As part of the program, PBOT and Multnomah County Library are inviting students living in Multnomah County from Pre-Kindergarten to 12th Grade to design bike lane art for Portland’s “Bike to Books” Bike Month coloring contest. For years Portlanders have enjoyed the smile-inducing bike lane art designed by PBOT’s striping crews. The designs are created by crew members and can be found in bike lanes and on neighborhood greenways across the city.

In addition to the coloring contest, every person who bikes to a Multnomah County Library branch will receive a free bike light provided by Metro (while supplies last). Special Bike Storytimes for young readers are also being offered at numerous library branches across the county.

“Bike to Books is a classic Portland partnership. By encouraging people to visit their local library by bike, we are creating healthy, fun opportunities for accessing knowledge and resources,” said Transportation Commissioner Dan Saltzman. “Thank you to Multnomah County Library and Metro for your continued commitment to this unique program.”

“Like so many Portlanders, I love it when I come across a new piece of bike lane art when I’m biking around the city. It’s part of what makes Portland’s biking culture so special,” said Portland Transportation Director Leah Treat. “The creative energy of Portland’s street striping team is a great source of pride for our bureau. I can’t wait to see the ideas we get from Portland students!”

“Libraries are all about sharing, whether that means ideas, resources or support,” said Multnomah County Library Director Vailey Oehlke. “With Bike to Books, we’re teaming up with important partners in PBOT and Metro to share the joy around reading, learning and biking with an eye toward safety and sustainability.”

“Making our streets safe for people of all ages and abilities is a cornerstone of Metro's transportation work,” said Metro Councilor Bob Stacey. “Ensuring that kids like my grandsons can safely pedal to and from the library is what it's all about!”

Books and bikes are two pillars of Portland culture. Multnomah County Library is the third-busiest public library in the United States, according to the Public Library Data Service, and has the hardest-working collection of library materials among large libraries in the U.S. Check out their library bike at the Southeast Portland Sunday Parkways on May 21 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. In addition, Portland’s young readers bike to school in record numbers. Today, thanks to the Portland Bureau of Transportation’s Safe Routes to School Program, 43.6 percent of trips to school in Portland are on foot or by bike – the highest in the nation.

Portland Bike Month runs throughout the month of May with events happening across the city sponsored by multiple organizations to encourage people of all ages to get on their bike and enjoy the spring sunshine and hundreds of miles of bike lanes and neighborhood greenways in the city of Portland.

Information about Bike to Books and Bike Month events can be found at: www.biketobooks.com

Click to view photos and video from the Bike Story Time at Hillsdale Library.

###

About the Portland Bureau of Transportation:

The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) is the steward of the City’s transportation system, and a community partner in shaping a livable city. We plan, build, manage and maintain an effective and safe transportation system that provides access and mobility. Learn more at www.portlandoregon.gov/transportation.

About Multnomah County Library:

Multnomah County Library is the oldest public library west of the Mississippi River, with a history that reaches back to 1864. Today, Central Library and the other 18 neighborhood libraries that make up the library system house nearly 900 computer stations for the public and a collection of two million books and other library materials. As Oregon's largest public library, Multnomah County Library serves nearly one-fifth of the state's population with a wide variety of programs and services. Learn more at www.multcolib.org.

About Metro:

Metro works with communities, businesses and residents in the Portland metropolitan area to chart a wise course for the future while protecting the things we love about this place. Learn more at www.oregonmetro.gov.