How to keep little bike passengers cozy in the cold

Handlebar mittens come as sets of two and work fine with shifters and brakes, though my kids like keeping their shifters visible.
Bundled-up bike passengers
Lots of layers is a good start; but there’s much more to keeping them comfortable.
(Photos: Madi Carlson)

You’ve decided to start biking more with your little ones. You’ve found routes that work for you. You’ve got your bike set-up figured out.

Our Family Biking column is sponsored by Clever Cycles.

➤ Read past entries here.

And then you look outside and realize it’s 35 degrees.

Pedaling my heavy bike keeps me warm, but it’s a different story for my non-pedaling passengers. They need at least one extra layer when it’s cold outside. That’s one of the many things I’ve learned over the years.

As we get our first major snow storm of the year, this week’s post is all about how to stay warm and dry while biking with kids. First, I’ll go over the things you can put on your bike, then I’ll share the things you can (hopefully) put on your kids.

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How are the Burnside Bridge construction zone changes treating you?

Dedicated bike lanes on the Burnside Bridge are closed while the County does repairs.
(Photos: J. Maus/BikePortland)

A two-year project to repair and upgrade the Burnside Bridge has started and it’s having an impact on everyone who uses it.

For bicycle users, the changes are mixed: In one direction conditions are much more cramped, in the other, some say it’s actually better than before.

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Chris Billman is the only Oregonian with a disabled parking decal for his bicycle

It’s not a bike, it’s a personal mobility device.
(Photos: Chris Billman)

61-year-old Forest Grove resident Chris Billman got a new lease on life when he discovered cycling.

He was born with scoliosis and suffers from a litany of degenerative issues including spinal stenosis and liver disease. He needs a cane to walk, and when he does, his legs can go numb.

But put his feet on pedals and everything changes.

Billman started riding years ago by putting upright “chopper” handlebars on a Schwinn 10-speed — a fine set-up for cruising around the neighborhood. Then in 2015 he invested in a recumbent and everything changed. “I was off and flying!” he told me during a phone call earlier this week in the voice of someone decades younger.

“They wanted to give me drugs, but the bicycle is better than opiates!”
— Chris Billman

“When I get on the bike I’m bent over like a pretzel,” he said. “But after I get on it my back is straight. If I can do that twice a week I’m in good shape. They wanted to give me drugs, but the bicycle is better than opiates!”

In fact they’re not just bicycles, they’re his personal mobility devices as defined by the federal Americans with Disabilities Act. Billman is currently the only Oregon resident with a disabled permit decal for his bicycle.

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Opinion: To make Portland safer, ODOT’s Rian Windsheimer must go

(Photo: J. Maus/BikePortland)

This post is written by Kiel Johnson, owner of the Go By Bike bike valet in South Waterfront.

The Oregon Department of Transportation, under the leadership of Rian Windsheimer, is trying to remove a bike lane on SE 26th without providing any satisfying reasons as to why this is a good idea. This should alarm anyone who thinks that Portland should be safer for bikes and that our transportation system should be designed around evidence. From favoring auto capacity over transit, to spending $450 million to widen a freeway while many of the most dangerous streets that are under state control lack safe crossings, ODOT has repeatedly proven they are not acting in the best interests of the people of Portland. If ODOT is going to regain the trust of the community they serve, there needs to be a cultural change at ODOT that starts at the top. The director of ODOT who oversees Portland, Rian Windsheimer, must go.

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Job: Finance Manager – Cycle Oregon

Buffered Bike Lane with a bike symbol and arrow pointing forward

Job Title *
Finance Manager

Company/Organization *
Cycle Oregon

Job Description *
Finance Manager

Position Type: Part-time, 20-25 hours per week. Requires flexibility season to season to accommodate the needs of Cycle Oregon events.

Cycle Oregon is a leading nonprofit organization in Oregon. Its vision is to promote the vitality of rural Oregon and its mission is to transform individuals and communities through bicycling. It accomplishes this by promoting bicycle tourism, including organizing the “best bike ride(s) in America,” partnering with organizations with shared goals and advocating for safety and infrastructure. In addition, Cycle Oregon strategically invests in rural communities through The Cycle Oregon Fund held at the Oregon Community Foundation, and annually grants an average of $125K to Oregon communities.

