Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Streetsblog

Freak Snow Can’t Stop Cycling in Portland

The "worst winter storm in years" didn't stop cyclists in Portland. Image: Jonathan Maus, Bike Portland
The "worst winter storm in years" didn't stop cyclists on Portland's Hawthorne Bridge. Photo: Jonathan Maus, Bike Portland
false

It's not often that the Portland region sees snow. But yesterday, like a handful of other odd places, including Texas, America's bike capital got walloped (by northwest standards anyway).

As it happens, a little snow can't change Portland, reports Jonathan Maus at Bike Portland, who captured a series of photos showing cyclists who weren't easily discouraged.

Here's what Maus had to say about the conditions on the day:

What happens to all of Portland's bike riders when the worst snow storm in years hits the area? I was curious too so I spent a few hours out there with my camera tonight.

Turns out many people took the riding as a personal challenge. Bundled up like they were climbing a mountain, most the riders I saw pedaled through the storm with equal parts concentration, determination, and smiles. I did see quite a few people that had thrown in the towel and decided to walk their bikes as the snow continued to fall.

And I couldn't blame them. The conditions were some of the toughest I've experienced in my 10 years as a Portland resident. As the evening commute picked up steam, so did the snow. And the wind howled too, driving the flakes horizontal and making it difficult to see and keep the bike upright.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Memo to Mamdani: Fifth Ave. Belongs to the People — Not the Ultra-Wealthy and Gridlock

Mayor-elect Mamdani should revive DOT's plan to transform Fifth Avenue — which Bill de Blasio and Eric Adams shelved at the behest of powerful business interests.

November 21, 2025

‘Dirty and Embarrassing’: Jim McGreevey Fights Street Safety in Jersey City Mayoral Run

All eyes are on the Garden State's second city, where a former governor plots a comeback with a divisive, anti-safety campaign.

November 21, 2025

Cutting Federal Transit Funding Won’t Close Budget Gaps — But Will Make Transportation Less Affordable

The Trump administration's proposal to eliminate the mass transit account of the Highway Trust Fund would be short-sighted, ineffective, and ruinous, a new analysis finds.

November 21, 2025

Friday Video: A New Urbanist Heard From

Joel Katuala is "pissed off" about the criminal crackdown on cyclists.

November 21, 2025

Friday’s Headlines: Chi-Town Edition

Things are tense between Zohran Mamdani and Chi Ossé. Plus some other news.

November 21, 2025

Tisch Will Stay On — So Is That a Good Thing?

So the mayor-elect says he'll keep Jessica Tisch as his police commissioner. What do we think of that?

November 20, 2025
See all posts