With monumental task ahead, 82nd Avenue Coalition holds first meeting

Publisher’s note: I’m happy to share our first story from Paxton Rothwell, a former engineer and volunteer activists who’s turned his attention to writing about transportation. On Wednesday July 13th, Portland-based nonprofit Oregon Walks hosted 30 people in Montavilla Park to discuss the future of 82nd Avenue. This was the first meeting of the 82nd … Read more


Oregon Walks ED Ashton Simpson on Hawthorne, ‘aggressive’ bike culture, and more

Ashton Simpson took over as leader of the nonprofit Oregon Walks back in January. Before that, the Russell neighborhood resident and active volunteer for transportation issues ran for statewide office. I reached out to him last week to get his perspective on the debate around the Hawthorne Boulevard paving project. Our chat went longer than … Read more


With departure of executive director, Oregon Walks will push even harder for racial justice

Oregon Walks Executive Director Jess Thompson announced Wednesday morning she’s leaving to take a job as leader of a nonprofit in Hawaii. The move will further hasten the organization’s shift away from traditional walking advocacy and toward anti-racism work that centers racial and social justice. Thompson was hired in October 2018 to lead Oregon Walks, … Read more


Walking advocacy group honors Don’t Shoot PDX with ‘Walkstar’ award

In the latest sign of evolution in the transportation advocacy world, Portland-based nonprofit Oregon Walks has named Don’t Shoot PDX as a winner of one of their ‘2020 Oregon Walkstar’ awards. Don’t Shoot PDX formed in 2014 in response to the police shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri. The group has been on the … Read more