I was not particularly athletic growing up - was always more of a “books and music” kid. Like most kids though, I had a bike. It was fun enough I suppose, but existed mainly as a faster way to get to friends’ houses. As I got older, I saw bikes strictly as a recreational thing; for mountain bikers or for those people with brightly-colored skin-tight outfits riding on the side of highways. Both not for me. I think many of us may still feel this way. Even here in Portland where we have a great bike infrastructure and a culture that encourages it.

I didn’t consider biking as adult until I saw it normalized all around me during a trip to Amsterdam in my early twenties. After walking all over the city for a couple of days, my friend and I decided to give our feet a rest and rent some bikes. We hadn’t ridden one since we were kids, but all around us were hundreds of riders of all ages going about their business by bike; no special outfits or gear, just using it as an efficient means of transportation. (this was especially attractive to us as Amsterdam was known to have the most expensive taxis in Europe, and this was in the pre-Uber era). What a revelation! I quickly discovered how liberating it feels to just hop on and off. No traffic stress and no searching for parking.

When I moved back to Portland, I felt empowered my this experience and now understood that anyone can bike; no matter your body type, income, or age. You don’t need to be athletic. You don’t need a fancy bike that costs more than your car, you certainly don’t need tight colorful outfits or special shoes. It is really quite easy, especially here in Portland, to just get out there in your street clothes and ride - to work, to the grocery store, to dinner, to a show, to anywhere you want to go.

When I tell people that I like to bike around the city, many say “oh that’s great but I would be too scared.” Or “I’m not really a bike person.” Some will tell me that they own bikes but only take them out for special occasions and haven’t considered using them as transportation. If those comments resonate with you or if you haven’t been a bike since you were a kid, I would tell you this: Start Small. You don’t need to jump straight into biking to work or across town; just ride around your neighborhood side streets at first. Even far from the city center or out in the suburbs, there are bike lanes and designated routes off of busy streets that allow you the space to get comfortable without worrying about riding with traffic. Though it may look scary from your car, once you get out there on two wheels, you may be surprised by how easy and safe it really feels.

When I began biking in Portland, I bought a cheap old bike on Craigslist, took it to a local bike shop for a tune-up, bought a bike lock, and was good to go. If you are concerned about any mobility issues, previous injuries, or just want to ensure a comfortable ride, consider starting by visiting any of the Portland area’s many bike shops. You are sure to find friendly, knowledgeable folks without judgement who would be happy to walk you through the basics and discuss your needs and concerns. You could even take this one step further by having a professional bike fitting. Below are some suggestions to start on your city biking experience:

Bike Fitting Resources

Bicycle Fitting Services - 1516 NE 37th Ave

River City Bicycles - 534 SE Belmont St

Endurance - 2440 NE MLK Blvd

Pedal PT - 2622 SE 25th Ave

Pedalpalooza (all month in June!)

Themed Community Rides

Each June marks the beginning of Pedalpalooza, aka Bike Summer: the summer-long celebration of bikes and bike culture, featuring themed group rides of all kinds in most every corner of the metro area.

What began as two-week event has grown to last all summer long, with a calendar of group bike rides organized by fun-loving folks that offer so many different types of rides that there’s something to appeal to most anyone. Some are 21+, many are family-friendly, and nearly all are free. These are best known for The World Naked Bike Ride, the signature bike event of the year, though there are many more less clothing-optional ways to get in on the fun.

If you are nervous about biking out in the streets, this is a perfect way for your to face your fears safely, as you’ll be riding slowly with a group of others, allowing you to take over the streets as you ride; reclaiming the road from cars while other riders block traffic for you at intersections.

This entire blog could be about the variety and fun of Pedalpalooza - Check the official calendar here or visit the Travel Portland site for a list of some of the most popular rides.

For your own solo bike adventures, consider starting with one of these fun, traffic-free routes

Eastbank Esplanade to Waterfront Park

Suggested Route: if bringing your bike by car or transit, park in or near the OMSI Bridge Lot, by the east end of Tilikum Crossing. From here, bike towards the water and you’re on the fabulous Eastbank Esplanade: a scenic pathway winding along the Willamette and open to pedestrians and bikes only. Head north, traveling onto the floating sidewalk and up to and across the lower deck of the Steel Bridge. After crossing into downtown, stay along the water for a slow ride or bypass the pedestrians onto Naito Parkway and enjoy the wide protected bike lanes as you make your way south. Follow the green bike signs to the south waterfront and to Tilikum Crossing; cross that bridge for some of the best views in the city as you return to your car.

Springwater Trail

Suggested Route: You can start at the same spot as above, the OMSI Bridge Lot. From the waterfront of the Eastbank Esplanade, bike south a short distance until connecting with SE Caruthers street, then turn right onto SE 4th Ave following the signs to the Springwater Trail. This well-maintained route takes you just above Willamette river, past the Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge to Sellwood Riverfront park, with some lovely lookout points along the way. Stop here and walk down to the water to see some cute dogs and downtown views. You can turn around from here and back to your car.

Or if you’re up for it, consider continuing on the trail through Sellwood, into Johnson’s Creek and to the base of Powell Butte, where you can lock your bike for a short hike up to the nature trails.

Scenic Southeast City Ride, A great intro to city riding

Suggested Route: begin near the intersection of SE 28th Ave & Ankeny streets. If you want to ensure an easy parking spot, consider the lot at Holman’s Bar & Grill, a excellent representation of Portland’s dive bar history, and have a bite here before you start your ride. Bike west along SE Ankney street through its rainbow-painted plaza, following the green bike signs to SE 16th Ave. Turn left here and head south. After crossing SE Hawthorne Blvd, you’ll find yourself in Ladd’s Addition, one of my favorite neighborhoods to bike in. Enjoy the tree-lined streets and stately homes, following the green bike signs along SE 16th Ave to Ladd’s Circle. Here you can stop and smell the roses, then turn onto SE Elliot Ave, enjoying more beautiful architecture before ending at Double Dragon for a celebratory cocktail on their patio overlooking Division street.