No matter how we get around, we're likely to be a pedestrian for some part of the day. The Willamette Pedestrian Coalition invites you to participate in nearly 30 walks and events throughout the month of October.

For those familiar with Pedapalooza - the dizzying two-week bike celebration in June - Walktober operates similarly. Anyone can host a walk by putting up on the Walktober calendar.

The walks cover a great deal of thematic territory - from fall color hikes to weird art tours to historic tours of Chinatown/Oldtown. Nearly all are free; check the calendar to see which walks are family friendly.

The Willamette Pedestrian Coalition is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit advocacy organization dedicated to promoting walking/rolling and making the conditions safe, convenient and attractive throughout the Portland metropolitan region.

Portland by Cycle Coffee and Donuts Ride

Saturday, October 13, 2012

10:00 a.m. - Noon

Meet at Clinton Park, SE 57th and Woodward

The Bike Commute Challenge is over, but don't put your bike in storage.

Portland By Cycle wants you to keep that great "I just rode my bike feeling" through autumn and winter.  

Bring your own cup so you can enjoy a hot beverage along with the delectable treats we'll find (and bring cash for the pastry you won't be able to resist). 

No registration required.  Helmets required. Water and lights recommended.  

The leaves are beginning to turn and the weather no longer feels like summer.

There are easy precautions to make enjoying autumnal beauty on foot or bike a safe experience:  

• Wear bright clothing.
• If you're biking, slow down.
• Be especially careful when turning: wet leaves can be very slick.
• Always have your bike lights with you. Consider using a blinky light or reflectors when walking
• If you're biking, please wear a bike helmet and secure it well.

See this page for more biking tips in wet and dark conditions. The AARP has five helpful driving tips for autumn.

Photo courtesy of Wayne Marshall

Outer Powell Boulevard Safety Improvements Project

Public Meeting

Wednesday, October 17, 2012: 5pm to 7pm
Ron Russell Middle School Library
3955 SE 112th
Portland, OR 97266

The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) is beginning a project to improve safety and replace worn out pavement on SE Powell Boulevard from SE 111th Avenue to just east of SE 174th Avenue at the Gresham city limits.

Eight intersections along this section of Outer Powell Boulevard are among the top 10% of high-crash sites in the region. Heavy traffic and narrow road shoulders also contribute to difficult conditions for pedestrians throughout the corridor. The Outer Powell Boulevard Safety Improvements Project is focused on strategic safety improvements for this important neighborhood thoroughfare and state highway. It will include two new pedestrian crossings, Americans with Disabilities (ADA) upgrades to curb ramps, and high-visibility roadway striping.

The Project will also involve repaving the roadway and widening the road shoulders to provide a width of at least 8 feet. Plans will be developed this fall and winter and construction is expected to begin next summer. ODOT is seeking community input on key aspects of the Project design, including:

• Where to locate two new crosswalks with Rapid Flash Beacons
• How to modify and better delineate the road shoulder and roadway striping to reduce conflicts between vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists.

Suggestions and design feedback will be collected at a public meeting on October 17 and through the project website

ODOT is investing $5.5 million in Outer Powell Boulevard now so that users can benefit from immediate safety upgrades while the City of Portland, Metro, ODOT, and other stakeholders work towards funding future land use and transportation studies and improvements.

For more information, contact Shelli Romero, Oregon Department of Transportation, (503) 731-8231

As part of the Portland Bureau of Transportation's SW Stark and Oak Green Lane Project, a number of local businesses are offering coupons to encourage people to bike and shop on SW Stark and Oak.

Click to view the SW Stark and Oak coupon sheet, then print and shop!

The SW Stark and Oak Green Lanes project is currently underway. PBOT is painting the entire width and length of the buffered bike lanes green on SW Stark and Oak.  The project goals are to maintain vehicle separation, reduce lane confusion and create a more attractive streetscape that accommodates more people using SW Stark and Oak Streets.

How to Use the Stark and Oak Green Lanes:

The SW Stark and Oak Green Lanes function just like a bike lane:

• Automobiles may cross the bike lane to turn or park
• The bike lane is a through-lane for bicycles only
• People bicycling should expect turning vehicles crossing the lane

Photo courtesy of Jonathan Maus, BikePortland.Org