Image provided by: Clackamas Community College; Oregon City, OR
About The Clackamas print. (Oregon City, Oregon) 1989-2019 | View Entire Issue (April 30, 2014)
wWw.TheClàckôrri,asF n rit.co m THE CLACKAMAS WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30, 2014 V. 47, ISSUE 18 f PRINT CLACKAMAS COMMUNITY COLLEGE | AN INDEPENDENT, STUDENT-RUN NEWSPAPER SINCE 1966 Q&Awith active cyclist by PATTY SALAZAR editor-in-chief Greg Myers is a veteran services coordinator at Clackamas Com munity College and has been rid ing his bike to work five days a week for four and half years, Myers, who lives in West Linn, has an eight mile commute, which takes him 30 min- utes to get to the college. Myers is an lifelong cyclist who owns five bikes, rides year round and also com- petes in local races. I I I I I The Clackamas Print: Why do you ride your bike to work instead of driving? Myers: I’m an, avid cyclist, I race mountain bikes. I prefer to ride my bike ana I ride year-round because it’s good for me. I am also a combat veteran and I don’t like to drive all that much. It wakes me u p on the way in and it calms me, [andj makes me feel good on the way home. W n ereas w h e n T d r iv e J AorfCget th at! It’s j\ist'g o o d in every- way. TCP: What is your usual route to campus? Myers: I try to switch it up; however, most days I cross the bridge, cut through downtown to Singer Hill [7th] climb it, cut over to 5th where it becomes Linn Avenue then Meyers Road, and then I cross 213 by the Carls Jr. That is my most frequently utilized route because it is the safest, [but] it’s not the shortest. TCP: Have you ever had any close calls with drivers on campus? : I Myers: Not on campus but on the road all the time. I do everything 1 can to remain visible. I nave a flasher on the front and flasher on the back, I put one on my helmet. I wear the brightest clothing I can possibly wear. I’m a lifelong cyclist, so I’ve learned now to look into the cars and not at the cars. I look at what people are doing. I’ve been hit a couple of times but I don’t really fear that. I think that most people are fairly , aware and 1 know I am vis ible even in the dark. But there are ignorant people; I’ve been yelled at, spit on and things thrown at me. Students and staff at Clackamas Community College gear up fo r -warmer days and clear skies by riding their bicycles to class. Is your campus bike friendly? b y ERIN CAREY n e w s & cu ltu re e d ito r Oregon is best know n for how bicycle friendly m ost of its popu lated cities are, specifically Portland. This understanding of those who choose two wheels over four has taken years to m ake work. Here at Clackamas Community College, the warm weather often brings out stu dents and faculty who enjoy using the day for a ride to the campus. T h e ca m p u s p o p u la ted b y p e o p le w ith lo n g - range commutes to campus, m ak ing it very bus and car-heavy. However; the biking com m unity that CCC does have shouldn’t be ignored. CCC lacks the precautions that the other schools utilize for their bikers. Sitting right on Highway 213, the roadway features a large intersection that is often used by large sem i trucks and other large, RULES OF THE ROAD / ------------------- \ see CYCLING Page 3 by LIZ GOMES associate photo editor Bicyclists are subject to DUI charges if found biking while intoxicated. Bicyclists must yield to pedes trians on sidewalks ana cross walks, and must use bike lanes where available. Bicyclists can be tick eted for speeding. Speeds must not exceed the limit for cars while on the road, nor walking speed while on populated sidewalks or trails. _____________ / it for years. “It’s great ex ercise, it doesn’t pollute, and it gives m e lots of great energy that day,” Gray says. She understands the hazards with biking to CCC. “There aren’t that m any bike-safe roads in the area, and eveh on cam pus there isn’t a shoulder, on the actual roads around cam pus so the m arking is difficult and a little dangerous/ Oregon law defines bikes as vehicles Bicyclists m ust always ride with th e flow of traffic on the right side of the right lane (except when turning left.) TCP: Has any of that happened on your way to or from work? see MYERS Page 3 fa st m o v in g v e h ic le s . T h e 2 1 3 en tra n ce also doesn’t h a v e a con- venient bike lane figjr. the cyclists, m eaning that a biker either uses the sidewalk or shares the road with im patient college drivers who are always in a h u rry to get to class on time.' W ith a very congested entryway and a long red light, this m akes everyone irritated. Kate Gray is an English instruc tor who bikes at least ohce a week to the campus, and has been doing Lights and reflectors are required on all bicyclists after dark. A white light vis ible from at least 500 feet is required for the front of bikes, ana a red light or reflector visible from at least 600 feet is required for the back of bikes. Helmets are required for all bicyclists riding on highways or public grounds, anaalways required for riders under the age of 16. The maximum fine for failure to wear approved headgear is $25. Passengers and burdensome loads are prohibited if the bike cannot safely accommodate them. Passengers are also sub ject to headgear laws. Source: oregon.gov There is an Oregon Bicyclist Manual with laws, tips, and advice for a safe and enjoyable biking experience. The manual can be found at any local DMV office or online at: bregon.gov/ODOT/HW Y/ BIKEPED
