What was happening on the Hawthorne Bridge last night?
Posted by: StephanieSep 21 2009, 8:02 pm
Monday's rush hours commuters approaching the Hawthorne Bridge from SW Madison were greeted with the calming harp music of Halley the Harpist. This was only the first indication that something special was happening. Representatives from the BTA, Willamette Pedestrian Coalition, Portland Bureau of Transportation and other community members brought tea, music, yoga, and flowers to the Hawthorne Bridge and approaching streets and paths in a new approach to Traffic Calming.
The effort was a part of the ongoing Eye to Eye campaign which aims to reach all types of road and path users with information about how they can make our streets and paths safer for everyone.
While traffic calming efforts are generally focused on reducing the speed of cars, the path on the Hawthorne Bridge during rush hour is one of the most congested parts of Portland's bike and pedestrian infrastructure–and with some recent accidents– seemed ripe for some traffic calming.
When sharing multi-use paths, it is key that cyclists:
-Travel at a safe speed,
-Give plenty of room when passing,
-Give pedestrians or cyclists that are being overtaken an audible signal (like a friendly ring of a bike bell!)
The BTA and tonight's event partners wish everyone a safe and calm commute.
Rainbow over the Hawthorne Bridge. Photo by Catherine Ciarlo
September 21st, 2009 at 9:29 pm
A great treat to share the bridge this evening with so many calming factors. And thanks to Halley for the 2-hour serenade!
September 22nd, 2009 at 8:49 am
That was awesome. The more awareness, the better.
Can we try it on the morning commute? This morning on the Hawthorne I was called an expletive for not pulling over into the pedestrian lane (which was full of pedestrians) to allow someone to pass.
September 22nd, 2009 at 9:57 am
Morning commute is the worst — such aggression!
September 22nd, 2009 at 11:19 am
"Speed does not equal aggression, speed is merely a relative state of being." - Ghandi, or Charles Barkley…can't remember
I've got 20 miles to ride in the morning to make it to work by 8am….and likewise again coming home to get my kids their dinner and to their events, etc…I am absolutely going to go fast, unless I can't. It's the only way to make bike commuting that far work in my life. Everyone has a reason for what they do. I don't call the slow roller "lazy" or "in my way" anymore than they should call me "aggressive" if I happen to pass them.
That being said, folks that can't slow down if and when they are confronted with congestion should check their heads (especially people yelling expletives…). We'll all get there together…. I've been commuting over the Hawthorne for 20 years (way before the bike boom and the bridge path widening), and have lived the whole change to what we have today….and it’s a big one, I used to feel VERY lonely riding in Portland…sounds odd now. Realize the amazing tipping point that we stand at now, and be patient out there. We don't need any more bike culture wars. It's pointless. Way too much "us vs them" rhetoric as it is….
September 22nd, 2009 at 3:52 pm
That morning and many others, was a nightmare. Those of us, who pedal up the steep ramp from the riverside trail are obviously not going as fast as the people zooming down the hill from SE Portland. There is a big sign on the sidewalk that says SLOW, but the zoomers don't slow down. That morning they passed on my left as the two lanes of pedestrians to my right were passing one another, turning the sidewalk into a 4 lane carnival ride. Ticks me off. And why do they let that clown sit at the intersection in the afternoon? He blocks the view of the drivers and the bicyclists. There!
September 22nd, 2009 at 4:37 pm
I would love to see a cop giving out tickets on the bridge in the morning to the aggressive cyclists.
September 22nd, 2009 at 8:27 pm
Or, I guess we'll just keep calling each other names and wishing ill will upon all those that aren't on our same trip.
September 23rd, 2009 at 12:56 pm
yes, because yelling obscenities is the mature thing to do.
Why do Portland cyclists have such a sense of entitlement? You are endangering the lives of those around you when you manouver your bicycle at top speed, between pedestrians and other cyclists, along a BRIDGE sidewalk that is what 10 feet wide? Lets risk pushing someone into moving vehicular traffic. What is the difference between that and texting while driving? Or driving intoxicated?
Its unfortunate, but I think the only way people are going to stop acting irresponsibly is if they threatened with disciplinary action.
September 23rd, 2009 at 1:24 pm
There have been at least 2 accidents at the top of that ramp resulting in a bloody biker lying in the roadway. Just lucky that they didn't get run over as well. A very dangerous spot for all.
