Dear Bike Portlanders,
I’m planning to do another cross-country ride this summer. (Yes, it’s a terrible habit that Betty Ford said was hopeless.) I’m from Wyoming, but I’ve pedalled many a mile in Oregon over the years. In fact, my first X-USA started in Astoria back in 1987.
I am looking into a boat shuttle connection from St Helens to N. Sauvie, then down to St Johns Bridge. I’ve biked a good deal in Portland over the years and admire the city for all that it does for cyclists. But I’ve never ridden St Johns Bridge and I have a few concerns.
Sidewalk or Right Lane? The sidewalk looks pretty narrow with a high curb down to the roadway. I’ll have panniers and be riding slower than skinny-tire cyclists, too. Coming upon a pedestrian would require an elegant pas de deux. If there’s a meet-up with another cyclist going the opposite direction it would be ridiculous.
But the bridge is a spectacular work of art - - and I want to enjoy it. So the sidewalk would let me stop for photos or just to take it all in. Couldn’t do that in the right lane. In fact, I suspect you have to keep your wits seriously about you with traffic buzzing you close. Especially when you have panniers that drivers may not allow for.
I’ve read many of the articles posted here on BikePortland. I love the advocacy work y’all do. One of these days cyclists will rule the world, but that time hasn’t come - - - yet. Any ideas or suggestions are welcome. Thanks.
PS - Great little cafes in “downtown” St Johns?