PBOT Commissioner Chloe Eudaly’s statement on I-205 path conditions

(Photo: Jonathan Maus/BikePortland)

Last week I highlighted conditions on the I-205 path at NE Sandy Boulevard. The response to the coverage here and on Facebook was overwhelming.

My intention was to make people aware that this path and others have become dramatically impacted by our homelessness crisis. Not only was the path full of personal belongings and discarded items, many of our fellow Portlanders have become so desperate for a place to live that they built shelters directly on the path — nearly blocking it in some sections.

The comments here on BikePortland were mostly productive and I think overall we’ve all learned a lot about the various issues at play. Facebook was a different story. Too many of the 1,300 or so comments were useless and mean. So, after over 220,000 views and 2,500 shares in just four days, I took the video down and posted a note to explain why.

On Saturday, City Commissioner Chloe Eudaly, who oversees the Portland Bureau of Transportation, left a comment on that post that I think merits more attention. I’ve pasted it below:

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Pedaling through timber reserves and history in Columbia County

A second-growth timber reserve on Camp 9 Road in Columbia County.
(Photos: Jonathan Maus/BikePortland)

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about where we ride. Whether I’m in on the streets of inner northeast Portland, or way out in the middle of the woods, I want to go below the surface and beyond the pretty views. I want to know about the people who lived on the land long before we pedaled through. I want to know what they did, what they cared about, and why they’re no longer there.

When it comes to unpaved roads in the hills above Scappoose — from camps and mills established in the 19th century, to the active harvesting we see today — much of that history revolves around logging. On Saturday I witnessed some of it first-hand when I joined a group of fellow unpaved road lovers at a gathering hosted by the Coastal Mountain Sport Haus in Vernonia.

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E-scooters to return next month with tougher regulations on riders and operators

PBOT wants to crack down on sidewalk riding this time around.
(Photos: BikePortland)

Portland’s second attempt at integrating electric scooters into the mobility mix could get started as early as April 26th.

And unlike the 2,000 scooters we had on the streets last year, the Portland Bureau of Transportation will start with 2,500 and estimates we could see as many as 9,000 if enough scooter companies play ball with a host of new regulations. PBOT says if all permits are granted and all operators qualify for incentives we could have 15,000 scooters in use by January 2020.

The new pilot is scheduled to last one year, after which PBOT says they’ll work with the public to develop a permanent program.

In their announcement today, PBOT released a mix of incentives and regulations that demonstrate the challenge they face to create a scooter program that leads to high ridership yet also addresses serious concerns raised by some people and organizations during the first pilot. At nearly 6,000 trips per day during the 120-day pilot last year, the scooters proved to be a valuable mobility option. However, due to a lack of safe space to ride them and a lack of consideration for others, too many people rode them on sidewalks and parked them in places that obstructed public right-of-way.

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Job: Bicycle Tech, service, sales – Southwest Bicycle, LLC

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Job Title

Bicycle Tech, service, sales

Company / Organization

Southwest Bicycle, LLC

Job Description

Seeking knowledgeable bicycle technician / sales person for small 2-3 person shop.

Skills you should bring:
Customer service skills.
A wide ranging knowledge of all things related to bicycles.
The ability to service a wide variety of bicycles including vintage, mountain, road, commuter, electric, IGH, Di2 and E Tap in a time efficient manner with a good attitude.
A willingness to keep learning.
The ability to write service orders.
Be okay with a dog in the shop.
Be reliable trustworthy.
Be flexible and adaptable.
Positive attitude.
This is a small two (possibly three) person shop. Technically, you would be an employee. In practice you will be part of a team. Team members
cover other team members when required. Fill in where needed and generally work together and help each other.
Your primary responsibility will be to perform tune ups. You will also answer the phone and greet customers.
The atmosphere is casual, not corporate.
Starting wage is $12.00 per hour. During the peak season, you might work a little overtime. During the slower months your hours will probably be
cut back to only two or three days a week.

How to Apply

If you are interested, call for an appointment. There is NO TEXT at this number 503-246-0333

Job: Customer service / Mechanic – North Portland Bikeworks

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Job Title

Customer service / Mechanic

Company / Organization

North Portland Bikeworks

Job Description

We need another body in the shop!

North Portland Bike Works is in need of some shop help.

