image: bikeportland.org

The Rose Quarter Transit Center, where hundreds of buses and MAX trains pass throgh everyday, has long been a barrier to cyclists between inner North/Northeast Portland and downtown.

Over the last several years the Bicycle Transportation Alliance has worked to open up NE Wheeler, the main road through the transit center.  Wheeler connects to one of the city's most heavily used bike routes - the N Williams/Vancouver couplet.

While the new access is exciting, it also means more cyclists mixing with trains and buses - extra caution is absolutely imperative!

TriMet is distributing a card to better let cyclists and pedestrians know what to expect.  Here's what it says:

Bike safely at Rose Quarter TC

• Use the bike lane.  Buses only in the bus lane. 
• Yeild to buses.  If the yield sign is flashing, let the bus out of the stop.
• Red means stop! Even if you don't see a train, pedestrians need to cross too.

This is a unique bikeway and it's success depends on everyone following the law.  Be patient!  We're all just trying to get there safely.

Walk safely at Rose Quarter TC

• Please use crosswalks.
• Obey signals and look both ways before crossing.
• It's not worth the risk! If your bus ortain is leaving, another will arrive soon.

Bikeportland has extensive coverage of the new development and its long road to fruition.