September 23rd, 2009 at 1:36 pm
The bridge is a bit dangerous, for a variety of reasons.
1) Pedestrians completely unaware they are sharing a multi-use path and walking 3 or more across.
2) Bike Speeders or "Zoomers", usually with easily identified colorful and tight biking clothes complete with uncomfortable bulging. Or its inverse variant, the left pant leg challenged, single track, vintage 10 speed riding, seatbelt snapped messenger bag wearing Portland hipster douche bag.
Both are on missions far more important then ours.
3) The clueless fair weather bike commuter on a ADS inspired random path.
4) Bikers actually going the wrong way on a clearly marked path.
5) More people just trying to ride, walk, skate then ever before.
6) The street people, especially the ones that set up camp and play horns.
It makes the bridge a very busy place.
September 23rd, 2009 at 2:29 pm
I loved the eye to eye campaign event on the bridge. I even pulled off my first high five while biking with the "Use all five senses" guy. It made my evening!
September 23rd, 2009 at 2:33 pm
I think bikers should band together and drive at a nice safe pace across the Hawthorne ramp and bridge. We should not move over for the rude and aggressive bikers that think they are in a race every day. What do they gain anyhow? They probably get to work 30 seconds faster than us at the most. It is NOT worth it.
I say that if someone is driving recklessly fast, they will just have
to slow down and ride behind us. Why should we endanger our lives or the lives of pedestrians? We should make it a point to not move over and let them pass.
September 23rd, 2009 at 3:04 pm
Deliberate blocking? (Makes any assertion of "recklessness" sound awfully hypocritical)
September 23rd, 2009 at 3:59 pm
Wow, it just keeps getting better. Who's showing entitlement again? Intentional congestion via blocking and fashion policing?……… What are you, 12? Perhaps you could enlighten us all with your model of perfectly acceptable cyclewear for "your" bridge path and city? Or tell me the "correct speed of travelway on a bridgetop shared path surface?" While your at it, explain to us all why it is the speed that YOU travel which is deemed to be the right one? Did you run it past the pedestrian class for clearance?
Can we just sum it up at EVERYONE BE COOL! Wear what you like, ride what you like, go where you like, and be cool. If you can't slow down when faced with congestion on the bridges, you are a tool. But if the path is clear and it's safe to pass, roll on. That includes slower traffic moving to the right when safe to do so. Duh.
This old Portland douche bag has gotta go stuff his parts into some snug shorts much to the chagrin of the proper bike fashion mafia….out!
September 23rd, 2009 at 4:32 pm
I had a group of cyclist yell at me because I would not move over into the pedestrian lane that was full of pedestrians. When the path cleared the lead guy rides up beside me, not even giving me time to move over, and tells me to "ride right".
I agree with Randy. From now on, I stay in the bike lane. You want to act like an "old Portland douche bag" thats your choice.
September 23rd, 2009 at 5:13 pm
With all due respect, I'm not that guy Melissa.
September 23rd, 2009 at 5:47 pm
Mr. Luke Skywalker,
Not 12. 47. The correct speed to travel at is one that is safe for all people using the bridge at the time you are sharing it.
If you are uncomfortable with your choice of bike ware or it strikes chord of familiarity within yourself, I apologize for creating the small amount of introspection you are now experiencing.
There are common sense rules that can be applied here. I think all I did was point out some of the hazards that we all have to contend with. They are frustrating (and sometimes humorous), but I have no intention as a motorist, cyclist, pedestrian, skater or PHDB to add to anyone else's misery.
Enjoy the bridge! It is not perfect but it was what we all use.
September 24th, 2009 at 7:28 am
It seems the traffic calming experience didn't work for all. Rule of the road or multi-use shared path…travel at a reasonable and prudent speed. Just like driving a car, if the posted speed is 40 mph, and it's foggy with visibility to the end of your hood, driving at 40 is not the prudent thing to do.
Crowded or congested pathway, slow down or even get off your bike or skateboard. If not, go like a bat out of hell. If that doesn't work for you, try another route. What's so hard about that?
September 24th, 2009 at 9:04 am
Amen brother. I tried to say that exact thing 3 different ways yesterday and just got flamed.
