PBOT is at it again. Last fall we shared a new series of maps that offered detailed routes of 100+ mile bike rides/tours you could easily take from Portland. Now they’ve completed a new series of maps for rides that offer quick escapes without leaving the city.
Rocky Butte?
(Photo © J. Maus)
At their Best Rides Around Portland webpage, PBOT offers free maps of seven great rides — from the Springwater Trail in Southeast all the way north to Sauvie Island, and some fun routes in between. The routes range from flat to hilly and from short (like the 13 mile “Southeast Neighborhoods” loop) to long (like the “Big Eastside Loop” at 51 miles).
PBOT’s bike map expert Jeff Smith says, “The intention of these suggested recreational rides is to give Portland visitors, new residents, new bicyclists, and experienced utilitarian cyclists who are interested in starting to do some recreational rides an idea of where to go for some good rides right in central Portland.”
The maps point out bike shops along the route, have symbols marking where the hills and caution areas are, and even have arrows pointing in the recommended loop direction. Turn-by-turn cue sheets are also included in the free PDF downloads.
These maps have been developed by PBOT’s Transportation Options Division, with a goal to make it easier for folks to make more trips by bike.
Print out these maps (or load them onto your smartphone), grab the City’s new Public Art App, and you’ve got a perfect way to spend the day.
Wow. This is nice. I’m guessing they understand what kind of tourism this will create. Marketing these would be very smart and potential could have a very positive economical impact. I could see even more people visiting Portland and taking advantage of these. I’m going to Vancouver soon and would love to have something like this that town.
You’re in luck, Lance, depending on when you come. The Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition is also creating a series of maps and themed downtown bike routes that will highlight the city’s amenities and cycling infrastructure. If you’ll be in town this summer, look for the Discover Downtown by Bike series. It’s not up yet, but check back with us for updates. http://www.discoverbybike.ca
Talia – VACC Development Coordinator
These are the types of projects that make me love this city. Thanks PBOT, and thanks Jonathan for calling it out.
Fantastic. I’ve been meaning to do more exploring/recreational-style rides, so this is perfect timing to hear about this.
These are great! When I visit other cities, this is the exact type of thing I’d love to have available online to browse before visiting.
And, suggestions for additional rides (as well as comments/corrections) are more than welcome.
Drop me an email at: jeff.smith@portlandoregon.gov
Thanks PBOT, J. Smith, Jonathon and the bicycle gods of Portlandia. These are some of the kinds of efforts that will help Portland keep it’s edge over Minneapolis and all those other Johnny-come-latelys nipping at our pedals as we hammer down into the fresh-air fueled future!
There should be a PDX merit-badge for doing these rides, planting trees by bike, etc. Haha. But seriously folks, I’d go for it, even if I hafta make my own certificate.
Very Nice. I want to ride the Big East Loop. It includes and is made possible by the newly opened (as of December 2010) southern segment of the Gresham-Fairview Trail that connects to the Springwater Corridor. They save the best for last! It’s spectacular. Great views of Grant Butte and wetlands, fabulous birding by bike, and the new bike/pedestrian bridge over Powell Blvd. Check it out!