Metro has expanded its transportation fleet with two new vehicles - but they aren't trucks or autos. They're bicycles, which will no doubt get a lot of use by Metro staff as they head out of the building to do Metro business throughout the week.
The bikes will help reduce the agency's carbon footprint and help Metro pave the way for changes in how Portland businesses and employees commute.
The two new bikes bring Metro's two-wheeled options to three. In addition to a regular bike, Metro now has a cargo bike that allows staff to haul meeting supplies and materials to appointments outside the office. For longer trips, an electric bicycle allows staff to pedal and get a power assist when they need it.
The Portland metropolitan area hosts many bicycle routes. According to the City of Portland, bicycle trips make up a significant proportion of all vehicular trips across the Willamette River. In 2009, bicycle trips accounted for 13 percent of the combined 117,609 daily bicycle and auto trips on four of Portland's most bicycle-friendly bridges. And based on statistics from Alta Planning + Design, nearly 4,000 annual bicycle races, rides, events and tours take place in Portland.
Deciding to shift from using cars to bikes as a primary means of transportation is a choice that promotes healthy lifestyles for employees and their environment. With the recent unveiling of Metro's eighth edition Bike There! map, the new fleet is an opportunity for employees to become familiar with routes outlined in the updated map.