There's a thread in A&S that could use the expertise of riders in the 'Couv. (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=449081)

they need all the help they can get up there. the further you get from inner SE PDX, the worse it is, and once you cross the river all bets are off....

:eek:

the OP should seek out Todd B., he's the 'Couv bicycle guy....

:thumb:

they need all the help they can get up there. the further you get from inner SE PDX, the worse it is, and once you cross the river all bets are off....

:eek:


Vancouver's not that bad, and arguably a lot safer than SE PDX since there's nowhere near the level of traffic. Granted, I'm on the west side, which has quiet residential neighborhoods and pretty well defined routes. I can imagine the east side, with all of its new suburban sprawl being pretty bad.

The worst part is the stupid connecting routes in Portland to the I-5 bridge. It's just plain scary, with just about any route you go having significant lengths without a shoulder. And don't get me started on the bridge itself.

Vancouver's not that bad, and arguably a lot safer than SE PDX since there's nowhere near the level of traffic. Granted, I'm on the west side, which has quiet residential neighborhoods and pretty well defined routes. I can imagine the east side, with all of its new suburban sprawl being pretty bad.
Good point. I'm pretty sure the OP of the A&S thread is on the east side - and she's only been cycling regularly for a year. (and not in East Vancouver) Were I in her shoes, I would be feeling pretty intimidated.

Actually, when I was around her age, I was riding around suburban Detroit. Frankly, it's a wonder I'm still alive. :eek: No bike lanes. They don't even have shoulders there anymore....

lol at the call out for riders of the "Couv"...I'm still relatively "new" up here (going on 3 years...only 1 of that actually riding the bike) and I've never heard that term and it hit me funny :)

I responded to the thread you posted. I'm really shocked at all of the comments though. I must be naive. I do not find riding around here so terribly frightful, I.actually.gasp.enjoy.it :P However, I am not a commuter nor do I spend a lot of time in urban situations on the bike. I prefer riding on the 2 lane roads with ditch surrounding, rolling hills awaiting, climbs and descents w/o the red, yellow, green ruling me. I do love my country roads. As you may see, I'm totally biased. I do hope we can become more "bike friendly" here in Vancouver (we each have our own definitions to insert here). In the meantime, find a safe route and ride safely wherever your bicycle takes you.