Portland is recognized as a bikeable city that invests in infrastructure that makes this transportation and recreation activity more accessible to new or vulnerable riders. On Wednesday, September 30th, the New to Portland 2026 Rides series will gather in the Montavilla Plaza at SE 79th Avenue and SE Stark Street for a 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. moderate-paced 6- to 8-mile bicycle ride. The event is geared towards people who are new to town, new to cycling, or want to explore low-stress bike routes on the east side of Mount Tabor.
This Jade District and Montavilla ride is free and open to everyone, and people without a bike can ride free on a BIKETOWN e-assist bike. People interested in that offer will need to ask the ride leader for a free ride code to cover the cost of the bike ride and download the BIKETOWN app or the Lyft app. Participants can expect to roll past several neighborhood parks along current and future bikeways while discovering lesser-known features of the area.
This is a slower-paced ride, and participants can expect to travel in the group at 8 to 10 mph. Event organizers want to direct people to one of Portland’s bike shops to rent or buy a bike if they are interested in this event or in adopting cycling as one of the many ways to navigate the city. This Portland Bureau of Transportation-hosted event is made possible with support from Oregon Metro and the Federal Transit Administration. People are encouraged to check the BIKETOWN map for station locations near the event if they plan to use the program. The City also offers a checklist to help you get started on a bike and prepare for a ride on city streets.
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