Cycle Portland – Page 3 – Cycle Portland

“Is it safe to ride a bike in Portland?”

Day after day, visitors of Portland come in to the shop and ask if its safe to ride a bicycle in this city. Take a step back and think about this… You pose this question to a tour guide in a bicycle shop in the heart of the bike capitol of the USA where my job is to rent a bicycle to you. What do you think my answer will be? So, after I tell them, “Of course it’s safe!” I explain why. Portland, Oregon is one of the most bike friendly cities in the United States and that’s in large part due to our bicycle infrastructure. As the bike paths and culture have developed, strategies are implemented for making travel easier for motor-less pedestrians. Before long I open up the city map and delve into the purpose of the Neighborhood Greenway.

Neighborhood Greenway

According to the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT), “Neighborhood Greenways are residential streets with low volumes of auto traffic and low speeds where bicycles and pedestrians are given priority.” Essentially, these streets are placed to allow pedestrians a travel option. This system of paths comes with less interruption and frustration. Portland has bright and knowledgeable city planners consistently developing infrastructure. With careful thought and creativity, Portland regularly improves its bikeways! But how does the Neighborhood Greenway work?

Throughout the city there are multiple signs (usually green) indicating the path of the Neighborhood Greenway and where it will take its followers. Roads are also highlighted by the white painted bicycles with arrows. Despite popular belief (and personal dream) that these are dash panels offering a speed boost, this is not its true purpose. Consequently, these street designs are used for directing traffic and reminding cars that they are traveling on a shared road. Hence the name “sharrows”. However, if you close your eyes and shout “WAHOO!” or any of these sounds I’m pretty sure you get a little power up from the Mario Kart gods. Divine Nintendovention.

Highlights of the Greenway

Firstly, the Neighborhood Greenway contributes to the flow of traffic and promoting transportation culture. Initially, these streets once served as ordinary automobile passageways. Subsequently, they were re-designed for multi-modal transportation. As a cyclist it can be incredibly frustrating to have to hit the breaks every other block. Luckily, cyclists and pedestrians are able to travel more freely by reducing the amount of stop signs traveling across the Neighborhood Greenway.

Signage and Speed Bumps

But wouldn’t that encourage cars to use these paths more often? A lack in stop signs sounds like a shortcutting drivers paradise. Speeding past bikers and steering clear of rush hour traffic must be an obvious solution to any Portland car commuter. The city has taken steps to avoid this recklessness and preserve the road for cyclists. In fact, streets contain multiple speed bumps to slow cars and traffic diverts that allow space for cyclists to pass but are too large for cars. These techniques keep the amount of cars traveling on them to a minimum.

Speed Limit

Additionally, the speed maximum is much lower on these streets! As the Neighborhood Greenway mostly travels through, well, neighborhoods, cars commonly travel on the higher speed roads. Reduced speeds keep Portland neighborhoods safer. Families, joggers, and other outdoor enthusiasts rely on the safe speed limit. Plus, many greenways are located next to or near popular driving streets and districts that are frequented for their busy storefronts. Bikes have a free space to ride near goings-ons while presenting cars with a more mobile form of transit. Everyone is safer and faster!

Intersections

Next we arrive at those tough intersection. Frequently, cars will speed down busy streets, ignoring pedestrians and cyclists looking to cross the intersection. Not cool cars. On the Neighborhood Greenway, intersections are highlighted with bright colors, signage and sometimes even cross signals. Comfortable crossing is crucial. On the busiest streets at the busiest times of day, Greenways provide safe passage. Additionally, at multiple intersections there are also signs that help direct traffic by letting folks know what is nearby. By chance, I have visited multiple parks throughout the city due to Neighborhood Greenway signs. Portland ensures cyclist know where they are going.

“So… is it safe?”

Above all, Portland considers itself “the city that works”. Yes. Between the Neighborhood Greenway, car free paths and divided bike lanes, there is almost always a safe space for cyclists to travel. Given that you are riding cautiously and respect the rules of the road, it is safe. Be courteous, be friendly, be aware. Then bike travel will be your best friend.

