In October and November, 2012, the City of Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) rolled out a new design for the bike lanes on SW Stark and Oak Streets.  PBOT painted the entire bike lane green to reduce lane confusion, maintain vehicle separation, and enhance the streetscape.

Bike lanes were originally added to SW Stark and Oak Streets in late 2009.  A Portland State University study from 2010 found that people driving and bicycling preferred the vehicle separation the original bike lanes provided. PBOT analysis, however, showed vehicle operators in the wrong travel lane or confused on how to proceed through intersections and parking lanes.  In response, PBOT staff moved forward with the new design.

As part of the new design, staff worked with several companies to develop a color and paint texture that was safe, effective, and durable.  After notifying businesses in the SW Stark and Oak corridor about the project, painting began in October and finished in November.  PBOT’s Maintenance Operations group conducted the painting opportunistically during dry weather and avoided street closures during the project.

In addition to painting the bike lane, PBOT worked with retailers along SW Stark and Oak to promote walking and biking to nearby businesses.  Eight Portland businesses participated by offering special discounts to shoppers as part of the project.

PBOT staff plans to monitor SW Stark and Oak Streets to ensure the new design is working well for all road users. 

SW Stark St Green Lane, photo courtesy Jonathan Maus / BikePortland.org