🚨 Please note that BikePortland slows down during this time of year as I have family in town and just need a break! Please don't expect typical volume of news stories and content. I'll be back in regular form after the new year. Thanks. - Jonathan 🙏

“The Car” movie has the scariest trailer I’ve ever seen

Movie poster from Universal Pictures.
Scroll down to watch the trailer.

“Evil has many forms, now it returns as, The Car.

A car possessed. Who knows what it wants? They all know nothing can stop… The Car.

There’s nowhere to turn, nowhere to hide. No way to stop, The Car.

What evil force drives, The Car?”

Happy Friday everyone! It’s good to be back in the swing of things after the holiday. I hope your new year is living up to the hype so far.

Before we part for the weekend, I want to share an amazing relic of our car-centric culture with you: The trailer for a 1977 movie called, The Car. I had never heard of this film until my brother sent me a link to the trailer (below). It’s an extraordinary relic of American car culture…

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Jobs of the Week: Castelli, Sellwood Cycle Repair, Community Cycling Center, Left Coast Bicycles Mobile Shop

Buffered Bike Lane with a bike symbol and arrow pointing forward

We’ve had five great job opportunities posted since just before the holiday break. Get to ’em while they’re still fresh!

Learn more about each one via the links below…

–> Senior Graphic Designer – Castelli

–> Mechanic – Sellwood Cycle Repair

–> Retail Specialist – Community Cycling Center

–> Bike Mechanic – Community Cycling Center

–> Part Time Mechanic – Left Coast Bicycles Mobile Shop

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Job: Part Time Mechanic – Left Coast Bicycles Mobile Shop

Buffered Bike Lane with a bike symbol and arrow pointing forward

Job Title

Part Time Mechanic

Company / Organization

Left Coast Bicycles Mobile Shop

Job Description

We are in search of a qualified bike mechanic to join our mobile repair team to run bicycle service events for our home-based customers and our network of forward-thinking workplaces. Are you an experienced bike mechanic that is great with people? Already working at a shop and looking for more hours? Are you looking for independence, a flexible schedule, weekends off, and competitive hourly pay? If so, we’d like to hear from you!

Our ideal candidate exudes warmth and friendliness, is independent and has a confident attitude and character. You have a rich and varied experience in the bicycle industry and are comfortable working on all varieties of bikes from clunky commuters to high-end carbon race bikes. You have excellent customer service skills, are able to communicate the nuances of each customers bicycle needs in an approachable, friendly way. You are a good problem solver with a can-do attitude, and you also work well as part of a team.

Job Info

You will be responsible for transporting our shop-on-wheels via bike or van to each location and providing friendly on-site bike service.
This is a contract part-time position. Our schedule is variable, our assignments range from 1 to 3 days in length and are assigned based on your availability
More assignments are available during March-November
Competitive hourly pay (DOE)
Opportunities for advancement and full time employment for strong candidates
Access to wholesale parts / new bikes
Key Responsibilities

Transport of our bike-shop on wheels via bike or van to repair events in the Portland Metro area
Set up of bicycle repair station and LCB promotional materials
Thorough personalized bicycle repair estimates and tune-ups
Run repair events independently and assist our Head Mechanic with repair events when needed
Strong Candidates

At least 3 years experience (preferably 5 ) working in bike shops wrenching on a variety of bikes and able to perform accurate repair estimates and tune-ups efficiently
A people person, good communicator and efficient mechanic
Independent with excellent problem-solving skills
Strong computer skills – Google docs, Microsoft Office Suite a plus
Experience using point of sale systems
Clean driving record
Mature, organized and responsible team player
Excited about the bike lifestyle and culture

How to Apply

Email your resume and cover letter to info@leftcoastbicycles.com.

Tell us a little bit about yourself, your experience, and why you think you would be a great addition to our team.

Visit our job post: www.leftcoastbicycles.com/mechanic-part-time

A planned and funded project could have prevented this morning’s fatal collision


*Existing conditions (left) and PBOT concept drawing of SW Salmon and Park with “X” marking approximate collision location. (Click to enlarge)

This morning someone died while walking across a street in downtown Portland. It’s the first traffic fatality of 2019.

A project approved by City Council in November might have prevented it.

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Cycle Oregon puts ‘Weekender’ event on hold


*Photos of 2017 Weekender event in McMinnville by Jonathan Maus/BikePortland

2019 C.O. Dates

Mark your calendars, and start training!

  • Kickoff Party – 1/30
  • Gravel – 5/17 ~ 5/19
  • Joyride – 6/22
  • Classic – 9/7 ~ 9/14

In its 32nd year of existence, the venerable Cycle Oregon is evolving once again. In recent years, the nonprofit known for its week-long “Classic” ride, has added women-only and gravel events to broaden its appeal and accessibility.

