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

Police response to Greenpeace action closes south sidewalk of St Johns Bridge (updated)

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greenpeace

Activists hang from the St. Johns Bridge
to block an oil ship’s passage.
(Photo: Greenpeace USA)

Update 5:45 p.m.: Police now say that only the southeast sidewalk (upstream, closer to downtown Portland) is closed and that officers were mistaken when they previously blocked people from crossing the bridge on bike or foot.

“It was just that someone didn’t get told,” Portland Police Bureau spokesman Sgt. Greg Stewart said Wednesday evening. “We’re just having people use the other side of the street.”

An updated version of the original post follows.

Some Portland police officers ordered the sidewalks of the St. Johns bridge closed to foot and bike traffic in response to a direct action on the bridge Wednesday.

Late Wednesday, police changed their operation and closed only the southeast (upstream) sidewalk to people on foot or bike.

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More biking = better driving. So why isn’t this said more often?

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kyle at daimler parking

Supercommuter Kyle Carlson preparing to head home.
(Photo: M.Andersen/BikePortland)

An article published today by the Portland-based magazine Oregon Business takes a look at a handful of local bike-commuting superstars who regularly pedal 20 to 40 miles each way to work and back.

Biking fans won’t find many surprises in the piece, though that doesn’t diminish the accomplishment of interviewees like Kyle Carlson, a recent Friday Profile subject here at BikePortland who bikes 39 miles from Hillsboro to North Portland and back several times a week.

But one passage in the post is a little unfamiliar in Portland’s transportation conversation these days. It’s the simple but (for some reason) rarely discussed fact that if Portland doesn’t decrease the percentage of trips that happen by car, everybody who actually needs to get around by car or truck is going to be screwed.

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Job: Mechanic / Sales / Management – The Bike Commuter

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Job Title *
Mechanic / Sales / Management

Company/Organization *
The Bike Commuter

Job Description *
Full Time position available for a skilled mechanic who can multitask! Our shop is a do-it-all environment where you will need to switch quickly between wrenching, selling, and some management work. It’s a fun, neighborhood shop specializing in commuter bikes and accessories. We also have 10 beer taps and a small lounge area for thirsty tired customers, so you would need to get an OLCC servers permit before you could work in the lounge.
We would prefer someone with many years of mechanic experience, who is familiar with the latest technology of Disc Brakes, Internally geared hubs, and some (but not much) MTB.
We offer competitive pay, and will be offering benefits to the right person who can demonstrate that they can do the job.

Qualifications…..

Prefer Past Experience with bike mechanics.
Ability to work under pressure and multitask.
Keep a clean work area Yo!
Must work weekends…..it’s a bike shop….
Be customer centric and awesome…

How to Apply *
Apply in person with Resume, or send Resume and references to…
jobs@pdxbikecommuter.com

Security video helps police nab prolific bike thief (yet again)

dubois-sanders

Johnathan Dubouis in March 2015 in Waterfront Park
under the Burnside Bridge. He asked to pose with
these bolt-cutters, which PPB officers photographed
as evidence prior to arresting him.
(Photo: Portland Police Bureau)

The Portland Police have nabbed one of our city’s most prolific bike thieves: 29-year old Johnathan Marcel Dubouis. Dubouis was arrested on Sunday night, just about 24 hours after he appeared in security camera footage stealing a woman’s bike in southwest Portland.

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Open house will feature ODOT plans for notorious section of Powell Blvd

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A protestor at the May 11th rally held at SE Powell and 26th.
(Photo © J. Maus/BikePortland)

The Oregon Department of Transportation is ready to share their plans for making SE Powell Blvd safer. Their “Powell Boulevard Safety Project” will spend $3.8 million on the segment of the roadway between 20th and 34th.

The project includes the intersection of SE 26th where Alistair Corkett was involved in a collision back in May that resulted in his leg being torn off. Then a few weeks later another man was seriously injured from a collision in the same intersection.

While their Powell project isn’t slated for construction until 2017, ODOT fast-tracked a left-turn signal at Powell and 26th immediately following those two collisions.

