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Bike Buzz - May 2008 |
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Ride of Silence makes quiet statement
 On May 21, the fifth annual Ride of Silence will begin in North America and roll across the globe. The event, which coincides with Bike Safety month, aims to raise the awareness of motorists, police and city officials that cyclists have a legal right to the public roadways. The silent ride also pays tribute to cyclists who have been killed or injured. Pacific Northwest locations for the ride include Seattle, Tacoma, Beaverton, Oregon and a growing list of other locations. For a list of locations and details, see www.rideofsilence.org. |
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Portland’s “Bike Box”
 Green space is always a good thing, and Portland’s newest green space is particularly good news for cyclists. Called a “bike box,” it’s actually an idea that originated in Europe with the intent of reducing automobile/cyclist accidents. It gives cyclists a designated space to wait at a red light, ahead of waiting car traffic so that they are more visible (and therefore safer). The bike boxes are green boxes painted on the road with white bicycle symbols inside and green bicycle lanes approaching and leading from the boxes.
The bike boxes are just one part of a bike safety action plan being implemented by the Portland Office of Transportation. For more information, call the Portland Bicycle Hotline at 503-823-CYCL (2925). |
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Bike Buddy Program
 The idea of commuting by bicycle for the first time can be daunting. You have to make sure you have the right gear, figure out the best route and get comfortable riding in traffic. That’s why the Bicycle Alliance of Washington has created the Bike Buddy Program.
The program matches you with a volunteer who can help you navigate the commute and provide advice on everything from rain gear to loading your bike on a bus. The Bicycle Alliance also has experienced cyclists who will conduct lunchtime commuting sessions at your place of business. Sign up for a Bike Buddy by calling (206) 224-9252 or e-mail bikebuddy@bicyclealliance.org. You can also find an enrollment form online at www.bicyclealliance.org.
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Northwest Velodromes recycle popular events
 Marymoor will continue its popular Friday Night Racing series, with its 2008 season scheduled for May 30-Sept. 12. In March, the Marymoor Velodrome Association (MVA) raised more than $20,000 at its annual Track to the Future Dinner and Fundraiser Auction. Proceeds from the event will directly support MVA’s programs including introductory track cycling classes, Peewee Pedalers classes for children and racing at the velodrome.
For more information about Marymoor, visit www.velodrome.org.
At 268.43 meters around with a 16.6 meter radius and a 43-degree bank, Alpenrose is one of the steepest velodromes in the country. Built in 1962, Alpenrose is also home to the only North American six-day race, The Alpenrose Six-Day, which is scheduled June 23-28.
For more information about Alpenrose, visit www.obra.org/track.
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Be a pothole watchdog
How many times have you maneuvered your bike around a pothole, thinking “someone should fix that?” Now you can help make the roads safer by reporting potholes and other hazards. Here are some options.
Bicycle Watchdog (www.bicyclewatchdog.org) helps cyclists get information about potential danger zones to the people who can fix them. They maintain a list of contact information for bicycle and transportation departments in jurisdictions throughout the state of Washington. The site also has a database of hazards and a “wall of shame.”
In Portland, call PDOT at (503) 823-BUMP to report potholes; in Salem call (503) 588-6063. Another way to request bike route improvements in Portland is at www.pdxtrans.org/bicycles/maintain.htm.
In Seattle, call SDOT at (206) 684-ROAD (7623) or fill out a street maintenance request at www.seattle.gov/Transportation/potholereport.htm. To report a pothole in King County call (800) KCROADS; in Snohomish County call (360) 862-7500. |
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Cycle Seen:
Picturing Portland Bike Culture
Portland is a great city for cyclists, as evidenced by the Cycle Seen art exhibition featuring more than 50 local photographers and artists at nine locations around the city in June. The juried exhibition will showcase the diverse cycling community that calls Portland home, from messengers to commuters to casual weekend riders. A ride to all nine art locations is scheduled for 10 a.m., June 14 starting at Stumptown Roasters, 1954 S.E. Division St. Locations, details and more events can be found at www.cycleseen.com. |
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PIR kicks off 12th season
Portland International Raceway will host bikes instead of race cars on Monday nights this summer as it kicks off its 12th year of races. The 1.9-mile track has been re-paved for what promises to be an exciting season. This year, organizers have added clinics, focused on introducing novice women to the sport, which will run on the second Monday of each month. All levels and abilities are welcome.
Entry fee is $13 for women and masters men, $5 for women under 18. Racing starts at 6:15 p.m. Monday nights May 5- Aug. 25 (no racing July 21st). For more information, visit www.racemondaynight.com
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