We here at Neighborhood Notes are looking to switch to bicycles for many of our daily errands and running around the central city. I used to ride both a road and mountain bike a fair amount. However, planning, designing, and launching the new website curtailed my "joy" rides. It doesn't look like that is going to change any time soon. So rather than look at my old rides and feel guilty, I am looking to acquire a city bike so that I can use it as needed without having to "gear up" with all the specialized cycle clothing.
It seems that people all over Portland are doing the same given this story from The Oregonian:
The signs of a bike-commuting boom are clear to Lanny Gower every time he sees the packed bike storage areas at his company, Con-way Inc.
The longtime cyclist is also reminded he's not the only bike commuter anymore by the morning lines at the office showers.
And if that wasn't enough, there were the recent responses from two female co-workers to his question, "Hey, did you do something with your hair?"
The reply both times: a wry "Yeah, I wore my bike helmet."
Maybe it's gasoline above $4 a gallon or considerations about the environment. Maybe it's concerns about personal health and a desire for exercise.
Whatever the reason, a bike-commuting boom is being felt across the Portland area, from the nonprofit Community Cycling Center, where bike sales and service are up 28 percent from this time a year ago, to Adidas America's North Portland campus, where two-wheeled vehicles have recently been attached to every part of every bike rack.
Read the full story.
i just hope the added numbers of bicycle riders will do a better job of following the laws than many of those I've seen in the Pearl/Downtown areas. Most of them feel they can disobey basic driving rules, simply because they're smaller and can squirrel in and out of tight spaces. They come up against you faster than any car and expect you to see them and stop on a dime to let them through. Bicyclists I've seen, since moving down here 3 1/2 yrs. ago, ride at night (including stormy ones) without lights and in dark clothing. They weave in and out of traffic swiftly and pay no attention to cars that might be switching lanes. I've seen them run red lights; move into oncoming traffic to get around a truck, etc. I was at a 4-way stop one day and although there was a semi to my right, it had stopped since I had the right-of-way. I started across when suddenly a bicyclist came flying out from alongside the semi and crossed in front of me. Upon relating the incident to others, many have had similar experiences. While it's true, the car is deadlier, perhaps those who ride bicycles should treasure their safety more and not take such chances. Seems as though they like playing Russian roulette. Another time I was at a stop sign waiting to make a right onto Everett. When the traffic cleared and I started my turn, a cyclist came flying around the left side of me and turned right in front of my vehicle, also going onto Everett. Needless to say, this is happening to numerous other car drivers, not just to me, as discussions with friends and NW residents can attest to.
PERHAPS BICYCLISTS NEED PERMITS AND DRIVER TESTS ALSO?
I understand your concern and have experienced my share of "rogue" bicyclists. At the same time I have experienced my share of drivers who don't believe bikes belong on the road, even though that's where the law puts them. I've seen or experienced drivers purposely cut off bicycles, turn without regard for the bike lane, or worse purposely swerve at bicycles. Rude, discourteous, and illegal behavior exists on both sides of the 2-wheel/4-wheel divide.
Given the current price of fuel and the fact that Portland is a bike friendly city, more people will be riding bikes, including me. Everyone needs to take a breath, relax, and accept that bikes and cars share the road. ItÂ’s the law. Bicyclists need to do their part by obeying stop signs and traffic lights. Cars need to give bikes space on the road, understand that the bike lane is for bikes, and look in their mirror and over their shoulder before making that right turn.
With a little mutual cooperation and common sense much of this bike/car conflict can be resolved.
Thanks for your comment!