By Lauren Falkner | Contributing Writer
Summer is biking season in Portland and with good reason. The weather is beautiful, infrastructure supports it, and it’s fun. For those who bike, it’s a virtuous cycle: reduce your carbon footprint, get in a low-impact workout, and never get stuck in traffic, whether you’re heading to work, meeting up with friends, or simply looking to explore. That said, there are some rules and best practices that cyclists should know about.
Did you know that there are designated bike routes all over Portland? Neighborhood Greenways are low-traffic, low-speed streets that give priority to pedestrians and bikers and they run parallel to many car routes. Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) provides free bike maps on its website, and both bike shops and the library hand out free information pamphlets.
Newer cyclists often bike the route they usually drive. This can be dangerous for the cyclist, and scary for drivers. Cyclists cannot always avoid major streets, but using bike routes reduces the need to bike on traffic-heavy streets except at intersections. Knowing bike routes or mapping out your ride ahead of time will make for a more safe and fun ride. Remember to bike on the right side of the road and observe traffic laws. It’s also good to know how to communicate when you’re on a bike. Learning the signals for turning and passing are important. Here are some basics of signaling:
Left turn: Fully extend your left arm out to the side.
Right turn: Bend your left arm up at a right angle and hold your hand flat, pointed up.
Passing: Pass cyclists and pedestrians on the left if possible. Practice saying “On your left” in a clear voice. Alternatively, you can ring a bell. It’s not rude! Not announcing your intention to pass can lead to accidents, so let folks know you’re coming!
Finally, invest in good gear. Wear a helmet that covers the whole of your head, and leave the AirPods in your bag. Being able to hear and see are good biking practices, for yourself and others. Have functional lights on the front and back of your bike. It’s easy to forget during these long summer days, but bikes are invisible in the dark. Make sure you are covered if you need to get home after dark. High visibility, reflective accessories are great too.
Portland is full of organizations and communities who want to help you enjoy riding safely. Take a look at the resources below, and happy riding!
Lauren Falkner is proud to be a Concordia resident and serves on the Concordia Neighborhood Association Board. When not biking around town she’s often puttering in her garden.