Where’d everybody go? There is a stark contrast in the amount of cyclists traveling to work over the Hawthorne bridge on a beautiful day in June versus a frigid January morning. Here in Portland, Oregon we have an amazing bike commuting culture. This culture is supported by our road infrastructure, friendly neighborhood vibe and environmentally conscious citizens! But the number of people commuting by bicycle changes drastically when we hit the cold season. I wanted to share some advice on how to stay strong through the season and continue winter bike commuting. Prepare yourself to be a year-round biker. Prepare yourself to be wet, cold, and hardcore.

Winter Bike Commuting

It ain’t easy. It’s only for the biggest baddest biking bosses. But, by biking, basically, you’ve earned basic bragging rights you can always bank on. That brings me to the basis of what you’re be bargaining by biking in the blistering cold. Comfort. Transitioning into the season for winter bike commuting takes serious cycling gusto. As a shop, we’ve tackled this issue in the past, covering methods of setting your bike up to last the season. But how can we set ourselves up.

When you opt to commute through the cold season, you opt to give up of some of the luxuries of car travel. The warmth, the speed, the effortlessness. It’s so easy to store your bike in the basement and say goodby until April. However, some of us don’t have that luxury; Some of us don’t want that luxury. With about 2 and a half Portland winters under my belt, I’ve learned some tricks to get me past the mental barriers of the difficult season.

Acceptance

First, you need to accept that with the good weather comes the not so good. We can’t just have perfect weather all the time! Portland summer wouldn’t come with the same thrills if that weather remained constant. The winter gives us time to recoup and reflect and grow. Changes in season reflect changes in us as humans. There is an eery peacefulness to the misty-grey of Portland winter and we will endure winter bike commuting together!

Portland winter bike commuters — Photo taken from medium.com. Helmet camera photo by Aixe Djelal.

Motivation

For me, one of the hardest parts of starting my day on the right pedal is my motivation. The warmth underneath my blankets in the morning provides the best argument for my difficulties getting up with enough time to ride to work. Although I toyed with the idea of eliminating blankets and not sleeping, I decided to try some other ideas first. I like to prepare everything for the next day.

From my clothing to my baggage, I’ll minimize the effort required of me in the morning.I’ll go through all my daily needs in my head and get my bags packed and ready. Next I will gather my clothes for the morning. Sometimes I’ll even dress in exactly what I will wear the next day. This way I can roll out of bed with less decision to make and not have to worry about that cold gap while changing clothes.

Crazy? You’re not the first one to say that. But you’re also probably not getting up at 6:00 to commute to the gym, followed by a change of clothes and hustling to work, then solving world hunger and winning 6 Nobel Peace Prizes. Did the last two happen? No, not yet, because I’ve spent too much time in bed instead of winter bike commuting in the mornings for most of my life. But we’ll get there.

Getting there is hard when you can see your breath as you exhale each morning. That’s why I recommend purchasing a space heater. They are not very expensive and, in my professional cold air responder opinion, worth the investment. You can leave bed comfortably and ready to take on the day.

Need even more preparation? Set up your coffee for the next morning by filling your filter or press the night before. Even prepare the water so all you have to do is hit the on switch! Breakfast is important as well but it’s important to be healthy! A sausage egg and cheese may provide satisfaction initially, but doesn’t provide the necessary nutrients to get through the day as you’re pedaling to your destination. If I opt not to skip brekky as I frequently do, I’ll often prepare museli the night before. This way it’s ready to go in the fridge as soon as I’m getting up. Packed with oats, nuts and fresh fruit it’s everything I need to get the day going!

So to keep motivated, start your days smart. Be healthy, be as prepared as possible, and be comfortable. We’re not as hardcore as we seem, but with preparation we can keep up the façade.

Roll Out

After you’ve finished up with your (hopefully) effortless morning ritual, it’s time to hop on the bike to roll out! As I mentioned earlier, winter bike commuting is achievable through comfort. Therefore, you need the necessary equipment for your personal comfort!

Let us begin with the extremities. A cozy pair of gloves is incredibly important for retaining that comfort out the door. Exposure to the cold air of the outside seems to be everlasting. Be ‘hands on’ about getting ‘hands in’ gloves. Meandering from our fingers to our toes, let’s get some cozy socks on. Wool socks provide that insulation that keeps feet from cold exposure. It’s nice to carry an extra pair of socks as wet socks cause much discomfort throughout the day. Water proof shoes also go a long way but you can probably get through the season with comfortable socks and a thick shoe or sneaker.

