Welcome to our coverage of Washington County. Browse posts below and click the headline for the full story. If you have news tips or feedback please get in touch.
In situations like this, where the Fanno Creek Trail meets a busy street, mid-block crossings are key.(Photo © J. Maus) When you’re riding around Washington County, off-street trails and paths serve as an important alternative to wide arterial roads with freeway-speed traffic. The only trouble comes when a trail or path intersects a road mid-block, … Read more
Is this a cycle track?Not quite.(Photos: Will Vanlue) You may not think the city of Tigard (about 10 miles southwest of Portland) has anything in common with Amsterdam or Copenhagen. The latter two cities are world-renowned for their bicycle facilities while Tigard is known mostly for its freeways and shopping malls. But there is one … Read more
People gathered at a bar in Beaverton to give thanks to those who help make projects happen.(Photos: Will Vanlue) Earlier this week the Westside Transportation Alliance (WTA) gathered a group of advocates and citizens from around Washington County to write thank-you notes to people who have helped promote and improve conditions for bicycling, walking, and … Read more
Sign outside the trailhead in Banks.(Photo © J. Maus) Recent work to complete the Banks-Vernonia Trail continues to reap benefits for Washington County. It’s been one year since the 26 mile linear path was fully completed and it has quickly become a magnet that’s attracting both riders and official recognition. Back in May, the trail … Read more
Aftermath of a collision on SW Canyon Road thismorning.(Photo: Beaverton PD) A collision this morning in Beaverton at around 8:30 am sent a woman to the hospital with what police describe as possible head injuries. The collision occured at the intersection of SW Canyon Road and SW 110th (map). A Beaverton Police Department statement said … Read more
Many roads in Washington Countylack safe access for bicycles.(Photo: Will Vanlue) If I had a picture of Uncle Sam riding a bicycle while pointing a finger in that iconic “I Want You” sort of way, I would put it here. Instead I’ll simply tell you about a chance to make the place we live a … Read more
County traffic cam image of new buffered bike lanes. Roads in Washington County are getting more bike-friendly. As I write, County crews are putting the finishing touches on three miles of buffered bike lanes on SW Tualatin Sherwood Road from SW Teton to Baler (map). The seven-foot wide lanes give people on bikes a two-foot … Read more
Eric Carter rides in the newly rebuilt Eichler Bike Park.(All photos © Tim Zimmerman) The non-profit Northwest Trail Alliance has wrapped up work on their major renovation to the bike park in Eichler Park near downtown Beaverton (13710 SW Farmington Road). The new design features three different “jump lines” suitable for all skill levels as … Read more
A fix is in store for this dead-end of Fanno Creek Trail at Hall Blvd.(Photo © J. Maus) Several noteworthy bits of active transportation news from Washington County have come across my desk lately. The Board of Commissioners passed an important funding ordinance last night, an effort to improve the crossing of the Fanno Creek … Read more
(Photo: Wash. Co. Sheriff) A crash between a someone operating a pick-up truck and three people riding bikes on a rural road in Washington County resulted in life-threatening injuries. The crash happened at about 9:00 pm on Wednesday night. According to news reports, the collision took place on NW West Union Road about 1/2 mile … Read more
Red line shows closure. A section of the Fanno Creek Trail southeast of Beaverton will be closed an estimated 6-8 weeks due to a sewage leak. Stephen Sykes, a spokesman for the City of Portland Bureau of Environmental Services, says a water leak was discovered last Friday (7/22) on the trail near SW 82nd Avenue. … Read more
Cover of new Washington County bike map. Washington County has a new bike map, and it’s a must-have for anyone with plans to enjoy the fantastic rural roads, trails, and towns west of Portland. I used the map extensively on a recent trip out to Stub Stewart State Park and Vernonia and it was key … Read more