Now Cycle Oregon has decided to put their popular Weekender event on hold. Here’s what CO Executive Director Steve Schulz shared with us about it in an email this morning:

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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

**UPDATED/Wage increased to $15/hour + Generous Benefits**

ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW
At the Community Cycling Center, we believe that bikes make the world a better place. Our mission is to broaden access to bicycling and its benefits to help build a vibrant community where people of all backgrounds use bicycles to stay healthy and connected. We believe that all people – regardless of income or background – should be able to experience the joy, freedom, and health benefits of bicycling.

We operate a full-service bike shop on NE Alberta that serves the neighborhood, AND is a destination for people searching for used bikes & parts, or trying to ride bikes on a tight budget. The shop serves as the hub for many of our programs, which help riders build their skills and confidence; empower young people to ride to school and adults to ride to work; offer educational opportunities for teens to earn school credit; and support everyone in riding for health and recreation. We also collaborate with numerous community partners to generate pathways to employment and engagement within the growing bicycle movement by training new educators, leaders, advocates and mechanics.

The Community Cycling Center is an equal opportunity employer and strongly values diversity, equity and inclusion. Individuals with diverse backgrounds, abilities and experiences are encouraged to apply.

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY
The Bicycle Mechanic is responsible for supporting the mission of the Community Cycling Center. This includes assessing, repairing, and refurbishing 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
• Assess and repair bicycles for customers; repair donated bicycles for retail sale and for use in our programs
• Educate customers about the operation and maintenance of bicycles; assist with the purchase of bikes, parts, and accessories
• Contribute to the retail environment–answer phones, restock shelves, and 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 everyone’s job
• Be a public supporter of the Community Cycling Center and represent the organization with positivity and consistency

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND CHARACTERISTICS
• 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 AND CHARACTERISTICS
• Proficiency in Spanish and/or American Sign Language
• Familiarity with Lightspeed POS

COMPENSATION
• Full time, non-exempt employee, 32-40 hours per week, including weekends
• $15.00 per hour to start; opportunities for advancement
• Benefits valued at over $7K/year: Health, dental and vision insurance, Paid Time Off, $200 Used Parts Allowance. Also cost +10% pricing on new parts & flexible scheduling during off-season

How to Apply

Send your resume, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) references to Jobs@CommunityCyclingCenter.org.
Please write “Bicycle Mechanic” as the subject line. No phone calls, please.

Job: Retail Specialist – Community Cycling Center (FILLED)

Buffered Bike Lane with a bike symbol and arrow pointing forward

Job Title

Retail Specialist

Company / Organization

Community Cycling Center

Job Description

ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW
At the Community Cycling Center, we believe that bikes make the world a better place. Our mission is to broaden access to bicycling and its benefits to help build a vibrant community where people of all backgrounds use bicycles to stay healthy and connected. We believe that all people – regardless of income or background – should be able to experience the joy, freedom, and health benefits of bicycling.

We operate a full-service bike shop on NE Alberta that serves the neighborhood, AND is a destination for people searching for used bikes & parts, or trying to ride bikes on a tight budget. The shop serves as the hub for many of our programs, which help riders build their skills and confidence; empower young people to ride to school and adults to ride to work; offer educational opportunities for teens to earn school credit; and support everyone in riding for health and recreation. We also collaborate with numerous community partners to generate pathways to employment and engagement within the growing bicycle movement by training new educators, leaders, advocates and mechanics.

The Community Cycling Center is an equal opportunity employer and strongly values diversity, equity and inclusion. Individuals with diverse backgrounds, abilities and experiences are encouraged to apply.

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY
The Retail Specialist is responsible for providing excellent customer service, maintaining a clean, welcoming and well stocked retail environment and developing strong customer relationships. This position will require experience working with point of sale and inventory management systems, experience in a high volume retail environment, the ability to refine and develop workable systems, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively as needed.

RESPONSIBILITIES
• Greet customers and provide welcoming retail environment for people of all backgrounds
• Provide excellent customer service in all aspects of retail sales
• Clean and maintain retail space and stock retail floor on a daily basis
• Work collaboratively with all shop staff to maintain reliable and relevant inventories
• Work with retail management to create displays, signs and labels to showcase products in innovative and efficient ways
• Maintain and improve storage systems and retail environment to increase efficiency, capacity and inventory reliability.
• Participate in team meetings
• As a non-profit we believe that fundraising is everyone’s job. There is an expectation that all employees will support fundraising efforts.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS & CHARACTERISTICS
• Personable, receptive and compassionate approach to customer service
• Prior retail experience
• Ability to maintain composure and a respectful, cooperative attitude through high stress situations
• Attention to detail and a methodical approach to accomplishing tasks
• Capacity to work independently and deliver on objectives
• Experience with POS and general computer systems
• Ability to work a flexible schedule
• A strong desire to learn and develop professional skills in the bicycle industry
• A commitment to equity and social justice

