🚨 Please note: BikePortland is currently on hiatus and only publishing guest articles. Learn more here. Thank you. - Jonathan 🙏

As Portland’s housing shortage boils over, its mandatory car-housing policy seems safe

Justin Buri of the Community Alliance of Tenants tells Portland city council that Portland renters have a “right to the city” that is being denied by rising prices.
(Video: City of Portland)

At City Hall on Wednesday, a searing picture of what it means to be a low-income renter, looking for space in Portland’s housing crisis.

At City Hall on Thursday, a seemingly earnest discussion of whether it’s fair to charge cars more than $0 for taking up space.

Nobody is claiming that an opt-in neighborhood parking permit system — the main measure the city is considering — is anything close to a solution for Portlanders searching for housing amid one of the country’s worst housing shortages. Still, it was odd this week to watch Portland’s City Council lament as if capitalism mandated that even the very poor must pay for 130 square feet of bedroom, and then 21 hours later debate whether the government should continue to guarantee free 130-square-foot parking spaces almost everywhere in the city.

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Jobs of the Week

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Somehow we’ve fallen a bit behind with our job listings here on the Front Page, so now we’ve got nine hot and fresh job opportunities for your consideration. Learn more about them via the links below…

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Weekend Event Guide: Crusade opener, an alleycat, donuts and more

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Cross Crusade #1 Alpenrose-4-4

Whether your watch or ride, Cross Crusade at Alpenrose is unlike anything else.
(Photo © J. Maus/BikePortland)

This menu of delicious rides and events is brought to you by our friends at Hopworks Urban Brewery. Their support makes BikePortland possible.

The first weekend of the big Cross Crusade (which holds the world record for most participation in a one-day cross race with over 1,400 racers!) is upon us. There are two races at Alpenrose this weekend — both of which are arguably as much fun to watch as they are to compete.

The forecast calls for rain this weekend, but we think that just adds to the fall spirit. And the dark skies make those brightly colored leaves all the more beautiful. Right? Put on a jacket and get out there.

What do you have planned? Whatever it is, we hope it involves a bicycle. Enjoy your weekend.

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Legislators’ letter urges Metro to fund regional Safe Routes to School program

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saferoutes

(Photo: J. Maus/BikePortland)

Eight state legislators are chiming in their support of regional government Metro creating a regional Safe Routes to School program.

The proposal, which comes from a coalition of local transportation, health and justice advocacy groups, already has formal backing from the cities of Beaverton, Tigard, Milwaukie and Forest Grove, as well as the Beaverton School Board. It’s currently on track to become a major public issue next spring.

The idea is to dedicate some of the increasingly flexible federal transportation money that flows through Metro to giving elementary schools throughout the region an option to get a few classes in safe biking and walking, and to focus money for better crosswalks, sidewalks and bikeways around the same schools.

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Job: Retail Manager – The Lumberyard Bike Park

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Job Title *
Retail Manager

Company/Organization *
The Lumberyard Bike Park

Job Description *
Retail Manager

Job Summary:

The Lumberyard, a well known Pacific Northwest haven for BMX riders, dirt jumpers and their bikes. How about you? Are we speaking your language? Is this your scene?

The Lumberyard is seeking a qualified Service and Retail Shop Manager to lead operations in our proshop. This individual is responsible for all aspects of retail sales and bicycle service operations including working with management on setting and meeting budgets and revenue goals, managing inventory and offering a world-class customer experience, while contributing to the success of the Lumberyard team. While not their primary responsibility, this individual will also be required to assist in day to day park operations and customer service as necessary.

Job Responsibilities will require you to (in part):

• Serve as a knowledgeable resource to customers
• Assist in generating bike and accessory sales
• Optimize product mix and retail layout
• Remain current on industry products and trends, and demonstrate knowledge of products
• Work with vendors to maintain appropriate inventory levels
R• eceiving and logging all parts and supplies
• Protect company assets through loss prevention techniques
• Interface with the customer to assess service needs
• Manage mechanics on staff
• Inspect, service and/or repair customer bicycles
• Inspect, service and/or repair Lumberyard fleet bicycles
• Complete accurate work order paperwork and prioritize work orders in an expedient manner
• Demonstrate a professional standard of customer service
• Maintain a neat and orderly shop (equipment, tools and inventory)
• Communicate with management to achieve a seamless customer experience and maximize profitability

Qualifications:

• A passion for cycling and bicycles (Required)
• Minimum of 2 years experience as a manager of a retail bike shop (Required)
• Minimum of 2 years experience as a professional bike mechanic (Required)
• Knowledge of bicycle service tools, and machinery
• Knowledge of industry products and trends
• BMX and youth product knowledge a plus!
• Experience servicing all levels of BMX bike components
• Experience servicing all levels of mountain bike components including suspension and hydraulic brakes
• Ability to assemble high end custom bicycles
• Ability to stand and move in an active, team-oriented environment for extended periods of time
• Ability to communicate fluently with co-workers and guests in accurate spoken and written English
• Basic computer skills, including familiarity for POS systems and spreadsheets
• Ability to work a flexible schedule; including nights, holidays and weekends (Required)
• A willingness to adapt and learn
• A commitment to exceptional customer service

How to Apply *
Follow this link to apply:

Retail Manager

Lumberyard MTB
2700 NE 82nd Ave
Portland, Oregon, 97220
(503)252-2453

Street party caps Bike Commute Challenge, BTA says event will move to May

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bcc awards drawing

Eagerly awaiting awards for the most dedicated bike commuters.
(Photos: M.Andersen/BikePortland)

More than 200 people came to the parking lot of Portland Design Works Wednesday to celebrate the 2015 Bike Commute Challenge — which may also be the last one to be held in September.

In 2016, the Bicycle Transportation Alliance announced, the BTA will move its annual friendly competition to May to coincide with National Bike Month.

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