As a member of the team here this summer, I have had a great opportunity to research bicycle-related issues, and work hard on promoting the cycling community in Portland. I bought a new bike about a month ago, and have been riding to and from work, out to get groceries, and everywhere else I could think of. My car had taken a back seat, so to speak, to the two-wheeled wonder I could-and did-take anywhere.
As many Portlanders do, I had started getting around efficiently, while reducing emissions, relieving congestion, and exercising. Who can ask for more?
However, I'm now back behind the steering wheel. On Tuesday, August 15, I was leaving work and walked out to the bike rack at the 5th & Jefferson corner of City Hall and my teal Specialized Sirrus was gone. No remnants of the lock, no note, just gone. Having my primary form of transportation stolen has really hit me hard, and I am a bit less excited whenever I have to go somewhere. Theft of this nature is entirely unnecessary and counterproductive to the goals of City Hall and the cycling community.
We have made huge progress in Portland toward promoting cycling and have formed a wonderful community of committed manufacturers, retailers, and cyclists. We were recently recognized as the most cycle-friendly city in North America, and have since built upon that title. The problem of bike theft severely hinders our transportation goals and can discourage potential riders.
Having my bike stolen was a reminder to us that there is still progress to be made. There are security issues surrounding bikes and a large problem with bike theft in Portland. Many friends and fellow cyclists in the office recounted similar experiences when their locked bikes were stolen without so much as a witness. Many people are cautious about riding to work or running errands on a bike because of a fear of theft. If we are going to reach our goals and make Portland the best bike city it can be, we need to promote bicycle security, and keep an eye out for theft and vandalism.