Jonathan Maus
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A lover of humans, cities, bikes, basketball, etc. Founder/editor/janitor @bikeportland
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Articles by Jonathan Maus
BikePortland’s next chapter
Sunset on the Broadway Bridge, 2011. (Photo: Jonathan Maus/BikePortland) Hi everyone. It’s been a while since I shared an update on BikePortland and my role in it going forward. After a lot of thought, I’ve decided to step aside. Stepping aside does not mean stepping away. Like I said a few days ago, the BikePortland website (and social channels) will remain and continue to be a platform.
Wanted: Your opinions and guest articles
(Photo: Jonathan Maus/BikePortland) If you have an opinion on something, a big idea to share, or a recap of a ride, meeting, or event, I’d love to publish it here on BikePortland. I’m even open to news stories and press releases. This site has always been a platform for our community, and I’d like to keep it that way — even as I step away. I’ve had many folks reach out with guest article ideas and submissions already.
A rad Plaid Century
One of many crews who celebrated at the final Plaid location on the route at NE 67th and Glisan. (Photos: Jonathan Maus/BikePortland) On Sunday, nearly 300 people pedaled across Portland for the first ever Plaid Pantry Century — a 102.7-mile route that took riders (and a few rollers) to 53 store locations. It was the type of ridiculous, free, fun event that Bike Summer is beloved for. I was part of a relay team that split the route into five legs.
Dispatch from hiatus and update on the future
Bike Summer organizer Meghan Sinnott and I after a chat in the Shed last week. (Photo: J Chris Anderson) Hi! I’ve missed you! I am grateful for your support and hope you’re enjoying Bike Summer — or just summer even if it doesn’t include as much “bike” as you’d like. It’s been a minute since my last check-in and it’s time to share an update on what I’ve been doing and thinking since I announced a hiatus from BikePortland.
Our 20th Anniversary Party is this Wednesday
The new Bike Happy Pale Ale is being canned as I type this and last minute preparations are underway for the BikePortland 20th Anniversary Party this Wednesday from 4-7:00 pm (or so) at Migration Brewing on North Williams Avenue. I hope you can join us for a night of friends, food, drinks, memories, and conversations that will help write the next chapter of this bike blog/transportation news operation.
What does our city need? And how can BikePortland help?
Working the 2007 Multnomah County Bike Fair at Colonel Summers Park. (Photo: Mike Burnett) When I started documenting Portland’s bike scene in April 2005, my main goal was to provide a window into an amazing community. I was new to town and was deeply inspired and excited by what I saw on the streets — and I figured other people would be too.
I’m going on hiatus
Hi everyone. As you might have sensed, things have slowed down a lot on BikePortland lately. There are a lot of reasons for that, and I might share them in more detail some day. For now, I just want you to know that I need a bit of space from the daily grind. BikePortland has taken a lot out of me for 21 years, and I’ve finally taken time to think deeply about what that means for me, my family, and our community. I’ve always been honest with you and I just want you to know where I’m coming from.
Come to BikePortland’s 20th birthday and beer collab release party!
Teaser! The back of the label has a few paragraphs about the beer and includes our “20 Years!” logo. I hope you’re free on Wednesday, May 13th. That’s when we’ll toast 20 years of BikePortland and release a special beer crafted for us by our friends at Migration Brewing. Bike Happy Pale Ale was inspired by Bike Happy Hour and is an homage to two decades of independent community media.
Big day for PBOT budget as new revenue proposals head back to Council Wednesday
Some of what PBOT wants to do with new revenue. (Photos: City of Portland) Looking to stem a financial crisis that’s been years in the making, the Portland City Council will host an important debate at meetings tomorrow (Wednesday, 4/15) that, if ultimately supported, would result in a significant increase to their annual revenue.
Monday Roundup: Paris in Brooklyn, ‘Trail Towns’, e-bike reviews, and more
Welcome to the week. Below are the most notable stories that came across my inbox in the past seven days… Passing of legendary advocate: Tim Blumenthal had a vast impact on US cycling advocacy in the decades he led the International Mountain Biking Association, Bikes Belong, and then People for Bikes. I knew him from about 2007 to 2013 when we’d attend the National Bike Summit in Washington D.C. together. Tim was also a regular at the Oregon Bike Summit. He passed after a battle with cancer.
