TriMet will make Rose Quarter bike access permanent
Posted by Jonathan Maus (Editor) on July 1st, 2008 at 4:32 pm
(Photos © J. Maus)
The BTA reports that TriMet has officially decided to make bike access through the Rose Quarter a reality.
TriMet tested potential solutions for bike traffic through its busy Rose Quarter transit hub back in June. Now, according to the BTA’s Michelle Poyourow, TriMet will make good on changes they alluded to a few weeks ago.
Poyourow writes that TriMet will,
“move some buses off of NE Wheeler (the north-south axis of the transit center) and will make some curb changes, to reduce bus frequencies and make enough space for a 12-foot two-way bike lane down the center of the street.”
Poyourow says the decision came from TriMet GM Fred Hansen and that it, “culminates years worth of internal and external advocacy around the issue.”
She also reports that TriMet is set to finish the project by August 31st. Also coming as part of the improvements will be a green bike lane and new green bike box at the SE corner of N Multnomah and NE Wheeler Ave.
Read more on the BTA Blog.
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July 1st, 2008 16:34
woo-hoo!
July 1st, 2008 17:13
Hooray! I was just talking about this with my fellow bike-riding brother, last night. I think this will be infinitely safer and faster than all other options through the RQ.
July 1st, 2008 17:42
All right! Thank you, TriMet.
July 1st, 2008 17:46
This is really great news! Especially since now, as a bicyclist, I can avoid the scary MAX tracks that I until now, had to navigate/merge with in the Rose Quarter when going the eight blocks or so out of my way to get to the other side of the bus mall.
Thankyou TriMet!
July 1st, 2008 17:46
Trimet thanks for considering re-establishing bike access throug these blocks.
Though it sounds like Trimet is considering a lane layout similar to one that the City of Minnepolis uses - though that street is open to general traffic I seem to remember. (I have only ridden it a few times.)
July 1st, 2008 18:58
Sweeet!
July 1st, 2008 19:20
So do I get a pass for scofflawing through there in the meantime?
July 1st, 2008 19:30
Very good Trimet. We appreciate you correcting this error.
Yes Todd, I also have ridden those bike lanes down the center of the street in Minneapolis. It appeared that they worked quite well. No worries about being doored and you are very visible.
July 1st, 2008 19:32
did I just say very good... :|
I meant to say YAAAAAYYY TRIMET!!!! Thank you very much!!!
July 1st, 2008 21:01
Sweet! That has alway been the most complex part of my commute. Soon, I will no longer have to break the rules...
July 2nd, 2008 07:28
Yay! This is a solution needed for a long time. I'm glad trimet finally met the challenge!
July 2nd, 2008 09:41
This is the best option and outcome.
Thank you BTA (and others) for advocating for this and Trimet for allowing it to happen.
Let's be safe and courteous so the change isn't regretted.
July 2nd, 2008 10:36
Hooray! Best news I've heard today!
July 2nd, 2008 10:38
Be sure to drop Trimet and the BTA a line in addition to expressing your thanks on this forum. These are great changes that have been made for our safety and convenience, and they deserve to hear the accolades!
You can e-mail Trimet at: customerservice@trimet.org
July 2nd, 2008 10:54
This is great. I'll finally be legal.
July 2nd, 2008 10:57
Great news! And even more encouraging news at the very end of the posting on the BTA blog:
"The BTA and TriMet will soon be evaluating other bike-bus conflict areas, as identified in recent surveys of TriMet operators and Metro-area bicyclists. TriMet has also developed a 2-hour training module that all of its operators will take in 2008 on driving around bicyclists."
Thanks TriMet and BTA for looking after us and working hard on solutions for transit and bicycles to share the road!
July 2nd, 2008 21:26
Wooohpitee doo!
July 8th, 2008 16:49
This has long been a thorn in the side of Portland bicyclists. The Rose Quarter Transit Center is a giant black hole in the bike network right where the Esplanade and numerous eastside thoroughfares intersect. It just doesn't work to tell thousands of daily users to go around the RQTC.
Thank you so much to the BTA and TriMet for working so hard on a resolution. Finally! I can't wait to use it!
September 4th, 2008 11:16
I didn't see this opportunity open as of yesterday's commute.
Did I miss it?
September 9th, 2008 11:21
I noticed on my way home last night that the old paint stripes had been scrubbed and the markers for the eventual new lanes were in place.
Also, this morning, noticed the No Bikes sign was gone facing N-bound.
Any word on progress?