Neighborhood greenways are low-traffic streets designed to prioritize pedestrians, cyclists, and other non-motorized transportation. These greenways form a crucial network within Portland, acting as safe routes to schools and connecting residential areas to parks, schools, and commercial centers. With over 100 miles of neighborhood greenways across the city, Portland is committed to providing accessible and safe Greenway Transportation options for everyone.
To explore the network in detail, click here to see an expanded version of this map.
Understanding Neighborhood Greenways
Neighborhood greenways, sometimes referred to as greenway transportation routes, are essentially streets redesigned to favor non-motorized users. By prioritizing walking, biking, and rolling, these routes create a safer and more pleasant environment for all. They are integral to Portland’s Safe Routes to School initiative and play a vital role in linking different parts of the city, including neighborhoods, parks, educational institutions, and business areas. Portland boasts an extensive network exceeding 100 miles, ensuring that greenway transportation is available throughout the city.
For a visual introduction to Neighborhood Greenways, you can watch a short video. Further details are available in the 2020 Neighborhood Greenways Status Report. This report summarizes projects initiated or completed in 2019 and 2020, projects starting in 2020 and 2021, and provides recommendations for network improvements.
The 2015 Neighborhood Greenway Assessment Report outlines the operational guidelines for traffic volume, speed limits, and crossing opportunities within the neighborhood greenway network.
Greenway transportation initiatives directly support the Portland Bureau of Transportation’s (PBOT) strategic plan by:
- Creating safer street environments that encourage slower driving speeds.
- Expanding transportation choices for all residents, promoting walking, cycling, and rolling for local trips.
PBOT has significantly invested in expanding and enhancing the greenway transportation network in recent years, adding new corridors and implementing safety upgrades to existing routes.
The Importance of Greenway Transportation
Investing in greenway transportation yields numerous benefits for Portland and its residents:
- Safety and Accessibility: Greenway transportation ensures that people of all ages and abilities can confidently use these routes for recreation and commuting without relying on cars.
- Addressing Urban Growth: Portland’s population is increasing, but road space is limited. Without improved transportation alternatives like greenways, the city could see a 54% increase in car traffic by 2035, adding 110,000 more vehicles to the streets. Greenway transportation offers a sustainable solution to manage urban mobility.
- Supporting Climate and Health Goals: By encouraging walking, biking, and rolling, greenway transportation helps reduce reliance on cars, contributing to Portland’s climate action goals and fostering healthier, more active communities.
Key Features of Greenway Transportation
Neighborhood greenways are designed to be comfortable and safe for pedestrians and cyclists through various engineering and design elements:
Speed bumps: These traffic calming measures are strategically placed to reduce vehicle speeds, creating a safer environment for everyone using the greenway.
Protected crossings at busy streets: Medians are installed to shorten crossing distances on busier roads, while high-visibility crosswalks and signage alert drivers to pedestrian and cyclist crossings. These protected crossings are vital for safe greenway transportation.
Traffic diversion: Signs and physical barriers guide vehicle traffic towards main roads, reducing cut-through traffic in residential areas. This traffic diversion is crucial for maintaining the quiet and safe nature of greenway transportation routes. Navigation apps often direct drivers through neighborhoods; diverters counteract this, preserving the peacefulness of neighborhood streets.
Wayfinding signs: Signs along greenways display distances and estimated travel times to popular destinations, aiding navigation and encouraging longer trips via greenway transportation.
“Sharrow” street markings: These shared-lane markings indicate the optimal cycling position on the street and also serve as a wayfinding aid, reinforcing the presence of greenway transportation routes.
These components work together to create an integrated greenway transportation system that prioritizes pedestrians and cyclists.
Discovering Greenway Transportation Near You
Plan your next walk or bike ride using Portland’s comprehensive walk and bike maps to find greenway transportation options in your area.
Neighborhood walk and bike maps These maps highlight pedestrian paths, stairways, bike routes, transit stops, public art, parks, and schools, providing complete information for navigating greenway transportation and beyond.
Citywide bike map This mobile-friendly map displays neighborhood greenways, protected bike lanes, and challenging intersections, making it an invaluable tool for planning greenway transportation routes across the city.
Resources for Utilizing Greenway Transportation
Portland offers numerous resources to help you confidently navigate the low-stress greenway transportation network, regardless of your chosen mode of travel.
Contact Information for Greenway Transportation
Your safety and consideration are paramount as you utilize greenway transportation. Let’s all contribute to a positive experience.
For any safety or traffic concerns on Neighborhood Greenways, please reach out to:
311 – City of Portland general information hotline
503-823-4000 – Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. (excluding federal holidays). Translation services are available.
711 – Oregon Relay Service.
