The TriMet redesign of the transit mall to add light rail tracks, and allow bikes (and cars) to use the whole length of the mall, has been quite contentious.

It's a very ambitious and complex effort, and the BTA has been sitting on an advisory committee throughout, speaking up for quality parking and a connected bike space throughout (a shared lane with cars, in place of the current mall, which diverts shared bike/car traffic off the mall on six blocks).

As the project design is getting finalized, the Portland Bike Advisory Committee and BTA decided to focus some efforts to make sure that some key uphill parts of SW 5th Avenue feel safe and comfortable to beginning to intermediate cyclists.

TriMet, to its credit, has designed a more bike-friendly option:

Project & City staff continue to develop options for through traffic south of Jefferson Street. Last night, we presented an alternative to the current plan that would include bike lanes on particularly steep blocks, striping a crossing at the SW 5th/Market Streetcar tracks, and additional signage.

But they have yet to commit to it, so please comment now in favor of bike-friendly design on the South end of the project.

Thanks in advance!

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