Walking is a great way to get exercise and Portland is a great city for walking. It’s still important, however, to follow some basic safety rules to protect yourself from cars and other potential hazards.

In Portland, every intersection is a crosswalk whether marked with paint or not – this includes “T” intersections. By Oregon law, motorists must stop for pedestrians showing intent to cross by extending part of their body, wheelchair, cane, crutch or bicycle into the roadway. But safety doesn’t end there.

The Double Threat

Road users should keep in mind that a secondary, or “double” threat exists on streets with two or more lanes of traffic traveling in the same direction.

Drivers: Oregon law requires drivers to slow down and then stop when they see a vehicle stopped in an adjacent lane, regardless of whether a pedestrian is visible. It is illegal for a vehicle to pass a stopped vehicle at a crosswalk (ORS 811.020).  * If you see a vehicle stopped, assume you need to stop too. *

Pedestrians: In this situation, you might be blocked from the view of other approaching motorists by a stopped vehicle. Before entering the next lane of traffic, stop and look to make sure all approaching vehicles have stopped for you before you cross the next lane. 

Find more information about safety on our roads on our StreetSmart Safety page - click here to visit.