Every layer donned provides a coating of warmth. However, with the physical exertion associated with cycling will likely require removal of clothes over time (depending on the distance and effort of your ride). It might be worth is to invest in a jacket with pit zips to let the air breathe in your steamy arm crevasse. Additionally, wearing easily strippable outer layers and having a place to stow said gear will be great for changes in weather! By always carrying rain pants and a jacket I am ready for these changes, especially in a city like Portland! It’s better to be over-prepared than under-prepared.

Underneath it all, it might help to wear a base layer if you know it’s going to be really chilly out there. Some days I’ll go as far as rockin’ a balaclava to protect the wind burn on my face and ears (plus its a perfectly good excuse to look like a bike riding ninja). Having comfortable clothing, tangible items you can get in a few hours, is another key to success for getting through the season.

While we’re talking tangibles, let’s discuss the actual bike. First things first, make sure your bike is working well. Start the season with a tune-up to make sure the bike you plan to use is ready to roll from brakes to gears. Most shops (including ours) offer a tune-up special heading into the winter season. Then you can add any extra pieces to the bike that will be helpful for the season. Maybe some tires with better grips, maybe some fenders to avoid the water/mud splatter and DEFINITELY some bike lights to increase your visibility out there during these shorter days. Then you’ll be looking less wet, less cold, and way more hardcore.

Believe in Yourself

There is but a small group of individuals that choose cycling as their main form of transportation. Winter bike commuting is a daunting task asking travelers to sacrifice comfort, speed and time. But in following these tips, combined with the excellent nature of who you are, a hardcore hero of the two wheeler you will be.

It’s been some time since the overnight surprise strike of scooters were scattered stealthy about upon sunrise, surrounding Portland sidewalks and storefronts. Now that we’ve had some time to adjust to this new ride-share transit in our amazing road infrastructure, it’s time to assess its purpose how we can use it safely. From road awareness to personal safety, I want to ensure everybody’s well-being on the street. That’s why Cycle Portland is happy to offer useful E-Scooter info and helmet rentals in Portland!

Rules of the Road

In order to be safe, it is important to first understand the rules of the road!

Helmet rentals in Portland

According to the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) and its list of electric scooter rules, it is important to ALWAYS wear a helmet as required by state law. Lucky for you, Cycle Portland is one of few places in Portland that you can rent a helmet for the day! For just $5 you can use one of our helmets until close at 6PM. Alternatively, we have some of the lowest helmet prices at $20 for both our black nutcase or silver sport style helmets!

Sidewalks

Do you know who is not required to wear a helmet? The foot traveling pedestrian! Stay off the sidewalks. Just like bicycles, sidewalk riding is illegal and dangerous. From what I’ve witnessed, this is one of scariest sights, watching scooter stars weave through the gaps in sidewalk traffic. For the sake of everybody’s safety, take a dip off the sidewalk lip and use the vehicle lane. Keep yourself in bike lanes and greenways or stay to the right in roadways leaving private and public transit room to pass.

Yield

Some citizens also have more rights than scooters out on the road. As a scootist, you schould always yield to people walking, biking or anybody disabled. Yielding may cause you to come to a complete stop, which you should be doing anyway when you approach any stop sign or light! Good for you for cutting down on car emissions, but shame on you if you use that as a privilege to disregard other rules of the road.

Drinking and Scooting

One of those so very disregarded rules is scooter riding while intoxicated. Just like any other vehicle, you are not allowed to operate it while under the influence of intoxicants. Not only will you receive a DUII, but you very well may find yourself missing a couple teeth when you wake up. Which is fine with me. But it’s not fine to hurt an innocent bystander or cause other dangers in our roadways. Be safe and make sure to have a designated driver.

Rider Numbers

However, that designated driver can’t also be on a scooter. Don’t hop on the back of someone’s e-transport and expect to get away with it. The scooters are meant for one rider per scooter. More than one rider causes instability on the roadway and damage to the scooter itself. Then, when parking, make sure to place it on the sidewalk close to the curb.

