May is National Bike Month and May 21st is National Bike to Work Day so this week’s newsletter will be dedicated to all things bikes! Did you know 6.3% of Portland commuters go by bike? This is the highest percentage of bike commuters for a large American city and means that approximately 22,647 workers in Portland choose to bicycle. Whether you are an experienced rider or new to biking there are a ton of resources available such as PBOT’s Suggested Bike Rides Around Portland. There are also a lot of great local businesses that can tune up your old bike, keep you safe and help you ride in style. See below!
- Alberta: Community Cycling Center is a full-service bike shop but also so much more. The organization also helps people gain access to bicycle knowledge, education, leadership training, and more. Gladys Bikes sells new and used bikes plus offers rentals and bicycle service in a gender inclusive space that welcomes all people and bikes.
- Foster: Enjoy the new-ish bike lanes on SE Foster Road and stop by Bike Frequency for all your bicycle needs. They specialize in used and vintage bikes and tough repair jobs.
- Gateway: The Outer Rim is East Portland’s premier family-owned and operated bike shop. They stock everything from BMX and Mountain to Commuter and Ebikes. Each of their bikes includes free lifetime service by their team of certified mechanics. If you are in the area, be sure to take a cruise through the beautiful Gateway Green which offers a primo off-road cycling area.
- Lents: NW Pro Gear specializes in recycling old bikes and bike parts. They sell new and used bikes, offer repair services and donate 10% of their net profits to charity.
- Lloyd: Numerous bike support programs are offered by Go Lloyd. Bike maps, a bike helmet loaner program, bike share and a bike parking program are just a few of their programs that you can take advantage of.
- Midway: The Springwater Corridor is a 40-mile loop that passes along the Midway community using a repurposed former rail route. The path takes you by beautiful natural areas like Leach Botanical Garden and Powell Butte Nature Park.
- Montavilla: You can find the Oregon Bike Shop in the heart of the Montavilla district. The shop is owned by a bicycle mechanic, so you know they provide quality repairs. Check out their racing team, comprised of members aged 9 years old to 60+ with everyone in between.
- Multnomah Village: Southwest Bicycle caters to commuters who use bicycles as practical transportation. Owner Danny Houghton has been racing BMX, road, track, MTB and cyclocross for more than 40 years.
- Northwest District: Looking to go off-road? Since 1985, Fat Tire Farm has been selling mountain bikes and bike parts to Portlanders looking to get a little dirty. They also partner with non-profits like Northwest Trail Alliance, Hood River Area Trail Stewards, 44 Trails Association and Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance.
- St. Johns: Block Bikes PDX is a full-service bike shop that has served the St. Johns community since 2013. For a different kind of fun on two wheels, check out Sabatino Vintage Moped & Scooter, which carries a fun selection of electric scooters.
- Williams District: North Williams Ave is a major arterial for bikers. Abraham Fixes Bikes offers affordable bike repairs and also specializes in mountain bikes. Whatever type of cyclist you are, Metropolis Cycles has you covered with a selection of road, commuter, cyclocross and eBikes in their inventory. For something made right here in Portland, Breadwinner Cycles makes custom bicycles for riders who want something built just for them.
This list is non-exhaustive so if you have got a favorite bike shop show them some love during Bike Month. How are you celebrating? Show us on Instagram and Facebook.