Cycling has become a rampant means of travelling with many people trying to avoid environmental pollution to combat climate change to save the ailing planet and prevent congestion in towns. Cycling also keeps you in shape and makes you the best version of yourself. The US census report conducted in 2014 indicates a cycling increment of up to 60%. Just having a good bike is not enough. There is more to it than anyone would imagine. If you already have a bike, some essential accessories can help increase your comfort and security when riding.

Turn Signal Commuter Backpack

When riding at night, a person is exposed to several risks, and it is possible to look for the best way of averting them. Cycling in the dark makes one anxious because you are left to wonder if drivers are even aware that you are on the road. You can increase your visibility by wearing a turn signal commuter backpack that contains an LED signal arrow. The backpack is waterproof, and a wireless remote is used to control the directions of the arrow.

Bluetooth Bike Lock

It is not fun to keep on wondering about the security of your car. It feels like observing your car getting towed. It is vital to enhance the security of your bike by acquiring a Bluetooth lock. The lock is connected to iOS or Android that triggers the lock to unlock when you are in range and sets off the alarm. Also, the alarm is set off, and the phone buzzes when someone tampers with the alarm. The Nulock waterproof Bluetooth bike lock can serve this purpose. It is made of durable steel that makes it hard to disassemble.

Water Resistant Saddle Bag

A commuter backpack is excellent for your safety, but a saddlebag can help eliminate the material and weight off your back when riding. The bag is easily strapped under the seat, and it has enough space to hold items such as a pump among others. The bag has a light hanger where you can fix a taillight to increase your visibility at night.

Bike Tail Light

The taillight is essential even if you only use your bike during the day. Most people tend to ride during the day, but up to 80% of bike accidents happen nonetheless. Consider a tail light like the Bitzu Cyborg that uses LED technology, making it ultra-bright and highly visible during the day. The light can be charged using a USB, and it is also water-resistant. Consider a backlight that can serve you well and does not inconvenience you when you need it the most.

Turn Signal

A turn signal tail light makes your ride even better. It can keep its charge for over half a day before it can be recharged. Moreover, it makes use of a handlebar remote that indicates the direction to which you want to turn. The signal then starts to flash, indicating your direction; hence the drivers behind you can know your move before you make it leading to fewer accidents.

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There are many bike purists out in the world with no idea of what they would consider if they went to purchase a bike. Some people wake up from an age stupor and realize that they have been riding the same bike bought for them during their 10th birthday. Well, when the time to upgrade finally arrives, you realize that the market is flooded with bikes, and you have entirely no idea of what the best bike should have. As the world around you starts feeling alien because you have very little knowledge about it, you should not panic because we have got you covered. You don’t have to know everything; otherwise, what are friends for? In this article, there is a complete guide to buying a bicycle.

The Essence of Buying the Bicycle

Before you purchase a bicycle, you need first to know where you want to be riding your bike. A bike can be ridden in different places, but having a rough idea of whether you will be riding it on a beach, canal paths, or city streets is very vital. Also, consider the bike maintenance skills that you possess. If you go for an expensive bike, be prepared for a series of gears and a high running cost. However, you can lower the price if you will be doing the maintenance.

On the contrary, you can choose a single-speed bike that requires minimal maintenance due to fewer moving parts. Besides, it is good to consider your plans for the future. If your future involves riding for miles and getting fitter, you will need a more expensive bike than if you only need a bike to take you to the shop and back

Setting a Budget

Bicycles, just like any other item, need you to set a budget. After carefully considering why you need a bike, it is time to know your choice and the much it will cost you. It is also essential to consider additional costs such as gloves, bottle cages, and helmet if they are not offered together with the bike. If you don’t find the kind of bike that you want in the market near you, a secondhand bike might be a good option if you can be happy to wait until the right commodity arrives in your location. When you have settled for the right price, plan the time it will take to reach the target. The prices of bikes, unlike those of houses, do not fluctuate very much; thus, you should stick to your savings plan. Also, you can save for a bike whose grades are slightly lower and then purpose to replace the individual parts with time and save the cost. For example, the quality of the frame in 105 groupsets and Shimano Tiagra is over £150.

