Programs

COMmunity Cycling Center Programs

In addition to the programs listed below, we have a variety of activities and opportunities at our community bicycle center.

And We Bike campaign

In June 2007, Tim O'Donnell, 66, was struck and killed while riding his bicycle with a group of friends. This tragedy brought increased attention to the safety of cyclists using Washington County roads. Tim's wife, Mary, established a memorial fund to address this problem. WashCo BTC, working with The Bicycle Transportation Alliance (BTA), is spearheading an effort to increase awareness of these serious safety issues.

The campaign includes life-sized cutouts of people with their bikes that will remind motorists that bicyclists are their relatives, friends, coworkers and neighbors, "and we bike". The cutouts will be placed around in front of businesses and community gathering spots around the county. The message is, "Be careful; the cyclist could be someone you know." Printed material will include a list of ways motorists can more safely interact with bicyclists. Presentations will be made to community groups, and various other activities will also help promote the campaign. For more information and details, please visit our And We Bike Campaign page.

Adult Bicycle Safety Education Classes

WashCo BTC offers Adult Bicycle Safety Education Classes as sanctioned by the League of American Bicyclists. These classes are taught by Hal Ballard and Terry Nobbe, who are both certified cycling instructors.

Classes are listed on the site’s course schedule page in the education section: http://bikeleague.org/programs/education/course_schedule.php.

The classes will include the entire curriculum offered by the League (Road I&II, Commuter, Group and Motorist Ed) with the exception of the Kids I & II classes. However, the WashCo BTC will partner with the BTA to assist in bringing bicycle education to middle school kids.

Bicycle Safety Inspections

WashCo BTC has been providing free of charge bicycle safety inspections at various events as well as at our new Frans Pauwels Memorial Bicycle Center, 21785 SW Tualatin Valley Highway, Suite J in Aloha, OR. Using a checklist and diagram of a bicycle, the ‘inspector’ puts the customer’s bike on the work stand and proceeds to check the operation of various parts of the bike. In addition, things like wheel hubs, bottom brackets, head sets, etc. are checked. Brake pads, cables, tire pressure, etc, are also checked for wear.

During seasonal times of the year, we also feature inspections at additional events and locations. Dates and times will be announced and published on our Calendar.

Adopt-a-park

The WashCo BTC recently adopted the northern portion of the Rock Creek Powerline Park and Trail between NW Rock Creek Blvd and Evergreen Parkway. This section has a bicycle memorial station and we felt it appropriate that we adopt this particular section.

Our Kick-off event is scheduled for 9:00 am on Saturday, December 6th at the park.

Periodic activities will include landscaping, tree planting, litter and vandalism clean up and other events that may be appropriate. Each activity will end at the center where we will provide warm beverages and treats as a thank you for the help.

Adopt-A Road litter clean up

WashCo BTC is proud to be part of the Adopt-a-Road program, a semi-annual event where members clean up road sides, helping to raise visibility and show ownership and respect for the roads we use. Currently, the WashCo BTC is responsible for NW West Union between Bethany Blvd and 185th. We also clean up NW 143rd between Cornell and West Union, about 1 mile away.

6 – 8 volunteers are needed to make this semi-annual event a success. Adopting the roads lends the WashCo BTC credibility with the motoring public and the site of several Lycra clad bicyclists cleaning up one of the more traveled rods by bicyclists and motorists brings much positive visibility to our organization.

The next clean-up scheduled, including meeting place and other details of this approximate 2 hour event, will be posted on Calendar.

Ride of Silence

WashCo BTC is an important organizer of the local Ride of Silence each May. Join cyclists worldwide in a silent slow-paced ride (max. 12 mph/20 kph) in honor of those who have been injured or killed while cycling on public roadways. For more information, please visit www.rideofsilence.org.

Washington County Bicycle Transportation Coalition (WashCo BTC): mission is to promote bicycle transportation, protect bicyclists’ rights, and improve bicycling conditions throughout Washington County, Oregon through education and advocacy.