In about five weeks 10,000 people will fill Portland streets on bikes wearing nothing (or next to nothing) at all. The 14th annual Portland World Naked Bike Ride (WNBR) will happen June 24th. And while most of you haven’t even thought about it much yet, the organizers have been working for months to make sure the ride goes smoothly.
Tale of Two Taxes: The bicycle tax and taxing transportation system.
The Bike Industry leaders in the May 15th BikePDX article state an excellent articulation of the troubles with taxing a single mode. Earlier this month a comment was made about taxing the ADA modes of wheel chairs & personal mobility devices as bringing intersections into ADA compliance is expensive. Taxing waffle material on sneakers could sarcastically satisfy the madness of Trump to balance tariffs in making pedestrians pay for Walk lights and stripe-ings and street calming measures. These, of course, are a snarky revelation that taxing a mode share can be a ridiculous paradigm.
But perhaps we need to chess move ahead. One of the programs that was successful in England was allowing companies to buy bicycles for their employees. The company could write off the bicycle costs as a company expense. The employee was then allowed to buy the bicycle from the company with specific employment guidelines (e.g. duration of employment). The employee could use pretax payroll dollars to purchase the bicycle. This boosted the use of bicycles tremendously during the ‘programme.’ This could be a simple amendment attached to the transportation bill which supports a positive active transportation scheme. Using honey to reduce cars on the road might be a bigger benefit than the 2 million potential dollars income from taxing bicycles. We need a legislator to write an amendment.
Associated with this concept is also a bicycle tax credit for those individuals who do not own a car and have purchased a new bicycle for the primary transportation. This would be easy to check through Oregon DMV. Again, to echo all the dealers: we need to promote efficient, health maintaining, sustainable modes of transportation. We need a legislator to write an amendment.
I spent a frustrating decade of the 2000s talking with legislative people who kept telling me that they receive more calls from angry citizens that bicycles don’t pay their way than they did from citizens who want bicycle infrastructure. The old BTA produced two great position papers in those days to show how people who ride bicycles do pay for road transportation in many ways. Our anemic sector participation in government of the last decades has come to roost in many ways. I ~sometimes late at night~ felt ‘let them tax us- get this off the table so we can have substantial development of infrastructure instead of millimeter steps. In those days, it was a turncoat’s idea to acquiesce to paying tax on bicycles. And there still is an vague sense that there is a potential quid pro quo of ODOT saying, well you only raised 2 million in taxes and that’s all you get for active transportation. We are still having this partisan, polarizing conversation as car drivers get to stare at each other at slower congested speeds and bicycles get to whiz by them at healthy speeds.
It is also frustrating that cars represent half of all the 3 mile trips. It is frustrating that the ODOT’s Orego system of taxing miles used instead of gas consumed gets such a bad rap. The Orego system as presented in our Oregon’s sustainability meetings in 2008 has the potential of taxing congestion. This is because the system knows exactly where and when you are on a congested highway and time period. No different than the iphone’s Find Friends. Literally, the tax could be applied where and when congestion occurred. For example, if you entered I-84 at 181st street and came into downtown, that precise route by the vehicle is recorded & could be charged a congestion rate from 730 to 930 AM. The structure is there. This is much less programming than the algorithms of driverless vehicles proceeding along I-84 during congested highway times. There was no political will to forecast this as a solution. ODOT and legislators cowered then and now.
Thinking that bicycling is taxing our transportation system costs and a bicycle tax is part of a bill that attempts to ameliorate congestion makes me mad. The child in me wants to strike/protest and really show how the absence of bicycles would tax the system. One idea that Lenny Anderson and I had separately was to have an All Car Day in Portland. Organize all those who bicycle to work crossing the bridges to get up early (530-600 AM) and occupy all the parking spaces with cars. Park in all the spaces on the street. Park in all the garages. Have a simple sign on each car stating “This car was a bicycle yesterday.” Imagine the 14,000 bikes coming into downtown Portland being a car instead. What a reality check for those complaining about congestion. Cars tax the system, not bicycles. ~AJZ
Job Title *
Mechanic Sales Staff
Company/Organization *
Portland Bicycle Studio
Job Description *
We are hiring service and sales staff for our retail bike shop. Qualified candidates must be prepared to deliver consistent and exceptionally friendly customer service and be self-motivated to sell the entire range of our products and services.
