Secretary of Commerce visit highlights Portland’s bicycle industry

US Commerce Secretary in Portland-5

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker gets
a tour of United Bicycle Institute with owner Ron
Sutphin (left) and Congressman Earl Blumenauer.
(Photos © J. Maus/BikePortland)

Flanked by Congressman Earl Blumenauer, the United States Department of Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker beamed about the cycling “revolution” she’s seeing across the country during a stop on her national listening tour in north Portland this morning. But to keep it going, she said business owners must have a skilled labor force.

And that’s where United Bicycle Institute comes in.

On that note, Pritzker toured UBI’s Portland campus on North Williams Ave. UBI offers vocational training in frame building and offers certificates in professional bicycle mechanics. In addition to learning about the key role UBI plays as a national vocational leader with over 20,000 graduates to their credit, Pritzker also hosted a private (no media allowed) roundtable discussion with about 20 local bicycle industry leaders. Pritzker and her staff have toured over a dozen cities in recent months doing similar events and the goal is to hear about the issues facing business owners and develop a strategy for the Commerce Department on how to help them.

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Black Gunnar Rock Hound 2009

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Year: 2009
Brand: Gunnar
Model: Rock Hound
Color:Black
Size:19″
Stolen in , OR 97030
Stolen:2013-09-6
Stolen From: Stolen From 1st and Wallula in Gresham
Owner: Jim Perry
OwnerEmail: japerry79(AT)gmail.com
Reward: 250
Description: My wonderful gunnar rockhound was stolen while locked to yakima bike rack. Bike build with Fox 100mm fork, white race face cranks, hydraulic disc brakes, sram x0 drive train, king headset, thompson post and stem, and easton handlebars. Please help me find my ride!!
Police record with: Gresham
Police reference#: T13000914
This registrant does not have proof of ownership of this bike

Red Gary Fisher Ziggurat 1999

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Year: 1999
Brand: Gary Fisher
Model: Ziggurat
Color:Red
Size:Large
Serial: WTUC005955R
Stolen in Vancouver, WA 98664
Stolen:2013-09-6
Stolen From: My apartment balcony
Neighborhood: The Ogden Neighborhood of Vancouver, WA
Owner: Matt Coopersmith
OwnerEmail: mcoopsnet(AT)gmail.com
Reward: A huge thank you! Perhaps some pizza and beer
Description: It is red hardtail with black and white in it as well. The front fork is black with no markings and it has white pedals. There is a skull sticker on the very front. It has a Thompson seat post and a Yeti WTB seat.
Police record with: Vancouver Police
Police reference#: Tracking number, T13001961
This registrant has documented proof of ownership of this bike

BTA, enviro groups send anti-CRC letter to Kitzhaber

(Graphic: 1000 Friends of Oregon)

It appears that regional non-profits might be finally awakening for a fight against the Columbia River Crossing project.

This morning, 11 organizations — including 1000 Friends of Oregon, the Sierra Club, and the Bicycle Transportation Alliance — laid out their opposition to the CRC in a strongly-worded letter addressed to Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber. The letter was also sent to legislative leaders and key staffers at the governor’s office.

In the letter, the non-profits made their case against the project and urged Kitzhaber to vote against funding the current CRC plan. After the project was left for dead back in June, it has come roaring back to life in the last month. Now, backers want Oregon to go-it-alone with a plan that puts our state in an even dicier financial position.

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‘Fog seal’ treatment has covered up about 100 sharrows; but they’ll return

A “ghost sharrow” near SE 41st and Stark.
(Photo © M.Andersen/BikePortland)

Good news: Portland’s bike-friendly neighborhood greenways are getting high priority from Mayor Hales’s pledge for the city to invest more in preventative street maintenance.

Bad news: The new, relatively low-cost ‘fog seal’ treatment, a thin coating meant to stop pavement disintegration, also coats right over the sharrow markings that distinguish greenways.

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Update: ODOT has repaved half of dangerous Hwy 101 shoulder

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ODOT image of fresh pavement on shoulder of Highway 101 south of Florence.
(Photos: ODOT)

In the latest twist to the ongoing saga of the Oregon Department of Transportation’s (ODOT) problematic paving job on Highway 101, a regional manager announced today that they’ve already made significant progress in making it better.

As we first reported last month, ODOT came under fire after a Portland man (who also happens to have over 30 years experience at the Portland Bureau of Transportation’s bike program) raised alarms about dangerous paving on the Oregon Coast Bike Route. In order to cut costs on a repaving job south of Florence, ODOT contractors placed a new layer of pavement just a foot or two over the fog line. The new layer of pavement left a ledge smack dab in the middle of the shoulder where people ride bicycles on the popular touring route. After a bit of digging, we learned via ODOT Region 2 Manager Sonny Chickering that this repaving job was done in 2011 after a new policy went into place outlawing the practice. That new policy went into place specifically as a bike safety measure.