Cycle Oregon depends on confident, creative, collaborative and knowledgeable staff who are passionate about Cycle Oregon’s mission. The team is small but mighty and relies on their ability to leverage resources, as well as volunteer and partner support to amplify its mission and outcomes

Our small team needs a new Finance Manager who will support the financial and administrative operations. We offer a comfortable, casual work environment with a dedicated team of staff and volunteers. Everyone who works at Cycle Oregon has the opportunity to work on a variety of projects.

Our Finance Manager reports to the Executive Director and has primary responsibility for the accounting function. The position also provides administrative support and works on special projects.

Finance responsibilities include:

• Accounting duties to ensure accurate processing of accounts payable and accounts receivable
• Preparation of financial statements, using generally accepted accounting practices, and reports of financial results to the Executive Director including explanation and analysis
• Review and reconciliation of credit card expenses and bank accounts
• Preparation of the annual budget
• Compilation and organization of information for the annual audit
• Management of vendor contracts including customer service and issue resolution
• Assistance with inventory management; purchase and replacement of inventory under the supervision of the Executive Director

Administrative responsibilities include:

• Support and general clerical duties for Cycle Oregon team
• Maintenance of human resources records; orientation for new hires; training staff on office protocols and procedures
• Benefits administration in the areas of open enrollment, employee eligibility, etc.
• Technology improvements that will increase efficiency; implementation of approved procedures
• Support the resolution to technology-related issues and serve as point of contact for IT vendor
• Implementation of records retention and destruction to comply with legal requirements

Qualifications:

• Formal accounting and/or bookkeeping training
• Experience in a non-profit accounting, bookkeeping/finance environment (3-year minimum)
• Computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office software
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills to interact with staff and external partners
• Availability to travel and provide on-site support at events

Preferred by not required:

• BS in accounting, business or finance
• Proficiency with QuickBooks Online

Qualities:

• Commitment to the Cycle Oregon mission
• Organized, analytical and highly detail-oriented
• Demonstrate grace and humor under pressure
• Personal qualities of integrity and resourcefulness
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively to meet deadlines
• Comfortable working in a varied and fast-paced environment

Salary and Benefits:

Salary and Status: This is a non-exempt, part-time position. Hourly rate: $20 – $25 DOE.

How to Apply *
To apply please send your cover letter, resume and three references in PDF format via email to: Steve Schulz – steve@cycleoregon.com

The Monday Roundup: Our helmet fixation, safer trucks, busy biking bridges, and more

Welcome to the week.

We have just recovered from a pretty nasty battle with server bots and gremlins that took the site down last week. I apologize for the temporary lack of site access and then the lack of a comment section on many posts. Thankfully we appear to be past the problems (knocking on my wooden desk). Please let me know if you see something strange, and it don’t look good. One more thing… As part of those server issues, we’ve had to ditch our old “Related Posts” tool. We hope to find a replacement shortly.

Here are the most notable stories we came across in the past seven days…

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Zoobomb’s Ben Hurt Chariot Wars – Photo Gallery

Charioteers attempt to disable battlecars and bikes amid firecrackers and rowdy onlookers.
(Photos: J. Maus/BikePortland)

This past weekend was the annual Mini Bike Winter hosted by Zoobomb.

One of the many events participants competed in was the Ben Hurt Chariot Wars. The Chariot Wars have a long and glorious legacy and are the showcase event of the three-day Olympics. The winners get an iconic trophy and major bragging rights. They also get to make up the rules.

Speaking of which, here are the official 2018 rules:

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Job: Service Manager / Head Mechanic – Oregon E-Bikes

Buffered Bike Lane with a bike symbol and arrow pointing forward

Job Title *
Service Manager / Head Mechanic

Company/Organization *
Oregon E-Bikes

Job Description *
Oregon E-Bikes is seeking a bike-savvy team member to join its team. Seasonal availability for the 2018 season will be considered, though a long-term fit is preferred. We are headed into our second season and focus exclusively on electric bikes, and this team member will play an integral part in the customer experience on a day-to-day basis.