Type and Styles

There is a reason why different bikes are designed for specific tasks. There are many types of bikes out there, and settling for a particular kind of bike is the most excellent decision you will be required to make. Consider the type that fits your purpose and makes you happy when driving. A road bike is soft and sporty. It is light, quick, and the best for normal roads. Its racing background makes it stiff and aggressive. Unfortunately, it has poor off-road performance because it can easily slip around and land you in trouble.

In contrast, a mountain bike is an off-road companion with 4*4 characteristics. With its excellent suspension mechanism and big tires, it can take you through mountain terrains and mud. If the two do not satisfy you, consider purchasing a hybrid. A hybrid is made for both road and off-road riding. Even though it can struggle a bit in a race or muddy hills, it is still a good option. It can as well give you happy moments on the road. Besides, a hybrid is cheaper than a road bike and mountain bike. There are numerous subcategories of the individual types. Based on mountain bikes, there is a jump bike, fat bike, and downhill. Based on road bikes, there is a time trial, gravel, and cyclocross bikes. Other types of bikes include folding, recumbent, BMX, city, and electric.

Additionally, you should consider if you want a fixie, fixer gear or single speed. Fix gear and single speed bikes are variations for different bike types. The frame for hybrid and mountain bikes is different. They have no gears. However, a fixed gear bike is set in motion by peddling, while a single-speed has free-wheel. They help save money due to fewer moving parts and have a low maintenance cost.

Materials

It is imperative to know the kind of materials making a bike before you can purchase it. Steel bikes are the cheapest, and their comfort may be higher than that of aluminum if well designed. Steel can also last longer than carbon fiber. However, carbon fiber is lighter, and its aerodynamics characteristics are higher. However, it is weak compared to aluminum. Price is a crucial factor when materials are concerned.

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In recent years, cycling has become a trend, more and more people who live in big cities are joining the cycling groups. There is some basic knowledge about a bicycle that you need to know, but in the market, there are many types and models of bicycles for many kinds of users, many ages, so the first thing you need to know bicycle classification.

We can distinguish according to the function of use:

Road bike

designed to ride on a flat, paved road, go fast, has a slender frame and has tires that are thinner than other models to reduce weight to minimum and exposure to the road surface. The front fork is synthetic carbon, no front or rear shock absorbers. The frame is constructed to create aerodynamic posture when sitting to reduce friction and reach high speed.

Advantages

The only advantage of racing bikes is the speed when traveling on a flat road

Cons

Racing bikes don’t have fenders. Tires and cover are quite thin so it is easy to tear or leak when encountering obstacles. Road bike’s frame is designed so thin that it is less effective to go on bad and bumpy roads. In addition, the price of this line is also quite expensive. The price of racing bikes depends heavily on the weight of the bike, the lighter the weight, the more expensive the price. (more…)

For those who’re tired from breathing the intoxicating atmosphere of the industrialized cities around the world, changing their main transportation to bikes is a reasonable solution. However, for many reasons, this could not be applied due to the current situation.

Meanwhile, in Portland, people are switching to a healthier lifestyle by riding on their bike instead of other automobile vehicles. This help reducing the city pollutant level, giving both the children and adult a more refreshed atmosphere with clean air.

Find out about Portland’s bike culture and the reasons behind their successes with our article.

Read more : Top 9 reasons why you should move to Portland

Everyone ride on their bikes

If you spend time on the streets of Portland, you can easily notice that many people choose to ride on their bikes instead of other vehicles. People with all ages ride on their bikes, students on their way to school, small children riding on their training wheels, adults riding to work, and even politicians have their own bikes to ride every day.
This creates the unique Portland’s bike culture where bikers become a friendly and supportive community. They also co-op well with other vehicles when traveling on the road.

Developed biking infrastructures

The infrastructures in Portland play an important role in making the city a biker’s utopia. The streets come with bike lanes and sidewalk racks that allow for more convenient and comfortable cycling experiences. On top of that, the city also has its own bike traffic signals for its crowded bikers population.
In additions, they also built public bike maintenance facilities where bikers can have support at any time. The U-fix-it bike station allows bikers to fix their bikes on their own, completely free of charge. The station comes with multiple components and accessories ready to be replaced on your bike. In additions, they also provide multiple tools for fixing any part of your bike, from a flat tire to a broken handlebar.

