It’s no accident the Portland region is known nationally for great biking. The BTA has been speaking up for cycling in the Portland area since 1990, and the majority of our members live and bike in the greater Portland Metro area.

We have two staff members and dozens of volunteers tracking bike issues in this region. Our list of active projects numbers well over 50 at any time. Here are some of the many ways we’re making sure bicycling conditions keep improving in the Metro area:

Tracking funding processes: We make sure that our public transportation dollars are spent fairly, and result in streets that are safe and convenient for bicyclists. We also make sure policies that guide street design and transportation spending consider your two-wheeled needs.

Influencing on-street projects: We make sure that when a street is built or rebuilt, conditions improve for bicycling. Depending on the street, that might mean a bike lane, better bike parking, signs to help bicyclists find their way, signs and markings that remind drivers to look out for bicyclists, improved crossings, bike-friendly signals, and much more.

Speaking up for trails: We hear over and over again that cyclists want more car-free and low-traffic routes. We speak up for trails that are beautiful, well designed, and that connect with real destinations and other bike routes.

Improving bridge access: Portland’s location, straddling the Willamette River, means that the bridges can present a major challenge for cyclists. We make sure that bridges are constantly improving for bikes. When the Hawthorne Bridge was rebuilt, we fought for wider sidewalks—and won. We advocated for the lower deck of the Steel Bridge (and made sure it wasn’t closed at night), and we’ve gotten money set aside to transform the Morrison Bridge into a great route for bikes. We’re also working to make sure the Sellwood Bridge will be improved for bicyclists and pedestrians, as well as ensuring any potential new river crossings will include bicycle facilities.

Improving programs and services for cyclists: We’re always looking for a way to partner with jurisdictions to improve cycling. We’ve supported bringing Bike Safety Education training to area middle-school children, and soon the Safe Routes to School movement will benefit Portland elementary schoolchildren as well; and we’re expanding those programs to other parts of the region. We’ve worked with the City of Portland on the Citizens of the Road/Easy to Share campaign, and projects like TravelSmart and the Women on Bikes program, and more.