We want someone who is a good mechanic and a good person. Customer service and being warm and inviting are priorities for our shop.

Shop experience necessary. Preferably 2 years, however if you have a good grasp of bikey things and are fantastic with people, please feel free to drop by a resume.

Customer service needs:
— Ability to help a wide variety of customers in a friendly and accessible manner
— Able to explain mechanical issues in an easy to understand way
— Size and fit customers on new bikes for sale

Mechanical needs:
— Assess and estimate repairs
— Perform repairs in a timely fashion
— New bike builds
— We are a very basic commuter shop, no suspension and not much in the way of high end bits

Traits we appreciate:
— Good communication
— Easy to engage with
— Flexible
— On time/punctual
— Ability to ask questions or for help if needed

The position will be three or four days a week, 27-36 hours. Weekend hours will be necessary. Pay rate depends on experience.

Women are strongly encouraged to apply.

North Portland Bike Works is a non-profit community bike shop with a small, committed staff. Please look at our painfully outdated website www.northportlandbikeworks.com to get more info on us. We are a very friendly and motivated shop with a goal of helping anyone regardless of their knowledge or experience.

How to Apply

Feel free to drop off your resume during shop hours. Mon-Sat 11-6 and Sunday 12-4. 3978 N Mississippi Ave Portland OR 97227 (SE corner of Mississippi and Shaver)
Thanks!

Alpenrose lawsuit and sale dies; the velodrome and ‘cross venue lives!

The velodrome is home to several race events each year.
(Photo: Jonathan Maus/BikePortland)

Great news to start off your weekend: The Portland Tribune reported a few hours ago that the possible sale of Alpenrose Dairy that would have ended public access to the velodrome and cyclocross venue is off.

As we shared earlier this month, fears of a sale of the dairy and surrounding property led to a lawsuit by members of the Cadonau family. They aimed to stop the sale, which they claimed was nothing more than a money-grab by other members of the ownership family.

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Job: Bike Mechanic – Community Cycling Center (FILLED)

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Job Title

Bike Mechanic

Company / Organization

Community Cycling Center

Job Description

ABOUT THE COMMUNITY CYCLING CENTER

For over 25 years, we have been a nonprofit organization on a mission to broaden access to bicycling and its benefits.

Our vision is to continue building a vibrant community where people of all backgrounds use bicycles to stay healthy and connected. We believe that all Portlanders—regardless of income or background—should have the opportunity to experience the joy, freedom and health benefits of bicycling. This is the motivation behind everything we do.

This position operates out of our full-service bike shop in NE Portland’s busy Alberta District. Our high-volume shop is staffed by experienced mechanics from diverse cycling backgrounds who provide compassionate customer service to a broad cross-section of cyclists. Here at the shop we value and support one another through the work we do and are committed to working collaboratively to meet our goals. We acknowledge and value diversity and its many intersections. We are proud that people of color, women, neuro-divergent, gender non-conforming and LGBTQIA+ folks choose to work at our shop. We encourage more people from varied and diverse backgrounds to join our lively, talented team.

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:
The Bicycle Mechanic is responsible for supporting the mission of the Community Cycling Center. This includes assessing and repairing bicycles, assisting customers with choosing parts and accessories, as well as supporting our programs team. Under the supervision of the shop management team, the Bicycle Mechanic will work to consistently and efficiently deliver on the demands presented by our customers and programming efforts. This position will require technical proficiency, attention to detail, the ability to multitask, and to act as an ambassador for the Community Cycling Center.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Educate customers about the operation and maintenance of bicycles; assist with the purchase of bikes, parts, and accessories
• Assess and repair bicycles for customers; repair bicycles for retail sale and for use in our programs
• Contribute to the retail environment- answer phones, restock shelves, maintain a safe, clean and organized work space
• Work cooperatively with the rest of the team to meet the goals set forth by the shop management team
• Moving and lifting bicycles up to 50 lbs. is a regular part of this job, however, reasonable accommodation can be made.
• Support fundraising efforts. This is an essential part of every one’s job
• Be a public supporter of the Community Cycling Center and represent the organization with positivity and consistency

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• Ideal candidate has 3+ years of experience working in a high volume bike shop
• Consistent attention to quality and detail
• Ability to meet quantitative production and service goals as outlined by shop management
• Effective communication
• Ability to work in a collaborative environment
• Commitment to and respect for equity, sustainability and diversity

