BTA: Frequently Asked Questions

Questions About the BTA

Q: Where does the BTA's funding come from?

A: Simply put, YOU! Our work is supported by the community we serve, and a majority of our funding comes from individual members and small businesses. In addition, we have significant corporate support, as well as government contracts and a few grants. You can see a list of our contributors and a revenue and expense breakdown in our most recent annual report. If you value our work, please join.

Q: What benefits do I get as a BTA member?

A: Membership benefits include discounts at over 50 bike shops around the state, a subscription to our bimonthly Cycletter, and invitations to special events. Beyond that, members enjoy the satisfaction of helping create the kind of bike-friendly communities they value.

Q: What services and programs does the BTA offer around Oregon and in Southwest Washington?

A: The BTA offers many of our promotion activities and award-winning youth education programs around Oregon and Southwest Washington. Depending on where you live, we may already be working with and for you on the following programs:

Bike Commute Challenge
Safe Routes to School programs
Walk and Bike to School Day and Walk and Bike Wednesdays
Bicycle Safety Education classes

We are able to offer programs in communities where we have strong local partners working with us to identify and solicit funding and in-kind support, build community buy-in, develop a network of volunteers, and communicate with the media.

If you are interested in partnering with us to start one of these programs in your area, please contact us at info@bta4bikes.org.

Q: What support does the BTA offer for bicycle commuters?

A: Our annual Bike Commute Challenge in September inspires thousands of commuters to try biking to work. Or check out our Commute Tips page. Our office offers dozens of maps and brochures, as well as blinky lights and reflective pant leg straps (check it out).

Q: Does the BTA do political lobbying?

A: The BTA does a limited amount of legislative work at the statewide and national level. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, which means we cannot endorse candidates. We can and do endorse legislation and ballot measures. A relatively new organization, Bike. Walk. Vote., aims to represent biking and walking interests in the political arena, but this organization is not related to the BTA.

Q: How can I get involved with the BTA?

A: If you share our vision of healthy, bike-friendly communities, support our work by becoming a member! You can also support better bicycling by volunteering, working on issues in your community, and taking action to support the BTA's legislative work.

Q: How can I get someone to table at my transportation fair and/or speak at my school / business / club / neighborhood association?

A: We are able to provide tabling support and speakers as our volunteer resources allow. Contact Events & Outreach Director Michelle Poyourow to ask about your event.

Q: Will the BTA run a bike rodeo for my event?

A: In our experience teaching over 25,000 children bike safety since 1998, we learned that our comprehensive, two-week Bike Safety Education Program offers more lasting benefits to children than a one-time bike rodeo. For that reason, and because of staffing and funding limitations, we don’t typically provide bike rodeos. Occasionally we will put together a rodeo or workshop if it is part of a larger program. We welcome inquiries about launching our youth education programs in your area. To set up a bike rodeo for your event, try contacting your local police bureau, fire department, or hospital.

Q: Does the BTA share member names?

A: We don't sell or share member information with commercial entities. Occasionally we will trade mailing lists with similar, trusted organizations or with a bicycling event. This allows us to reach out to like-minded people, and helps us build our membership. If you don’t want to receive traded mailings, please contact our Development Coordinator, Heather Andrews, and we’ll make sure we don’t trade your name. We never share email addresses.

Q: Does the BTA run Critical Mass?

A: No. Critical Mass is an entirely separate entity and does not have formal leadership.

Questions About Bicycling in Portland

Q: Where can I report a street sweeping request or other bike lane maintenance issues?

A: 503.823.1700 is the City of Portland’s 24-hour maintenance emergency line to request glass sweeping, brush trimming, and debris removal. To report potholes and pavement repair needs, call 503.823.BUMP.

Q: Where do I report other types of bike hazards (i.e. dangerous intersections, traffic pinch points, drainage grates, chronic speeding areas, and other hazards requiring more substantial “fixes”?

A: The City of Portland’s neighborhood traffic safety line, 503.823.SAFE, collects information and data to guide the city’s traffic safety investments. You can also request bike route improvements here: http://www.pdxtrans.org/bicycles/maintain.htm

Q: How do I request a bike rack in front of my business / workplace / dentist’s office / etc.?

A: The City of Portland has a program to install free sidewalk bike racks on request. For more information, see PDOT’s bike parking web page or contact Goodie Free at 503-823-6841. On private property, you will need to contact the property owner and/or building manager and let them know that you are a customer but you can’t find safe, convenient bicycle parking. For a sample bike parking letter, check out our Instant Advocate page -- also check out our bike parking page.

Q: What should I do if I get in an accident/incident with a car, get a ticket on my bike, or if I have other legal questions?

A: To find out more about your legal rights and responsibilities, you can attend one of the BTA’s free legal clinics, hosted by longtime BTA member and bike legal expert Ray Thomas. Ray has also written Pedal Power, a definitive legal guide for cyclists: view PDF or purchase one at the BTA office. If you are considering pursuing legal action, check our legal resources page.

Q: Do I have to have to pay extra or have a permit to put my bike on the bus or MAX?

A: No, nothing except a valid standard fare is needed to put your bike on the bus or MAX. If you want to practice using the racks before you do it for real, go to the TriMet information center in Pioneer Courthouse Square. View the photo explanation from TriMet of putting your bike on the MAX or the bus.

Q: How do I get from point A to point B?

A: The best way to find good biking routes in Portland is to use Metro’s waterproof, ripstop Bike There map [link to Metro map – ask Jessica about this]. You can purchase this map at your local bike shop, at the BTA, or from Metro. Metro is working to create an interactive online map in the style of Mapquest, but the project is not yet complete. In Portland, you can also try a community website at http://bycycle.org/

Q: Where do I report a car or delivery vehicle parked in the bike lane?

A: Call the City of Portland’s parking enforcement line at 503.823.5195.

Q: Where can I rent a bike? Where can I buy a bike or bike accessories?

A: A list of bike rental shops can be found at http://www.pdxtrans.org/Bicycles/PDXORGS.HTM#rentals

A list of Portland bike shops can be found at
http://www.pdxtrans.org/Bicycles/PDXORGS.HTM#shops

Questions About the BTA and Bicycling Around Oregon

Q: What does the BTA do for people outside of Portland?

A: See the “Around the State” section of our website.

Q: Does the BTA have chapters?

A: The BTA does not have formal chapters. We work with local groups around the state, and with groups of our members on specific issues.

Q: Where can I find more information about touring in Oregon?

A: Visit the City of Portland's website, the Oregon Department of Transportation's bike touring web site, or visit the Oregon tourism department, the Oregon Parks Department, or Cycle Oregon.

Frequently Asked Questions about the BTA

Questions About the BTA

Questions About Bicycling in Portland

Questions About the BTA and Bicycling Around Oregon

Other Questions