Driver kills vulnerable road user while making illegal u-turn
On March 24th around 8:00 pm, 38-year-old Kyle Stahl was riding his white moped eastbound on the 3100 block of Northeast Sandy Boulevard when the driver of a car made an illegal u-turn right in front of him. Stahl was taken to the hospital where he succumbed to his injuries one week later. The title of the PPB statement regarding this collision is, “Scooter Rider Deceased After Crash in March in the Kerns Neighborhood.” The local media — like they always do — simply copied that statement verbatim.
City reports, ‘steady, not stagnant’ bicycle use in 2025 count report
Nearly one in four Portlanders counted was on an e-bike! (Photo: Jonathan Maus/BikePortland) The Portland Bureau of Transportation just released their latest Bicycle Count Report and the numbers could be read as a case of “no news is good news.” Overall, PBOT counted 1% more bicycle riders on streets citywide compared to one year ago.
Weekend Event Guide: Ladds 500, ride for a judge, bicycle show, and more
From the 2024 Ladds 500. (Photo: Jonathan Maus/BikePortland) It’s Ladds 500 weekend! This wonderful event has become the unofficial start of bike season for all who celebrate.
Podcast: City Council District 3 Candidate Brandon Mullen
Brandon Mullen has spent 12 years working in city and regional government: Now he wants to enter the political ring. Mullen is running for Portland City Council District 3 (SE). His expansive platform reflects his urban planning and transportation experience, as well as stints managing projects for City of Portland and Metro. Brandon rolled over to The Shed yesterday and we had an expansive conversation that touched on everything from basketball (we’re both big fans) to budgets.
Elevator closures on Bob Stacey Crossing frustrate users, while PBOT seeks funding for fixes
North elevator boarded up. (Photo: Julie Mumford) Pressure is building once again for the City of Portland to repair and re-open the Bob Stacey Crossing elevators. A story in Willamette Week published April 2nd detailed the latest vandalism and maintenance problems, a Southeast Portland mom who bikes with her kids to school is actively lobbying Mayor Keith Wilson’s office and advocates are coming together to make their voices heard at neighborhood meetings.
Lime adds new electric, seated ‘Glider’ to Portland fleet
New LimeGlider seen on Naito Parkway this morning. (Photos: Jonathan Maus/BikePortland) Move over e-bikes and e-scooters, there’s something new in Portland’s bike lanes. Last week Lime added a new type of shared electric vehicle to their local offerings with the launch of 250 LimeGliders. These new mobility devices are billed as “the next generation of seated e-scooter” by Lime and the local media, but upon closer inspection they aren’t scooters. And they definitely aren’t bikes.
View ‘Poetry Along the Columbia River Gorge’ by bike this weekend
Oregon cycling and Columbia River Gorge advocate Armando “AJ” Zelada has a special treat in store for folks cycling on the Historic Highway paths this weekend. He calls it a “pop-up celebration of words and vision,” that will bring poetry and art to two miles of carfree sections of the Historic Columbia River Highway. Zelada will share work of Claudia Luna Castro, Kara Briggs, Kelly Lenox, and Speakthunder Berry.
55 years ago, 1,200 Portlanders joined bike ride to demand carfree space
Detail of Image from 1971 City of Portland Parks Annual Report. (Portland City Archives, AP/10671) Portland has a long and interesting bicycling history — from the ‘1896 Cyclists Road Map‘ printed long before cars were sold, to elected officials who biked to City Hall long before the term “bike friendly city” existed and the modern, massive group rides that grab global attention. I’ve shared that history on BikePortland over the years.
Podcast: Evan P Schneider and Mark Alan Hoffman on ‘A Simple Machine’
On April 16th at the Hollywood Theater, a film shot entirely in Portland and with a bicycle as a central character, will have its Oregon premiere. A Simple Machine is more than just a film, it’s a deeply Portland project that brings our beautiful city and the humble bicycle to the big screen while presenting important and relevant themes that many of us can relate to. On Tuesday, I had the pleasure of sitting down in The Shed with Evan P.
