Bike Month kicks off in Portland, nationwide
May 1, 2014 - UPDATE: Watch this short video of our first Quick Fix event. Thanks to JoeBike for the bike lube and air; thanks to KATU-TV for coming to visit!
In celebration of National Bike Month in May, the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) is hosting over a dozen events, including rides, clinics and refreshment stations to encourage people to get out and bike. National Bike Month also celebrates people who already are riding and encourages them to invite friends and colleagues to join the fun of biking to work, school and everyday errands.
“Biking has become a hallmark of the Rose City,” said Commissioner Steve Novick, who oversees PBOT. “Biking and other forms of active transportation contribute to Portland’s renowned livability by reducing traffic, easing the wear on our transportation system, and by improving health outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.”
“My family and I ride practically every day,” said Transportation Director Leah Treat. “Portland has a large network of bike routes plus a community spirit of sharing the road, and I invite you to dust off your bike and join us during National Bike Month and beyond.”
PBOT kicks off National Bike Month with a free “Quick Fix” event at SE Lincoln Street and Cesar Chavez Avenue on Tuesday, May 6th from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. One of four Quick Fixes happening throughout May, visitors can have dusty but functional bikes quickly fixed up with free air for their tires and lube for chains. Breakfast snacks and coffee will also be served for free.
PBOT also is holding free clinics and bike rides throughout the May and the rest of spring and summer. Topics include Cycling Essentials, Bike Maintenance Basics, Family Bicycling and Shopping by Bike.
In addition to PBOT events, many employers and organizations are holding their own National Bike Month events throughout May to kick off the fair weather bicycling season. A full calendar of PBOT and community events can be found at www.pdxbikemonth.com and the excitement will be shared on social media using the hashtag #pdxbikemonth .
Bike Month also brings the return of two Portland bicycling traditions:
- PBOT will kick off its Sunday Parkways season on Mother’s Day, May 11th from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in East Portland. Portland Sunday Parkways presented by Kaiser Permanente is a series of family-friendly events that creates a car-free loop on city streets where participants can walk, jog, bicycle, roller skate, skate board and dance. The on-street loop also connects several parks where people can enjoy food and healthy, fun activities.
- City Commissioner Steve Novick will be the keynote speaker of the 3rd annual Portland Employer Bike Summit on Friday, May 16th, organized and hosted by Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon. Speakers and workshops will provide participants with case studies and tools on creating a bike-friendly workplace.
All of these events are designed to inspire people to ride every day. People are encouraged to share their ride experience and encourage others by posting to social media with the hashtag #pdxbikemonth. For more information, visit www.pdxbikemonth.com.