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Growing Portland's Bicycle Industry

The local cycling community is working with Sam and his team to organize a cohesive strategy for growing the local cycling industry at even greater rates in 2007.

The strategy is part of the effort to make Portland the first city to receive Platinum Status as a Bicycle Friendly Community from the League of American Bicyclists. The Portland Platinum Steering Committee and PDOT, chaired by Sam, organized the first Portland Bike Summit, held last June, and called for the Bicycle Industry Growth Report that was released at the Summit.

A business symposium held at the Bike Summit generated the idea that local cycling businesses could work with the Portland Development Commission to develop an organized strategy for growing their industry. In October, around 25 industry representatives gathered in City Hall for an initial goal-setting meeting. Commissioner Adams set the mood by outlining the role of cycling, a healthy and energy efficient option, in his overall vision as Portland's Commissioner for Transportation.

The discussion began with the attendees listing their ideas and pet projects including a bicycle show, developing bicycle tourism promotion, organizing support for cargo bikes and alternative designs. Many great ideas were voiced, and in the end the caucus was able to settle on three priority goals:

1. Establish Oregon Bicycling Businesses Association
2. Establish Programs to Provide Technical and Financial Assistance to Bicycling Businesses
3. Establish an Annual Portland Bicycle Race

Since the initial meeting, sub-committees have met and outlined the next steps necessary for achieving each goal. The sub-committee and full group, with the support of Commissioner Adams, will continue to their work in 2007.

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