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The city of Portland, Oregon is undoubtedly one of a few desirable places to spend your life. Up until 2015, the city is still a top moving destination according to CNN reports.

There are several reasons for this, including friendly people, clean environment, brilliant job opportunities, good food, and so on.
For those who’re looking for a reliable destination to move into, here are the top 9 reasons why you should move to Portland.

Amazing bike culture

First of all, the thing that might stun you is how much bikes there are in the streets of Portland. Everyone from all ages rides on their bikes and feeling extremely happy. You can find old people whose ages are probably more than me and you combine exercising on their bikes. Or children from the age of 2 riding on their mini bikes with training wheels.
With your bike ready, you can ride your bike to work, to the grocery store. In fact, you can even arrive at the party in your cycling short, boots, and jacket. It’s like the city has created a unique community for people of different ages who all have the same interesting in cycling.
The city is known to be one of the best city for bikers around the country. Hence, it’s like real-life heaven for bike lovers.

Read more : Top 11 best biking routes for you in Portland

Stunning sceneries

Not just Portland, the whole state of Oregon is known to have some of the most breathtaking sceneries for those who enjoy cruising. With 363 miles of coastline length, the people of Oregon have full access to almost 2000 different beaches to enjoy their day. You can spend your time laying down on the soft sand and enjoy the mild sunlight or sailing down the coast on your bikes.
Away from the city, Crater Lake National Park is just a few miles away. You can enjoy your time camping at Crater Lake, the deepest lake in the whole United States of America. Or take a look at the majestic volcanic mountain of Mount Hood.

A clean city with a healthy atmosphere

With a mild oceanic climate that brought a lot of humidity to the land, you find it raining a lot in Portland. This often cleanses the city and allowing for plants to grow even denser. It’s the rain that keeps the city lush and green with trees. This creates a fresh lung that breath healthy air to the population. In additions, Portland’s bike culture makes the city almost free of emissions. Hence, if you’re someone who loves going “green”, Portland should be the next city you move into.

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Known as the city of bikes, Portland has over 350 miles of bike-ways ready to be explored. If you’re interested in Portland’s bike culture and want to visit the city on your bike, here are the top 11 best biking routes for you in Portland.

Gateway green

The recently-built park is becoming one of the best locations for bikers. With broad landscapes and a wide variety of single-track trails, the park is a famous spot for bikers and skaters. On the other hand, the area is also quite accessible since it’s positioned between the I-206 and I-84. You can stop by if you’re on the I-205 using multiple routes. It would be a good idea to take a look at the place when you’re on your highway ride.

Willamette river loop

If you’re aiming for a simple and relaxing cruising experience, then the river loop at Willamette would be a great place to start. Follow the flat route through the Lake Oswego (and maybe have a taste at the local breweries), you’ll trailing along the Terwillinger Boulevard where you can enjoy beautiful sceneries from the iconic tri-bridge crossing at Willamette.

Mountain view trail

If you’re looking for more liberate routes, it would be nice to take a look at the Powell Butte Nature Park. Experience the majestic open fields and green grasses, or testing your limit with the though Mount Hood mountain trail. You can follow the main road or choose to explore dozens of small passages that leads to all kind of wonders.

Southeast Portland neighborhoods

Cycling in the city will never be a problem here in Portland. There would be no furious driver honking at you or any idiot try to block your way. Follow the 13 miles of the Southeast Portland neighborhood, you’ll be enjoying the impressive sceneries of endless trees lining up along the road and the uniquely designed houses. Feels like you’ve just stepped in another world. However, since it’s a famous cycling location, the streets might be a little crowd on certain days.

Marine drive path

The route starts at the famous Kelly Point Park will take you along the Columbia River and ends at the beautiful Blue Lake Park. Along the journey, you can enjoy your time cruising through the Columbia River bank where mild wind breezes tickle and cuddle your hair. And whenever you’re tired, just stop rest, and admire the spectacular Mount Hood by gazing from distances.

