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Better Naito is Back
Better Naito is returning to Portland for a second summer. The pilot project, a partnership between Better Block PDX and the Portland Bureau of Transportation, creates a safe way for people to get to and around Portland’s summer of festivals at Waterfront Park. The project was first piloted in June 2015 during the two weeks of Rose Festival City Fair and returned for the Oregon Brewers Festival the same year.
From May 2 to July 31, 2016, during all hours of the day, one northbound traffic lane from SW Main Street to NW Davis Street will be converted to a multi-use path for two-way walking and bicycling. From July 1 to July 4 ONLY, the lane conversion will extend from SW Clay Street to NW Davis Street to accommodate people traveling to or around the Waterfront Blues Festival at the southern end of Waterfront Park.
The festivals in Tom McCall Waterfront Park draw almost 700,000 people between April and November; roughly 15,000 more people per day during peak season. But to reach the festivals, people are too often forced to squeeze into narrow dirt paths, walk in a bike lane, or bike in a travel lane with motorized traffic. Better Naito 2015 created a safe space for people to travel to and from these events.
As a result of Better Naito 2015’s success, the Portland Bureau of Transportation is granting Community Event Permits to the festivals and events taking place at and along Waterfront Park. The organizations will implement placemaking features along the Better Naito corridor and create a physically separated space for people walking and biking in order to help everyone safely and comfortably access the waterfront.
A video produced by Better Block PDX about the 2015 Better Naito features interviews with community organizations, volunteers, City staff, and festival organizers about their successful work to transform one of Portland’s most iconic streets. View the video on PBOT’s YouTube channel.
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West Burnside Safety Improvements
This project will design and construct a series of safety improvements along the W. Burnside corridor including new sidewalk, signal rebuilds, curb ramps, curb extensions, island alterations, pedestrian push buttons, signing and striping and potential bike lane extensions and reconfiguration. See the PBOT website for more info.
TriMet Service Alert
For two weeks, from May 8 to May 21, 2016, MAX will be disrupted as they make much-needed improvements to tracks, switches and equipment in Downtown Portland. During this time, MAX Blue, Green and Red lines will be disrupted and all MAX lines will have reduced frequency. Fewer trains will be running and trains will be very crowded. Expect major delays.
TriMet Bike Plan Open Houses
Learn about and share your feedback on the new TriMet Bike Plan, a roadmap that will help guide future investments in biking infrastructure and amenities. If you can’t make it to an open house, don’t worry. Starting May 2, you’ll be able to view the Bike Plan online and send us your feedback.
Portland
Monday, May 2, 5:30–7:30 pm
Oregon Rail Heritage Center, 2250 SE Water Ave.
Join the Facebook event
Beaverton
Tuesday, May 3, 5:30 – 7:30 pm
PCC Willow Creek Great Room, 241 SW Edgeway Dr.
Join the Facebook event
Gresham
Wednesday, May 4, 5:30 – 7:30 pm
East County Health Center Blue Lake Room, 600 NE 8th St.
Join the Facebook event
NE Portland
Thursday, May 5, 5:30 – 7:30 pm
Velo Cult, 1969 NE 42nd Ave.
Join the Facebook event
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