🚨 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 🙏

Portland is finally closing the Naito Gap by converting a passing lane

naito gap

This 1,500-foot stretch of NW Naito has been a barrier to biking between downtown and northwest Portland, but it’s about to change.
(Image: Google Street View)

After nine years of sometimes elaborate plans to connect NW Naito Parkway’s bike lanes north and south of the Steel Bridge, the city’s transportation bureau has found a way.

The secret: it’s removing an unnecessary passing lane in each direction between NW Davis and NW Ironside Terrace to create continuous bike lanes that will be, at their widest, 10 feet with a four-foot buffer.

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Council pulls parking mandate after affordability advocates pile into hearing

Buffered Bike Lane with a bike symbol and arrow pointing forward
Portland City Council

Portland City Council: Steve Novick, Amanda Fritz, Charlie Hales, Dan Saltzman and Nick Fish.
(Photo: J.Maus/BikePortland)

Five days after the city council seemed headed for a vote to mandate garages in larger transit-oriented apartment buildings in the Northwest District, it’s put the proposal on hold.

The decision came after opponents of mandatory parking organized a letter-writing campaign and then outnumbered supporters nearly three to one at the council’s Wednesday hearing.

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Editorial: Even if more garages were a good idea, they’re pointless without permits

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empty lower garage

The empty apartment garage at NE 12th and Ankeny.
(Photo: M.Andersen/BikePortland)

At the risk of overloading BikePortland with one subject (we’ll also be covering the outcome of this afternoon’s hearing about parking vs. housing in northwest Portland), one pretty simple fact seems to be getting lost in the city’s big transportation debate of the moment.

More or bigger parking garages will do nothing to reduce curbside parking unless people have some new reason to use them.

Right now, in Portland’s Northwest District, a parking space in a garage or lot costs about $1,800 per year. A city permit to hunt for space on the public curb costs $60 per year.

So what on earth is going to motivate anyone to park their car in the bigger garages that the city’s law would mandate? There’s only one answer: It would have to remain extremely annoying to find street parking in the Northwest District.

So if the only way this policy works is if the curbs of the Northwest District remain crowded, what is the point of mandatory garages in the first place?

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Job: Rideshare Assistant – Salem-Keizer Transit District

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Job Title *
Rideshare Assistant

Company/Organization *

Salem-Keizer Transit District

Job Description *
SALARY RANGE: $18.76 per hour

OPENS: June 24, 2016
CLOSES: July 15, 2016

JOB SUMMARY:
Permanent and part-time position under the direction of the Rideshare and Outreach Coordinator perform a wide
variety of duties relating to the promotion of transportation options such as
ridesharing, vanpooling, bicycling, transit and pedestrian travel.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
• Act as the first point of contact for Cherriots Rideshare telephone calls and
internet or in-person inquiries.
• Assist in the management and customer experience of Drive Less
Connect – the statewide ridematching database.
• Assist in the coordination of Cherriots Rideshare and Salem-Keizer
Transits’ participation in community outreach events.
• Assist with the information gathering, writing, editing and management of
transportation options information and communication (including, but not
limited to social media, news articles and website updates).
• Assist the Rideshare Specialist with coordination of the quarterly meetings
for Employee Transportation Coordinators (ETC’s).
• Provide ETC’s with appropriate program information, flyers, posters, or
other marketing collateral as needed.
• Manage administrative aspects of the Emergency Ride Home program.
• Participate in statewide TDM and regional (Oregon/Washington) planning
groups as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS:
Requires knowledge of the field of assignment and physical ability sufficient to
perform thoroughly and accurately the full scope of responsibility as illustrated by
example in the above Essential Job Functions of this Job Description.

Knowledge of:
• Office management principles, methods, and procedures.
• Knowledge of proper spelling, grammar, punctuation, and sentence
structure to ensure that written materials prepared and reviewed are
complete, concise, and error-free.
• Knowledge of basic electronic-mail functions (email), electronic
calendaring programs and internet research tools.
Ability to:
• Ability to operate a telephone, automobile and bicycle with trailer
(provided).
• Ability to work as an effective team member and establish and maintain
effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Ability to communicate effectively with other employees and the general
public using courtesy, tact, and good judgment.
• Ability to work with diverse individuals.
• Ability to lift, push or pull up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to ride a bike at least 3 miles per trip
• Ability to travel occasionally to attend meetings and conferences

Skills:
• Use of a desktop or laptop computer and have competency in MS Office
programs including Word, Excel and Power Point.
• A valid Oregon State Driver’s License and a driving record acceptable to
the District’s insurance carrier.
Desirable, but not essential:
• Experience writing human interest stories or similar articles for a
newsletter or newspaper
• Familiarity with database management software (Such as Access or Fie
Maker Pro)
• Experience using google docs
• Bilingual

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
No criminal conviction that may, in the sole judgment of the District, constitute a
threat to property or the safety of others.

