🚨 Please note: BikePortland is currently on hiatus and only publishing guest articles. Learn more here. Thank you. - Jonathan 🙏

Weekend Event Guide: Road racing, architecture, doughnuts, and more

Discover architectural jewels of southeast Portland on the Biking About Architecture ride.
(Photo: Jonathan Maus/BikePortland)

The weekend is almost here and it looks like we might stay dry. We could even have some sun and temps into the 60s!

We’ve got a great mix of offerings in the Guide this week — whether you’re an experienced racer or just starting out on two wheels.

By the way, we need to find a sponsor for this and our awesome Calendar. If you want some great exposure for your business or product that also helps support our community and local journalism at the same time, get in touch!

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Why does Oregon State Senator Lew Frederick support a freeway expansion in his district?

(Image of Lew Frederick by K. Kendall used under CC by 2.0)

The I-5 Rose Quarter project being planned by the Oregon Department of Transportation lies squarely in the district of Oregon State Senator Lew Frederick. With an official biography that says his legislative focus is on, “justice in public safety, education, and ‘quality of life’ issues,” some readers were surprised to find out he supports a project that will significantly widen Interstate 5 to accommodate more auto traffic in Portland’s central city.

I interviewed Sen. Frederick last week to learn more about his position. Below is a version of our conversation that’s been slightly edited for clarity.

Why do you support this project?

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PBOT’s biking and walking committees oppose I-5 Rose Quarter project

One of the main points the Oregon Department of Transportation is using to sell their I-5 Rose Quarter project is that it will vastly improve cycling and walking conditions on the surface streets above the freeway.

Turns out that’s not exactly the case. The two official committees that advise the City of Portland on cycling and walking strongly oppose the project and recommend a “No Build”. That’s awkward because the Portland Bureau of Transportation is a key ODOT partner and has staked their support on the quality of surface street upgrades.

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Review: Surly’s ‘Big Easy’ smooths out family biking and cargo-hauling

I usually dread posing for professional photos, but Jonathan insisted… and it was actually fun!
(Photos: Peter Newlands/PHN Photography)

After sharing my initial impressions two weeks ago, I’m ready to share a full review of Surly’s new Big Easy electric cargo bike (retail price $5,000).

I rode the bike for two and a half weeks and found myself enamored with it. Read on as I delve into the wonders of the e-assist, the useful accessories, what I’d add to make it perfect, and what I like to change.

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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

Buffered Bike Lane with a bike symbol and arrow pointing forward

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

Buffered Bike Lane with a bike symbol and arrow pointing forward

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)

Buffered Bike Lane with a bike symbol and arrow pointing forward

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.