Monday Roundup: Doug Ford’s war on cars, tactical urbanist arrested, and more
Welcome to the week. Below are the most notable stories that came across my inbox in the past seven days… It’s spreading: The urge by lawmakers to paint with a far too broad of a brush when it comes to young people and electric-assisted bicycles and e-motorcycles has spread to Australia, where families say harsh new laws will make school trips harder and advocates say their input was not heeded.
A bike summer camp roundup
Scenes from Cycle Oregon Summer Kids Camp last year. They’ve expanded offerings for this summer and have scholarships available if you act fast. (Photos: Cycle Oregon) Tis the season to consider summer camps for the little ones in your life. And since we live in a cycling-soaked region, bike summer camps are relatively commonplace. But you can’t sign up for something you don’t know about! That’s where this little roundup comes in.
Weekend Event Guide: No Kings rally, bike swap, Thorns, and more
Once again it is time to resist our terrible rulers. (Photo: Jonathan Maus/BikePortland) Weekend forecast calls for dry skies and lots of resistance. Time to hit the streets and show the world that Americans are not cool with Trump. See you out there. Check out all my recommendations for the weekend below… Kelley Point Loop Ride – 10:00 am at Wilshire Park (NE) Join leaders Ronda and Bob for a 27-mile jaunt out to Kelley Point Park (a magical place where the Columbia and Wilamette Rivers meet).
This week at Bike Happy Hour: Bike Lane Uprising Founder Christina Whitehouse
This week at Bike Happy Hour our special guest is Bike Lane Uprising Founder Christina Whitehouse. Founded in 2017 after Christina suffered a very close call, this app and website has spurred of a nationwide advocacy movement. Christina, who was named Chicagoan of the Year in 2022 and one of the 50 Most Influential People in American Cycling in 2023, and her all volunteer-run organization, provide a platform that catalogs bike lane obstructions from riders in hundreds of cities.
Get ready: Portland’s citywide e-bike rebate program launches April 6th
Rebates will be redeemed at local bike shops. (Photo: Jonathan Maus/BikePortland) It’s finally here. Three years after we first reported on it and just months after what program officials deemed a successful pilot, the Portland Rides, PCEF E-Bike Rebate Program is set for its full launch two weeks from today. The program website went live today with information about how to prep for Monday, April 6th.
Monday Roundup: Transit cut impacts, Mamdani Ws, AVs and more
What a weekend, huh?! Hope you got a chance to enjoy our city in full bloom. Below are the most notable stories that came across my inbox this past week… Bike theft underbelly: An Australian cycling journalist dove deep into the bike theft world after responding to a Facebook Marketplace listing with the hope of reuniting a suspicious bike with its rightful owner.
Sunday Parkways returns to North Portland this summer
Sunday Parkways on North Willamette Blvd in 2014. (Photo: Jonathan Maus/BikePortland) North Willamette Boulevard will be one of the stars of the show when Sunday Parkways hits this summer. The Portland Bureau of Transportation announced the 2026 Sunday Parkways season this morning and shared that the beloved open streets event will return to the North Portland Peninsula for the first time since 2019.
Jobs of the Week: Community Cycling Center, eBike Store, Go By Bike
Bit of a spring hiring boom going on. Need a job? Want a better job? Just looking for a change? You are in the right place. Don’t miss these recent job announcements. (Remember, you can always stay abreast of jobs as soon as they get listed by signing up for our Job Listings email.) Loaner Bike Program Coordinator – Go By Bike Mechanic – The eBike Store, Inc Retail Mechanic Associate – Seasonal – Community Cycling Center For a complete list of available jobs, click here.
Advocates demand action from PBOT on concrete planter removals
The two large concrete planters that used to be on the left of this rider at SE Salmon and 30th were removed by PBOT. (Photo: Claire Vlach) Simmering tensions over the removal of concrete planters on a popular neighborhood greenway in Southeast Portland have reached a low boil.
Kotek announces co-chairs and mission of new transportation workgroup
Sign inside ODOT headquarters in Salem. (Photo: Jonathan Maus/BikePortland) Governor Tina Kotek released new details about the working group I reported on earlier this week whose goal will be to hash out a vision that could inform work on a major funding package in the 2027 legislative session. It will be named the Rebuilding Our Transportation Vision Workgroup and it will be co-chaired by transportation leader Grace Crunican and former lawmaker Bruce Hanna.