OTHER INFORMATION:
This is a part-time position, working a flexible 20 hour work week. This schedule
is subject to occasional adjustment because of the timing of some of the projects
or events associated with the program.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
A minimum of one year of experience working with the public is highly desirable.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
Work is normally performed in an office environment, with occasional evening or
weekend meetings. Equipment utilized includes standard office equipment
including personal computer with spreadsheet, word processing, and other job
specific software.

How to Apply *
Submit an Application:
By Email: recruitment@cherriots.org

In Person: 555 Court St. NE, Suite 5230, in Salem, Oregon.

By Mail: Attention Human Resources, Salem-Keizer Transit, 555 Court St. NE, Suite 5230, Salem, OR 97301.

QUESTIONS?
Contact the Human Resources Division at 503-588-2424.
Our office hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Salem-Keizer Transit is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Job: Executive Director – Westside Transportation Alliance

Buffered Bike Lane with a bike symbol and arrow pointing forward

Job Title *
Executive Director

Company/Organization *
Westside Transportation Alliance

Job Description *
WTA is seeking an Executive Director (ED) to lead a thriving organization that is working towards increased transportation options in Washington County. Currently WTA is run by two full-time staff and an eight-member Board of Directors. We are a small but nimble organization that works with a wide range of large and small employers and government agencies across Washington County. We partner with other organizations and work with consultants to deliver different programs and services as we strive to fulfill our mission in the community.

The responsibilities of the Executive Director include but are not limited to the following:

•Organizational Capacity and Resource Development
o Expand membership base in a sustainable manner
o Develop partnerships with the business community and local jurisdictions and promote the shared values among different groups
o Identify and pursue grants and funding opportunities
o Develop partnerships with other groups and organizations with a shared value in transportation options

•Operations
o Keep the Board actively informed on substantive financial, legal, regulatory, personnel, and programmatic matters
o Maintain accurate financial and accounting records with the assistance of bookkeeper and accountant
o Maintain appropriate record of Board and organizational processes and procedures
o Ensuring accurate and appropriate management of grants, including timely grant reporting and invoicing
o Maintain an up-to-date website with useful information for members and partners

•Personnel
o Manage and supervise WTA staff in a positive and supportive manner
o Recruit and hire new staff as needed and as the budget allows
o Hire and manage contractors and consultants based on organizational and project needs

•Advocacy and representation
o Represent WTA at regional and local levels, as well as private and public forums
o Promote the value and mission of WTA
o Advocate for policies and projects at the local or state levels that align with the mission of WTA
o Develop compelling printed and electronic material to promote the mission, values, and programs of WTA
o Host an annual meeting for members and partners and deliver an annual report at the meeting

•Programs and Projects
o Develop and deliver meaningful programs and services
o Fulfill responsibilities associated with grants (e.g. Metro RTO Two-year Work Plan)
o Assist member organizations with the Department of Environment Quality Employee Commute Options (ECO) surveys
o Track and update measurable member impacts annually

We are looking for someone who is a self-starter and an energized leader, who is comfortable at forming partnerships and building consensus. In addition, the ideal candidate should possess the following qualities:
•Knowledge and passion for issues related to local and regional transportation options and policy
•Leadership and enthusiasm to champion the cause and mission of WTA
•Ability to listen and motivate others to help champion the cause and mission of WTA
•Ability to marshal the skills, knowledge, and resources of the Board of Directors
•Charisma and networking talents to build relationships within the community
•An outgoing and positive persona with excellent verbal and written communication skills
•A firm commitment to high standards in nonprofit accountability and management
•Ability to take initiative, work independently and stay motivated with limited guidance
•Strong organization and management skills
•Experience in overseeing the financial and accounting aspects of an organization
•Quick thinker and problem solver; ability to tackle unexpected challenges
•Ability to multi-task and be resourceful in a small organization

See website post for full description:
http://www.wta-tma.org/wta-is-hiring-an-executive-director/

How to Apply *
Please submit the following materials to wta@wta-tma.org with the word “Executive Director” and your name in the subject no later than noon, Friday July 15.

