Portland Holds Third Disaster Relief Trials

The July 19 event was an exercise demonstrating how cargo bikes would be utilized after a major earthquake.

A few dozen residents of Portland, Ore., who are regular riders of cargo bikes participated in the third annual Portland Disaster Relief Trials on July 19. The DRT is a 30-mile preparedness exercise that demonstrates how cargo bikes can be used to make supply runs after a major earthquake has damaged a region’s roads, bridges, and infrastructure.

This DRT's scenario is day four after the earthquake. "Cyclists, without cell phones, must navigate their own route between checkpoints while picking up 100 pounds of supplies and completing disaster-related activities," according to FEMA's description of the event. "This makeshift course consists of an off-pavement portion, a one-meter obstacle, and at least one shallow water crossing. Not to mention, bikes will be carrying varied types of supplies that range in size and weight. Finding the most efficient way to fasten and carry the cargo is a hallmark of the Disaster Relief Trials."

FEMA’s Region X staff and FEMA Corps team supported the event, providing earthquake preparedness information and an earthquake hazard map.

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