Full time and part time positions available immediately. Wage negotiable dependent on applicant’s experience and ability. Qualified applicants will have several years of retail experience. Apprentice and intern opportunities are available.
Portland Bicycle Studio is dedicated to building a diverse staff and strongly encourages applications from minorities and women.
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Willing to work weekends
Must be computer literate and tech savvy
Must be able to safely lift and move a minimum of 50 lbs.
Possess a valid driver’s license and be willing to drive
JOB DESCRIPTION:
Our customers and services span the low-end to very high-end in bicycles, P&A and services. The ability to listen to, communicate with and meet the needs of non-cyclists, neighborhood folks, families, bike commuters as well as core-cyclists, multi-sport riders and professional athletes is vital.
The shop environment is intimate and requires that you work closely with our clients and your co-workers. You will be expected to behave professionally, maintain a positive, welcoming environment and communicate effectively with your coworkers and management. The shop is multifaceted and can get exceptionally busy. The ability to complete work quickly, efficiently, thoroughly and to an extremely high standard is required.
COMMUNICATION:
Conduct all internal and external communication in a solution/goal oriented manner
Return all phone and e-mail messages within 24 hours
Answer incoming phone calls and respond to incoming customer email
Effectively follow up with all clients and coworkers
Take detailed and complete notes/messages and ensure they are communicated clearly to the proper staff member or client asap
Be able to transition customers, sales or jobs to/from another staff member as needed or requested
Able to pause a job in progress to assist customers
You must be able to work together with your coworkers to complete service and sales
STANDARDS:
You must be familiar with bicycle fitting concepts and application.
You must be familiar with and able to sell or service ALL bicycles, P&A, components, drivetrain and suspension technologies.
Not limited to:
Di2
Campagnolo
SRAM eTap
Hydraulic brake systems
Front and rear suspension
Tubeless technology
Tubular tire installation
Internal routing
Carbon Fiber repair and damage assessment
Willing to have your work held to a checklist for completion of any type of service
Willing to create and enforce checklists and hold all coworkers to shop policy and standard
Able to troubleshoot and create solutions for systems that do not have readily available replacement parts
Knowledge of appropriate vendors and ability to source the correct parts or tools to ensure the quickest possible turn-around times
Be able to assess any client’s bicycle/jobs and generate an accurate fiscal and completion turnaround estimate that meets and exceed our client’s satisfaction
Take ownership for individual jobs/orders and follow them through to completion
You must also have the desire to actively promote/represent the business and participate in special events, sales, community and promotional events as they are added to the calendar. You will be expected to be available to participate in technical trainings, clinics, and service summits in order to be informed in the latest service procedures, techniques, and products.
Accurately track, handle and input special orders, inventory and sales into the POS
Follow business policies for special ordering and custom items and work
Ensure that the business runs to company policy and standards in the absence of management
Prepare the inside and outside of shop and service areas for normal operations before scheduled opening times
Complete all closing procedures, including cleaning up showroom and work stations and ensuring all continuing jobs are communicated appropriately with coworkers and clients after scheduled closing times.
You must be able to actively listen and take input, feedback and criticism on technical work, internal and external communication and sales techniques.
We work together to make each other better, uphold shop policies and standards and exceed all of our client’s expectations of communication, sales and service.
How to Apply *
To apply, email a resume or CV to:
molly@portlandsportsgroup.com
Job Title *
Bicycle Mechanic – Part time
Company/Organization *
Bike Clark County
Job Description *
Job Title: Bicycle Mechanic – Part time (possibility for full-time position in the future)
Reports to: Board of Directors – Bike Clark County
Salary: Depends on experience
Terms: Bi-annual performance reviews by the Board of Directors
About the Organization:
We love bicycles and we want to help other people in our community love bicycles as much as we do. Our organization has developed a positive reputation by providing low cost and free bicycles to the kids in our community, teaching both kids and adults basic bicycle mechanical skills and delivering bicycle safety courses. We are the only bicycle advocacy, safety and education organization in SW Washington and want to continue to grow and do more in our community. Bike Clark County is a 501c3 non-profit organization founded in 2010 that is run entirely by volunteers. Our mission is states: “Through community partnerships and the effort of volunteers, we promote bicycle access, education, safety and the enjoyment of cycling to the children and adults of SW Washington.” Current programs include a refurbished bicycle and new helmet give away, Bicycle Safety Rodeos and Summer Camps and several Middle School Bicycle Safety programs. Funding for Bike Clark County programs co mes entirely from community donations. The organization’s current budget is approximately 10,000 per year.