I showed the string to Mrs. Skywalker last night to see if maybe I was being obtuse. She said, maybe, but then again, Mrs Skywalker often finds me to be obtuse.
Felt good to have the onshore flow back out there this morning, eh?
September 24th, 2009 at 9:22 am
I agree with Melissa. We should look into the police giving out tickets to anyone who rides recklessly or exceeds 10 mph (or whatever maximum speed the City decides). The City could also put a speed monitoring device on the bridge so people can see their speed. When they exceed the maximum speed, a message can blink "SLOW DOWN".
Something has to be done - the sooner the better. Until then, I will continue to ride at a safe speed in the bike lane and not move over for the "Lance wanna-bes".
September 24th, 2009 at 9:57 am
I think you all made really good points and we cyclists really need to find ways to stay getting along. We have enough issues to deal with related to aggressive motorists and unaware pedestrians. I agree about the horn guy, he really blocks visibility for cyclists. Thank the lucky stars that most motorists there are very aware. But our trials and tribulations as cyclists will continue and we just need to Share The Road! Anyway, just yesterday I got yelled at by some construction guys for ringing my bell because they started to step out onto the bike lane on Hawthorne right in front of me! The truth is that we have enough to deal with, without getting all up in each others cyclist faces. Luke, you have a long commute but I hardly think slowing down for the few minutes across the bridge will impact your time to work that much. And as for what we wear, who cares, wear what you want! I personally like the diversity of attire. What a hoot!
September 24th, 2009 at 10:50 am
Eye to Eye is awesome. The goon with the trumpet and toys needs to stopped. Safely pass, and allow others to safely pass. You're not on a track, that kind of competition and aggression needs to stay at the track. We're all part of a unique and huge cycling "family." Let's have fun, be helpful, and look out for each other!
September 24th, 2009 at 11:03 am
i think randy was on it with the idea for a speed reading device. however, i've found out that they don't always work with cyclists, they have to be focused dead on to catch one and even then they aren't really calibrated for something that small moving that slow.
BUT, if they were it would be a good idea.
good job randy!
and on the note of hipsters with their belt buckle bags and rolled up pant legs. i have a belt buckle bag, and i wear lycra under my rolled up pants legs, and i roll both of them up.
so HA!
i haven't been riding a long time here in portland, i just moved from atlanta. i've run into a lot of the agro type riders here. i dunno what it is but i agree everyone should just chill out and ride. on the bridges maybe we should all slow down a little and then when you get off the bridge then i guess light a fire under your ass firecracker.
tim gunn says "MAKE IT WORK!"
September 24th, 2009 at 12:33 pm
I don't even ride the Hawthorne Bridge any more, thanks to one cyclist who passed me on the left while I was passing a pedestrian. She whizzed by so close that if I'd veered even a whit toward the left while she was passing we'd both have ended up in the roadway. I asked if she might have been able to pass a bit closer, perhaps? She made a point of not looking back but honey, if you're reading this, you scared the crap out of me and have changed my commute home.
Not that Waterfront Park is much safer, at least in summertime. I've had pedestrians turn and walk right in front of me without looking. Lucky for them I don't go very fast! Lucky for me too, I guess.
I love that bike commuting is so popular in Portland. I also hate it.
September 24th, 2009 at 1:21 pm
I just started riding from vancouver, waand I have to say that evryone I have met has been polite and considerate of others. Of course I come down from the Rose Garden to the RiverEast Center along the esplanade. So maybe just the bridge causes undue stress.
September 24th, 2009 at 2:43 pm
Take a deep breath, relax, enjoy the view. It's a very short bridge.
September 24th, 2009 at 3:09 pm
Ah, the Hawthorne Bridge. You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy. We must be cautious.
September 24th, 2009 at 3:54 pm
Glad to see the flames have stopped. As I remind myself crossing the Broadway bridge each night after a day in cube city, there is always someone faster and slower than me, as I get passed and I pass others.
The Hawthorne bridge has its problems, but the Rose Quarter through the Lloyd Center district is a kill zone. Especially near the I-5 on and off ramps. When I see the white ghost bikes of a fallen bicyclist, I'm reminded of what is really important. Making it home in one piece.
September 25th, 2009 at 8:59 am
Another good solution to reduce the speed of the "Zoomers" might be speed bumps on the sidewalk on the Hawthorne Bridge! Has this been done before? You could put one about every 50 feet. I'm going to check this out with the City's Transportation department.
