Portland: The City of Bikes, or is it?
Portland, Oregon. The city that's synonymous with bicycles. You know, the place where everyone rides a bike, right? Well, not exactly. Let's dive into the world of Portland cyclists, a world filled with more questions than answers.
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| How Many Cyclists Are In Portland |
How Many Cyclists are Actually in Portland?
This is the million-dollar question, or should I say, the million-bike question? Portland's reputation as a cycling haven is well-deserved, but the exact number of cyclists is a bit of a mystery. It's like trying to count the number of grains of sand on a beach while simultaneously dodging rogue seagulls.
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The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) does its best to count bikes, but even they admit it's a tricky business. Bike counters can be easily fooled by, let's say, a particularly determined squirrel on a tiny tricycle. And then there are the ghost bikers - those phantom cyclists who seem to appear out of nowhere, only to vanish into thin air.
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The Rise and Fall (and Rise Again?) of Portland Cycling
Portland's cycling scene has had its ups and downs. In the early 2000s, it was booming. Bike lanes were popping up like mushrooms after a rain, and cyclists were taking over the city. It was like a real-life version of "Breaking Away," but without the small-town charm.
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However, in recent years, there's been a bit of a decline. Some say it's the weather, others blame the rise of e-bikes (controversial, we know). Whatever the reason, it's undeniable that the city's cycling population has taken a hit. But fear not, cycling enthusiasts! There are signs of recovery. Bike counts are on the rise again, and new bike infrastructure is in the works.
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So, How Many Cyclists Are There Really?
The short answer is: we don't know. The long answer is: probably a lot, but less than you might think. And that's okay! Portland's charm lies in its unpredictability. You never know what you're going to find around the next corner - a flock of pigeons, a food cart with questionable cuisine, or a cyclist doing a wheelie.
Remember: Even if you're not a cyclist yourself, you can still support the cycling community by sharing the road, being patient, and maybe even investing in a really good bike helmet. After all, safety first!
How To... Cycling in Portland
- How to become a Portland cycling legend: Wear neon spandex, grow a handlebar mustache, and master the art of one-handed coffee drinking.
- How to survive Portland's unpredictable weather: Own a wardrobe that transitions seamlessly from shorts and sunglasses to rain gear and gumboots.
- How to find the best bike lanes: Follow the crowds of cyclists, or just accept that you'll probably get lost.
- How to avoid getting hit by a car: Develop excellent psychic abilities or invest in a really good bike helmet.
- How to embrace the Portland cycling spirit: Accept that you might get rained on, you might get honked at, but you'll always have a good story to tell.
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