PORTLAND, Ore. – Portlanders have a new bikeway to explore, and it’s turning heads. The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) has officially unveiled changes to Northeast Broadway between NE 7th and 26th, where one car lane has been removed to make way for a dedicated bike lane.
The redesign is part of PBOT’s “pave and paint” initiative, in which major resurfacing projects provide an opportunity to rethink striping and align streets with the city’s long-term transportation goals.
A Business District Bikeway
Historically, Portland has been slow to add bike lanes along busy commercial streets. Advocates often pointed to North Williams Avenue as the city’s best — though imperfect — example of a bike-friendly business corridor. But after the latest improvements on NE Broadway, many believe Portland may finally have a contender.
The new bikeway widens space for riders, introduces traffic-calming crosswalks, and reduces car speeds — all while maintaining parking through a mix of parallel and angled spots.
What Changed on Broadway
Before the project, NE Broadway’s cross-section included six lanes: three for vehicle travel, one narrow bike lane, and two rows of parking. The redesign has reduced that to five lanes: two for vehicle travel, two for parking, and one much larger bike lane…