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Cycle Seen Jury

Carye Bye, letter press and print artist
more info about Carye at Red Bat Press

Ayleen Crotty, Festival Director of Filmed by Bike, works with ORBike, an amazing advocate for cycling in Portland, host of the Kboo Bike Show and a founder of Shift2bikes.

Nikki Kress, painter and cycle enthusiast. more info about Nikki at nikkikress-com

Jonathan Maus, Editor of BikePortland-org

Rachel Siegel, Cycle Seen Team. Artist and Educator.
Contact: cyclcseen.info —
more info about Rachel at radiantflux-com

What is Cycle Seen?:photo by Rachel Siegel Cycle Seen is an exhibition of photographs and documentation representing the bicycle culture in the Portland Metro area. This project is a celebration of the bike community through pictures. Portland has an astonishingly diverse and unique community of cyclists ranging from daily commuters to bike performance groups. Various subcultures such as bike builders, road bike enthusiasts, bike messengers, safety and bike advocates all thrive in Portland to make up the dynamic mix of Portland’s Bike Culture. The exhibition showcases photographs and illustrations that represent cycling in PDX over the last two years, including a combination of materials from invited photographers/artists and images selected from a juried call for submissions. The exhibition has been curated into themes for each location. In addition 3-D pieces are features at two location: A Better Cycle exhibiting Ghost Bike Tribute installation and Guardino Gallery Window Gallery showcasing Matt Cartwright’s Metal bike sculptures.

WHAT IS Cycle Seen?

Cycle Seen is an exhibition celebrating the diverse and dynamic culture of cycling/cyclists in Portland, Oregon. The exhibition will take place in June 2008, throughout metro Portland. Some Cycle Seen events such as rides to gallery locations will occur during Pedal Palooza, Portland’s bike fun festival.

Cycle Seen is currently seeking submissions for a juried exhibition. Portland area Photographers and Artists are invited to submit up to 10 images for consideration. We are interested in showcasing work that addresses the theme of Portland’s diverse bike culture. Work in all two-dimensional media is eligible for consideration.

What we are looking for:
We are looking for photographs and graphics related to cycling and cycling culture in metro PDX from the past two years.

We are looking for images of:

Bikes! (Yes, tall, mini, recumbent, road, mt, commuter, chopper, tandem, trailer, custom, etc… ) people on all types of bikes seen in Portland, pictures from bikes, wild outfits and customs & bikes, fun and extreme rides, bikes + traffic, bike signage, families on bikes, bikes errands, bike races, riding in the rain, hidden rides, bike safety, bike mechanics, bike builders, bike building, bike shops, bike messengers, bike crafts, bike hauling, moving by bike, bike teams, portraits of bikes culture, self-portraits w/ bikes, bike performances, bike events, bike stickers, bike gear, bike socks, bike games, bike homes, bike business, bike and coffee, bike & eating, bike education, community bike programs, and all bike related stuff you know about in PDX…

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

Portland Area artists (Yes, this includes Vancouver, WA) are invited to submit up to 10 images of recent work (artwork created in 2006 until present) that fits the exhibition theme: a celebration of the diverse bike culture of Portland, Oregon.
Submission will be limited to two-dimensional work. We welcome a variety of medium (photography, digital, illustration, collage, mix media, painting), however we are particularly interested in photographic and illustrative work. There are no restrictions on size.

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Kronda  Adair Gabriel Amadeus Tiller Jody Anderson Andrea Arbuckle Neal Armstrong Patrick  Barber Lisa Bauso Margaret Beeson Susan Bein Rodney E. Bender Justin Bland Skye  Blue Pat Bognar Cara  Buchlter Carye Bye Matt Cartwright Bob  Crispin Ayleen Crotty Tiago de Jerk Shawn Demarest Dingo  Dizmal Tave Fasce Drake Dow  Drake Max  Drake Daniel Etra Matilda Field Erin Flasher Erin Gallagher Lise  Gervais Carole Giraud

