HASSO HERING

A perspective from Oregon’s mid-Willamette Valley

Being grateful for good cycling roads

Written November 20th, 2020 by Hasso Hering

In November, sunny days are not routine in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, so you have to grab them when they occur. Which is what I did when I got the chance on Friday afternoon before the fog rolled in.

This being the week before Thanksgiving, it is fitting to express gratitude for the many cycling facilities that mid-valley road authorities, especially Linn County, have built and maintained over the years.

The “cycling facilities” I have in mind are the good roads out in the country with reasonably wide shoulders. The term also covers the network of designated bike lanes along all the major streets in Albany.

And on a personal note, I’m grateful that I’ve been able enjoy riding a bike for many decades, and that I still can, as I hope the video below makes clear.

One of these days I might get video equipment that suppresses the noise from tires and the wind. In the meantime I apologize for the poor audio in this clip. (hh)





10 responses to “Being grateful for good cycling roads”

  1. Ron Green says:

    Albany’s bike infrastructure is quite workable for experienced riders, and with our flat Valley floor, it’s a shame more people don’t use the bike for local errands and transportation, at least part of the time.

    Inexperienced riders don’t feel safe on painted bike lanes, and Americans aren’t about to take protected pavement away from cars in any significant way.

    I think the only way this’ll ever change is if gasoline were to not be so cheap.

  2. Dale James says:

    Thanks Hasso and Happy Birthday

  3. Lindell Johnson says:

    Beautiful day for a ride and a terrific way to celebrate your “new year.” I really appreciate HH and the information you provide. I notice the clocks at the train station seem to be on the correct time on all sides! It is such a beautiful clock and makes a grand entrance to Albany it is a shame to have it not work correctly so let’s hope it is fixed for good!!!
    Thank you for your HH Today.

  4. Mike says:

    I miss those mid-valley bike lanes and wide shoulders. There is definitely great riding infrastructure in Oregon. Enjoy the ride!

  5. CHEZZ says:

    Hasso! Happy Birthday!!! Thank you for sharing your commemorative ride with us. May you keep calm and keep riding!

  6. John Klock says:

    This is probably the most important piece you have written. In my opinion, the biking is getting worse due to a lack of respect shown by trucks and passenger vehicles. Bike lanes are great but there needs to be social infrastructure and education about bicyclists and I suggest doing this at the car dealerships, auto shops, auto parts stores, and elsewhere. Lastly, I would appreciate a piece on the quietest bike routes. I ride most of them, but if there are a handful of ten mile rides that stand out, post.

  7. Jill M says:

    Thanks for your reporting; you are an inspiration to me….”if you don’t use it you lose it”. Happy Birthday, and best wishes for many more healthy years to come.

  8. Roger Nyquist says:

    Hope you particularly enjoy riding the HH Bikeway!

  9. North Albany Guy says:

    Thank you for taking us along for the ride. May your miles and years be enjoyable.

  10. JF Mason says:

    There’s an abundance to be thankful for in the Mid-Valley no doubt. Albeit many in the community presently and in the Fire will have even more to be grateful for the day the bike and pedestrian pathway from Corvallis to Albany along Hwy 20 becomes a reality.

 

 
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