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Heroic bike shop employee wrestles back stolen track bike

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image1

Alleged thief on stolen bike.
(Photo: Nate Gibson)

Thanks to the quick thinking and brave action of a bike shop employee in southwest Portland, one of three track racing bikes stolen from Alpenrose Velodrome last week has been recovered.

Nate Gibson, an undergrad at Portland State University and employee at Southwest Bicycle, contacted us today with the good news.

Here’s Gibson’s version of events:

“So here goes, I’m finally calm enough to sit down and type.

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Job: Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator – Oregon Walks

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Job Title *
Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator

Company/Organization *
Oregon Walks

Job Description *
Title: Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator
Organization: Oregon Walks
Location: Portland, OR
Status: Part-time, .625 FTE (25 hours/week)
Salary: $17-20/hour – depending on experience
Benefits: Generous PTO policy. This position does not offer health benefits at this time.

About Oregon Walks:
Since 1991, Oregon Walks has worked to make walking a safe, convenient, and accessible transportation option for all Oregonians, regardless of which town, city or neighborhood they call home. We build political power for pedestrians through advocacy, educational programming, coalition-building, policy analysis, statewide safety initiatives, and supporting increased funding to support these vital activities. Oregon Walks plays a pivotal role influencing Oregon’s transportation future and addressing the needs of pedestrians across the state.

Position Description:
Oregon Walks is hiring a Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator to empower Oregonians to participate in our mission of promoting walking and making the conditions for walking safe, convenient and attractive to everyone.

The Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator must be a highly motivated, responsible person with experience and skills to support & grow the organization’s members, volunteers and programs. The position requires strong communication skills with people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities; excellent attention to detail, a flexible and joyful personality, and a commitment to Oregon Walks’ mission and values.

The Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator works directly with the Executive Director, partners and stakeholders to grow our network of pedestrian advocates through volunteer management, while also supporting, creating and promoting walking events – with a specific focus on schools. This position is also responsible for managing grant reporting requirements and robust data tracking to ensure thoughtful program design, delivery and evaluation.

The position is grant funded through June 2017, with the opportunity for this position to grow with the organization pending additional funding.

Specific Responsibilities of the Position:

• Recruit, manage and support volunteers – serve as primary point of contact for new and established volunteers; coordinate orientations & outreach at a variety of events; maintain records and materials; track volunteer hours and provide support to volunteers as needed.

• Coordinate targeted outreach efforts– Plan & execute open houses & a ‘walking challenge’ at Title I schools in Portland Public School District, and other events across the region.

• Plan & execute walking events – Organize 2016 Walktober event series including recruitment and supervision of interns and walk leaders, promoting walks to increase participation, developing new walks and working with sponsors to fund them.

• Work with Executive Director on all other duties as assigned.

The Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator must:

• Have passion and enthusiasm for a transportation system that incorporates and prioritizes safety and accessibility for people walking, and commitment to Oregon Walks’ mission and values;

• Be able to pass a criminal background check; for work with students in school settings

Preferred qualifications for success in this position:

• Strong emphasis on accountability, collaboration, professionalism, a positive attitude and transparency at all times;

• Demonstrated experience managing, recruiting and retaining volunteers and interns;

• Background working with diverse communities and ability to communicate with a wide range of individuals, including members and volunteers, media, funders, and public sector staff;

• Bilingualism – Spanish, Russian, Cantonese, Mandarin or Somali – is strongly preferred;

• Success and ability to thrive while working independently, and ability to manage multiple projects while responding quickly to emerging opportunities;

• Aptitude for managing grant deliverables and funder reporting requirements;

• Familiarity with social media and other digital communication tools;

• Ability to manage time effectively and prioritize tasks;

• Proven ability to deliver excellent customer service;

• Willing to problem-solve with spirit of innovation;

• Flexible schedule to work occasional evenings and weekends.

How to Apply *
Please submit a one-page cover letter outlining your passion for the cause and fit with the position. Please also provide a resume and the names and contact information for three references who can speak to your professional work. Send all materials to our Executive Director, Noel Mickelberry, at noel@oregonwalks.org with “Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator” in the subject line. We will begin reviewing applications on a rolling basis on August 10th, with a deadline for submission of August 17th at 5 p.m.