• A complete, chronological resume, including dates of employment
• The names and contact information for four references
• A cover letter with answers to the following questions:

o How have your prior work experience and personal interests led you to believe that you would be a good fit for this position? Please elaborate on any specific experience related to nonprofit operations and accountability, and grant management and reporting.
o In your opinion, what are some opportunities and challenges to using transportation options such as transit, ridesharing, or bicycling in a suburban environment such as Washington County?

Job: Operations Lead-Sales Associate – Western Bikeworks

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Job Title *
Operations Lead-Sales Associate

Company/Organization *
Western Bikeworks

Job Description *
This position will also act as the primary staff member responsible for maintaining an accurate
inventory database and linking their store to the company’s product supply chain by processing
and verifying all incoming and outgoing parts, accessories, and bicycles. The time split in this position will be 80% operations and 20% retail sales.

ESSENTIAL OPERATIONS FUNCTIONS INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:
• Process outbound Inter-store and store to warehouse transfers
• Fulfil telephone and online requests for product
• Verify inbound transfers, confirm that customers are contacted and store personnel is notified of product arrival
• Direct mechanics to check-in bikes in order of urgency (Paid, Customer request, etc)
• Verify that directly shipped product is received following proper procedure
o Purchase orders are entered
o Match product to vendor pack-slip
o Report discrepancies to purchasing
o Submit paperwork to accounting
• Conduct regular physical inventory counts, and train and supervise sales staff while they do the same
• Research inventory discrepancies and report final inventory discrepancies to supervising manager
• Assist store manager in keeping store stocked with supplies, forms, and office supplies

ESSENTIAL RETAIL FUNCTIONS INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:
• Operate store Point of Sale equipment
• Assist customers with product selection by spending the time to learn about the customer’s needs and then suggesting appropriate product to satisfy those requirements. This will extend (but not be limited) to bicycle selection and sizing, nutrition selection, and accessory selection
• Provide higher than expected (by the customer) customer service including but not limited to assisting with removal of bicycles from their vehicle, searching all possible avenues for special order or out of stock product, expediting all service and transactions as much as possible, and hand writing thank you cards
• Prepare the retail store for normal operations at opening time (lights, signage, setup PCs, etc) and handle End of Day procedures
• Assist with the setup and teardown of marketing events at the store (movie premieres, vendor presentations, etc)
• Work on receiving, placing product on the floor, store cleanliness, etc. at the discretion of the store manager
• Answer incoming phone calls and respond to incoming customer email
• Has basic level mechanic capabilities (change a flat tire, operate quick release)

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS:
• No specific formal education is required
• A bicycle background is a must
• Must be computer literate
• Able to effectively manage time and meet deadlines

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• Solid knowledge of cycling products
• Strong interpersonal, written, and oral communication
• Ability to be an advocate for cycling in the local community
• Ability to work independently or with others to manage multiple task with minimal supervision.
• Ability to spend time talking to people about bicycles.
• Regular weekend work required
• Available to provide coverage at other locations when needed

BENEFITS
• Competitive Pay
• Generous Employee Discounts
• Health Insurance
• Paid Time Off

How to Apply *
Please apply through our company link below:

http://bit.ly/29qKUfL

As bike share stations hit the streets, 550 annual memberships are sold so far

empty bikeshare station

An empty bike share station near Tilikum Crossing.
(Photo: Portland Bureau of Transportation)

The first publicly visible news of Portland’s long-awaited Biketown system has arrived.

Its vessel: 100 rows of simple, sturdy metal tongues painted fluorescent orange, each with an oversize eyelet through which bike share users will thread the system’s built-in U-locks.

These rows (“stations”) will be spread around the 8.1-square-mile service area that opens for business July 19. Twenty of them will have solar-powered pillars with digital screens (“kiosks”) that let you purchase a one-time ride or a daily or annual membership on site with your credit card.

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First annual Pedalpalooza awards recognize the festival’s best

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monster bike

Dan S. with his creation, the democratically elected “best bike” of Pedalpalooza 2016. The jaw opens and the eye blinks.
(Photos: M.Andersen/BikePortland)

Portland’s annual open-source bike festival ended Monday with a cookout picnic in Woodlawn Park, complete with a vertical flamethrower rigged atop a huge bike-towed grill and a dozen handmade awards for the best rides and riders of the year.

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