Relive Downtown Sunday Parkways & help shape next year
This year's Downtown Sunday Parkways event wasn't just about bikes, music, or food (though we loved all of that!). It was about what's possible when neighbors, businesses, and community partners come together to transform downtown streets into public spaces filled with joy, culture, and community.
For this brand-new event, the Sunday Parkways team set out with three goals: to make biking downtown safe and enjoyable, to celebrate downtown's cultural richness, and to energize the local economy by drawing residents and visitors to explore downtown businesses. Below, you'll find stories and reflections that show how these goals came to life on event day.
We'd love your feedback as we evaluate the 2025 Sunday Parkways season! Please take our post-season survey to help us make next year's events even more fun. As a thank-you, you can enter to win Sunday Parkways merchandise at the end of the survey. Survey closes at 5 p.m. on October 31.
Share your feedback & enter to win Sunday Parkways merch
Making biking downtown safe and enjoyable
"My favorite part was the bike bus, which helped me bike downtown for the very first time. Very easy to navigate once I got there. So many booths and events at each stop, which was grand." – Event Participant
This year marked the first time in Sunday Parkways history that we hosted bike buses! Our bike buses were designed to provide participants a safe and fun way to ride to and from downtown—especially those doing so for the first time. Thank you to all of the bike bus volunteers for your help leading these rides! Lastly, a special shout-out to Mike Bennett Studios for our partnership with the bike bus critter designs and signage.
Celebrating downtown's cultural richness
"Some of the neighbors approached me and said they were very happy Lovejoy Fountain was part of the route because it is usually very quiet. They enjoyed the entertainment and seeing so many people in their community." – Volunteer
"I bike downtown often, and I've never explored the PSU campus that much and definitely rode on some new sections for an area I thought I knew well on bike." – Event Participant
From the South Park Blocks to Lovejoy Fountain, Pettygrove Park, and The Cart Blocks, the route invited locals and visitors to experience downtown in a whole new way. Many participants discovered hidden gems and new corners of the city they'd never seen before, celebrating the cultural richness of downtown and the joy that comes from seeing familiar places transformed into vibrant community spaces.
Thank you to the activation partners who brought creativity, energy, and heart along the route. Together, we showed what community can look like when we lift each other up.
Supporting the local economy
"I'll be sure to head back to the businesses that so graciously opened their doors/supported this event." – Event Participant
Sunday Parkways partnered with downtown businesses to activate the space in front of their storefronts and lobbies -- everything from jazz performances and giveaways to food tastings and family activities. A big thank you to all the businesses and hotels who participated and helped bring these experiences to life! They've shared that the event helped them showcase their offerings, reach new customers, and connect with the community in fresh ways.
We were also thrilled to be part of the first-ever Portland Staycation, inviting residents and visitors to explore and support local businesses throughout the event weekend. This experience helped people discover new favorites and inspired many to come back again, extending the impact of Sunday Parkways well beyond event day.
Looking ahead
We're so grateful to everyone who came out to celebrate community and open streets at our 2025 events. You can keep supporting Sunday Parkways by sharing your thoughts in our post-season survey. Your feedback helps us plan for next year's events, and we can't wait to see what we create together!
Transportation News & Resources
The Ride through the Seasons campaign returns in 2025
The Portland Bureau of Transportation's (PBOT) Ride through the Seasons campaign is back this October and November!
Whether you're an experienced cyclist or new to getting around by bike, this campaign encourages all Portlanders to continue riding beyond summer and into fall. Through a series of rides and workshops, we'll share tips & resources to help prepare you to bike in all weather conditions.
You'll also have the chance to win some waterproof and high-visibility prizes from our wonderful sponsors: PDW, Showers Pass, and Cleverhood!
Travel options survey open now
Metro wants to hear from you on how to make it easier to use shared and active transportation —like walking, biking, taking the bus or train, and carpooling in the Portland region. Fill out their travel options survey by October 17 and you'll be entered to win a $100 Visa gift card! Survey available in English, Español, Tiếng Việt, 繁体中文, Русский.
Save the date: World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims Nov. 16
Each year, the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims honors those who have been killed and injured on roads around the globe—1.35 million people each year worldwide. This year, World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims is Sunday, November 16. Check back in on this event webpage to stay up-to-date as the local event organizers finalize day-of details.
Learn more about World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims
In the Community
Join the last City Bike Bus of the year
Commute to downtown with the City Bike Bus on Wednesday, October 8! This event is organized by the Portland Bureau of Transportation. All community members are invited to join one of nine unique bike bus routes on your ride to downtown before meeting at Salmon Street Springs (SW Naito Parkway and Salmon Street) at 8:15 a.m. for a group photo, coffee, and treats. A bike bus is a group of students—but in this case, adults—biking to school—but in this case, downtown—together.
Bring a plaza to your neighborhood: the open call for plaza partners is live!
Are you an organization wanting to steward a plaza in your community? PBOT's Open Call for Plaza Partners is happening this fall! From now until December 1st, nonprofit groups, neighborhood associations, business districts, schools, or businesses with community buy-in are invited to propose and steward seasonal plaza spaces that will debut in summer 2026.
Learn more and get ready to apply and join our virtual info session on October 22nd from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Note: If you are an individual interested in placemaking opportunities, please read about other options available to you including community events, block parties, street paintings, and reserving plazas for events.
Host a block party this Halloween
This Halloween, make your street the safest and spookiest place to be. With a free and easy PBOT Block Party Permit, you and your neighbors can close the street to cars and open it up for community fun. Want car free Trick-or-treating, potlucks, games, jack-o-lantern carving, or a Día de los Muertos celebration? There are countless possibilities for block parties to bring neighbors together and make streets safer.
If you want to host a Halloween block party, we recommend submitting an application by Friday, October 10.
Mark Your Calendar
New to Portland Ride: Southeast
Tuesday, October 7
Meet at 5:30 p.m., ride leaves at 6 p.m.
Ride starts and ends at Lents Park, SE Steele St at 89th Ave
Free
Are you new to town, or new to cycling in Portland? Join the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) for an autumn bike ride exploring Southeast Portland! This easy pace (8-10 mph), no-drop ride will be approximately 8 miles long and is free and open to everyone.
All Seasons Cycling Workshop
Thursday, October 16
4 – 5 p.m.
Lloyd 700 Building, 700 NE Multnomah St 3rd floor conference room
Free
Learn tips and techniques for staying dry, comfortable, and safe while riding all year 'round at this interactive session. Attendees will also learn how to keep their bike happy when the weather is gloomy.
Winter Cycling Workshop at Lents Farmers Market
Sunday, October 19
9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Lents Farmers Market, 5718 SE 92nd Ave
Free
Stop by the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) booth at the Lents Farmers Market to learn bike maintenance tips and get information on biking through the winter! There will be two fix-a-flat demos at 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. This event is free and open to everyone.
See and Be Seen Ride
Tuesday, October 28
5:30 – 7 p.m.
Salmon Street Springs, 1000 SW Naito Pkwy
Free
Dress up in your most visible attire, light up your bike, and enjoy a fun evening ride touring some streets and paths designed to make bike trips comfortable and help build confidence biking in the grey months.
Meet at Salmon Springs Fountain at 5:30 p.m. to show off our bright styles, then roll out at 6:00 p.m. for a 7–8-mile ride through Portland's eastside. The ride will end at Revolution Hall where folks can purchase food and socialize if so inclined. We ride at an easy pace (8-10 mph) and no one gets left behind. Beginners and families welcome. The ride is free and open to everyone.
