Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Streetsblog USA home
Log In
Bicycle Infrastructure

Check Out Portland’s New Bike Traffic Circle

Portland’s new bike roundabout gives cyclists a protected place to turn. Photo: Bike Portland

Here's an exciting concept for carving safer bike infrastructure out of an overly wide intersection: Jonathan Maus at Bike Portland reports the city has installed its second bicycle roundabout.

This design, along with its bright green color, helps connect cyclists with an off-street trail, giving them a protected spot to wait for an opening in traffic.

Portland's first bike roundabout was installed in 2016, but it was paint only, Maus reports.

This new design, at the intersection of SE Milwaukie and Mitchell is much more robust. The design gives cyclists a curb-protected refuge, and it helps reduce crossing lengths in an over-wide intersection at the same time.

circle-before-after-aerial-1200x664
Before and after: Bike Portland
Before and after: Bike Portland

Maus said last weekend he went to visit the site and "saw all types of riders using the circle."

Bike roundabouts aren't a totally new concept but they are very rare in the U.S. U.C. Davis has several on its campus dating back to the the 1960s, according to the Federal Highway Administration. Here's another example on a Cape Cod rail trail.

This high-flying Dutch example has gotten a lot of attention as well.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog USA

Talking Headways Podcast: The Powerless Brokers

Colin Parent of Circulate San Diego on why California can't build transit.

August 15, 2025

Friday’s Free-Range Headlines

Bad drivers and giant trucks are ruining our children's childhoods, and more parents are speaking out.

August 15, 2025

‘A Tombstone’: Abandoned Bicycles Outside Federal Courthouse Are a Symbol of U.S. War on Immigrants

At least four bicycles and one moped are chained up and seemingly abandoned outside NYC's federal courthouse. They are symbols of America's war on immigrants.

August 15, 2025

Friday Video: The Ingredients of a Truly Great Street

This short film offers a recipe for a great right of way, and a wealth of inspiration for communities to design for people.

August 15, 2025

No, Washington Post, Driver’s Ed Isn’t The ‘Main Cause’ of Our Road Violence Crisis

A recent Washington Post article blamed bad driver's ed for America's dismal roadway safety stats — and gets a lot of facts wildly wrong.

August 14, 2025

Thursday’s Headlines Cross That Bridge

But you shouldn't have to if you're on foot. Plus, Amtrak's 2021 expansion plan faces grim prospects under President Trump.

August 14, 2025
See all posts