“We are gravely concerned about this issue… This would impact many cyclists who enjoy riding to and around Rocky Butte.”
-Resident Mike Loftus
Some outer northeast Portland residents are worried what a proposed development might mean to bike safety in their neighborhood.
Avid cyclists and neighborhood residents Amy and Mike Loftus say a Canadian-based land developer is hoping to sell property to a big-box retailer that could bring a 240,000 square foot Wal-Mart (or similar) store to the corner of NE 82nd Ave. and NE Siskiyou (see map below).
They say the area is heavily used by pedestrians and bicyclists and that an estimated additional 9,000 car trips every day would have a major negative impact.
To rally opposition to the plans, they’ve organized a ride and rally to Rocky Butte Natural Area.
Mike Loftus says, “We are gravely concerned about this issue and are hoping to get Portland area cyclists concerned also. This would impact many cyclists who enjoy riding to and around Rocky Butte, so we are organizing an opportunity for cyclists to get involved.”
The Loftuses, along with the Save Madison South neighborhood group have organized a ride and rally at the top of Rocky Butte this Saturday (August 18th).
They’ll be setting up a table where people can sign letters of protest, donate money to the opposition, and/or just ride to show support for their efforts.
Cyclists who donate $10 or more to the Save Madison South Coalition will qualify to win a prize package of Pearl Izumi bike clothing valued at $150.
Learn more, get involved, and sign up for the Save Madison South Action List at SaveMadisonSouth.org.