Too often, we talk about cycling as important for public health, recreation and transportation, but this New York Times story below demonstrates that support for cycling is a sound regional economic strategy as well. The article, based on activities in Portland, Oregon, illustrates how support for cycling translates into business growth and opportunity, as well as creating an attractive, desirable place to live and work. This is an important lesson for the region of CLE+ IN PORTLAND, CULTIVATING A CULTURE OF TWO WHEELS NEW YORK TIMES By WILLIAM YARDLEY November 5, 2007 PORTLAND, Ore. — Susan Peithman did not have a job lined up when she moved here in September to pursue a career in "nonmotorized transportation." No worries, she figured; the market here is strong. "In so many ways, it's the center," Ms. Peithman, 26, explained. "Bike City, U.S.A." Cyclists have long revered Portland for its bicycle-friendly culture and infrastructure, including the network of bike lanes that the city began planning in the early 1970s. Now, riders are helping the city build a cycling economy. There are, of course, huge national companies like Nike and Columbia Sportswear that have headquarters here and sell some cycling-related products, and there are well-known brands like Team Estrogen, which sells cycling clothing for women online from a Portland suburb. Yet in a city often uncomfortable with corporate gloss, what is most distinctive about the emerging cycling industry here is the growing number of smaller businesses, whether bike frame builders or clothing makers, that often extol recycling as much as cycling, sustainability as much as success. Here's the full story: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/05/us/05bike.html?_r=1&oref=slogin