PDX Bike Enthusiasts Turn Passion into Profit

Long known for its vibrant cycling culture, Portland is not only a hub for bike enthusiasts but boasts a thriving bike economy to boot. Home to many bike builders and an estimated 20,000+ bike commuters, the Rose City has snagged the number 1 spot on Bicycling Magazine’s “Top Bike-Friendly Cities” several years running (though it took a narrow second to Minneapolis this year–much to the chagrin of local boosters).

Lucky for us, this passion for two-wheeled commuting has translated into some great creations by DIY-inclined Portlanders. From bags and hats to reflectors and grips, these local makers have combined function and fashion to trick out their favorite rides. Paul Sykes’ gorgeous hand-crafted wooden fenders (above) especially caught our eye, but take a look at a few of the other crafty commuter solutions and “bike bling” that made Neighborhood Notes’ list.

Portland-based non-profit Oregon Manifest will host a panel discussion at IDSA2010 to discuss its recent initiatives for joining traditional bike-builders and DIY crafters with design professionals.