The new BIKE-ONLY SIGNAL on the SPRINGWATER CORRIDOR path is finally completed. The new signal, at SE Johnson Creek Blvd. and Bell Ave., allows bike traffic to cross diagonally instead of having to use two separate sidewalks and worrying about turning traffic. The $70,000 project began one year ago and was supposed to be finished last fall, but at least it’s finally completed. There is good signage and a loop to put your front bike tire on to activate the signal. Clackamas County has also installed a “no right turn” sign for vehicles that will be illuminated while the bike signal is green.
In May ODOT installed “sharrows” (shared lane markings) and new signs on the ST. JOHNS BRIDGE in order to “encourage motorists to be aware that the bridge and roadway is a shared facility and that bikes may opt to travel on the roadway”. There are eight sharrows on each side in the curb lane and two new “Bicycles on Roadway” signs. However, during the week huge trucks still go booming by. Many cyclists will still opt for the narrow sidewalk which is adequate until you have to go around two posts or encounter groups of pedestrians.
BICYCLING MAGAZINE again ranks Portland as the number one BICYCLE FRIENDLY CITY after dropping to number two in 2010 behind Minneapolis. The other top five include Minneapolis, Boulder, Washington D. C., and Chicago. Seattle dropped to number 10. To make the list, a city must possess a robust cycling infrastructure and a vibrant bike culture.
TriMet’s construction of the PORTLAND TO MILWAUKIE LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT PROJECT will cause a major traffic detour on the SE Powell overcrossing at SE 17th St as it will be demolished. This is near the south end of the Eastbank Esplanade. For about a year, a detour will be in effect until the bridge is rebuilt. Bikes can cross at signalized crossings at SE Milwaukie Ave., 13th St. or 21st St. or use the overcrossing at SE 9th St. Go to Tri-Met’s web site for more information.
Here’s what to do if it’s raining. Or maybe your kids would be more interested. THE LUMBERYARD, AN INDOOR BIKE PARK on NE 82nd St. across from Madison High School, opened recently. It used to be a bowling alley so it’s big, 48,000 square feet. The facility includes jump lines, pump tracks, a skill section and a “cross-country” trail loop that winds between it all. It’s good for riders of all abilities. They have bikes, helmets and protective pads for rent or you can bring your own. And they plan to expand.
The renovation of the straightaways of the ALPENROSE VELODROME began in March and has now been completed. The total cost was $51,000 of which $5000 still needs to be raised by OBRA (Oregon Bike Racing Association). Phase two of the project, the paved infield portion of the track, will be as expensive as Phase one, but once done, they will have an almost new velodrome which will keep Alpenrose running for the next 20 to 30 years. There are several fund raising efforts and Castelli is selling a special jersey, $60 out of the $100 purchase price will go to the renovations. Go to OBRA’s web site for more information.
Sharon Fekety
Last Updated on Thursday, 07 June 2012 17:34
Change of Venue Announcement
Written by PV Webmaster
Tuesday, 05 June 2012 20:35
Change of Venue Announcement
Saturday Signature Ride June 9 Will Start at McMennamins Edgefield
This week Portland Velo presents members a change of scenery with an off-site ride. We will meet at McMenamins Edgefield, 2126 SW Halsey Street,Troutdale OR 97060. Start time remains 9 am. Please follow the entrance road all the way back, and park your car in the far SW corner of the back parking lot.
We’ve ridden from Edgefield on numerous occasions in the past and the rider turnout grows each time. There are many ride options from Edgefield and the two we use are:
Directly out, up, and down to Multnomah Falls and back to Edgefield. It’s an easy out-and-back with a longish, shallow climb going out followed by a twisting/turning downhill to the Falls. On the way back you have a bit steeper climb up to Crown Point , then a bomber downhill run all the way back to Edgefield.
The “climber” option begins 100 yards past the Women’s Forum State Park, as you take the right fork up the hill instead of the left fork down to Crown Point. From that fork it’s a steady 14-mile climb to the summit of Larch Mountain. If you opt to turn around at the snow gate, you can save yourself the final 4.5 miles of climbing to the summit parking lot.
