economic, and social
backgrounds will come together
for the Equity Bike Ride.
(Photo © J. Maus)
Equity is a very big topic in transportation circles right now. From a debate over how to allocate space on the newly carfree SW Ankeny Blvd in downtown Portland, to larger discussions about where our region should prioritize transportation spending, to its connections to health outcomes — equity has become a fundamental part of mobility discussions (just ask Mayor Adams).
If you’re interested to learn more about this issue, the Equity Bike Ride would be a great place to start. Now in its second year, the ride brings people from different backgrounds and a wide range of organizations together: Think of it like a transportation equity summit on wheels.
Ride organizer Shelli Romero, a community affairs manager for the Oregon Department of Transportation, says the goal is to, “educate, heighten awareness and bring diverse communities together to learn about the geographic, racial, economic and environmental equity efforts underway in our communities and specifically in East Portland.”
Planned for August 25th, the ride will cover 6.5 miles in the Lents community and participants will hear brief presentations from organizations like the Native American Youth and Family Center, The Skanner Foundation, Latino Network, Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon, Portland Opportunities Industrialization Center, Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization and the Center for Diversity and Environment.
ODOT sees their I-205 multi-use path — a 16 mile, north-south non-motorized artery that runs from Marine Drive to Gladstone — as important bridge between inner and outer Portland neighborhoods. In an effort to make the path more appealing, they’ve planted over 4,000 trees (thanks to a multi-year effort with non-profit Friends of Trees and scores of volunteers).
Tackling the equity issue will take more infrastructure, education, and collaboration — and it seems Portland is moving forward nicely on all fronts.
The Equity Bike Ride meets at Lents Park (SE 92nd and Steele) on Thursday, August 25th at 6:00pm.