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.
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.
Read More:
Stay in touch
Sign up for our free newsletter
More from Streetsblog USA
How To Build a Car That Kills People: Cybertruck Edition
The Cybertruck represents a lot of what's wrong with the U.S. transportation system — even as it purports to address those problems.
Friday’s Headlines Don’t Feel the Need for Speed
Tell me again, which constitutional amendment is it that gives people the right to drive as fast as they want?
Komanoff: Congestion Pricing Fee Plan is Solid
Here’s what’s to like about the Traffic Mobility Review Board's central business district toll recommendations. It's a lot!
Talking Headways Podcast: The Sexy World of Bus Speeds
When you start to add up the numbers, you can see why agency leaders would be interesting in finding ways to reduce those costs.
Thursday’s Headlines See Daylight
Daylighting, or removing parking near intersections, is an often overlooked way to improve pedestrian safety.
