With your passion for safer, more enjoyable cycling, and your connection to the BTA, you’re uniquely positioned to weigh in and make a difference on the cycling issues that affect you. Consider the following easy actions you can take – they really make a difference.

When you make a call or send a letter, let the person you’re contacting know who you are and where you live. It will help the “powers that be” understand that bicycling is a general concern of citizens.

Bike lane need sweeping?

Call 503.823.1700. The City of Portland has released this 24-hour maintenance dispatch line for use by cyclists. Be prepared to tell them exactly where the problem (leaves/gravel/glass) is, including quadrant, as well as your name and callback number. They usually send out a sweeper truck within 48 hours, and they don’t call back unless they have a question.

Is there any other problem on a bike route?

Examples:

• Pothole, cracked pavement, or lowered manhole cover in bike route
• Storm drain grates that are unsafe to ride over
• Bike lane markings are faded
• Signal timing at intersections doesn’t work for bikes
• In-street bike sensor isn’t working
• Particularly dangerous intersection for bikes
• Shrubs need to be trimmed

Call 503.823.SAFE. Describe the problem clearly, and be sure to make it clear to them why this is a dangerous (as opposed to just annoying) problem. Be prepared to leave your name and a callback number; they will start at traffic investigation and get back to you. This number is becoming increasingly important in how PDOT decides where to spend limited traffic safety dollars.

Can’t find bike parking at your destination?

Let the business owner know that you are a bicyclist and a customer, and that you have a hard time patronizing their business because parking is difficult. (sample letter)

You can also request that the City of Portland install free sidewalk bike racks. Call Goodie Free at 503-823-6841 and let her know where the problem is. This is not an option on private property (e.g. in a parking lot).

Have a more general complaint or observation?

Write a letter to the editor! This is particularly effective if you’re responding to a recent article or news story, but you may write about whatever you want. Newspapers don’t print every letter they receive, but each positive mention of bikes in the paper makes biking more legitimate and puts a human face on bicyclists.

General letter guidelines:

Make it personal: an interesting story, emotional appeal, or impassioned statement.

Facts are great if they make a point, but too many facts make a dull letter.

Make one point per sentence. Use short sentences and simple language.

Be succinct. Letters must be 150 words or shorter to get printed.

Include your full address and daytime phone number (for verification only)

For The Oregonian, send to letters@news.oregonian.com.

Stay tuned to the BTA Digest – our bi-weekly e-mail newsletter - for up-to-the minute advocacy alerts and opportunities to weigh in the issues that affect your community.  To subscribe, click on "Get BTA News" in the upper-right corner of the screen and select the BTA Digest.

Live in another town?
The processes are pretty much the same -- and the squeaky wheel gets the grease!  Let us know if you need help advocating.