When push comes to scoot, respect the provided traveling device. It’s a motorized scooter for goodness sake, treat it as if it were your own. We’re living in the future!

Local Opinion

Naturally, some opinions have formed regarding scooter use. The Portland Bureau of Transportation has recorder over 472-thousand scooter trips taken since the vehicles arrived in July. This has provided the city with extensive feedback from both locals and tourists! But where we see the benefits in getting people out of cars, we’ve also absorbed the wave of hatred directed at these two-wheeled wired whirley roadway whippers. Just take a look in the Willamette.

Insight

Keeping tabs on scooter distaste is made easy by counting the number that have been tossed in the north flowing city divider. Scooters In The River provides updates of this statistic as we try to gauge who are the culprits of such heinous crimes. But others might argue that this is the best place for them. Willamette Weekly provided insight from five Portlandians who HATE the scooters. These complaints to city hall clash with the positive outlook that many have as Portland seeks new modes of transportation.

Users of the scooters have reported to the PBOT and the results exemplify stark contrast to the negative public outcry. The survey gives us a look not only at the scooters as a replacement for automobile travel, but also at their safety, purpose of use, and popularity among locals versus visitors! But I couldn’t just sit back and let the results of some internet research give me a definitive answer. So I hit up one of my favorite pubs looking for some useful scoot gossip.

Meandering my way over the Burnside Bridge, passing pedestrians, bikes, scooters and cars (because I’m just that fast), I arrived at the bar. There, I spoke with Chavelie Rodriguez, local bartender at Base Camp Brewing Company and avid… AVID cyclist to get her stance on the rise of the scooters. “I see them everywhere randomly. Although I understand their potential, I find they are unsafe for the casual user. I never see people wearing a helmet and [as a bartender I’ve noticed] many riders are intoxicated.” Casual users do seem to be the most reckless with the new transport vehicle. Does this mean we’ll see more regulations? Maybe a required test before use? Possibly a scooter license??? Who knows, but we need keep people safe. We need to get users those helmets.

What Now?

The scooters are on trial for two more weeks here in Portland before they are taken off the road while the city decides its next move. So make sure to get in those last couple trials so you now where you stand. When the trial is over, swing into the shop for a bicycle rental to enjoy cruising around the streets of Portland. Until then, come into the shop for $5 helmet rentals in Portland! Be safe, be considerate, be weird. Don’t be one of these stereotypical scootists. Be a part of positive change!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 9/26/2018

CONTACT:

Evan Ross

evan@portlandbicycletours.com

(503) 360 6815

CREATIVITY IN A CHANGING MARKET – LOCAL GUIDE COMPANY NOW OFFERS TOURS USING BIKETOWN BIKES

These mini-tours are helping to introduce locals & visitors to Biketown’s rideshare system in combination with a scenic and informative ride around the city.

No stranger to the tour business, Cycle Portland is celebrating 10 years of guided bike tours in Portland. In an effort to increase ridership while helping newcomers learn best practices for cycling in the city, Cycle Portland is working with Biketown to feature a slice of Portland’s keystone bike infrastructure and offers a local perspective from the seat of a bike.

At just over an hour, this excursion will allow participants to get the scoop on PDX, while allowing enough time after their ride to continue exploring on their own using Biketowns affordable Pay-As-You-Go plan. Riders will also receive a $5 discount on their Biketown rental in conjunction with the tour.

“It just makes sense” – Evan Ross, owner of Cycle Portland says, “Why not leverage the robust programs we have at our disposal, while providing curation and confidence to riders looking to get into cycling here in Portland. We think the city is best experienced by bike, and this tour is here to prove it.”

Covering the Tillikum Crossing, Vera Katz Eastbank Esplanade, and Tom McCall Waterfront park, participants can get a feel for riding using the city’s premiere multi-use paths, venturing briefly into the downtown historical district before concluding their tour.

After a brief safety talk, these Biketown tours depart from the Biketown corral at SW 3rd (in front of Voodoo Donuts) and return just a few blocks away at Cycle Portland’s shop location. From there, riders can choose to keep their bikes and (included) helmet, or head off to their next destination with expert route advice from their guide.

