The sun is out, the trees along the Waterfront have bloomed, the breeze off the Willamette feels nice on the Esplanade, and the Springwater Corridor is getting fresh pavement. Portland’s superb mixed-use trails are calling and the hordes have answered the call and are coming out in full force.
Bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
What was that? A flying two-wheeled spandor? A terrorizing trike? A jumping, bunny-hopping, slaloming BMXer? A carefree commuter on the way home pushing for the next personal best?
When the sun comes out, even our beloved mixed-use paths carry some element of traffic danger. And when that happens, bicyclists find themselves on the other side of the road. On paths, we are the big, fast-moving traffic that can hurt users. When using these paths be sure to bring along a friendly bell for passing or practice your favorite cartoon voice to loudly proclaim, “On your left!” Personally, I use Kermit the frog’s voice.
I live just by the Springwater Corridor and often use the Eastbank Esplanade to get to North Portland, but when a sunny weekend arrives I steer clear of the crowds and take less congested bikeways. If you are using the paths for commuting and are finding the congestion unbearable try a different route. Down here at the BTA office we have a ton of free Portland Bike Maps. Come pick one up. Don’t want to bother coming downtown? Check out the new googlemaps bike directions: the sweetest thing to hit the internet since chat rooms.
If you are using the paths for recreational rides there are many great places to raise the heart rate and get a good days’ sweat in. Check out www.rubbertotheroad.com. The website has over 40 rides that range in difficulty from sunny struts to climbing leg-busters. I just did a quick glance and the “Little Switzerland” ride sounds amazing. Give it a try and let us know how it is.
