Bicycling
There is a lot of biking in Portland. In 2009, bikes represented 13% of the traffic crossing four of Portland bridges. On the Hawthorne Bridge, the most popular bike route across the river, bikes account for 21% of all traffic.[1]. The Portland Bicycle Plan for 2030 hopes to have one out of every four trips made by bicycle.
Although consistently ranked the top bike city in the States[2][3][4], Portland slipped to number two behind Minneapolis in the 2010 Bicycling Magazine rankings[5]. Portland is second only to Amsterdam in Virgin Vacations' world ranking for the most bike-friendly cities.[2]
Choosing your bike to explore Portland is a great decision. An amazing network of bicycling infrastructure supplies limitless opportunities. With an understanding of bike laws and safety, you can discover a new Portland on two wheels.
Basic Safety
Wear a helmet! On a budget? Portland State University occasionally promotes $5 bike helmet "events." You can also sometimes pick up modestly-priced lights and locks there. Legacy Health has had similar programs.
Basic Laws
![](/images/thumb/f/f0/Bicycleday.jpg/400px-Bicycleday.jpg)
Bicycles follow many of the same laws that cars must follow. Bikes travel with the flow of traffic.
At night a front light and rear light or reflector must be used.
Street Markings
Portland has many helpful street markings for bicyclists. Bicycle boulevards have sharrows to indicate that it is a cycling route.
References
- ↑ PORTLAND BICYCLE COUNT REPORT 2009. Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT). (PDF)
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "11 Most Bike Friendly Cities in the World". Virgin Vacations. Virgin Airlines.
- ↑ Theen, Andrew. "Oregon Cities Rank High For Bike Friendliness". OPB News. 2008-04-29.
- ↑ Dougherty, Conor. "'Youth Magnet' Cities Hit Midlife Crisis". Wall Street Journal. 2009-06-16.
- ↑ America’s Top 50 Bike-Friendly Cities: 2. Portland, OR