There will be no official ride leaders this week, however, we will provide maps of the route. These rides are a chance for us to give the ride leaders a break from their duties and allow them to just ride and enjoy themselves. So, grab some members, form your own group(s), and have a great ride!
See you Saturday morning,
KRhea
May 2012 New Members
Written by Reginald Lee
Tuesday, 22 May 2012 00:27
Welcome New Members
Portland Velo would like to welcome the following new members to the club!
Mary Beach Denes Balazs Steven Osborn Ravinder Janappa Reddi Don Fitchett Carl Jackson Daniel T Helms Kadam Bhagwan Matt Schmunk Chris Mays Mark A F Hayes John (Jack) Hall Lou Lambert Gary Richard Stark Joel Kaplan Jeffrey M Alden Ian Lethbridge David Bain Lee Stevenson Marc D Miller Allen Trepp Paul McLaughlin
We hope to see you on the road real soon!
Last Updated on Tuesday, 22 May 2012 02:43
On Your Left, May 2012
Written by PV Webmaster
Monday, 07 May 2012 00:00
On Your Left….
It’s the Spring edition of Velocity! Welcome to warmer temps, drier rides, and allergy season!
The last couple weeks our Saturday rides have again blossomed into their springtime fullness with attendance growing to over 100 riders. Of course I’d be remiss if I didn’t thank all of you who hung in there with us throughout the winter months. There were many Saturdays I expected maybe 5-10 riders when I arrived the parking lot, and I was repeatedly surprised when there would be 25-30 riders ready to roll out, even though it was cold and usually wet. Congrats to the diehards for surviving another winter full of cold, wet Saturday rides, and doing it with a smile on your face, a great attitude, and a bit of road grit in your teeth!
A downed tree on the east bank of the Willamette River about one mile south of OMSI has damaged part of the SPRINGWATER ON THE WILLAMETTE TRAIL causing erosion beneath the path because of the heavy recent rains. A short section of the west side of the trail is blocked off but the trail is still open at this time. Trail users are asked to slow down and yield to slower traffic and be conscious of other trail users. With all the rain we’ve had, there is a possibility that the erosion will cause the trail to be closed. This trail is a crucial link in the bike network carrying bike traffic between the Sellwood neighborhood and downtown Portland.
Construction of the SOUTH WATERFRONT GREENWAY is on hold. This path, which would physically separate cyclists from walkers, has a $2 million funding gap in the $8 million project. The project also includes environmental restoration and riverfront access improvements which will proceed. All design plans and permits are completed but there is no estimate as to when the additional funds will be available for construction of the path. Cyclists now can use the recently completed Moody Ave. Cycle Track as well as Moody and Bond Streets to proceed through South Waterfront.
Completion of a new section of the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail between John B. Yeon State Park and Moffett Creek will allow cyclists and others to travel between TROUTDALE AND CASCADE LOCKS without using the shoulder of I-84. It should be completed by early fall of 2013. The $2.1 million grant from the Federal Highway Administration is part of FHWA’s Public Lands Highways Discretion Program. This program, part of every transportation bill since 1930, will be eliminated along with “Safe Routes to Schools” and many other programs if the upcoming transportation bill (H. R. 7), is passed.
In the latest PORTLAND BICYCLE COUNT REPORT released by PBOT, trips made by bicycle increased by 6.4 % in 2011 compared with 2010. On the 11 new neighborhood greenways (bike boulevards) bike counts jumped by 61%. (Build it and they will come.) Overall, bike traffic is up 219% since 2001. 31% of riders are women and 80% of riders counted wore helmets. Automated bike counters are used on bridges and trails. Volunteers record counts for each direction during two hour peak periods (morning and/or evening) for all other locations.
PortlandVelo:
The map for this weeks ride has been posted. Looks like we could get wet this week, bring your fenders. Join us!!! http://t.co/MXhX6GXx1h
