This summer has been spectacularly busy and yet, like always, we never quite get to everything we'd like to. After an awesome trip to the Columbia River Gorge with Adventure Cycling Association, an amazing two weeks in Portland at the United Bicycle Institute, and another wonderful Paul Bunyan tour (again with Adventure Cycling Association, I have to admit that I'm ready for school and work to start!
I had a ton of fun exploring Portland's bike infrastructure, both the good and the not-so-good. Despite its status as one of the top bicycle-friendly cities in the US, there are many areas in which Portland still fails its bike riders. On the last day I was in town, a bike rider was killed by a car driver just a couple miles from where I was staying. I had a difficult time with the route Google suggested I take on my daily commute as it was fraught with impatient, aggressive drivers but I was able to find a better route after a couple days of stressful riding. In one of the more poorly designed separated bike stretches, we were almost creamed by a speeding and scary driver. Still, what they do have available is incredible compared to the typical US city, including Sacramento.
I only had two weeks getting to know the routes and city, I'm sure people who have lived in Portland have many strong opinions about the bicycling culture and support. I welcome all to share their experiences as these are just a small sample of some of the things I got to explore in my PDX travels.
I had a ton of fun exploring Portland's bike infrastructure, both the good and the not-so-good. Despite its status as one of the top bicycle-friendly cities in the US, there are many areas in which Portland still fails its bike riders. On the last day I was in town, a bike rider was killed by a car driver just a couple miles from where I was staying. I had a difficult time with the route Google suggested I take on my daily commute as it was fraught with impatient, aggressive drivers but I was able to find a better route after a couple days of stressful riding. In one of the more poorly designed separated bike stretches, we were almost creamed by a speeding and scary driver. Still, what they do have available is incredible compared to the typical US city, including Sacramento.
I only had two weeks getting to know the routes and city, I'm sure people who have lived in Portland have many strong opinions about the bicycling culture and support. I welcome all to share their experiences as these are just a small sample of some of the things I got to explore in my PDX travels.
One of the many stretches of bike trails and multi-use paths.
I loved the way-finding signs which made navigating the more bike-friendly routes much easier.
Bike box! Designed to give cyclists a head start at intersections. Often driven into by clueless (and/or jerky) drivers.
Lots of green paint spilled here.
Bike infrastructure tells me where to go and what to do. Stop being so demanding, infrastructure!
The dangerous conflict zone where I almost died along with a couple other riders.
Infrastructure works best when it's self-explanatory.
This is how you do a box turn.
Neighborhood greenways using permeable barriers to keep drivers out and let bike riders through.
"Do Not Enter, Except Bicycles"
Tilikum Crossing: Bike, ped, and light rail allowed. Also Segways apparently.
The only section of "mountain biking" in Portland. Still beautiful.
Tiny stretch of singletrack on an inappropriate bike is still better than nothing.
Nike sponsored Bike Town rolled out. Strong start from what I saw.
One of many street fairs I ran into. Looks pretty open to me!
Sunday Parkways was amazing to be a part of. So many families, people enjoying the car-free route with music and vendors along the way.
You bet I got my ice cream sandwich!
Twitter friends are best in real life! Thanks, Will!
Heading over to Washington, just to say I did. The path was narrow and the bridge was high but when else could I say I rode along Highway 5 and crossed the state boarder?
Rode over to Union Station to take Amtrak back home.
Oscar and I made it home!
Success!
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