The Monday Roundup: Myopic marketing, wheelchair biking, pedaling protest, and more

Welcome to the week. Looks like the rain is gone for a bit and we’ve warmed up a bit. I might even try riding without gloves today. I know, right!

You might notice something new this week: I’ve started giving credit to sources of links we use in the roundup. Giving credit is one of the most important tenets of the web, and it’s always bothered me that I didn’t do this in the past. I also hope you’ll discover new and smart people to follow on Twitter.

Here are the best stories we came across last week…

Unsafe at any level of nudity: A man is suing the City of Portland for $566,000 after he hit a median curb on SE Morrison and suffered injuries on his way home from the World Naked Bike Ride in 2016. (via The Oregonian)

On a related note: Los Angeles paid out $19 million last year to bicycle riders and their families to settle lawsuits related to crashes caused by unsafe road conditions. (via @bikinginorange)

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Comment of the Week: How to fix east Portland’s scary streets

(Photo: J. Maus/BikePortland)

[Welcome to our Comment of the Week. We do this post not only to highlight a useful or funny or creative insight, but also to help educate you about what makes a good comment. It’s part of our effort to improve the quality of the discussion here on BikePortland. We get hundreds of comments each week, so you can help us find the best ones by replying to one with “Comment of the week.” Thanks.]

Many people are overwhelmed by the scale of changes needed to significantly tame auto traffic on east Portland’s fast and wide arterials. When we talk about how to fix this persistent problem, the discussion swings between everything from lower speed limits and road diets — to land-use and demographic patterns.

The death yesterday morning of yet another person walking on outer Southeast Stark had commenters once again sharing ideas on what can be done to make meaningful progress on safer streets in that part of our city.

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Monday is last day to visit ODOT’s online congestion pricing open house

Freeway space is both a finite resource and one that comes with many negative externalities. It should cost much more to use.
(Photo: J. Maus/BikePortland)

For most other services, when demand soars, the price increases. But not with our freeways. Is it time for us to pay more for using our limited road resources?

The Oregon Department of Transportation has started a process that will help them decide if, when, where and how to implement congestion pricing — which they refer to as value pricing.

ODOT is acting on a directive from House Bill 2017 that passed the Oregon Legislature last year. It directs the Oregon Transportation Commission (OTC, the governor-appointed body that controls ODOT pursestrings) to seek approval from the Federal Highway Administration by December 2018 to implement pricing on I-5 and I-205. The bill specifically called out the sections of both freeways in the Portland metro region.

At this stage in the process, ODOT is conducting a “feasibility analysis” to determine the best location(s) to implement pricing and what the impact of doing so would be. Late last month they held three open houses around the region and since January 23rd they’ve had an online open house where anyone can learn more about the issue and share their experiences and feedback. That online open house is only open until this Monday, February 5th. If you haven’t checked it out yet, please try and make some time before it’s too late.

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Job: Shipping Specialist – Velotech

Buffered Bike Lane with a bike symbol and arrow pointing forward

Job Title *
Shipping Specialist

Company/Organization *
Velotech

Job Description *
Cart Logic, Inc. is looking for a detail oriented shipping specialist to join our fast paced and fast growing operation. This person will be expected to pick, pack, and ship customer orders and receive incoming shipments in a timely manner.

Additionally there will be many random tasks that will assist in warehouse operation.

* Must be able to lift 50lbs
* Must be comfortable with ladders
* Enthusiasm for cycling
* Full-time
* Great benefits and vacation package

Cart Logic, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, color, age, national origin, religion, disability, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship, pregnancy or veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.

How to Apply *
Please click on the link below to apply:

https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/index.php?/job/apply&clientkey=4C6D7027145254251F7D24DAA9BDF3F7&job=12603&jpt=

Job: Bike Mechanic/Sales Person – Metropolis Cycle Repair

Buffered Bike Lane with a bike symbol and arrow pointing forward

Job Title *
Bike Mechanic/Sales Person

Company/Organization *
Metropolis Cycle Repair

Job Description *
Metropolis is looking for two individuals who are passionate about cycling both as a means of transportation and as an awesome recreational activity.
We need one full time person (35-40 hours), and one part time (15-30 hours). Positions are seasonal, ending in October, but with the possibility of becoming permanent.

We’re a small shop, and everybody does a little bit of everything, but typical duties include:

Positively interacting with all customers
Tuneups and general bike repair and maintenance
Conducting mechanical estimates and assessments
Fielding phone calls
Helping customers with new bikes and accessories
Keeping the shop clean and tidy
Cash handling
Test riding completed repairs

Working at least one weekend day is required.
Bike shop experience is not absolutely required, but you will need to demonstrate a high degree of mechanical aptitude as well as knowledge of common bicycle components and systems.
We work on everything from vintage 3 speeds to the latest hydraulic brakes and 12 speed drivetrains.
Retail or similar experience is required.
Compensation is dependent on experience.

