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
Downtown Portland Moves Forward on Bike Lanes
Portland, Oregon is known for its transit and pedestrian advantages. But many cyclists say protected bike lanes would make it easier for the two-wheel crowd to get around. After some delays, it looks like the project is on course.
A Little-Known Loophole Puts Cyclists at Risk
Crosswalk laws in most U.S. states don’t offer legal protections to people on bikes, scooters, or mobility devices.
Design Alternatives Revealed for Portland's Burnside Bridge Replacement
Multnomah County is planning to spend $825 million to replace the Burnside Bridge, which engineers say is unlikely to withstand the force of a large eathquake.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.
Bend, Oregon Zoning Reforms Prioritize Small-Scale Housing
The city altered its zoning code to allow multi-family housing and eliminated parking mandates citywide.
Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.
LA Denies Basic Services to Unhoused Residents
The city has repeatedly failed to respond to requests for trash pickup at encampment sites, and eliminated a program that provided mobile showers and toilets.
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Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
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