Bike Bus to Arbor Day

A Bike Bus to Arbor Day rolls through Portland on Saturday, October 17, starting at the Glenhaven Park BIKETOWN station (NE 81st Ave & NE Siskiyou St) and ending at Harrison Park (1931 SE 84th Ave). If you've never heard the term, a bike bus is exactly what it sounds like: a group of riders heading to the same destination together. It's a format that's been around for decades and has grown in popularity lately, and this one is part of the Ride Through the Seasons program, a fall series from the City of Portland that encourages year-round cycling through community support and group riding.

The ride itself covers about 7.5 miles at a moderate pace of 8 to 10 mph. It's a no-drop ride, so the group stays together, and you'll hit a few short hills that top out at a 4.5% grade. Along the way, the route passes heritage trees, tree planting projects, and some of the city's newer bike infrastructure. If you don't have your own wheels, BIKETOWN rentals are available free of charge for the ride. Everyone who joins is also entered into a raffle for an Urban Forestry tote bag and a set of Portland Design Works bike lights.

The destination is Arbor Day, hosted by Portland Parks & Recreation Urban Forestry. It's a family-friendly day spent planting trees, learning about Portland's urban canopy, eating local food, and picking up free trees to take home. The whole thing is made possible with support from the Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund, with thanks to sponsors Showers Pass, PDW, and Cleverhood.

Meet at the Glenhaven Park BIKETOWN station at 9:00 AM; the ride starts promptly at 9:30 AM. It's free and open to everyone.