Research reviewed in Scientific American this month shows the importance of off-street trail options in increasing ridership. Most notable is how this is critical to developing a bicycle infrastructure that welcomes both men and women riders. The research includes work from here in Portland and from New York City.

Link to article: Here.

A recent blog post over at BikePortland.org also addresses a similar concern about our infrastructure. The post and the research included their asks if infrastructure investments are keeping pace with ridership increases. 

Over the past few months trail supporters have been waiting to hear the next steps for the Sullivans Gulch Trail. Funding for a feasibility study and plan was secured from MTIP almost two years ago, and we have been waiting since. The project is a City of Portland Parks and Recreation project, however in the current budget climate the Parks Bureau has asked the Bureau of Transportation to provide support. Presently the planning effort is with the Bureau of Transportation and they are developing a scope of work to hire a consultant for the planning.

A critical challenge is the railroad at this time. Union Pacific operates in the Gulch and may not grant access to study the trail option. The City is working on options and meetings are being setup now to see how the Mayor's office can better invigorate this process!

The Sullivans Gulch Trail Committee is also preparing testimony and comments on the Bicycle Master Plan. We will be sharing that soon on this site and hope you will take the time to comment on the Plan as well!

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The September 17, 2008 Metro Trails tour experience great turnout with 30-40 participants. The tour started at the Metro offices, included a walk along Lloyd Boulevard and then a ride on the MAX to view the corridor. The tour included a walk up the I-205 trail to the proposed Gateway Green bicycle recreation site.

From the Metro offices at Grand Ave and Lloyd Blvd, the group walked to the MLK Blvd overpass at i-84 and the railroad to view the lower end of the proposed trail. The walk then headed east up Lloyd Blvd to view the trail route from the top of the Gulch. Participants then boarded the MAX for a ride to Gateway. Along the way we asked participants to note the distance of buildings from the Gulch and the opportunities for the trail. One important note is the way the bridges of north-to-south routes were constructed such that a path can pass underneath easily. 

Once at Gateway, the tour walked up the I-205 path to the proposed Gateway Green project. After a brief presentation the group returned by MAX to the Lloyd District. The coming steps for the Sullivan's Gulch Trail include a feasibility study by the City of Portland Parks Bureau. This study is funded and we are awaiting word on the next steps. Also, as the citywide update of the Portland Comprehensive Plan starts, we need to be involved to make sure the trail is included in the new plan.

Thanks to those that attended, and a special thanks to Metro for organizing the tour. 

Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.