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Job: Bicycle Friendly Community Specialist – League of American Bicyclists

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Job Title
Bicycle Friendly Community Specialist

Company/Organization
League of American Bicyclists

Job Description
The League of American Bicyclists seeks a new member of the Bicycle Friendly America℠ Program Team to provide direct, hands-on assessments and assistance to 100 communities nationwide annually. The Bicycle Friendly Community program provides a roadmap to improve conditions for bicycling and has recognized 259 communities in 47 states as BFCs.

Responsibilities:

The BFC Specialist will work collaboratively with the BFA Program Team, membership and Trek retailers to lead hands-on workshops across the country. Successful candidates will have a connection to bicycling, experience facilitating groups, knowledge of nonprofit organizations, be resourceful and solutions-oriented and demonstrate effective leadership with diverse stakeholders. Possess a demonstrated history of success working both independently and as part of a team. Proven ability to collaborate and work successfully with multiple constituents to deliver and improve programs and initiatives. This new position is an excellent opportunity and a compensated way to experience the entire United States and spread biking goodwill. That, the League acknowledges that the required travel may make it a good fit for one to two years, after which an ideal candidate would transition into a program role with less travel. Urban planning/design/engineering experience is a plus.
The Bicycle Friendly Community Specialist plans and coordinates all aspects of the League’s BFC Visits including the following essential duties and responsibilities:

• Plans and coordinates BFC Visits: In selected cities, works directly with city staff, local bike advocates, Trek retailers and other stakeholders to plan and coordinate a BFC Visit
• Conducts BFC Visit: Conduct a bike program and network assessment; community bike learning tour with stakeholders and decision makers; action planning session and follow-up report for participants
• Official reporting: Will produce in depth reports on current network conditions along with bike programs, policies and projects.
• Produces blog posts, photos and social media material to promote the BFC Visits
• Participate on BFC Review Team: Serves as a reviewer for BFC Applications twice a year.
Requirements
Ideal candidates will have the following skills and experience:
• Ability to travel extensively (75-90 city visits per year)
• Knowledge of and experience in what it takes to build Bicycle Friendly Communities
• Knowledge of and experience with the local government decision making process
• Great social skills and ability to answer questions on the spot
• Critical assessment tools necessary for providing on-the-ground feedback and follow-up reports
• Experience managing travel, meeting planning and group facilitation
• Self-driven, ability to work with little supervision
• Strong writing and communication skills with an ability to meet assigned deadlines
• Minimum of two years in related experience
Program Specialist will report to the Vice President, Programs. Salary is based on experience. The League offers a generous benefits package.

Full listing: http://www.bikeleague.org/content/jobs-join-our-bfa-team

How to Apply
Interested candidates may submit a personalized cover letter and resume to bill@bikeleague.org. Applications are due by September 16th.

Job: Bicycle Friendly America Program Specialist – League of American Bicyclists

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Job Title
Bicycle Friendly America Program Specialist

Company/Organization
League of American Bicyclists

Job Description
http://www.bikeleague.org/content/jobs-join-our-bfa-team

Job Summary: The Bicycle Friendly America Program Specialist is a primary contact for communities, business, universities and states looking to be great places for bicycling. The program specialist provides information on how these places can improve conditions for bicyclists in the areas of engineering, education, encouragement, enforcement, and evaluation/planning and researches the latest programs and projects available within these categories. The program specialist works in a team to produce written reports and multimedia presentations making the case for the Bicycle Friendly America (BFA) program, assists in developing BFA educational and outreach materials, reviews BFA applications, contributes to listserves and publications on behalf of the BFA program and provides in-person technical assistance through workshops and meetings.

Detailed Duties and Responsibilities
• Working collaboratively on a team that provides information/assistance related to creating great bicycling communities, businesses, universities and states via phone, email, or written communication.
• Assists in the development of new outreach and promotion materials including online tools, written reports, and multimedia presentations
• Develops toolkits for various user groups working to make their communities, campuses and organizations Bicycle Friendly
• Works with the Bicycle Friendly Community, Bicycle Friendly Business, Bicycle Friendly University and Bicycle Friendly State review teams to review and provide feedback for applications.
• Compiles research and reports on customer satisfaction, key components to building BFA and improving conditions for bicycling
• Performs other related duties as required
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
The Knowledge of:
• The key components of building communities, businesses and campuses that welcome and accommodate bicycling for people of all ages and abilities
• Bicycling program and promotion efforts that have been effectively used to encourage bicycling
• Transportation engineering and planning as it relates to the accommodation of bicyclists
• Bicycling advocacy efforts, bicycling education, and the League’s Bicycle Friendly America program specifically
• Comprehensive planning procedures and best practices
• Business and management principles involved in policy analysis, program evaluation, and great customer service
• Principles and methods for survey design, production of educational materials, and the measurement of project outcomes
Skills and Abilities to:
• Communicate effectively in speech and writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience
• Establish priorities, work independently, and proceed with objectives with limited supervision
• Research the latest in bicycling programs and policies in order to provide the best possible information and tools for communities, businesses and universities seeking to become great places for bicycling
• Make formal presentations relating to program matters
• Perform administrative program tasks
Education and Experience
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent preferred. Course work in such subjects as city planning or design, geography, landscape architecture, engineering, public or business administration, higher education, public policy and other related subjects is desirable.
• Experience with Adobe Photoshop/Illustrator and database management is a plus
• Experience with creating great bicycling businesses and universities desirable
• Bicycling advocacy experience is a plus
• Five years related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience

