Do’s & Don’ts to Live By

This past summer and fall there were several incidents involving riders and motorists in the Portland area, specifically on NW Skyline Boulevard and surrounding areas. Some of these incidents involved members of our club who were harassed by drivers in the area. The problem gained some traction and was covered by Bikeportland, OBRA chat, and the evening news, and I made mention of it during our Saturday pre-ride announcements.

In order to foster dialogue between the residents of Skyline and cyclists, a forum was held November 9. In attendance were cyclist/ attorney Mark Ginsberg, several Multnomah County deputies, a Portland police officer, representatives from the Multnomah County DA's office along with reps from numerous Portland cycling groups including numerous OBRA teams, “B.O.B.s”, BTA, and Portland Velo, along with 150 interested and concerned Skyline area residents and Portland area cyclists. While the discussion focused on the Skyline area, the concerns really applied to everyone throughout the Portland cycling community. As part of the discussion and to help create concrete solutions, a few of us promised to jointly develop some "Do's and Don'ts" for drivers and cyclists.

The input for this list came from attorneys, police officers, racing organizations, and clubs, as well as members of the residential community in that area. This list is not the be-all end-all, but it's a start. Our plan is to distribute this list as widely as possible in the cycling community, as well as to the residents of the Skyline, Rock Creek, and Cornelius Pass areas.

Keeping Pace

It’s the most common formation on our Signature Saturday rides as well as many other Club rides. My own impression as a frequent 18-20 ride leader and weekday ride leader, is that our pacelines are often quite good, but sometimes not. So while pacelines are key to a safe and enjoyable club ride I would like to make only a few comments, not at all intended to be a comprehensive guide and then move on to rotating pacelines.  Rotating pacelines are a form we don’t use often enough in my opinion, and one where I believe our average level of skill could be improved.

12/10 RIDE CANCELED!!!

Update: 8:50am - After checking the route and finding addition locations of freezing fog, we've decided to cancel the ride for 12/10.  (Reports are coming in of accidents on 26 at CPR due to slick roads.)  Sorry for the late notice, but this one came in and surprised us as its totally clear in downtown PDX.

Due to slick road conditions currently around our starting location at LaCie in Hillsboro, the ride start time has been pushed back to 10am. We apologize for the late notice, but we just were notified of localized conditions between CPR and the Hillsboro Airport.

Community Spin for December 2011

Some bike lanes are covered with wet and slippery leaves and debris right now.  The city will respond to HAZARDS IN BIKE LANES as promptly as possible.  Call the Maintenance Dispatch Line at 503-823-1700. This number is staffed 24/7.  Also the city has been bringing in extra crews to sweep major arterials with a focused attention on bike lanes.  The other number, 503-823-SAFE, should only be used for engineering and infrastructure concerns.  They will get to these requests as soon as possible.

An illuminated bicycle sign has been installed and turned on at NE COUCH AT GRAND AVE.  A bike box has already been installed at the intersection but collisions have continued.  There have been several injury accidents.  Right turns on red are not allowed but right-hooks have been continuing during green lights.  The sign, which says “turning vehicles yield to bikes” and shows a bike graphic, only goes on when a bike is present.  Some question whether there is too much sign clutter at this intersection and other cyclists state that they will just “take the lane” where they feel safer.  We’ll see how it works.