Weekend Event Guide: Kidical Mass, Thorns bike bus, cherry blossoms and more
Blooming trees and blooming humans. (Photo: Jonathan Maus/BikePortland) Thorns FC Kickoff Ride – 4:30 pm at Laurelhurst Park (SE) It’s Thorns season and bike lovers have united behind their favorite team for a bike bus to the first match. Rock your Thorns gear and flags and join a two-wheeled flotilla to the game! More info here.
Freeway expansions value-engineered out of Interstate Bridge Replacement project, for now
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson at a press conference in Vancouver earlier today. (Screenshot from KGW live feed) At a press conference in Vancouver today, Washington Governor Bob Ferguson announced that the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program will finally live up to its name. Instead of five miles of freeway expansions and seven new interchanges, the project will be phased to include just the bridge replacements and an extension of MAX light rail across the Columbia River.
New working group appointed by Governor Kotek will address road funding needs
An arterial street in East Portland. (Photo: Jonathan Maus/BikePortland) Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has put together a working group that will try and find a path out of our state’s transportation funding quagmire.
Oregon Bicycle Racing Association leader Chuck Kenlan on the health of competitive cycling
Is bike racing healthy in the state of Oregon? That’s just one question I asked Oregon Bicycle Racing Association Executive Director Chuck Kenlan in an interview this morning. We had a wide-ranging conversation. Chuck and I talked about participation and membership figures for 2025, what racing disciplines are trending right now, the prospects of a velodrome in Oregon, recent rule changes for transgender racers, and more.
PBOT staff will join us at Bike Happy Hour this week
A scene from Bike Happy Hour on December 2, 2024. (Photo: Jonathan Maus/BikePortland) I’m excited to announce that this week at Bike Happy Hour we’ll get to hear from two top transportation bureau staffers. Mark Lear and Shoshana Cohen will join us to talk about two important and timely topics: autonomous vehicles (AVs) and the new PBOT funding proposal.
Monday Roundup: Paris won the war, rails-to-trails, clean air, and more
Hope your week is off to a great start. Below are the most notable stories that came across my inbox this past week… Let’s be like Paris: “Parisian car traffic fell by more than half between 2002 and 2023, while cycle lanes expanded sixfold. Bikes now make more than twice as many journeys as cars.” This piece delves into the legacy of bike-loving Mayor Anne Hidalgo and the politics of what comes next.
Why did Oregon lower the legal age for e-bike riding?
In the latest episode of the BikePortland Podcast, you’ll meet Cameron Bennett, a self-described “champion of things with small wheels” and board member of The Street Trust who leads the Oregon Micromobility Network. I wanted to bring Cam on to tell us about the big legislative victory they scored last week when lawmakers passed House Bill 4007.
Jobs of the Week: Mokwheel, eLock, Go By Bike, Velofix, Northwest Hub
Need a job? Want a better job? Just looking for a change? You are in the right place. Don’t miss these recent job announcements.
Robotaxis will need to jump through these hoops before operating on Portland streets
The view from my first Waymo ride in Inglewood, California a few weeks ago. (Photo: Jonathan Maus/BikePortland) The Portland Bureau of Transportation wants to be ready for Waymo and the potential onslaught of autonomous vehicles. After the Google-owned company approached city officials last fall to share their desire to operate on our streets, PBOT realized it was time to update their administrative rules that govern the new form of transportation.
Here’s the new ‘complete street’ coming to Cully Blvd
Looking north onto NE 57th from Fremont. PBOT’s design would swap the curbside parking for a wider sidewalk and a sidewalk-level bike lane. Back in October I shared the news that the Portland Bureau of Transportation had their eyes on a major redesign of Northeast Cully Blvd/57th Ave. Now we have a much better idea what they’d like to do with the $8.5 million investment.
‘A Simple Machine’ film gets hometown premiere April 16th
Nick (played by Richard Blackmon) rides across the Broadway Bridge in a still from the movie. A movie shot in Portland and based on a book by a Portland author will have its hometown premiere next month. What makes this even more exciting is that bicycling plays a starring role. A Simple Machine is a new film by Mark Alan Hoffman that’s making it way through the festival circuit and will screen at the Panorama Film Festival in Portland on April 16th at 7:30 pm at Hollywood Theater.
