office for Arvin Bradley]
Arvin Bradley is not your average flagger. He likes his job, and amazingly, people like him.
Bradley is an 11-year union flagger who’s currently working the western end of the Hawthorne Bridge. After reading a story about him in the Oregonian, I grabbed my camera and notebook and joined him on the bridge for the evening commuter rush-hour.
Bradley was hard to miss. There he was, slapping high fives to passing cyclists, saying “Thank you” to nearly every single car that stopped for him and “Happy Monday” to passing pedestrians.
I was worried my presence would distract him but he never missed a beat. He handled his tall stop sign like a conductor does a baton, deftly moving it from side to side and sending just the right cues to his subjects.
The onramp he was working was very busy; he had to deal with cars, bikes and walkers coming from two directions. But despite the potential for frayed nerves and conflicts, Bradley’s cheery demeanor put nearly everyone at ease.
Bradley shared several stories about different interactions he’s had with people. “Workin’ out here,” he said, “you tend to see the good, bad and the ugly side of folks.”
I met him on a searingly hot day and watched more than one person roll their window down and offer him water. He said people bring him soda, cookies, and more. Sometimes, when the treats are plentiful, he’ll pass them along to cyclists.
He told me about a 100+ degree day when he ran out of water and “prayed to the lord,” that someone offered him some. Five minutes later, a bus driver stopped and gave him a bottle of water. Unfortunately it was frozen and he couldn’t drink it, so he let it sit. Then, by the time he got around to picking it up it was too warm so he figured he’d pray for some ice. Lo and behold a few minutes later someone offered him a cup full of ice.
He took the ice, set it down and was going to finally get a drink. Then he says,
“I couldn’t believe it…some lady’s car died just as she was merging onto the bridge. While we figured out how to get her moving again, the heat caused her baby to overheat. She asked for a cup of ice, so I gave it to her.”
It’s all in a days work for Bradley, whose philosophy is simple, yet effective; “If you’re nice to everbody, they’ll be nice back.”
Bradley is a rare breed. He goes above and beyond the call of duty, bringing joy and compassion to a job and a place that rarely sees it.
Take care out there Arvin, me and many other Portlanders look forward to seeing you!
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[…] Over on IShareTheRoad.com I’ve just posted a story about Arvin Bradley. If you ride across the Hawthorne Bridge, chances are you know who I’m talking about. [Ever seen a flagger this friendly?] […]
Pingback by BikePortland.org » Blog Archive » Arvin the flagger — August 25, 2006 @ 3:29 pm
This guy rocks! Thanks for stopping to chat with him. I’ve wanted to, but thought it would distract him too much.
Comment by Jasmine Jones — August 27, 2006 @ 11:08 am
Arvin is a true gem. You could have the worst day at work, and it all disappears after passing Arvin. My smile usually lasts to opposite end of the Hawthorne Bridge after giving him a high five.
Comment by Molly — August 28, 2006 @ 11:03 am
What a pleasure to see this story about one of those everyday unsung heroes who probably has no idea of the scope of his wonderful and positive impact! I have always relished my evening bike commute home, and Arvin has truly made the experience even more uplifting and enjoyable. I always smile when I see him there, knowing that he will unfailingly wish me a good day or weekend with a beaming smile and a sign, stopping the merging car traffic so that I don’t have to slow down. I am thrilled to see this story about Arvin; now I know his name and can personalize my regular thanks to him!
Comment by erin — August 28, 2006 @ 6:39 pm
I’ve noticed him too because he seems to keep an eye out for cyclists so we can just keep on pedaling onto the bridge!
Comment by Marc — August 30, 2006 @ 9:35 am
I want to thank all of you for all the generous thoughts you have said about me…my goal was that if I could make others happy, I too would be happy…we all benefitted from each other. I really miss being on the bridge bringing happiness to everyone…especially the “high-5vers.” I was recuited by a company I worked for last January for just one day. The supervisor called me and said she needed someone with my expertise and wanted to know if I was available. I work more hours, better pay and benefits than the previous company at the bridge. My new job locations are on 92nd Ave between SE Powell and Holgate or on I-405 on the Kirby Ave ramp near Emanuel Hospital just in case you want to stop by and say “hello.” Feel free to stop, my supervisor would be pleased to meet you. My biggest heart ache is there are NO cyclists to high 5, or people to say, “Happy Friday.” I will stop by the bridge when I get off work early to chat if the weather is cooperative. “Happy Friday.”
Comment by arvin — September 14, 2006 @ 7:59 pm
Is this the Arvin Bradley that attended Northwest Christian College?
Comment by Randy — April 13, 2007 @ 3:46 pm