Summary of Position: Our bicycle mechanics are paramount to the success of our programs and the connection between a bicycle and the community we serve. We also rely on our professionally trained mechanics to support our programs by leading volunteers and acting as subject matter experts. Mechanics are responsible for all aspects of the shop operation and work directly with the Board of Directors to ensure we are meeting the organization’s needs. Work is seasonal depending on the current program.
General Responsibilities:
1. Safely tune up, overhaul and repair bicycles used for sale, donation or for support of our other programs. Perform maintenance on bicycle components in accordance with United Bicycle Institute and other accepted industry standards and best practices.
2. Interact with the public and answer questions regarding bicycle maintenance, our programs or our organization. Promote our organization and our positive community reputation.
3. Maintain a clean and safe workspace. General cleaning to include sweeping floors, trash removal trash and recycling bins, as necessary. Perform general tool maintenance and keep our shop area neat and organized.
4. Assist volunteers. Act as a subject matter expert to provide leadership to our volunteers and program participants. Work as a team.
5. Write track and file official records of the organization and other documents. Maintain and track receipts, parts invoices and order forms.
6. Maintain inventory. Order parts, tools and supplies, remembering that we are funded by donations and the community trusts us to be fiscally responsible with their donation.
7. Accept bicycles or bicycle related donations from the community.
8. Protect the security of our facility and equipment. Report hazards and any unsafe situations. Remember we are guests and keep a positive relationship with our host, Burgerville.
9. See that the Bike Clark County Board of Directors is kept fully informed on the condition of our shop space and all-important factors influencing it. Report any unusual situation that impacts our organization.
10. Act as a representative of Bike Clark County and a role model to the youth in our programs.
Other necessary skills:
• Ability manage his or her own time and prioritize – be a self-starter and take ownership
• Good team player and communicate clearly and honestly
• Able to problem solve and work in a fast paced environment with a good, fun loving attitude
How to Apply *
Please submit cover letter, resume, and 3 references too:
Info@bikeclarkcounty.org
Sincerely,
Bike Clark County, Board of Directors
Right now in Salem, lawmakers are drafting a statewide transportation funding package that aims to raise over $8 billion. As we reported last week, one small piece of that new revenue — an estimated $2 million a year — would come from a 5 percent tax on the purchase of new bicycles.
The tax would add $35 to the average price of a new bike purchased at a bike shop. It would be an unprecented step for Oregon and the only tax of its kind in America.
Not surprisingly, bike shop owners throughout Oregon are very concerned.
Job Title *
Professional Bicycle Mechanic
Company/Organization *
Tuite Bicycle Repair
Job Description *
Professional Bicycle Mechanic.
How to Apply *
Come by my shop to indroduce yourself.
-Tommy Tuite
Tuite Bicycle Repair
2234 N Lombard
97217
One of the most popular features on BikePortland is the occasional “People On Bikes” photo series, where we get to see our collective selves whizzing by on our bikes in Jonathon’s helpfully numbered photographs. Appreciative comments always follow, on #15’s adorable-dog-in-trailer or #20’s impeccable riding-cap-and-country-gentleman sense of style.
Some of us, however, have no time for pets-on-bikes or the fashion aspects of city cycling. While others are busy admiring the riders, we are fixated on what is between their legs.
I mean the bicycles, of course. We’re like, “hey, #7 is a ‘70s Peugeot AO-8!” “Um, what did the rider look like?” “Sorry, didn’t notice.”
Welcome to the world of bike geekery, of fascination with frames and componentry, clever design and old-world craftsmanship, gear-inches and effective rim diameters, shiny bling and subtle gleam.
Two aspects of bike geekery will be celebrated on the first weekend of Pedalpalooza, at the “Velocirque” weekend at Velocult. This is the third Velocirque; Velocult started doing these shows last year during Pedalpalooza and if you have even a little bit of bike geek in you, its well worth a peek.