Women, people of color, members of LGBTQ communities, and people with disabilities strongly encouraged to apply. If you need any accommodations to participate in the application process please let us know.

Oregon Walks Respects Civil Rights – Oregon Walks is committed to operating all of its programs without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, age, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, citizenship, veteran status, marital status, sensory disabilities, physical disabilities, mental disabilities and all other identities protected by state and federal law.

City advisory committees oppose TriMet’s plans for swing gates on Orange Line

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Swing gates.
(Photo: TriMet)

Official Bureau of Transportation committees that represent two of the groups TriMet is trying to keep safe from MAX trains on the new Orange Line — people who walk and bike — oppose the agency’s plan to use swing gates at the entry and exit of tracks at two intersections in inner southeast Portland.

After hearing about plans for the path at SE 8th and 11th, the City of Portland’s Bicycle Advisory Committee and Pedestrian Advisory Committee have both issued formal letters of opposition to TriMet.

The bicycle committee outlined several reasons for their disapproval. The main reason is, “the operating difficulties they will impose on members of the traveling public – principally those who are bicycling or walking.”

Here’s more from their letter:

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The Monday Roundup: ‘Unreal’ riding, driving bans, bike theft success, & more

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Beautiful?

Here are the best stories we came across last week…

Uber horror story: This lawyer paints an unsettling picture of what happens when a person on a bicycle gets involved in a collision with an Uber driver.

Language drives culture: The “crash not accident” meme got some solid media coverage following the big Vision Zero vigil in New York City two weeks ago. Vox.com got into the history of automotive industry propaganda and does a great job explaining the power behind word choice.

Slate crashes: On the other hand, Slate isn’t so sure about it. No word yet whether they’ve reconsidered their policy after their article was eviscerated by BikeSnobNYC.

Read more

Job: Bicycle Store Management – Performance Bicycle – FILLED

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Sorry, this job has been filled. Browse more great jobs here.

Job Title *
Bicycle Store Management

Company/Organization *
Peformance Bicycle

Job Description *
Performance Bicycle Portland is NOW HIRING!

Do you ride a bike?

Can you change a flat tire?

Are you eager to learn?

Does getting a great deal on the best cycling brands interest you?

If you answered yes to 3 or more of the above questions, Performance Bicycle might have an exciting and rewarding opportunity for you to work in the bicycle industry.

Performance Bicycle is the nation’s leading retailer of bicycles and cycling related products. We have over 100 stores in 19 states and are still growing!

Performance is actively seeking sales driven, customer focused full-time Sales Manager for our Portland location. We need store management associates who are guest oriented, comfortable talking about cycling and know how to get the best out of their equipment.

Sales Managers have the responsibility of making sure the store and the associates are ready for our customers and are accountable for building and maintaining an exciting, well-merchandised store environment, ad set-up, plan-o-grams and seasonal change over; all aspects that encourage our customers to come back to our store for all their needs. They provide detailed information, education, and support to ensure that our customers have a great cycling experience.

Applicants for the Store Management position should have the following qualifications:
• 2 to 5 years of multi-unit retail management experience
• Outdoor industry and specialty retail preferred, bicycle knowledge and retailing a plus
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Excellent organizational abilities
• A “hands-on” style of management
• The ability to manage and motivate employees

Performance offers competitive wages, opportunities for advancement, generous employee discounts and a benefits package. If you are interested in joining our team, please take a moment to apply by replying to this post (retailhr@performanceinc.com) with your resume, or faxing it to 919-942-5431. You may also visit our store at 9988 SE Washington St., Portland Oregon 97216.

www.performancebike.com/portlandmall205

EOE

How to Apply *
If you are interested in joining our team, please take a moment to apply by replying to retailhr@performanceinc.com with your resume or faxing it to 919-942-5431. You may also visit our store at 9988 SE Washington St., Portland Oregon 97216.

EOE