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS OR EXPERIENCE
• Proficiency in Spanish and/or American Sign Language
• Prior Bike Shop experience
• Experience with Lightspeed POS

COMPENSATION
• Full time, non-exempt employee, 32-40 hours per week, including weekends
• $14.50 per hour to start; opportunities for advancement
• Benefits valued at over $7K/year: Health, dental and vision insurance, Paid Time Off, $200 annual Used Parts Allowance, $90 annual shop allowance. Also cost +10% pricing on new parts & flexible scheduling during off-season

How to Apply

Send your resume, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) references to Jobs@CommunityCyclingCenter.org.
Please write “Retail Specialist” as the subject line. No phone calls, please.

City, state will team up for new bikeway and signal on Lombard

Latest concept drawing for new crossing of North Lombard at Fenwick/Concord. Note that “access control” likely refers to closing or narrowing driveways of adjacent properties.

The Concord Avenue neighborhood greenway has only one gap in its 2.4 mile route between Overlook Park and North Argyle Street in the Kenton neighborhood: the offset crossing of Lombard Street (a.k.a. Highway 30). But with a new agreement between the Oregon Department of Transportation (they own and manage Lombard) and the Portland Bureau of Transportation, that gap will soon be filled.

The two agencies recently hashed out an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) so that PBOT could do the work to build a new crossing that will link Concord on the south side of Lombard with Fenwick to the north. It’s a much-needed upgrade to an intersection isn’t as safe as it should be. Not only is this a designated neighborhood greenway route, but it’s a popular connector between two neighborhoods (Arbor Lodge and Kenton) and there’s a high school directly adjacent to it.

Streetview looking west on Lombard. Concord is on the left, the half-signal and Fenwick are in the background.

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The gap.

The existing crossing infrastructure — known as a pedestrian half-signal — is also not compliant with federal guidelines. A half-signal exists when there’s a standard traffic signal for the major road, but only stop signs for the minor roads. The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) explicitly prohibits the use of half-signals due to safety concerns. Studies have shown that when someone actuates the traffic signal on the main road, drivers from the side-street think it’s an opportunity to turn and they don’t realize (or they don’t see) the people in the crosswalk. As of 2015, Portland had 47 such signals and because they’re not recommended by the MUTCD, we haven’t installed one since 1986.

PBOT plans to spend $2 million in Transportation System Development Charges to improve this crossing. In addition to the full signal upgrade they plan to add ADA improvements to the curbs and sidewalk, and create a new bike lane on Lombard. As you can see in the latest concept drawing, the plan is to stripe an unprotected, five-feet wide eastbound bike lane and create a westbound bike lane on the sidewalk for the short distance between Concord and the crossing at Fenwick.

As you can see in the cross-sections below, the bike lanes would be separated by a two-foot buffer. The space to add them would come from an existing planted median on the sidewalk and from narrowing one of the existing lanes:

(Graphic: ODOT)

Longtime readers will recall that we first mentioned an improvement at this crossing in 2010.

PBOT Communications Director John Brady said today that with the IGA with ODOT now signed, they can move onto final design work. It will be a few months yet until we get an estimated date of completion. Stay tuned.

— Jonathan Maus: (503) 706-8804, @jonathan_maus on Twitter and jonathan@bikeportland.org

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Bike shop news roundup: New shop, new owners, and more break-ins

Tom Martin is the new ower of TomCat Bikes on SE Milwaukie in the Brooklyn neighborhood.
(Photo: Jonathan Maus/BikePortland)

They say the only constant is change; and that’s certainly true for Portland bike shops.

In 2018 we saw several high-profile closures with 21st Avenue Bicycles, Velo Cult and all three Performance Bicycle locations closing their doors.

But the news wasn’t all bad: A new shop opened on Mt. Hood and Golden Pliers, that opened in June on North Skidmore at Interstate, has quickly become a favorite of many.

We’re sure to see more evolution in the local bike shop scene this year. Before we get too behind on this beat, I wanted to share a few news updates that have been accumulating in my notebook…

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Family Biking: Share your new bike stories!

New bikes don’t care about the weather!
(Photos: Madi Carlson)

I don’t observe Christmas myself, but I’m happy to celebrate it with other people. One of my favorite parts of this season seeing kids and adults on new (or new-to-them) bikes.

Our Family Biking column is sponsored by Clever Cycles.

➤ Read past entries here.

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