On Saturday June 3, we’ll oogle over old-school “classic and vintage” bicycles. 1960s Italian city bikes to 1980s racebikes, from Cinelli to Hutchins, if it is cool and old, it is welcome in this DIY bike show. Here’s the Pedalpalooza blurb – show starts at 3 p.m.:
VELOCIRQUE BY VELOCULT
Velocult, 1969 NE 42nd Avenue
Saturday June 3rd – 10:00am, Ride 10 am, show 3 pm
Velocirque Saturday Classic & Vintage Bike Ride And Show. Bring your C&V bike to ride in the morning and show in the afternoon. Any C&V bike is invited – roadies, randos, tourers, mountain bikes, city bikes, Stingrays, track bikes. NOS garage queens or well worn racer, anything with soul. The ride will be at 10 am on Saturday: meet at Velocult, socially paced, not too long. The show starts at 3 pm and goes to whenever the shop closes. Bring a bike stand, if you have one.
http://www.shift2bikes.org/cal/viewpp2017.php#03-6267
===
On Sunday June 4, we’ll jump to the the opposite end of the spectrum and geek out over the coolest new designs and bikes from Portland’s most inventive framebuilders. These are “Modern Customs”, custom frames made by frame builders who are still actively taking orders. Maybe an order from you? There will be everything from utility frames with geared hubs and belt drives, lugged steel in the classic tradition, titanium and carbon cross and race bikes, and who knows what else our local framebuilder community has dreamed up. Here is the Pedalpalooza blurb – show starts at 3:00 p.m.:
VELOCIRQUE BY VELOCULT
Velocult, 1969 NE 42nd Avenue
3:00pm
Velocirque Sunday Modern Custom Bike Show. Dedicated to the craft and creativity of the bicycle framebuilder. Meet our area’s best framebuilders, check out their cool bikes and frames, and bring your own modern custom bike to show off. “Modern custom” means a custom built frame by a frame builder who is still taking orders. Lugged steel to Ti to custom carbon layup, racer to rando to city, its all here.
Sky Boyer, Velocult, 503-933-2012
http://www.shift2bikes.org/cal/viewpp2017.php#04-6268
Two afternoons of groovy old bikes, cool new bikes, and lots of unashamed bike ogling, what could be better?
Oh, and there’s beer, too.
This week’s Monday Roundup is sponsored by Biketown, who reminds you that: “Even if you own a bike, you can’t beat the convenience of BIKETOWN – it’s perfect for one-way trips or spontaneous rides. Join today and Save $20!”
Welcome to the week. Here are the best stories we came across in the past seven days…
Carfree cold feet: Some business interests and other residents are raising concerns about a plan to make a major corridor in central Berlin carfree by 2019.
Bringing bikeways back: British bicycling journalist and author Carlton Reid is up another wonderful project: the resurrection of a network of bike highways built in the UK in the 1930s. And don’t forget to check his Kickstarter.
A day in the life: Urban researchers found that about 1/3 of riders in a study had a close-call and many were the target of dangerous driving and verbal assault.
Getting justice: Road rage is more common than people think. If it happens to you, here’s a tale of why it’s so important to get a license plate number and pursue a case against the perpetrator.
I’ll opt for the bike: New, peer-reviewed research out of New York City shows that amount of bus trips fell 2.42 percent with every thousand bike-share docks.
Here’s an excellent way to recognize National Bike Month and help a local organization get more involved with cycling.
We’ve heard through the grapevine that the Washington State School for the Blind is in desperate need of tandem captains for an event this Monday afternoon (5/15).
As part of a new cycling program aimed at helping blind and low vision people experience the thrills and skills of cycling, the school is hosting a series of training rides at Portland International Raceway. These rides will lead to a race series (sanctioned by the Oregon Bicycle Racing Association) that will be part of the full training program that will launch next summer.
18 students who have signed up for the May 15th ride still need a captain!
What’s an advocacy group to do when they strongly oppose a policy idea, but are cognizant of the broader political context that surrounds it? It’s a complicated question that often has no easy answer.
This year has been absolutely brutal weather-wise. So much water has fallen from the sky that it seems as though I can count on one hand how many times I’ve left home for a ride and not gotten wet at least once. The recent few days of sun have been a welcome change, but there are still a lot of rainy days ahead before the reliably dry late-summer-fall season.
Looking for a new job? Local bike industry stalwart Velotech (the same folks behind the Western Bikeworks retail and online stores) has listed two fresh positions.
Learn more about each one via the links below…
–> Customer Experience Specialist – Velotech