COMMUNITY SPIN

A downed tree on the east bank of the Willamette River about one mile south of OMSI has damaged part of the SPRINGWATER ON THE WILLAMETTE TRAIL causing erosion beneath the path because of the heavy recent rains.  A short section of the west side of the trail is blocked off but the trail is still open at this time.  Trail users are asked to slow down and yield to slower traffic and be conscious of other trail users.  With all the rain we’ve had, there is a possibility that the erosion will cause the trail to be closed.  This trail is a crucial link in the bike network carrying bike traffic between the Sellwood neighborhood and downtown Portland.

Construction of the SOUTH WATERFRONT GREENWAY is on hold.  This path, which would physically separate cyclists from walkers, has a $2 million funding gap in the $8 million project.  The project also includes environmental restoration and riverfront access improvements which will proceed.  All design plans and permits are completed but there is no estimate as to when the additional funds will be available for construction of the path.  Cyclists now can use the recently completed Moody Ave. Cycle Track as well as Moody and Bond Streets to proceed through South Waterfront.

The experimental traffic feature installed at the intersection of SW TERWILLIGER AND SW CONDOR by PBOT didn’t work.  The plastic bollards and signs installed in the middle of the intersection, in an attempt to prohibit left turns, were immediately uprooted.  Also, some motorists circumvented them by driving into the other (wrong direction) traffic lane and then turning left.  So it’s back to the drawing board to try to come up with a solution that will keep cyclists safe.

Recently there was a need to replace deteriorating concrete on the straightaways of ALPENROSE VELODROME.  Many Oregon Bicycle Racing Association (OBRA) members and others contributed to make this project possible.  Today these straightaways are smooth and plans are being made to replace the track’s aprons in the fall.  OBRA needs to raise more money to cover all the costs and could use your help. Go to www.obra.org for more information.

There may be a new CYCLETRACK coming to downtown Portland.  PBOT is looking at SW 12th Ave. between I-405 and Burnside.  Currently there are three standard vehicle lanes with parking on both sides of the street.  SW 12th has more auto capacity than is needed.  Also, there are no light rail tracks and it connects to PSU and the buffered bike lane on SW Stark.  Currently PBOT is getting input from property owners, churches and residents of the street.

The Oregon Transportation Committee has approved some “non-highway” projects through their Flexible Funds Program.  Portland will receive $640,000 for Phase II of their EAST PORTLAND ACCESS TO TRANSIT PROJECT.  The money will pay for development of bike boulevards, crossing treatments and sidewalks to make biking and walking easier and safer in the area south of I-84, north of Foster Rd. and east of I-205.

ODOT is improving the SAFETY OF CYCLISTS ON BARBUR BLVD.  The Barbur Blvd. Bike Improvement Project will provide better conditions for cyclists traveling south on Barbur Blvd. at Capitol Highway, including installing a green bike lane, adding bicycle signage (Right Turn Yield to Bikes), trimming hillside vegetation and installing curb along the bike lane where it’s missing.  The project should be finished this spring or early summer.

Sharon Fekety