Shawn Granton Elias N. Grey Joshua Grgas Hazel Gross Will Hall Beth Hamon Jen Hersh Steven Houck Crystal Rose Hudelson Katherine  Humphrey Vahid Jimenez Alissa  Johnson Kyle  Johnson Micheal  Jones Edis Jurcys Scott Kivitz Sharri La Pierre Jay Lawrence Bruce Magun Mimi  Matsuda Galen Maynard Hannah McFarlane Holly  McGuire Mark Mecklem Hanmi Meyer Ashley Mitchell Scott Mizee Kyle Murphy Jessica Niggemann Emily O’Connor

Dave O’Dell keegan onefoot Julie Parker Rachel Paul Ryan Penwell Matt  Picio Austin & Natalie Ramsland Randy Richmond Nickey  Robare Thomas Robinson Tim Roth Scrappers Curtis Settino Rachel Siegel Caitlin Sills Ken Simms Amber  Smith Jan Sonnenmair Sean Sullivan Super Hightech Jet Fighters Heidi  Swift Aaron Tarfman Christopher Taylor Mark Toal John Utz Brendan Vail Mark Vanderford Kevin Wagoner Shane Young

Information for Artists:

Dates of Drop-off and Pick-up of work here.
To see the orginal aritsts submission page click here.

Download a map/brochure – pdf

June 28th, CYCLE SEEN AUCTION TO BENEFIT BIKES TO RWANDA

Stumptown Coffee Roasters on 4525 SE Division, 503.230.7702
Silent Auction: Saturday Evening, June 28th, 4-6pm

A silent art auction for Bikes to Rwanda (BTR): featuring photography of Portland’s bike culture. Cycle Seen and Stumptown Roasters will be hosting this event to benefit BTR. Join us for the silent auction, mingle with some of the artists, and have the chance to take home a piece of Portland’s bike culture. All the work sold will benefit Bikes to Rwanda, a non-profit organization that assists coffee farmers in Rwanda. Artists are donating between 50-100% of their proceeds to BTR.

Bikes To Rowanda
Stumptown Coffee Roasters
DOWNLOAD A PRESS RELEASE (PDF)

Photograph by Mark Toal – for sale at the Auction

June 14th, CYCLE SEEN GALLERY RIDE
Stumptown Roasters on Division, 4525 SE Division St Take Trimet (mmmm…..coffee…..)
10:00am, We’ll be cycling a in circle around Portand to each gallery, so you can do the whole ride, or part. Ride around Portland on a beautiful June Day and check out all of the bike art that local Portlander’s have put in the show! We’ll be starting at Stumptown Roasters for morning coffee, and going on from there to around 9 locations including A Better Cycle, Guardino Gallery, The Little Red Bicycle Cafe, IPRC, and more!
The full ride will be 20ish-30 miles, so come prepared! (Most locations have food and drink along with the art, so bring cash!)

www.flickr.com

What is this?

June 22nd, CYCLE SEEN FAMILY RIDE
New Seasons, 1954 SE Division St
2 pm – 4:30pm, Ride time 2:30
Ride along with us to 3 different locations that are part of the Cycle Seen exhibition. We’ll view art that is representative of Portland’s bike culture. At 2pm we’ll meet at New Seasons and view family/pet cycling photos. Then at 2, we’ll bike to Stumptown on Division for photos, (and coffee and cocoa!) that are up for auction to benefit Bikes to Rwanda. We’ll end our ride at A Better Cycle on Division where there will be a ghost bike exhibit along with some more great cycling photos!

June 24th, SLACKERS’ BREAKFAST: CYCLE SEEN
Stumptown Coffee Roasters on SE Division & SE 45th, 4225 SE Division St, Portland
10:00am – 1:00pm
For those of us who can ride during a weekday and eat breakfast mid-morning. Yes, calling you: self-employed, under-employed, unemployed, students, stay-at-home moms & dads, and the independently wealthy; you know who you are. Let’s ride to breakfast.
Meet at 10 am at Stumptown Coffee Roasters on Division, coffee, check out the art and then ride 5 miles up to Cup & Saucer on Killingsworth for Breakfast.

Visit the Shift Pedal Palooza Calendar !

Regional Arts & Culture Council