We are dedicating this month’s land use committee meeting to pedestrian safety on SE Woodward St. between SE 61st and SE 62nd Aves.
We’ll talk about the problem, discuss ideas for a pilot project, and hear from the Portland Bureau of Transportation’s Neighborhood Greenways Coordinator about how the City can support the neighborhood in testing out a solution.
Background
This stretch of Woodward has been a problem for quite some time. A vehicle count this spring showed that traffic volumes well exceed the targets for a neighborhood greenway, both in the morning and afternoon. Making matters worse, the roadway narrows in this block, and there are no sidewalks, forcing pedestrians into the street.
In the picture above, taken a couple weeks ago, the student on the right had to duck behind a tree to get out of the way of the oncoming car.
Mornings are worse in some respects due to the darkness, the larger number of bike commuters, and drivers’ general eagerness to get where they’re going (speeding). Here’s a video I shot one morning a couple years back to bring the area to PBOT’s attention.
While the problem area did make it onto the Safe Routes to School priority project list, the cost estimate PBOT put on the project is high. It assumes purchasing private property, widening the right of way, and installing sidewalks on both sides of the street for several blocks. These improvements are currently unfunded and, given the cost, could remain unfunded for some time.
We’re looking for a solution that makes the street safer today.
Whatever that is, it will likely affect how people drive both within and through the neighborhood, so we want neighbors to be aware of and involved in the discussion. (We’re also curious whether a lighter-touch pilot project might be a better solution than widening the street, which could draw even more cars onto Woodward.)
Join us to help make it safer for kids to walk, bike, and board to school — and create the type of street that encourages them to do so.
South Tabor Neighborhood Association
Land Use Committee Meeting Agenda
Tuesday, October 15, 2019, 7–8:30 p.m.
Trinity Fellowship, 2700 SE 67th Ave. (enter from rear parking lot)
This is a public meeting. All are welcome!
Facilitator: John Carr, STNA Land Use Chair
7:00 (5 min): Introductions
7:05 (60–75 min): Pedestrian safety at SE Woodward St. between SE 61st and SE 62nd Aves.
8:20 (10 min): Wrap up, other business
STNA is committed to holding open, public meetings where everyone is welcomed and respected. Please email us at info@southtabor.org if you have any questions, concerns, or need special accommodations to attend and participate in your neighborhood meetings.
Email landuse@southtabor.org if you have land use questions or suggestions for future meeting topics.
A meeting summary will be posted here: http://southtabor.org/land-use/
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