon as they’re ready. They’ll also be for sale at the upcoming BikeCraft Faire & Shift Winter Social on December 7th. So make sure your stop by…I’m sure they’d be happy to autograph it for you!
Yesterday my Kona was stolen from the P.S.U. bookstore. I’m still paying it off. This bike means everything to me. I have not seen similar Konas around,so it would stand out. If you happen to notice it please let me know, thanks. andy_j9@yahoo.com (971)404-6663
Theft occurred late Aug., from SE Stark & 122nd Ave area–from my garage. S/# on Marzocchi superFly fork, 551 651 Z2 [Yw tag]. Tan titanium Sm-frame with Dean ti-seat post. Race Face headset. Model: D-Jab
Someone watched me leaving for 10mins on another bike — as I pulled the Garage door down 3in from the ground. They entered, weasled down a tight isle to my bike rack, lifted it from the top rung, then escaped! When I returned, nothing appeared ‘fishy’. Two days later, I noticed the theft.
A year & ahalf ago, my Silver M-2 Specialized mtn bike was taken from Gateway Fred Meyers [NE 102nd Ave/Glisan]. My S/# A98 4358. Sm-frame, 16in with Blk metal fenders, rack, & Mavic wheels.
My Krypt lock & bike disappeared from the E. side rack–always PARK in busy-traffic areas!! Gateway area [Freds’ & Park&ride] is notorious for Grand Central Escape routes, as bikes & cars vanish!!
Why can’t our officers plant bikes as their Sting Operation–catching Low IQ thieves in action & flinging such Scum into city cells??? There is no lower feeling than realizing that your Bike was taken. Always, insure your Bikes with a Homeowners/Renters’ policy–at least I gained some compensation.
–Ray [roseyeden@netscape.net]
This morning Sara Stout and I moved two kegs of beer for tonight’s Bike Film Night from Widmer Brewing on N. Russell to the Clinton Street Theater in SE.
The kegs weighed 180 lbs. each!
It was pretty awesome to see the reaction from the folks at Widmer. They couldn’t believe what we were doing. They had their cameras out and everything. They said it was the most exciting thing that’s happened around there for a long time.
Check out some of their faces in the photos. I especially like this shot of the guys near the forklift looking at us like we’re crazy.
Don’t miss the Bike Film Night. Tonight, 9:00 at Clinton Street Theater (26th & SE Clinton)!
(If you think moving kegs by bike is cool…check this out)
Some lowlife stole my bike off of my porch last night. Although this bike was not worth much (if anything), it was my only means of transportation.
It’s fairly easy to spot. I’ve not seen another Takara ever in town and this one will stand out to anyone who’s looking. It’s an all black road bike except for the TAKARA name written in white. It had both a mud flap and lights on the back and front.
I expect that whoever stole it will try and convert it to a simple fixed gear (messenger style) bike, so bike shops should be on the lookout…
please call me if ou spot it:
503-232-4726
Bike theft is on the rise. I had 20 stolen bikes listed on this site in October alone. And from what I’ve heard, the thieves are getting more and more brazen, sawing racks in half, taking the entire rack with them, and even coming into homes while the victim sleeps just feet away!
According to this official map just sent to me by the Portland Police Bureau, there were 315 bike thefts reported between 9/1/05 and 11/12/05 (shown on map below as blue squares).
Here is the breakdown by precinct (precinct map):
After Wednesday’s traffic enforcement action, there was some confusion about ticket amounts and whether or not a trackstand (when a cyclist stops, but keeps their feet in the pedals) qualified as a “complete stop” in the eyes of the fuzz.
Traffic division Commander Bill Sinnott wants to clear up the confusion…
Maria Rubia from the Mayor Potter’s office has requested a white paper from local bike advocate and lawyer Mark Ginsberg and Commissioner Sam Adams’ staffer Roland Chlapowski.
The report is meant to detail “currently outstanding issues” with Critical Mass. The report should be completed in the next few weeks.
Castelli, a designer and maker of high-end cycling apparel is setting up shop in Portland. The global company, based in Milan Italy, previously had their U.S. operations in Minneapolis, MN. The new operation should be up and running by December.
Eighteen months ago, Nike employee Greg Cowan took partial ownership in the company. Cowan lives in the Portland area and wants the company to be closer to home.
Castelli joins a long list of Portland-based bike companies.
