Washington County Bicycle Transportation Coalition: The mission of the WashCo BTC is to promote bicycle transportation, protect bicyclists' rights and improve bicycling conditions throughout Washington County, Oregon through education, advocacy and community.
Frans Pauwels Memorial Community Bicycle Center
The WashCo BTC community bicycle center offers "anything bicycle" here in Washington County, where anyone can repair a bike, buy a used one, and learn how and where to ride. The center offers classes focused on motorists and bicyclists sharing the road, pointers for the everyday commuter, and classes in advanced bicycle maintenance and handling skills. Community rides and group ride clinics for are also available.
Frans Pauwels Memorial Community Bicycle Center
21785 SW Tualatin Valley Hwy, Suite J
Aloha, OR 97006
(corner of Cornelius Pass Rd. and TV Hwy 8)
Ph: (503) 356-9740
Winter Hours:
Tues-Sat 1–6pm
Community Center Hours: 6-9pm Tues, Wed, Thurs.
Programs and Opportunities at the Center:
Adopt-a-Bike a Tremendous Success!
Eight Community Vision clients, one from Adelente Mujeres and 12 foster children had a Happy Holiday with a new (or nearly new) bike as a result of the program. We want to than the individuals and organizations who helped make it possible. Each bike was equipped with enough accessories to make any ride safe and comfortable. In addition, everyone got a brand new helmet and Medical Carrier Information System. "First aid for your helmet."
Volunteer (Only) Night
Each Tuesday, from 6 – 9PM, everyone gets a chance to help out at the center. Whether it is stripping down an old rusty wreck for recycling, or working on one that can be resold or given to someone in need as the occasion arises is only one opportunity. Housekeeping, construction and mailing invitations and newsletters are also ways you can help.
All volunteers attend a ½ hour orientation session on their first visit and can learn about how to earn free “Wrent-a-Wrench” time working on their own or a friend’s bike. Call 503-356-9740 for details.
Rent-a-Wrench (RAW)
Got a bike? Want to work on it yourself? Got mechanical skills, but need the space, stand and tools? We’ve got’em and more with mechanics on staff with over a combined 50 years experience to guide you along the way, if you ask for it. For a small hourly, monthly or annual fee, the space is yours for the use. We also have a complete line of common bike repair parts and can order what you need if we don’t have yours. Call 503-356-9740 for details.
Smart Cycling® Classes
Would you like to ride your bike to work. Library, school or shopping but feel intimated by traffic? Does the thought of your child riding in the street terrify you? Are you tired of seeing bicyclists ride 2 abreast and blow stop signs? Sign up for one of the many classes we are scheduling for any age rider with any skill sets and learn how to change the way you ride and feel about it and to understand bicyclists’ behavior. Among the classes are Kids Cycling for Parents, Kids’ Cycling Clinics, Traffic Skills 101, 202, Commuting and Group Ride Clinics and our signature Motorist Education course provides anyone with the tools needed to ride confidently and safely wherever it may be. Check our Calendar for details.
Community and Neighborhood Rides
- Gray Matters Rides - Do you have gray hair? A CPSC approved helmet? The desire to ride Washington County's rural roads without being "dropped" by the rest of the group? Well then, this series of rides is for you. Every 3rd Saturday of the month, at 9AM starting from the center, we'll pick a 20-30 mile route in a different area of the county to ride, explore and enjoy. Rides will average 12-15 MPH average speed and NO RIDER WILL BE LEFT BEHIND! Camaraderie and snacks at the end of the ride. Check our Calendar for details.
- Park & Ride & Park Series - Join us for a series of free bicycle rides through the Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District (THPRD) parks led by League of American Bicyclists certified cycling instructor and coach, Hal Ballard. Most rides start and end at the Nature Park, are suitable for all levels of bicyclists and are escorted by experienced cyclists. Stops at any of the parks are made on request. CPSC approved helmets required, water recommended. Most rides start at 11 AM to about 2 PM on the 2nd Sunday of each month. Terrain: Class "A" mostly flat terrain, neighborhood streets. Check our Calendar for details.
- September 26, 2010 - Our big event, the 3rd Annual Hillsboro Tour de Parks, will provide “free, fun, family” ride for kids and families. This year, join other Lycra clad types on our Grande Tour, an 81k (50mile) loop to select parks in Hillsboro, Cornelius, Forest Grove, Washington County’s Hagg Lake, Sherwood, Tualatin, Tigard and Beaverton.
- August 28, 2010 - We are partnering with Tualatin Hills Foundation during their annual Bike N' Hike fundraiser. WashCo BTC will be providing pre-ride bike safety inspections and the "ABC Quick Check" to make sure riders' bikes are in good working order.
- October 2, 2010 - SolarWorld USA’s Sun Wind & Gears Certified mechanics will accompany riders to ensure everyone hasd a chance to finish. Check our Calendar for details.
- October 9, 2010 – Community Vision’s Harvest Century “the Last Organized Ride of the Year” rounds out our support services of organized rides for this worthy non-profit.
© Copyright 2009. Washington County Bicycle Transportation Coalition (WashCo BTC)