We could also have volunteers on the sidewalk during rush hour with a megaphone that blurt out "SLOW DOWN!" to the offensive bike racers. Nothing like public humiliation to control behavior!
September 25th, 2009 at 9:08 am
Pee'd in Randy's Cheerios someone did.
September 25th, 2009 at 4:36 pm
Remember everyone - SLOW DOWN and don't wear goofy skin tight bike racing clothes with all the logos plastered on them. You're not in a bike race! You're just riding to work. Sheeesh! Take your time and enjoy the scenery - and don't try to pass me either.
September 28th, 2009 at 11:31 am
I need to weigh in on this issue. I've been crossing the Hawthorne since 1990. Yes, when the path was like 3 feet wide. Something needs to be done about the speed down the ramp from the the east and the passing situation. If you see runners or walkers or other bikers trying to get into the lane as you come down the ramp - slow down. It's really basic. If you dont' see anyone as you come down the ramp go as fast as you like but if there are other folks on the path slowww down. On passing - personal note here - no bells. They startle people and you might as well be honking your car horn if you ask me. Good in Europe, it's their culture but not so good here. Especially when you ring it more than onece. Try using your most pleasant, friendly, courteous voice to say "on you left". If the rider doesn't move over then don't say it again and expect them to move over simply ride to the end of the bridge or if it's clear (no peds) say "on your right" and go past on their right. Just be sure there's plenty of room for everyone. No weaving in and out passing close to either another biker or a pedestrian. I also walk the bridge and it really ticks me off when a biker passes me within 6 inches. Give each other space, be patient and courteous. It only takes a couple of minutes to cross the bridge even you if go slow. The important thing is that we do it safely.
September 28th, 2009 at 12:41 pm
I'm new to cycle-commuting and am one of the slow folks with the round helmets and the comfort bikes. The Hawthorne Bridge scares the crap outta me, driving, cycling, and even walking, for all the reasons called out here. I have the option of using the Steel instead, and I do, but it seems to me that education is the key, and that's what Eye To Eye is all about.
I'll politely disagree with Have A Good Crossing about the bells: a high-pitched ding is more audible to most people using earbuds (which is most people, seems like) than a voice, and the directionally challenged (there are a lot of us) don't deal real well with sudden "Left" and "Right" instructions.
As a pedestrian, I hated both until I began understanding cycling as an important part of what Portland is. It's all about education, about learning to see–and respect–everyone.
September 28th, 2009 at 1:18 pm
I have another great idea: We can add another railing on the bridge sidewalks where only one bike can fit, approx. a 3 ft wide space. No "zoomer" will be able to pass because there will not be enough room! Also, we could install speed bumps on that side, approx. 20 feet apart.
The other "2 lane" side will be for pedestrians ONLY. The pedestrians will have to enter via turnstiles on each end of the bridge (to discourage bicyclists from using the wrong side).
September 28th, 2009 at 2:50 pm
I'm with Randy. Although I'd go with speed bumps approx. 5 feet apart, 2 towers on the bridge manned with radar sharpshooters that can tag any cyclist going over a yet-to-be-determined speed or attempting to pass another cyclist, and perhaps when the pedestrians enter the turnstiles a guard can issue them a "crossing pass" that's collected when they reach the other side. I also could be talked into razor wire dividing pedestrian and bike lanes.
September 28th, 2009 at 2:58 pm
I've read of some close calls and injuries this spring and summer on the Hawthorne bridge, it's amazing no one has been seriously injured or worse.
I fear, judging from the above comments, a serious injury or fatality is on the horizon. When that eventually happens, you can bet the downtown bike patrols will be out in force, ticketing reckless behavior. But that's like closing the barn door after the horses got out.
Speed bumps, extra railings and the other suggestions won't get the time of day with the city and county even if the economy were at its best. Education and leading by example is the most favorable action.
With that said, I would challenge the BTA to create a Safe Bridge Crossing campaign, lobby the city, county and state for public safety announcements on billboards, buses and newspapers for six to12 months. Better to take a proactive, rather than a reactive, approach to a dangerous situation.
Then again, you can't regulate stupidity.
