Pacific Northwest - Crossing the Columbia River

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twobikes
03-12-07, 10:15 AM
I know there is a bicycle lane in the center section of the I-205 bridge across the Columbia River from Vancouver to Portland. Is there a way to ride a bicycle across the I-5 bridge, too?

Dabbo
03-12-07, 01:08 PM
Yes it is very narrow. It can be difficult with the wind and you might need to stop if you pass a bike or a pedestrian. Be alert when you go off the bridge, on both side it is a bit tricky, one side has a small step and one side has a tight spot with some metal near your elbow.
Good luck.
Paolo
twobikes
03-13-07, 05:42 AM
Thank you. We plan to retire in Vancouver after about five years. I will still have some things to do in Portland and would like to utilize my bicycle when possible.

Dabbo
03-13-07, 09:51 AM
In five years hopefully they will build something better....check bikeportland.org for info on the issue, there were some recent articles about the Columbia crossing.
Ciao
Paolo
twobikes
03-13-07, 03:36 PM
Thanks for the link to BikePortland.org. I should also have asked if there is a bike lane on both the northbound and the southbound sides?

Thanks.
randya
03-13-07, 06:13 PM
This has been an annual Pedalpalooza event, this is the listing from last year's calendar:

RU ABRIDGED CURIOUS?! GUIDED COMMUTER TOUR ACROSS I5
West 8th St @ Esther St, Vancouver WA (North end of Vancouver Farmers Market)
10:30am, Ride leaves park at 11AM. Returns by 12.30PM
.
This is a causual guided ride for recreational and commuter bicyclists who want to learn how to cross the Interstate Bridge to Portland, load their bike on the MAX and bus, and find bike routes up to Delta Park/Kenton. A free MAX ticket ('Patch Kit') will be offered to the first 10 riders who RSVP. Bring a bike and helmet, water, and lunch money.

Maps provided: http://www.ci.vancouver.wa.us/transportation/RUB05%20Map.pdf (This is an abridged RUBC tour due to Rose Festival - longer tours to City Center Portland will be in July.)

Todd Boulanger, todd.boulangerci.vancouver.wa.us, Vancouver DoT Bike Site, RSVP for event please. Limited to 20 riders., 360.696.8290 x8657

The map is still posted and you could contact Todd to see if this event will run again this June, or just check this year's calendar here: http://www.shift2bikes.org/pedalpalooza/pp2007.php
Dabbo
03-14-07, 01:10 PM
There is only one lane on the south bound side, that is why you need to stop when you pass or cross somebody else, it is narrow, you might see on an areal view of the bridge. Also look for the local bike maps on: http://tripplanner.bycycle.org/ it works very well, I think.
Ciao
Paolo