Bike Summer, formerly known as Pedalpalooza, is an annual festival that runs June through August in the Portland metro area. Hundreds of volunteer-organized free bike events take place throughout the region. You can find scheduled rides on the Shift2Bikes calendar here. 

To join a ride, lead a ride, or get Bike Summer merch, click here.

Delving into the realm of cycling physics reveals a mystery that continues to baffle scientists to this day. 

Imagine this: you roll a riderless bike down a slope with enough momentum, and it defies gravity by maintaining its upright stance. How is this possible? 

The answer lies in the mechanics of the bicycle itself. As the bike leans to one side, the handlebars turn in the direction of the lean, initiating a self-correcting mechanism. This response keeps the wheels aligned under the bike's center of mass, ensuring stability and balance, no rider necessary! 

Interestingly, scientists still don't completely understand the major driving force behind a bike's stability and how developers can optimize interacting forces to improve performance. Click here to learn more.

Looking to change up your commute or explore Washington County in a whole new way? June is the perfect time to discover the convenience of public transit!

TriMet Challenge:​ There's still time to participate in TriMet's challenge for June! Whether you're a seasoned commuter or new to the transit scene, this challenge is for you. Click through the graphics above for details. 

Ready to take the plunge? Get more details about the challenge and sign up on Get There Connect.