Program Specialist is based in Washington, DC and will report to the Vice President, Programs. Salary is based on experience. The League offers a generous benefits package.

How to Apply
Interested candidates may submit a personalized cover letter and resume to bill@bikeleague.org. Applications are due by September 16th.

Job: Draftsperson – Chris King Precision Components – FILLED

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Sorry. This job has been filled.

Job Title
Draftsperson

Company/Organization
Chris King Precision Components

Job Description
Chris King Precision Components, manufacturer of bicycle components, is seeking qualified applicants for our Manufacturing Engineering department. The Draftsperson is responsible for providing timely production documentation, incorporating operation documentation and assists in the overall efforts to improve quality control. Responsibilities include assisting in the modification and correction of existing engineering and manufacturing engineering drawings according to industry standards as well as creating new process drawings. Drawings will be used for operator training and technical publications. Ideal candidates will have 2 years of basic CAD experience or training and preferably experience in a machine shop environment.

The successful applicant will be team oriented, eager to learn, enthusiastic and have a strong commitment to the community, the environment and excellence in general.

How to Apply
Please furnish a letter of interest and resume in the body of an e-mail to human.resources@chrisking.com (no attachments will be accepted). A drug free environment and equal opportunity employer. Visit our website at www.chrisking.com.

Job: Programs Assistant – Alta Planning + Design

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Job Title
Programs Assistant

Company/Organization
Alta Planning + Design

Job Description
Job Title: Programs Assistant

Employment Status: Full-time, Exempt

Compensation: $31,200/year; full benefits

About Alta:
Alta Planning + Design’s mission is to create active communities where bicycling and walking are safe, healthy, fun, and normal daily activities. We use the principles of transportation and recreation planning, landscape architecture and environmental awareness to design better places to bike, walk, play, and live. Working at Alta allows people to apply their skills and ideas to making the world a healthier, better place.

Overview of Position:
The Programs Assistant will provide support for Alta’s Programs Team in providing education, encouragement, and marketing services to clients with the ultimate goal of increasing walking and bicycling. This position is located in Alta’s Portland, OR office.

Key Aspects of Position:
Duties will include:
• Research, copywriting, and drafting memos and reports
• Setting up meetings and making travel arrangements
• Assisting with social media
• Assisting with stakeholder interviews
• Assisting with outreach logistics
• Assisting with materials production
• Outreach to the public about bicycling and walking
Required Skills and Experience:
The candidate must have:
• At least one year of experience working directly in a communication and/or outreach capacity with the public. Demonstrated public speaking skills.
• Ability to answer in-depth questions about bicycling and walking for transportation, including route selection, equipment, online resources and organizations, common concerns, hauling stuff and people, etc.
• Good organizational skills
• Ability to complete assignments successfully, and systems to prioritize and manage complex work flow
• Proficiency with MS Office suite of tools, and ability to create and use Excel spreadsheets
• Ability to travel for work for 1-3 days at a time
• This position may require hours which exceed 8 hours per day and/or 40 hours per week
Preferred Skills and Experience:
Ideally, the candidate will additionally have:
• Ability to answer in-depth questions about public transportation and carsharing
• Experience organizing and leading events, classes, or workshops
• Familiarity with budget tracking and/or grant management
• Teaching or coaching experience, both with adults and youth
• Experience working in schools, preferably as part of a Safe Routes to School program
• Experience creating and editing simple (Streetsfilm-quality) videos
• Proficiency in using social media as an outreach tool (particularly Twitter and Facebook)
• LCI (League of American Cyclists) certification as a bicycle educator
• Curriculum-writing experience
• Proficiency in spoken and written Spanish, including professional writing
• Experience with Spanish-English translation and/or interpretation is a plus

Note: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.

All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities in order to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Alta offers excellent benefits, flexible work schedules, and a fun, collaborative work environment with an extremely dedicated and skilled group of planners and designers.

How to Apply:
Please send cover letter and resume to resumes+ppa@altaplanning.com. Please, no phone calls.

Alta Planning + Design is an Equal Opportunity Employer