Tickets are $20 per person, and can be booked in advance via biketowntours.com

According to Central City in Motion, Better Naito is the most heavily used protected bike lane in downtown Portland. Many cyclists, tour patrons, staff, and renters here at Cycle Portland, use Better Naito as an alternative to riding on busy city streets or the crowded East Bank Esplanade. Unfortunately, this is the last month that the protected bike lane will be in place. Come October you can say goodbye to the plastic barriers that we have come to love. The bike lane will become a lane reserved for cars. Better Naito will, once more, regress to Worse Naito.

What is Better Naito?

The bike lane is a key north- south thoroughfare connecting Portland’s downtown to other prominent bike routes along the West bank. Additionally, it leads to some of the most widely used bicycle friendly bridges that span the Willamette. The two-way bike lane is perfect for Portland commuters and visitors alike. Fortunately, Portlanders have a way to efficiently and safely navigate through downtown without fear of cars or pedestrians.

What if we didn’t have to bid Better Naito goodbye?

This fall there will be a vote on a permanent design for Better Naito as part of Central City in Motion. Do you want to tell your local representatives that you are in favor of making Better Naito a permanent bike lane? If so, come down to Salmon Street Fountain tonight, (September 18) at 5PM! There will be a rally hosted by BikeLoudPDX & The Street Trust and you can sign petitions or talk with other cyclists about your vision for Naito Parkway.

What if I can’t make it tonight?

ehankfully, this is the age of iPhones and emails, so you can still make your voice heard even if you can’t go to the rally. We encourage you to email or call your local representatives and tell them your opinions about Better Naito!

Ted Wheeler, Mayor

503-823-4127, mayorwheeler@portlandoregon.gov

Chloe Eudaly, Transportation commissioner

503-823-4682, chloe@portlandoregon.gov

Gabe Graff, Central City in Motion Project Manager

503-823-5291, gabriel.graff@portlandoregon.gov

They’re finally here. After ten years of squinting into the sun, we have released our own Cycle Portland sun glasses! We asked Woodies to hook us up with some custom shades representative of who we are. Catch folks on tour, in the shop or walking the sunny streets in these sylish Portland sun glasses.

Emblematic Shades

As Portland’s first bicycle tour company, Cycle Portland bleeds the blue-green of the Willamette river and stands with the wood of trees in the temperate rain forest we reside. The handmade and polarized sunglasses represent the beautiful craftsmanship we believe our shop provides in both tourism curation and bicycle service. Read along the bamboo temples are the words “CYCLE PORTLAND”. There are many cities to cycle in throughout the USA. There are many cities to cycle in throughout the WORLD. But there is only one place to cycle and be greeted by passers by on the Neighborhood Greenway. There is only one place where a car will wait to make a right turn until after you have passed in the bike lane. There is only one Portland, Oregon.

Stylish Look

Reflection is in. The green tinted mirror leaves those looking at you with a view of their own awestruck expression in the lens. This lens provides 100% UVA/UVB protection. Surrounding, a classic wayfarer frame allow for that “goes with just about anything” look. Whether commuting to work or cycling along the Columbia River Gorge, these sunnies are fresh. Light, durable and sturdy, Cycle Portland’s Woodie sun glasses are easy to bring with you for any occasion.

Get Your Portland Sun Glasses Today!

The best part is… these sunglasses are only $10! At that price even I can afford them. A cool look, sun protection and a little piece of Portland always on my mind. Come by the shop and get yourself some Cycle Portland Sun Glasses.

Join thousands of people this Sunday walking or riding bikes across the temporarily car free bridges of Portland at the bridge pedal. Reserve your bike before they are all gone; it’s our busiest day of the year! This is a once a year opportunity to bike across Marquam and Fremont bridges and take in the spectacular views from the top! Check out the link for more details on reserving your bike for the Bridge Pedal!

https://www.providence.org/bridge-pedal

Information & Photo Credits: Providence Bridge Pedal

It’s the summer. It’s hot out. It’s crowded. It’s sticky. But man, is it beautiful. Birds are chirping. Music is playing. People are smiling. We don’t want you to miss out on all of the positive because of a particular tilt in the earth’s axis! So shift up and and prepare for biking in the heat!