How to Apply *
Please submit a resume containing relevant experience as well as a cover letter either in person at the shop, or to brad@metropoliscycles.com.

Weekend Event Guide: Illuminated Bike Parade, Caddyshack Ride, Breadwinner Cafe grand opening, and more

LIght that bike and join the parade!
(Photo: J. Maus/BikePortland)

Bike. Love. Stories.

Don’t miss The Street Trust’s Live the Revolution bicycle-themed storytelling event on Friday, February 9th. Tickets and more info here.
*Advertisement

Is all the grey weather getting you down? Do you get unexpectedly happy when the sky turns bright? If so (or if not), you should check out the Portland Winter Light Festival. This year bike-related events are featured prominently. Biketown will place specially-lit bikes at stations near the start of the big parade near OMSI, Filmed by Bike will host an installation, you can get half-off a day-use bike share pass, and there’s a big bike parade!

We’ve got all the Winter Light Fest details and much more in this week’s guide…

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Cycle Oregon goes ‘Gravel’ and heads to eastern Oregon in 2018

The Hells Canyon Overlook will be one of many highlights in Cycle Oregon’s 2018 Classic ride.
(Photo: J. Maus/BikePortland)

Like a phoenix from the ashes of forest fires that caused the cancellation of last year’s ride, Cycle Oregon announced their 2018 season to much fanfare in front of hundreds of fans at the Portland Art Museum tonight.

Big crowd at tonight’s kickoff party at the Portland Art Museum seemed eager to get riding after a year off.
(Photo: J. Maus/BikePortland)

Before the meat of the presentation began, Executive Director Steve Schulz addressed the controversy around last year’s abrupt cancellation. Schulz humbly and fully apologized. “We learned we can always make improvements on how we do things and how we say things,” he said.

Then, as he appeared to choke up with emotion, he thanked the Cycle Oregon community for their support. Last year alone, in large part through riders who opted to donate $500 (half) of their entry fee, over $128,000 was donated to the Cycle Oregon Fund. “The money went back to those communities who suffered — not just from Cycle Oregon not being there, but from an entire season of wildfires.” “It reinforced to us,” he continued, “That you care about your fellow riders, you care about this state, you care about the communities, you care that we can continue to explore this state every year from the seat of a bicycle. This is your brand; and this brand is strong.”

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City unveils 11 winners of $100,000 in placemaking grants

Remember that grant program we told you about back in June? The one where the Bureau of Transportation was giving free money to anyone with a great idea on making streets better?

They received 63 applications and decided to award 11 of them.

Here are the winners (with project descriptions via PBOT):

Bridlemile Walkway $3,368

This project will transform a walkway in the Bridlemile neighborhood of SW Portland. The walkway is used by neighbors to access area schools, bus stops and grocery stores and is a part of the SW Trails network.

“Dia de las Niñas y los Niños” Parade and Celebration $3,625

This community event is hosted annually by the Rigler Elementary School PTA to celebrate the Latin American holiday. This year’s event will include a Safe Routes to School theme and promote active transportation options for students and families in the Cully neighborhood.

Heritage Tree Trail $1,200

The University of Portland Neighborhood Association will use this project to promote the use of urban trails and neighborhood greenways, while also increasing awareness of the heritage trees network in their North Portland community.

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Business leaders hear how Portland has fallen behind and needs their support to reach transportation goals

The event was held at the vintage decor shop Urbanite on SE Grand Ave.
(Photos: J. Maus/BikePortland)

Business for a Better Portland hosted its first policy event of the year last night. The up-and-coming association is looking to be a counterbalance the impact of the Portland Business Alliance, a more conservative group that has had a vast — and some would say deleterious — influence on city transportation policy over the years.

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Work begins on new Oregon Coast Bike Route plan, map update

It’s a world famous route that deserves more attention and resources.
(Photos: J. Maus/BikePortland)

The Oregon Department of Transportation is about to launch a new planning effort that will be the first significant update to the Oregon Coast Bike Route in over ten years.

According to an ODOT spokesperson, the official map will also get an update for the first time since 2010.

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Latest Headlines

PBOT staffer brought to tears after questioning from city councilors

Feds pitch in $250,000 for Cesar Chavez road diet

Oregon House Rep Travis Nelson airs concerns about North Willamette Blvd project

City Council cold on robotaxi bill as lawmakers set vote for next week

From the Archives

With six kids and no car, this mom does it all by bike