Portland, Oregon is well known for being one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in the United States. Over the past few decades, city planners and cycling advocates have worked hard to develop a robust network of bike-only routes and districts aimed at promoting urban cycling and creating safe spaces for riders to pedal around the city. One of the key elements of Portland’s cycling infrastructure is the development of bike boulevards and greenways – street corridors and areas optimized and designated for bicycle travel.
What are Bike Boulevards and Greenways?
Bike boulevards and greenways are streets or networks of streets that are designed to prioritize bicycle traffic and safety. They utilize traffic calming measures to discourage cut-through motor vehicle traffic, creating a quieter, safer environment for cyclists. Strategies used include traffic diverters, speed bumps, traffic circles, and stop signs facing cross-traffic. The routes often parallel major arterials, providing cyclists with a lower stress alternative for traversing neighborhoods.
In addition to infrastructure enhancements, bike boulevards may also utilize pavement markings, signage, and intersection treatments like bicycle-sensitive traffic signals to promote awareness and visibility of bicycle traffic. By creating routes optimized for cycling, bike boulevards aim to expand accessibility and appeal of urban biking to cyclists of diverse ages and skill levels.
Main Bike Boulevards and Greenways in Portland
| Name | Location | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| SE Lincoln St | Sunnyside neighborhood | Traffic diverters, speed bumps |
| N Williams Ave Bikeway | North Portland | Traffic calming, diverters |
| Going St Greenway | NE Portland | Traffic calming, wayfinding |
| Eastbank Esplanade | Along Willamette River | Separated pedestrian/bike path |
Some of Portland’s most prominent and pioneering bike boulevards and greenways include SE Lincoln Street, N Williams Avenue, NE Going Street, and the Eastbank Esplanade.
SE Lincoln Street was one of the first bike boulevards established in Portland. Running through the Sunnyside neighborhood, it uses traffic diverters, speed bumps, and other treatments to limit motor vehicle traffic and create a pleasant cycleway linking neighborhoods, schools, parks, and commercial areas.
The N Williams Avenue Bikeway, established in the 1990s, also utilizes traffic calming and diverters to facilitate north-south bicycle travel. The route provides access to several destinations like New Seasons Market, making it a popular commuter and utility cycling route.
The Going Street Greenway in northeast Portland provides an important east-west connection, linking neighborhoods like Eliot and King to the Willamette River Greenway Trail with minimal detours or stops. Traffic calming, wayfinding, and pavement markings help cyclists safely navigate the route.
The Eastbank Esplanade is a key piece of Portland’s cycling network, offering a scenic, uninterrupted bike and pedestrian path along the Willamette River. Separated from vehicle traffic, the esplanade provides both recreational and transportation value.
Benefits of Bike Boulevards and Greenways
The development of bike boulevards and greenways provides many benefits for Portland cyclists as well as the city as a whole.
For cyclists, these routes facilitate safer, more convenient bike travel by reducing vehicle traffic and speeds. This appeals to a wider demographic of urban cyclists, not just the most experienced. Cyclists have greater route choice, avoiding busy streets by using designated calmer, parallel greenways.
For Portland generally, bike boulevards and greenways promote sustainable urban transportation and recreational activity. More cycling eases motor vehicle traffic congestion and emissions. The routes connect key destinations, acting as cycling highways that allow bikes to filter through the urban landscape with ease. This supports active, healthy lifestyles by enabling cycling for transportation, not just recreation.
Looking Ahead
Portland aims to continue expanding its network of bike boulevards and greenways, improving connectivity and access in neighborhoods across the city. This will require addressing challenges like gaps between routes and finding solutions for intersections with major arterials. However, with continued investment and focus, Portland hopes its cycling corridors can become national and international models for promoting urban cycling. The city’s existing bike boulevards and greenways provide a strong foundation and precedent to build upon.
In summary, Portland’s development of bike boulevards and greenways over the past decades has significantly enhanced the biking experience and opportunities in the city. By limiting motor vehicle traffic and prioritizing bicycle mobility and safety on key routes, Portland has created an enviable network of cycling highways that make biking a more feasible and appealing transportation option for residents across demographics. Connecting neighborhoods, commercial districts, parks, and other destinations, these bike-optimized corridors will continue to promote sustainability while improving quality of life in Portland. The vision and commitment to creating dedicated urban cycling infrastructure distinguishes Portland as one of America’s most bike-friendly cities.