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New Portland Bridge Seeks to Ease Pedestrian and Cyclist Tensions

Posted by: Nate Berg

8 August 2009 - 7:00am

A new light rail bridge spanning the Willamette River in Portland will include separate lanes for pedestrians and cyclists -- and no lanes for automobiles. But biker and pedestrian congestion remains a concern.

Advocates have called on planners to increase the width of the bike and pedestrian lanes in an effort to reduce the inevitable tensions that arise when many people are trying to use the same space.

"If the new bridge - car- and truck-free - works as planned, it could also relieve people congestion on the Hawthorne, just to the north.

Designers are building in room to roam and planning markings to separate commuters going at different speeds. Specifically, TriMet has committed to providing a 14-foot wide path for bicyclists and pedestrians on each side of the MAX bridge, far wider than the 10 1/2 feet lanes on each side of the Hawthorne. "

Full Story: New Willamette bridge to span cyclist-pedestrian chasm
Source: The Oregonian, August 6, 2009
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