This is a great opportunity to live in beautiful Hood River and be a part of a team that is fun-loving, hard working and passionate about bikes. Prior experience with e-bikes is a bonus, but not a must. Prior bike mechanic experience is strongly preferred.

Ideal traits include:

-Bike mechanic knowledge
-Outgoing, fun loving, and empathetic personality
-Love of biking
-Retail sales experience
-Ability to work in a fast paced sales environment for up to nine hours a day

Compensation: DOE, and health insurance offered for year-round employees

How to Apply *
Please send your resume, references and a brief introduction of yourself to Jodie Gates (jodie@oregon-ebikes.com).

Check out oregon-ebikes.com, as well as our sister company bigwinds.com. We’ve been in business for 30 years in downtown Hood River, and are still loving it!

Job: Seasonal Mechanic & Customer Service – Citybikes Workers’ Cooperative

Buffered Bike Lane with a bike symbol and arrow pointing forward

Job Title *
Seasonal Mechanic & Customer Service

Company/Organization *
Citybikes Workers’ Cooperative

Job Description *
Citybikes Workers’ Cooperative is looking for 2-3 seasonal hires to begin work in April.

Qualifications:
Excellent customer service skills a must
2 years of shop experience preferred (sales/service)
Willingness to learn new and old technologies and share knowledge
Willingness to accept guidance and feedback related to job duties

Preferred skills:
Desire to be a part of a worker owner cooperative
Strong interpersonal skills and engagement in co-op structure
Marketing and design skills a plus
Social media skills a plus
Flexible schedule
Desire for cooperative ownership
Proficiency in Spanish language

Key Duties and Responsibilities:
Contribute to a warm and welcoming atmosphere for workers and customers
Intake, assess, repair, and check over bicycles
Assist in daily shop operations
Attend cooperative meetings and learn the cooperative process
Ability to work weekends
Strong attention to detail and follow through

Hours: Flexible

Benefits:
Competitive wages based on experience
Generous employee rates on purchases
Health stipend and sick leave
No traditional bosses
Ownership track options/off-season potential
Ability to learn different areas of a bike shop rather than stick to one role

Individuals who identify as people of color, women, trans, and/or non-binary are strongly encouraged to apply.

Citybikes strives to have an environment in which any cooperator can work in a safe and accepting environment, free from prejudice and/or discrimination of a person’s race, color, ancestry, place of origin, political beliefs, religion, martial status, family status, physical disability including HIV and AIDS, mental disability, sex, gender, sexual orientation, or age, or otherwise.

How to Apply *
Email your resume and cover letter to customerservice@citybikes.coop or bring it in person to our shop at 1914 SE Ankeny St, Portland OR 97214.

Jobs of the Week: Go By Bike, Cynergy E-Bikes, Stages Cycling, Community Cycling Center, Oregon Walks

Buffered Bike Lane with a bike symbol and arrow pointing forward

Some simply stellar opportunities for you to ponder this week.

Learn more about each of our freshest listings via the links below…

–> PT Bike Valet Attendant – Go By Bike

–> Service Manager & Sales – E-Bikes – Cynergy E-Bikes

–> General Accounting Specialist – Stages Cycling/Foundation Fitness

–> Bicycle Mechanic – Community Cycling Center

–> Executive Director – Oregon Walks

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Weekend Event Guide: Mini Bike Winter, Lunar New Year, two bridges, and more

Friends, fun, and folly await at Mini Bike Winter.
(Photos: J. Maus/BikePortland)

Are you ready for Mini Bike Winter?

ZooBomb’s annual event kicks off tomorrow night and continues through the weekend. If you can only make it out one day, I’d highly recommend Saturday. The MBW Olympics are sure to please and everyone’s welcome to join in the fun. The finale will be the infamous Ben Hurt Chariot Wars which pit teams against each other for an all-out duel. Last chariot standing takes home the trophy.

But of course that’s not all there is to do this weekend. Our calendar is full of great ideas and we’ve picked out a few highlights to share below…

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