September 28th, 2009 at 4:42 pm
I'm glad we're on the same page, Dar. I like the idea of having the speed bumps closer (5 feet apart rather than 20 feet apart). However, I think the radar sharpshooters and razor wire are a little bit too extreme and might cause some public protest. Also, pedestrians shouldn't be burdened with crossing passes because they are not the problem. Maybe the bicyclists should get crossing passes instead? Hmmm….What do you think?
The main thing we want to do is funnel bikers and pedestrians through in an slower and more orderly fashion. Punishment can be dealt out with public humiliation (by shouting something like "SLOW DOWN SPEED OFFENDER!" with megaphones) and/or with $100 tickets for speeding and reckless endangerment.
Another idea: Maybe we should be required to have license plates on the front and back of our bikes which can be photographed by traffic cameras when we exceed a maximum speed (approx. 10 mph). Tickets can then be mailed to the homes of the offenders. This will be a lot less expensive than having policemen posted on the bridge.
September 28th, 2009 at 5:14 pm
Perhaps if we banned bikes from the Hawthorne Bridge we would not have a problem at all.
September 28th, 2009 at 8:53 pm
Yea, get rid of bikes all together!!!
Thats forward thinking! Absolutely progessive!
Now lets all walk across the Hawthorne Bridge, no, better yet, lets all just drive and get rid of sidewalks, that'll save tons of cash, we can add a lane for cars, and reduce the gas tax, then we can drive more, yeah! Drive NOW!
Yes, lets all drive…now thats the ticket!
September 29th, 2009 at 9:03 am
Well, it would stop all the fussin' and the feudin'. C'mon man, embrace the dominant paradigm!
September 29th, 2009 at 9:22 am
C'mon now everyone, let's not give up! We can solve this problem. I proposed a lot of great ideas above which we can discuss and decide on what we want to do. I personally like the added rail idea with the speed bumps and turnstiles (read above).
In the meantime, can we get some speed montioring volunteers with megaphones to shout out "SLOW DOWN SPEED OFFENDERS!" ? I know this will be effective. I've done it before in my home town. I yelled at cars, but I'm sure it will work for bikes too.
September 29th, 2009 at 10:00 am
I think cattle grids installed parallel with the line of travel at either end of the bridge would solve the problem.
September 29th, 2009 at 10:34 am
Hey, I'm trying to be serious here! I am going to make a list of my proposals mentioned above and I will contact the Transportation Department. I'll let everyone know which ideas of mine they will use.
Over and out -
Randy
September 29th, 2009 at 10:44 am
On speed limits: You can't enforce a speed limit on vehicles that don't have speedometers (as most bike riders don't have). It would be impractical to implement and politically wouldn’t fly (at least to a politician interested in re-election).
September 29th, 2009 at 11:07 am
I like the Safe Bridge Crossing campaign mentioned above. Easy, affordable and a bit more humane.
September 29th, 2009 at 12:31 pm
Easy, affordable, humane - but ineffective. Sorry "Another Bike Commuter". Only intelligent design and/or punishment changes behavior.
September 29th, 2009 at 1:13 pm
Then I suggest Randy, we lobby the city and county (whoever has jurisdiction) to get the big guns out and have Portland's bike and mounted patrol at each end and north and south sides of the bridge issuing citations for reckless behavior. Perhaps that would get the attention of the offending riders.
September 29th, 2009 at 3:50 pm
All these words and only one really great suggestion…the Safe Bridge Crossing Campaign. I think it would work and I'd like to see it repeated more than once. In fact, you could expand the concept to all the Portland bridges because they all have some issues. It's just magnified on the Hawthorne. An informational brochure along with the ad campaign would really raise awareness and potentially save someone's life. Good suggestion OBD.
September 29th, 2009 at 4:23 pm
Okay, I'm off to ride my bike home. When I get on the Hawthorne Bridge I'll be sure to scream at anyone who tries to pass or otherwise gets within a twenty-foot radius of me. Unless you're one of those Glad Rags bike team chicks…
September 29th, 2009 at 4:51 pm
Good plan, Elroy. Remember to ride on the left "lane" of the sidewalk and do NOT move over for someone trying to pass you. If someone tries to pass you on your right, you should yell something like "NO PASSING ON THE BRIDGE, SPEED OFFENDER!". Then you can stick your foot out to block them. They will get the hint.
I suggest we all follow this rule until we get the speed bumps and railing installed.