Broadway bike lane to get aesthetic, protective face lift
SW Broadway today. PBOT crews plan to remove plastic wands and replace with planters and concrete curbs. See design below. (Photo: Jonathan Maus/BikePortland) The last three years have been a roller coaster for the bikeway on Broadway that runs through Old Town and Southwest Portland. In September 2023 we learned the city hatched a secret plan to remove the bike lane protection and revert the design to an older version.
Buoyed by public support, Olivia Clark moves forward with transportation funding proposal
North Michigan Avenue (before a microsurfacing treatment a few years ago) going back to the earth. (Photo: Jonathan Maus/BikePortland) Less than three months after launching a bid to raise more revenue for transportation, Councilor Olivia Clark has heard enough: At a meeting of the Portland City Council Transportation and Infrastructure Committee this morning, Clark said she was so “moved” by the level of support for two new fees that she was ready to put forth a proposal.
Monday Roundup: Tyrannical bike laws, mechanic school, streetcar skepticism, and more
Hope your week is off to a great start. Below are the most notable stories that came across my inbox this past week… It’s about freedom: This wonderful opinion piece very clearly expresses why poorly crafted anti e-bike laws should be framed as nothing less than tyranny and government overreach that robs people of basic freedoms.
Transportation advocates say lawmakers ‘betrayed public trust’ with budget bill votes
Lawmakers raided a program that funded off-street paths like this one in order to backfill highway operations and maintenance. (Photo: Jonathan Maus/BikePortland) Senate Bill 1601 officially passed on Thursday and Oregon transportation advocacy groups are expressing dismay.
River City Bicycles owner survives heart attack while on bike ride
Dave Guettler in the BikePortland Shed, March 2025. (Photo: Jonathan Maus/BikePortland) Several days ago I saw a post on the River City Bicycles Instagram account that showed all the employees receiving CPR training. At the time, I didn’t think much of it — other than noting what it says about shop owner Dave Guettler and his commitment to having a well-trained staff. River City is a Portland institution, one of the best bike shops in America, and Dave is its beloved leader.
Weekend Event Guide: Gold sprints, Springwater cleanup, and more
Friday, March 6th Gold Sprints – 7:00 pm at Gigantic Brewing (SE) Team CX Pistols has teamed up with a new team, Superare Racing, for a night of gold sprints. Just imagine a bunch of folks pedaling like crazy on stationary bikes in head-to-head competition. It’s great to race or watch. And this event is a fundraiser for Superare’s hosting of the classic Banana Belt road race at Hagg Lake coming up in April. More info here.
PBOT says they’ve finally made progress on Vision Zero
Part of PBOT’s holistic approach to saving lives. (Photo: PBOT) It’s nowhere near time to celebrate, but the City of Portland says after years of struggle they are finally making progress on their Vision Zero safety goal.
Building tenants cry foul at planned bike lanes that would replace car parking
Cars in the parking lane that’s slated for removal (on left) and Tiller Terrace still under construction in May 2024. The Portland Bureau of Transportation is facing pushback on a planned bike lane project in the Goose Hollow area. According to KOIN News, some residents of the 214-unit Tiller Terrace apartments on the corner of SW Alder and 17th are concerned about how changes planned by PBOT will impact their ability to park cars near the entrance to the building.
Bill moves forward despite concerns over Safe Routes and rail program funding
(Photo: Jonathan Maus/BikePortland) In a move that has touched off instant ire among transportation reform advocates, the Oregon Legislature moved a controversial funding bill forward this morning. As I shared yesterday, Senate Bill 1601 emerged over the weekend with provisions that would reallocate unobligated funds from within the Oregon Department of Transportation in order to backfill its highway operations and maintenance budget.
Sarah Iannarone steps down as leader of The Street Trust
Iannarone speaking at an event in September 2023. (Photo: Jonathan Maus/BikePortland) It’s the end of an era for The Street Trust as the organization announced today that Executive Director Sarah Iannarone stepped down at the end of February. Iannarone has taken a new job in Santa Barbara, California. The Street Trust is a nonprofit advocacy group founded in 1992 as the Bicycle Transportation Alliance.
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