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• Proficiency in Spanish strongly desired
• Familiarity with Lightspeed OS
• Proficiency in ASL

PAY RATE & BENEFITS:

TERM: Permanent
SCHEDULE: Full OR part time, 32-40 hours per week, including weekends
BENEFITS: Health, dental and vision within 30 days, PTO after 90 days, access to 401k, Labor and Used Parts Allowance. Value of approx. $7K/year for full time.
COMPENSATION: $15.00 to start

The Community Cycling Center is an equal opportunity employer. Individuals with diverse abilities and experiences are encouraged to apply. People of color; women; trans and gender non-conforming people are encouraged to apply.

How to Apply

Please submit cover letter, resume, and (3) references to:
Hiring Committee via email to Jobs@communitycyclingcenter.org. Please put Bicycle Mechanic in the Subject line. No phone calls please.

Jobs of the Week: GO Box, Velotech, Community Cycling Center

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We had four jobs posted this week… and one of them (from Pedal Bike Tours) has already been filled!

Just goes to show that if you are job-curious, you should: sign up for the Job Listings Email so you get notified ASAP; spend the measly $75 to post your job with us because these listings work!

Learn more about this week’s listings below…

–> Operations Assistant – GO Box

–> Customer Experience Specialist Full Time – Velotech

–> Bike Mechanic – Community Cycling Center

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Weekend Event Guide: Rat Patrol, Albina history tour, gold sprints, and more

Shot from Marine Drive taken earlier this week.
(Photo: Jonathan Maus/BikePortland)
This Weekend Event Guide is sponsored by Treo Bike Tours in Eastern Oregon. Plan your 2019 trip today!

Welcome to the weekend. Spring is finally officially here and we could not be happier about it.

With peak riding season around the corner, it’s time to make sure you’re ready to ride. That means having your mind, body and bike in usable condition. This week’s guide has several rides, events – and even a clinic – that will help you get ready.

Thanks to our friends at Treo Bike Tours for supporting BikePortland! If you haven’t explored a trip out at their eastern Oregon paradise, you owe it to yourself to consider it.

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Check our Gravel Riding Guide and get excited for the season

Scene from the Hell of the North Plains ride in January 2018.
(Photo: Jonathan Maus/BikePortland)

This special coverage sponsored by Oregon Triple Crown, Co-Motion Cycles, Rolf Prima Wheels, and Ride With GPS.

Gravel grinding, rambling, mixed-terrain riding, off-roading, adventure riding — no matter what you call it, exploring unpaved backroads is one of the most popular things to do on a bike these days. What’s not to like? Pedaling on logging, fire, and farm roads gives you the accessibility of road riding and the adventure of mountain biking all rolled into one.

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Job: Customer Experience Specialist Full Time – Velotech

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Job Title

Customer Experience Specialist Full Time

Company / Organization

Velotech

Job Description

This position is responsible for responding to customer phone calls, emails, and for working directly with customers in our store. Customer Experience Specialists provide product information, advice and order assistance. Qualified Customer Experience Specialists also review orders and price match requests and assist with site content, including product reviews, photos and descriptions.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:
Answer product questions & assist with the order process
Analyze customer questions, troubleshoot, and provide clear answers in an efficient and professional manner
Develop trust and loyalty with consumers and build value in our brands
Navigate a sophisticated order processing system
Generate performance reports and recommend improvements
Coordinate with Returns to assist customers with returns and exchanges
Assist walk-in customers with product questions and purchases
Retrieve products from the warehouse to assist walk-in customers

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES/DUTIES:
Navigate a sophisticated order processing system
Work with Marketing to assist with customer-facing content, including site maintenance, product images and descriptions
Increase sales by genuinely helping customers learn about additional/alternative product options

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS:
Basic computer skills
Strong knowledge of cycling
Previous customer service experience is a plus, as is sales, service and mechanical experience in the cycling industry

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:
Excellent communication and organizational skills
Solid knowledge of cycling products
Ability to work in a high volume, fast-paced environment
Ability to work independently or with others to manage multiple task with minimal supervision.

How to Apply

Please apply by clicking on the company link below.

https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=27565&clientkey=4C6D7027145254251F7D24DAA9BDF3F7