From a bike messenger’s view

Buffered Bike Lane with a bike symbol and arrow pointing forward

If you’ve ever wondered what traffic looks like from the view of a bike messenger but you’ve been afraid to ask…check out this amazing video (50MB QuickTime). It was shot from the helmet of a messenger racing between cars in gridlocked Manhattan.

Want to hire a messenger for your office document deliveries? Try our very own Magpie Messenger Collective.

Portland also has a vibrant messenger community and will host the 2005 North American Cycle Courier Championships this May – PUMA (Portland United Messenger Assocation).

An American in Paris

Buffered Bike Lane with a bike symbol and arrow pointing forward

The Paris-Roubaix is a legendary race that’s been held for over 100 years. Riders thrash over ancient cobblestoned streets through small country villages in the French countryside. It’s a race of attrition as riders abandon and crash out from start to finish. The cobbles are unrelenting at times and the race is a true test of mental and physical strength. It’s refreshing to see superstar athletes get punished and fend for themselves in the harsh environment (sounds like fun huh?)

Yesterday’s race was a treat as the top names in racing all came to the front at the end and we saw the best ever finish by an American. George Hincapie finished 2nd to cycling’s new rock star, Tom Boonen. It was a respectable finish for George but I just wish he would have had a little better positioning for the final sprint…I knew he’d get caught on Flecha’s wheel as soon as Boonen attacked and sure enough that’s what happened. Either way, it was an exciting race. To see more great coverage of the European “spring classics” tune into OLN-TV for “Cyclysm Sundays”. Next up is the Amstel Gold Race this coming Sunday.

Moving? Why not use bikes?

Buffered Bike Lane with a bike symbol and arrow pointing forward

May sound like a crazy idea to some people…but not to the bikey folks here in Portland. There have been several “bike moves” in the past few weeks and I’m more and more impressed each time I see one. I really wanted to check the latest one but I couldn’t make it…luckily for you (and for me) someone was cool enough to snap these great photos. Yes, those are matresses, box-springs, tables, chairs, you name it…this person moved their entire lot of personal affects…and didn’t even consider for one second using a gas-powered vehicle. Inspirational!

Now that’s the way to do it…friends, bikes, progress. oh, and the sunshine was a bonus. So next time you see a group of bikes carrying a bunch of stuff, don’t call the cops to report a burglary…just slow down and give them a wave, a honk or a helping hand.

Here’s a link to pictures of another bike move last May.

Farmer’s Market

Buffered Bike Lane with a bike symbol and arrow pointing forward

Rode to the farmer’s market for the first time this spring with my two ladies today. The weather was cool and in and out of sun and clouds….just right for hanging at the market eating treats and listenin’ to some folksy music. It’s so easy to get downtown on a bike from NoPo. Down Mississippi/Albina to Interstate, then onto the Broadway Bridge and through downtown all the way to PSU and over to the park blocks.

The way home’s a bit of a chore with Eleni in her child seat. When I power up the Mississipi hill she chants, “go daddy go, go daddy go” and I can feel her little hands on my back. I love that.

Juli was tough, even with an ever-growing tummy (she’s 5 months pregnant) she made it up without walking!

Bikes and politics, Oregon style.

Buffered Bike Lane with a bike symbol and arrow pointing forward

(From Jessica Roberts of the BTA)

Did you know that

  • Oregon has the most bike shops per capita of any state?
  • Oregon is one of only two states to have every Congressperson be a member of the Congressional Bicycle Caucus?
  • Oregon brought the largest per-capita delegation to the National Bike Summit last week of any state?
  • Congressman Peter DeFazio used to be a bike mechanic?
  • Congressmen Earl Blumenauer and Peter DeFazio both ride their bikes to work in Washington DC?

You may not realize it, but bicycle advocates from Portland are shaping the national discussion in powerful ways…right up to the steps of the White House! A 6 person delegation recently visited Pennsylvania Avenue to lobby Congress on various bicycle related initiatives including Safe Routes to School and the Bike Lane Bill of Rights.

Learn more about the BTA’s amazing trip to the 2005 National Bike Summit You can help by becoming a member of the BTA.

Spring is here…

My wife and daughter at the Bunny on a Bike Ride.

… and that means bike season is in full spin. What is bike season? Well, it depends on who you’re asking. To a bike racer it means driving all over the state to races every weekend; to a commuter it means it’s finally warm enough to not wear tights and a bellaclava; to families it means you don’t have to wrap the kid up like an eskimo just to cruise the neighborhood.

So whatever bike season means to you, have fun!..and check out this great calendar full of fun options.

Here’s a shot of my wife and daughter getting ready for our first bike event of spring…the “Bunny on a Bike” held on Easter Sunday at Peninsula Park.

Latest Headlines

Portland to launch $10 million Bike Lane Maintenance Program this summer

Funding crisis dominates first ever meeting of Transportation & Infrastructure Committee

Portland bike shop offers e-bike subscriptions

Opinion: Portland needs more cul-de-sacs

From the Archives

Guest essay: A plan for a ‘passoire’-filled Portland