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Be aware: I’m properly conscious that some Portlanders (particularly some who work for the Metropolis of Portland) suppose that I complain an excessive amount of. I perceive why people suppose that, and I completely perceive why. I’m additionally not ashamed of it. I believe that’s a part of the essential function BikePortland performs on this neighborhood: To level out stuff that isn’t nearly as good correctly in hopes of constructing it higher. Generally issues simply must be mentioned, even when it’s a downer. So right here goes…
The very first time I rode throughout the brand new Blumenauer Bridge and went over the curb ramp transition from the bridge to the road on the southern finish I used to be actually disillusioned when my bike and physique went “kerplunk!” The bump is simply too extreme.
Right here’s a video from some time again the place I rode over the bump. You possibly can hear it jostle my bike:
As quickly as I rode it the primary time I used to be shaking my head that we spent $14 million or so on this superb new bridge, solely to present it this harmful and uncomfortable bump. That was a number of weeks in the past, and I selected to not saying something publicly as a result of I didn’t wish to rain on the large parade of pleasure and enthusiasm. As quickly as I did, there would have been (and certain might be now) a refrain of critics saying “these cyclists are such complainers!” or “that BikePortland man is at all times mad at one thing” or “Come on, Jonathan that’s a tiny factor. Take a look at this nice new bridge and be pleased!”.
So I stayed silent.
Then final night time I noticed that somebody I do know hit the bump and had a extremely unhealthy crash due to it (picture of aftermath at proper). The individual, a really skilled rider who is aware of the route and site properly, had rented a Biketown and was headed north on seventh after they hit the bump and flew off their bike. They suffered lacerations on their ribcage and fingers and obtained fairly banged up. Fortunately they’d no severe accidents.
I ought to have spoken out sooner about this! I would like everybody to learn about this hazard.
Till it will get mounted by town (they learn about it and I assume a crew will handle it quickly), be additional cautious as you method the south facet. The massive bump is on the driveway as you go from the road to the bridge sidewalk/path. It’s extra extreme going northbound, however your speeds are doubtless a bit slower because of the incline. Nonetheless it additionally requires consideration going south.
And for anybody that has crashed on the bump, I’m sorry for not saying one thing sooner.
UPDATE, 1:21 pm: PBOT has introduced they may repair the bump subsequent week. See Tweet beneath…
Contact Jonathan at @jonathan_maus on Twitter, through electronic mail at maus.jonathan@gmail.com, or cellphone/textual content at 503-706-8804. Additionally, if you happen to learn and recognize this web site, please change into a supporter.
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