Low-Car Diet Clinic May 2, 2009

This clinic is designed to help those new to utility and family transportation (by bike) begin mapping their path to a low-car lifestyle. Delivered in a presentation + discussion format, this session will provide a wide array of information and answers related to utility and family transportation (by bike).

-how do i safely transport my kids on a bike?
-when do i move my kids to their own bike?
-can i get a bike that will pack a bunch of groceries and my children effectively?
-what if i need to pack something really heavy or awkwardly shaped?
-should i use a trailer or get a bike built just for the job?
-is this going to cost me a fortune?
-where do i start? who do i call?

These are all questions that you might face when considering supplementing or replacing personal automotive transportation with bicycles. Fortunately, there are a myriad of avenues to travel down; unfortunately, the best path for you and your family may not be clearly marked, and certainly will be unique to the needs of you and your family; the discussion's agenda may include:

1. Road and personal safety
2. Why bikes?
* when to bike and when not to bike
* car-sharing
* public transportation
3. Utility and cargo options
4. Family transportation options
5. Daily considerations
* weather / comfort
* load stability / kick-stands
* climbing / gearing / transmissions
* security / locks
* visibility / lights
6. Benefits, costs and savings
7. Portland resources / next steps
8. Additional Q&A / Discussion

Sponsored by Joe Bike (503-232-1107)
Presenter: Jeremy Towsey-French (http://www.towseyfrench.com)
Safety information presented by Stephanie Noll, Bicycle Transportation Alliance (http://www.bta4bikes.org/)

Official Website: http://www.joe-bike.com