Biking in the Heat

Biking in the heat takes concentration, determination and most importantly, preparation. Here we will set you up for success in the difficult yet enjoyable hot bike season. We’ll run through dress, hydration and other techniques toward building the groundwork for an amazing and bike-able summer.

Clothing

Many of us wait all year to shed our layers of clothing. As the gloves, jackets, leggings and wool socks come off, the sun hits and it is a-blazin’. It is imperative to make sure you have the right attire for this time of the year as well. By looking the part you will show off your bike as well as work on your tan! I’d recommend getting a bike jersey with a zipper so you have the option to open it up and feel that pedal-made breeze you have created. Light but vibrant colors with sun reflectors avoid attracting too much heat while still allowing visibility. These Pearl Izumi Jersey’s are sure to help you fight the heat!

Additionally you may want some accessories like polarized glasses, a bandana or scarf for your head/neck and thin cycling shorts and socks. This will help you avoid some of the powerful sun and let your skin breathe out on the road! It may seem like a no brainer, but you’ve just gotta dress for success!

Hydrate

Drink water! This often overlooked aspect of biking in the heat starts before your ride does. If you know you are planning a bike ride the next day, make sure to get liquids in your system prior to the ride. Water should do the trick, but if you want the electrolytes that many crave without the unnecessary sugar provided by gatorade or something more refreshing than overly sweet electrolyte powders in your water bottle, leave some water in a container with some slices of cucumber. That way when you’re ready the next day for your bike ride you will have a natural sports drink!

When you are cycling it’s important to have enough water for the day. Carry a couple of full bottles on your bike and maybe even wear a hydration pack stocked with a couple of liters of water. This will ensure that you have enough in case there are no stopping points along the ride. When you do stop, be sure to drink in sips. Large gulps can cause cramps. Don’t wait until you are thirsty to get sippin’ either. Avoid exhaustion with frequent and regular drinks. Hydrate hydrate hydrate!

Eat Right

We become so fixated on the liquids we’re consuming that we forget about the solids. It’s just as important that we are eating right as we travel by bike to our destinations. Make sure to bring snacks to fill in those calories as we burn so much from being the awesome cyclists that we are. The best foods to eat are raw or whole foods dense in calories and protein. Sweet potatoes, nuts/seeds, apples, bananas or even nut butter sandwiches are all excellent options as you’re on the road.

For a more comprehensive list of on the road dining options check out our other article about bike food and how to make your ride delicious. However, as a general rule, we should all eat right all the time. But there’s never a better time to start than right now on your bike!

Protection

The sun is a frenemy to say the least. It brings people together, providing brightness and vitamin D. It separates us when we bathe in it for too long. Make sure to apply sunscreen before each ride. Sun exposure sounds good until it reddens and flakes. That lotion scent becomes my cologne in the summer time, and for good reason.

Additionally, as sweat is released from pores around our body, they slip and slide into many spots. Sometimes uncomfortable spots. Don’t forget your deodorant and antiperspirant to help with smell and sweat reduction. With all that sweating, the inevitable chafing will occur as well. To deal with this, I will refer you to our article regarding Chamois Butt’r. Protect your body from these common occurrences and you will be sure to ride comfortable and smiling.

Chill

Do it. Think it. Be it. Stress is such a large factor in heat exhaustion. Make sure you give yourself enough rest at the end of and before your bike rides. Your body, brain and butt will all thank you for some relaxation. Get a good night of sleep before and after days of riding as to not exhaust yourself.

Don’t make the mistake of overriding. It’s fun to bike. And even more fun to make bike more. However, with all this fun, it is quite easy to forget how important rest time is. Don’t become the victim in what need not be a problem. Plan for your next adventure. Cook a tasty and nutritious meal. Read articles about biking in the heat. Take your time off the bike as reward for all your hard work!

Stay Positive

It’s easy to be deterred by the powerful sun and scorching air. I want to leave you with one last reminder to stay positive! This heat won’t last forever. You will have cool air to come home too. A nice shower. A hearty meal. You are on your bike because you are a commuter, an athlete, an enthusiast, a cyclist. You’ve earned road rights, now take those roads with a grin.

Keep your head up. Keep your legs moving. And keep biking in the heat. Just do it safely, deliberately and merrily!