Introduction Walking—and active, friendly streets—are part of Portland’s famed livability. Portland earned this reputation by recognizing that a livable community is one where people walk. More on the City’s pedestrian environment and efforts in this section. What You Can Do If you want get involved in pedestrian issues or get some tips how to remain safe as a pedestrian, click here. Contact Us & Feedback We are always looking for ways to improve the pedestrian environment, serve the public and improve our web site. Click here to contact the Pedestrian Coordinator or the web master. Check out our Getting Around Portland in the 21st Century video with Walking Tips! Pedestrians and the Law Links to state laws relating to the responsibilities of drivers and pedestrians within the ROW, including crosswalks. Also includes City of Portland Code provisions related to pedestrian amenities and use of the ROW (Titles 33 and 17). Frequently Asked Questions Check out our answers to frequently asked questions related to sidewalk improvements, responsibilities of property owners, how to apply for a variety of permits, and much more. Annual Report Project, program, and planning updates as of May 2001. Pedestrian Master Plan A link to the City’s Pedestrian Master Plan, adopted by City Council in 1998. It provides direction for Portland’s pedestrian planning and projects. Pedestrian Design Guidelines A link to the City’s Pedestrian Design Guide, adopted by City Council in 1998. Provides parameters for design as well as detailed drawings and descriptions of pedestrian improvements in a number of different situations. Walking... Walking is just right for getting where you need to go - to the store, the library, to school, to visit a friend. It's one of the best ways for getting around Portland. Sharing our Sidewalk - Ensuring Access Sidewalk cafes, portable signs, and vending carts are a vital part of Portland’s street scene and the City recognizes this value. To ensure adequate access, the City requires businesses that use the sidewalk to apply for a permit and show how they will maintain a clear path for pedestrian traffic.

Sidewalks A link to information related to sidewalk construction permits, and sidewalk construction and maintenance requirements. Also information related to the use and permitting of uses in the ROW such as sidewalk cafés and kiosks, as well as requirements for trees in the ROW. Area Walking Maps Click here for the Southwest, North and new Southeast Portland Walking Maps. Summer Walk and Ten Toe Express 2004 Portland is well known for its walkable, livable streets. We  toured through  Portland neighborhoods and learned about how we got this way. Click on the link for directions for several of our walks. Signals, Crosswalks and Other Pedestrian Facilities This section gives details on how our signals work, the different types of sidewalks and other design characteristics of the pedestrian system. Curb Ramp Request Program The City installs curb ramps throughout the city on a request basis. This is a link to the City’s Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Curb Ramp Request program, including forms and criteria for requesting curb ramps. Also a link to local, state, and federal ADA requirements. Policies and Street Classifications A link to the City’s pedestrian policies in the Comprehensive Plan (Goal 6) and to a map of the Pedestrian Street Classifications. Pedestrian Advisory Committee The Pedestrian Advisory Committee (PAC) is a citizen’s volunteer committee, giving guidance to the City on pedestrian issues. Click to learn about the PAC’s mission, current agendas, minutes, and members. Projects/Events Information on a number of projects from the Pedestrian Master Plan and the City’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP) is available here. There is also information on pedestrian related events, such as Summer Walks. Pedestrian Resources & Organizations There are numerous pedestrian advisory and informational groups. This section has a list of links to these local and national organizations.

The walking environment is an essential part of Portland. It is the base from which all residents, employees and visitors experience our city. The Office of Transportation’s goal is to ensure that Portland walking environment provides the foundation to build community in our City. Everyone who travels in the city is a pedestrian at some point—whether they walk as their primary transportation mode, walk their bike to a locker, walk to a transit stop, or walk from a car to their destination. That is why we think the city’s pedestrian system is vital to everyone, regardless of his or her transportation choice.

Walking—and active, friendly streets—are part of Portland’s famed livability. Portland earned this reputation by recognizing that a livable community is one where people walk. City leaders have placed a priority on creating places where pedestrians are safe and comfortable, where the streets and sidewalks are full of people and activity and where the presence of people deters inappropriate activities such as crime and vandalism.

It takes more than just good sidewalks to ensure an active street life—it requires attention to all the elements in the right of way, such as landscaping, lighting, traffic speed, transit, crosswalks, bicycles and paving materials.

An overview of the city’s pedestrian effort is located in the May 2001 Pedestrian Update.

What You Can Do

• Replace at least one car trip a week with a walk. Encourage your family and friends to walk with you.

• Work with your local school to make sure they teach pedestrian safety and encourage walking.

• Organize a neighborhood walk to show your neighbors how many places are within walking distance.

• Schedule a neighborhood planning session to identify places that discourage pedestrian travel and make recommendations for improvements.

• Invite speakers from the Office of Transportation to your neighborhood, business, civic or other interested group.

We welcome your input and questions on our projects and programs. Please feel free to contact us by email at peds@pdxtrans.org or you can contact the Pedestrian Coordinator at (503) 823-5185.

Pedestrian Coordinator
Office of Transportation
1120 SW 5^th Avenue, Room 800
Portland OR 97215
(503) 823-5185
peds@pdxtrans.org
Courtney Duke, AICP
(503) 823-7265
Courtney.Duke@pdxtrans.org