@Photorat I would encourage an e-bike. The pedal assist is a godsend with all these hills, and getting up to speed, or if you have to take the lane.
I second another comment I saw suggesting a mirror on your handlebars.
Reach out to your city councilers - both John Duggar and Kevin Teater are cyclists, I met them at a Ride Westside event, and they want to make Beaverton better for bikes. They might be able to suggest some resources, too.
@yantor3d
"All these hills"? It's pretty flat near me. Maybe once I had the bike I'd be going to different places?
An e-bike would probably extend my range. My primary use case is I'm trying to reduce my car dependence. Maybe get rid of the car in a couple of years.
The problem is e-bikes are heavy. I live on the second floor. I don't think I'd be able to lug it up the stairs.
@Photorat I live in Progress Ridge so it's hills in every direction 😅
An e-bike does wonders for your range. A 5 mile trip is effortless; my commute is twelve miles each way.
Yes, they are heavier - most e-bikes are and 50 pounds, so it would be a workout to get it up the stairs. If you have somewhere safe to lock it, there are models with removable batteries so you only need to bring the battery in to charge it.
Cost is also a factor. A decent bike is a few hundred. E-bikes start at 1-2k
@yantor3d
I think you're right that an e-bike is ideal for me. A longer range means less use of my car.
The problem is I have no place to lock it up. I'd have to carry it up the stairs, which I can't do.
@Photorat can you wheel it up the stairs? If it's a straight shot it should be doable.
Maybe set up a pully system on your balcony? 🙃
@yantor3d
I could wheel it up, but that would probably still be a struggle.
I think a cargo bike would be best for me. Driving to the grocery store is about half of my car trips. Cargo bikes must weigh a lot.
@805b9b7ec8f09b58910d49e14dacd9534b9bf5ecd5a6dee52788fc42f157a189
That's a good idea, but I checked with the apartment manager. "Parking spaces are for vehicles only."
I told her that a bicycle is a vehicle, but she didn't comprehend.
