News Release: 

Adaptive BIKETOWN gets a Boost 

Thanks to a $10K grant from Nike, two e-bikes are now available to rent as part of Portland’s Adaptive BIKETOWN program. 

(Sept. 11, 2018) Adaptive BIKETOWN, Portland’s adaptive bike rental program, now offers two electric tricycles for rent. The program is owned by the Portland Bureau of Transportation and operated by Kerr Bikes. 

The addition is a response to participants’ needs. Several participants have voiced that the physical stamina required to ride can be discouraging, especially when crossing the Hawthorne and Tillikum Bridges. 

Offering e-bikes opens up the program for people who otherwise physically would not be able to ride.  

The funds purchased one new electric tricycle and one additional kit to retrofit one of the program’s existing tricycles. The additions bring Adaptive BIKETOWN’s fleet up to 15 bikes.  

“I’m pleased to see PBOT and Adaptive BIKETOWN listening and responding to the diverse needs of the disability community as innovative, new transportation choices and services become available,” said Transportation Commissioner Chloe Eudaly. “Adding electric options to the pilot program offers an exciting, new mobility tool for people with disabilities.”  

“Our vision for BIKETOWN and Adaptive BIKETOWN, is a bike share system that encourages more Portlanders to ride a bike and makes bikes available for all,” said Interim Transportation Director Chris Warner. “Thanks to our partners at NIKE and Kerr Bikes, we are taking another step forward in fulfilling this vision.”    

“Nike is excited to help people with different abilities participate in biking through Adaptive BIKETOWN,” said Jorge Casimiro, Vice President of Global Community Impact at Nike. “We’re proud to expand the range of bikes offered through the program to now include e-bikes and to enable Portland’s adaptive community to go even further.” 

Adaptive BIKETOWN launched in July 2017 and has served over 150 individuals with 212 rentals. The program has grown in 2018, already doubling last year’s rental numbers, with two months left in the pilot. 

"Kerr Bikes/Albertina Kerr is grateful to be a part of Adaptive BIKETOWN and it's push to create a more inclusive cycling environment here in Portland,” said Ryan Ross, Kerr Bikes Manager. “We hope that the new electric bikes will provide more options and allow more people to use bikes than was previously possible!"  The new e-bikes are foot-powered and utilize a throttle to activate the electric motor. In accordance with Oregon Vehicle Code laws, the max speed of the e-bikes is 20 MPH.   To rent a bike, make a reservation at www.adaptivebiketown.com, call (503) 802-5271, or visit Kerr Bikes at 1945 SE Water Ave., Building B Portland, OR 97214. Adaptive BIKETOWN’s second season of operation will end on October 31, 2018.

About PBOT

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. www.portlandoregon.gov/transportation

About Albertina Kerr

For over 110 years, Albertina Kerr has strengthened Oregon families and communities. Kerr empowers people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental health challenges and other social barriers to lead self-determined lives and reach their full potential. For more information about Albertina Kerr, visit www.albertinakerr.org, www.kerrbikes.org or follow us on Twitter @Albertina_Kerr.

About Nike  

Nike believes in the power of sport and physical activity to help strengthen communities. As a longtime partner with the City of Portland, BIKETOWN highlights the company’s commitment to make Portland even more active, vibrant and innovative. As part of this collaboration, Nike designed the innovative visual identity for the program’s standard bike which is the highly identifiable orange that is synonymous with Nike. In addition, Nike oversees the design and branding of the system’s logo, stations and physical presence, as well as a select number of limited edition bike wrap designs, including: the Nike Air Max 95, Nike Air Trainer 1 and Nike Air Safari, BETRUE and the five designs resulting from the BIKETOWN Design Challenge. 

The City of Portland complies with all non‐discrimination, Civil Rights laws including Civil Rights Title VI and ADA Title II. To help ensure equal access to City programs, services and activities, the City of Portland will reasonably modify policies/procedures and provide auxiliary aids/services to persons with disabilities. Call 503-823-5185, TTY 503-823-6868 or Oregon Relay Service: 711 with such requests, or visit http://bit.ly/13EWaCg