COMMUNITY SPIN - June 2012

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