What was the Slow Streets Program?

What was the Slow Streets program?

The Portland Bureau of Transportation's (PBOT) Slow Streets program was a component of the Safe Streets Initiative, the bureau’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic. In May of 2020, PBOT converted 100 miles of low-traffic streets and neighborhood greenways into “local access only” Slow Streets to limit cut-through traffic and create space for Portlanders to walk, bike, roll, and stroll safely during the public health crisis.

The response to the program was overwhelmingly positive. PBOT received over 2,000 public comments on the Slow Streets program with a large majority supporting the installations and their impacts on local streets. The program transitioned from pandemic response to recovery and converted some Slow Street installations to include more permanent traffic control devices, such as concrete planters, plastic tuff curbing, and advisory speed signs.

Were streets being closed?

No. PBOT temporarily traffic calmed 100 miles of already low-traffic streets into “local access only” to limit cut-through traffic. As the city transitioned from pandemic response to recovery, PBOT continued to keep traffic low and speeds slow on these streets.

What's happening now to Slow Streets?

All temporary traffic control devices (orange barrels and signs) are being or have been removed. They were removed after four-plus years in the streets required increasing costs to maintain and based on the City Traffic Engineer's directive on managing temporary materials in the right of way.

Staff are working on efforts to replace some Slow Street installations with more permanent traffic calming infrastructure. That infrastructure will depend on traffic operations, engineering evaluation, and budget availability.

What did Slow Street signs and changes look like?

Depending on how wide the street is, PBOT installed things like concrete planters, orange barrels or other traffic control devices in the road with signs to alert people driving of street use and expectations.

Here is an image of a more permanent Slow Street installation.

Image shows what Slow Streets concrete planters will look like and how they will operate. — Planned Slow Streets concrete planters will slow people driving onto neighborhood greenways and other priority pedestrian and bicycle streets.

Image shows the materials and signage used for Slow Streets on narrow width streets. — On narrow streets, curbing, reflective wands, and signs will be installed to slow turning vehicles and raise awareness of priority users.

How were the locations planned?

Slow Street locations must be on a neighborhood greenway .
In addition, Slow Street locations must meet at least one of these criteria:
- Streets lacking sidewalks.
- More than 1/4 of a mile from a park or open space.
- Adjacent to multifamily housing.
- Streets with higher traffic volumes or speeds that make it challenging to walk, bike, or roll.
- Streets with demonstrated support from public health and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) focused community organizations.

Will PBOT consider adding more Slow Street locations?

At this time, no additional locations are being added. If you have a safety or traffic concern, please contact Portland 311 service by calling 311 or emailing 311@portlandoregon.gov

How to use Portland's Neighborhood Greenways after Covid-19?

Our Neighborhood Greenway network of low-traffic streets gives Portlanders many ways to improve their mental and physical health during and after the public health crisis. However, please understand it takes all of our cooperation to make this program successful. Let’s work together to slow the spread of viruses and to slow down while using the streets.

Remember that these are shared streets and sidewalks. Take it slow and be respectful of others.
If you're passing through the neighborhood, please do not drive on the neighborhood greenway or Slow Street.
Cover your cough with a tissue (then throw it away), or the inside of your elbow.
Announce your presence to others if you are passing them and move aside, when needed, to let others pass.
Follow CDC guidelines and wash your hands before and after you visit a Neighborhood Greenway, or any other public space.

What was the Slow Streets Program?