Noticed this Opinion piece by Chaelan MacTavish in PSU’s paper, The Vanguard. While the language and tone is decidedly anti-car I think it brings up a good point.

“There are enough bad drivers that a daily ride means defensive cycling.”

Riding defensively (especially in the city) is important not only for your own safety but for gaining respect from cars. When I’m riding downtown I usually take up the entire lane as long as I’m going close to the same speed as surrounding traffic. I’ve noticed some riders timidly hugging the right side of the lane…ever so afraid of being “in traffic”.

I’m not saying riding among the cars is the right thing for everyone…but don’t be afraid to claim your space on the road. You’ll often find that the more space you claim, the more space you’re given.

Have you had any close calls lately? Let me know.

COMMENTS:
“Yes, the PSU editorial is anti-car (or anti-Hummer if you want to get specific), but I think his point about drivers using the bike lane as a turn lane is right on. I can’t tell you how many times, when on my bike, drivers have just blindly turned in front of me. I don’t see this as much downtown as I do in my home neighborhood of SE Portland.”
–Meghan

Why is she smiling?
-because she’s riding on a splendid spring day?
-because 35 of her friends are riding with her?
-because the two men next to her are wearing dresses?
-because her Pretty Dress Ride was a huge success!
Answer: All of the above!

We all had a great time on the Pretty Dress Ride yesterday…welcoming spring with a fun ride from Union Station down to Sellwood via the Eastbank Esplanade and Springwater Corridor trail. We stopped in Sellwood Park for ice cold Lemonade and then hung out at Grand Central Bakery and the Ugly Mug before heading north. If you’d like to join us on future rides, just keep your eye on this calendar and we’ll see you out on the streets!

I never thought I’d say this, but I felt totally out of place in shorts. I have to admit I was the only guy on the ride not in a dress…so I guess it’s only fitting that karma caught up to me in the form of a flat tire. Usually a flat is no big deal…but to make a long story short, I had a great time on the bus with Juli and Eleni and I got to use the very nifty bus bike racks for the first time.

I hope you enjoyed the great weekend weather. Please forgive me but I can’t resist sharing this photo of Eleni in Sellwood Park.

Nestled in the heart of downtown, amid the tranquil North Park Blocks lies Portland State University…OK, OK, you already knew that.

But…did you know they’ve got a thriving bicycle club and team that competes in the NW Collegiate Cycling Conference? Besides being a strong team that boasts NWCCC champions in two categories, they’re active in the local bike community and have a great website full of useful information.

As a former collegiate racer myself, I can tell you that riding with these guys will be much more fun and inclusive than trying to keep up with your local club or bike shop ride. Bottom line: collegiate riders know how to have a good time and they always regroup and are considerate of all levels of riders.

So, if you’d like to join them on their weekly rides, check the schedule and meet them at the North Park Blocks in front of the Millar Library. For more information contact team President McCaegor Byrd.