Dispatch from a cold, quiet — and carfree! — St. Johns Bridge

It was the St. Johns Bridge I’ve long dreamed of.

Last night I got to spend some time on the iconic bridge all by myself. And I don’t mean I was the only person riding. I was the only person, period. At least that’s what it felt like as I stood mid-span on this majestic, historic bridge.

I’ve ridden on this bridge countless times, always with some level of stress because there is no safe space for bicycling. Even when it was part of the Bridge Pedal route, one side was still open to drivers and the chaos of the event crowds took away from the experience.

Last night was much different. I could hear myself think. I could relax. I could enjoy this public space that’s been hidden beneath the din and dangers of daily traffic for all of its 91 years.

I wasn’t sure what to expect on the first of five nights where the Oregon Department of Transportation has decided to prohibit driving on the bridge due to a routine maintenance project but still maintain access for walking and biking. As I rolled up just after 10:00 pm crews were setting up road blocks and there was two other folks (BikePortland readers Tyler and Missy, in photos) waiting for the fun to start.

Once the barricades were up I rolled around and nodded to a few guys from the flagger team. I could tell one of them didn’t want me there and I prepped for a tense interaction. Then another guy, perhaps seeing that I never stopped my forward motion and looked determined to press on, said “Just stay on the sidewalk”.

The first thing I noticed was how quiet it was. And the views of downtown, Cathedral Park, Forest Park, and the river took on a much different vibe without noise and in the absence of bright lights.

I spent a bit of time mid-span in those little alcoves and chatted with a few other folks who braved the cold and late night to enjoy their bridge.

As I rolled down the sidewalk and headed home, all I could think is how amazing it would be if ODOT worked with the St. Johns community to have a carfree day (at least) once a year. Can you imagine?! Local vendors, music, games! This bridge has tremendous potential as a public space and point of civic pride, but we’ll never see it reach that potential as long as people outside of cars feel like they aren’t welcome.

This maintenance project is scheduled through this Friday night (note that it could wrap up early). ODOT says the bridge will be closed to cars from 10:00 pm to 5:00 am each night.

Get a bit more of the flavor in this little video I put together from last night: