Portlanders are (metaphorically speaking) showing off their battle scars today.  "I walked two hours to the bus stop, waited an hour and then caught a ride on the back of a ATV" type commute stories.  It's cathartic.

My commute wasn't exactly normal, but the MAX Yellow Line did have a shuttle bus running very frequently and I was able to catch a MAX from the Rose Quarter into downtown.  Yesterday, well it was nice out so I walked the 6 miles home.  It seemed like a good idea when I left work...

Over at OregononLive.com they are posting people's commute stories.  One commuter got an early Christmas present.  One got a lift (lot's of community-style hitchhiking going on, it seems - only in Portland). And one got a, let's call it inappropriate, song stuck in his head. 

Remember, City Maintenance Crews and TriMet operators are working long hours in stressful conditions to get you home safely. 

Stay safe out there! 

Due to extreme weather, TriMet has temporarily cancelled service on many routes. Frequent service lines and MAX service is still operating with reduced service. Many MAX lines are being run as shuttle buses.

For updated alerts, please check http://www.trimet.org/alerts or 503-238-RIDE.

More information is also available: http://www.KeepPortlandMoving.org

Trek Bicycles has begun a campaign to get more of us riding our bikes for short trips.  The Wisconsin-based company's new endeavor, 1 World 2 Wheels, includes a "Go by Bike" challenge and a goal to increase bike trips in the U.S. from 1% to 5% of all trips by 2017.  (Here in Portland, we're aiming a little higher - 15%.)

The campaign really focuses on those short trips that we take everyday - the bank, the coffee shop, the library, the grocery store, and on and on and on.

Here are some compelling reasons to hop on your old bike for those quick jaunts out:

Although this week may not convince you, your bike is often the easiest way to get around your neighborhood and accomplish those short trips.  Give it a try!  One trip each week can make a big difference in neighborhood traffic, climate change pollution, and your health!

While Portlanders are a hearty, bicycle-riding bunch we don't often have to deal with riding in snow and ice.  But Minnesotans, Alaskans, and Canadians - they deal with the frozen stuff the way we deal with rain. 

So in search of information on biking in the frosty climes I found the website IceBike (thanks to Elly over at bikeportland.org).  It has lots of good info on riding techniques and equipment to make snow biking fun and safe(r?). 

Like studded bicycle tires.  Pretty cool, huh?!  I don't think I'll rush out and buy a pair (MAX is cheaper and easier) but it makes me happy to know that I could buy studs for my bike!

Stay safe out there!  No matter your transportation choice...