The Eighth International Towards Carfree Cities Conference. World Naked Bike Ride. Pedalpalooza. Multnomah County Bike Fair. Sunday Parkways. Spoke 'n' Word may have been quiet these past few months, but it has only been in preparation for the annual month-long, two-wheeled blitz that is about to surge through Portland's streets. Naked. Eating donuts. Singing karaoke. And discussing the merits and challenges of carfree mobility (or just drinking coffee on a bridge). What's happening? Let's break it down, shall we?
World Naked Bike Ride (June 14)
Umm, well, it's a lot of people riding naked on a bike. And when I say a lot, I mean a LOT. Last year there were reports that it cusped on a thousand. This year is expected to be in far greater numbers. The website has a countdown clock and, for those first-timers, a sweet little guide to help you enjoy the time you have. Sadly, this year's WNBR will not coincide with fleet week during the Rose Festival, but there is nothing to stop you from riding with 20 friends as a dry run for Saturday's adventures.
Pedalpalooza (June 12-28)
For some, it's merely a tongue-twister. For others, an excuse to dabble in insomnia during the merry month of June. Shift, a local organization that celebrates creative bike culture, organizes this 2+ week festival filled with more bike-related events than one person can physically handle (unless you have a clone or enjoy omnipresent status). Last year, Pedalpalooza had over 140 rides/events. This year, the count is 208 events and counting. that's a lot of events, folks! Personally, the Solstice Ride and Bike-In Movie have been among my favorites, though of course I'm partial to a certain blogstress' PARK-ing venture on June 25th. For the whole family, there is Cirque du Cycling on the 14th and a Superhero Dress-up ride for kids and families on June 22nd that will be great! But that's just me. Basically, just get on your bike June 12th and don't dismount again until AT LEAST June 28th.
International Towards Carfree Cities Conference (June 16-20)
Imagine what you could do with a parking space, or what cities could look like with fewer and fewer cars. Coming to Portland as its North American debut, the Conference focuses on the creation of sustainable transportation systems and on the transformation of cities, towns, and villages into human-scaled environments rich in public space and community life. This year's theme is "Rethinking Mobility, Rediscovering Proximity". Gil Penalosa will be our keynote speaker, and boy, are we thrilled. Among some of the highlights:
- Depaving Day, when we take a parking area donated by a local business and transform it into a community garden
- Public Day, with a covey of workshops and discussions, Gil Penalosa's keynote address, and a culminating Art Show at City Hall
- Square Dance in the street
Registration is still open for both the entire
Conference and for
Public Day.
In our next issue, we will describe Sunday Parkways and Multnomah County Bike Fair. Until then, get your brakes aligned and your tires pumped up, because you've got some riding to do!
See you in the bike lane.