In this email
- City Council passes Vision Zero resolution
- It's about to get a lot darker. Get ready!
- Save the date: World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims Nov. 16
- Have you seen our new traffic safety billboards around Portland?
- Speed limit changes
- Ask a PBOT expert
- Ride Through the Seasons
- Help shape next year's Sunday Parkways events!
- Adopt your neighborhood storm drain and help prevent street flooding
- Apply by Nov. 17 to join Metro's Transportation Policy Alternatives Committee
- High Crash Network safety projects
- Access the latest deadly crash data
- Remember to say crash, not accident!
- Free Vision Zero materials and yard signs
- Personal safety community resources
- What we're reading
City Council passes Vision Zero resolution
On Wednesday, September 17, the Portland City Council passed a resolution to reaffirm the City's commitment to Vision Zero and convene a cross-bureau Vision Zero Task Force.
The resolution directs administrators and key technical staff from across the City of Portland to collaborate on actions that support the goal to eliminate traffic deaths and serious injuries on our streets. The resolution calls to update the Vision Zero Action Plan, coordinate with external public agency partners, and report quarterly to Council.
Additionally, Council passed amendments to ensure meaningful community engagement and examine the overrepresentation of traffic fatalities involving people experiencing houselessness.
Learn more about the Vision Zero resolution
It's about to get a lot darker. Get ready!
In just a few weeks, many Portlanders will be heading home after sunset during the evening commute. As we prepare for these changes ahead, it is important that people driving slow down, use caution, and look out for people walking, biking, and rolling on the street.
Research shows that pedestrian deaths at night have been rising for years, mainly because drivers can't see people in the roadway in time to stop — especially on wide, high-speed streets. Higher speeds, poor visibility, and distraction make nighttime travel especially dangerous.
We all have a responsibility to help make our streets safe
- Slow down and travel at or below the speed limit
- Take care when making turns and approaching crosswalks
- Always turn on headlights
- Maintain a safe distance between vehicles
- Keep windshields clean
- Stay alert and avoid distractions — no using your phone
- Dress as visibly as possible when traveling outside of a motor vehicle
People driving vehicles kill more pedestrians in darker conditions
The Portland 2024 Deadly Traffic Crash Report noted that 83% of traffic deaths last year occurred in darker conditions (which includes dusk, nighttime, and dawn). Of all pedestrian deaths last year, 86% occurred in darker conditions. These trends are consistent with traffic safety research.
Reflective clothing = 10x improved visibility
Did you know that pedestrians wearing reflective clothing are visible to people driving up to 500 feet away? Compare that to just 55 feet away when pedestrians wear dark colors and no reflective gear or lights. That added safety benefit can help us keep ourselves and others safe. (A new AAA study found that some vehicles with pedestrian automatic emergency braking may not detect people wearing certain high-visibility clothing.)
Street lighting investments save lives
Our lighting guidelines call for consistent illumination across and along major streets. Infill lighting combined with tweaks to existing lights support safety while conserving energy. As we work to improve lighting on Portland streets, please take extra care when traveling in dark conditions.
Learn more about rainy weather travel tips
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
Have you seen our new traffic safety billboards around Portland?
Spotted! Have you seen Portland Bureau of Transportation's (PBOT) new traffic safety billboards around Portland?
They highlight important messages for people driving motor vehicles. Many are located on or near High Crash Network streets and intersections, such as N Lombard Street, SE 122nd Avenue, NE Sandy Boulevard, SE Division Street, 82nd Avenue, SW Barbur Boulevard, N Interstate Avenue, NE Broadway, NE Glisan Street, and SW Beaverton-Hillsdale Highway.
1 in 5 serious crashes involves left turns
Slow down and look out for people walking, biking, rolling, and driving. Left turns are involved in one in five serious crashes. About 20% of pedestrian crashes happen when people driving motor vehicles turn left and fail to yield to people in the crosswalk at signalized intersections.
PBOT is installing safety treatments along High Crash Network streets and intersections. Raised center medians reduce the number of left-turning conflicts along busy corridors. Intersection safety measures like centerline hardening and pedestrian head starts make intersections safer for everyone by helping to slow vehicles' turning speeds and improve visibility in the crosswalk.
School routes are everywhere. Drive like it.
Slow down and watch for kids walking, biking, and rolling outside your vehicle anywhere you're driving — not just near schools. With more than 120 schools across Portland, most people pass a school or a route commonly used by schoolchildren every half mile.
PBOT is installing traffic safety improvement projects citywide and near schools. In the past year, we installed:
- 25 crossing projects (curb ramps, crosswalks, medians, signals, etc.)
- 20 speed projects (speed bumps, lower speed limits, speed reader boards, etc.)
- 10 walkway projects (new sidewalks and paths)
These improvements help make our streets safer for everyone. Together, we can help reduce deadly and serious injury crashes on Portland streets.
These billboards were made possible through funding from the Oregon Department of Transportation and Metro.
Learn more about how we're making streets safe through Vision Zero
Speed limit changes
The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) is updating speed limits citywide to set safe travel speeds. Why? Because speed is a top contributing factor to traffic deaths. Safe speeds lower the risk of crashes, and when crashes occur, safe speeds make it less likely that people are killed or seriously injured. We track speed limit changes online.
Recent changes
Locations where PBOT reduced the speed limit in the past three months.
35 to 30 mph
- N Basin Avenue from Going Street to end of the road
30 to 25 mph
- N Weidler Street from Ross to NE Grand avenues and 16th to 24th avenues
- N Broadway Street from Larabee to NE Grand avenues and 24th to 33rd avenues
- Miller Road from NW Cornell to SW Barnes roads
30 to 20 mph
- NE Weidler Street from Grand to 16th avenues
- NE Broadway Street from Grand to 24th avenues
Upcoming changes
Locations where PBOT recently received approval from the Oregon Department of Transportation to reduce the speed limit. PBOT will post new speed limit signs in the upcoming months.
45 to 40 mph
- SE McLoughlin Boulevard from Franklin to Harold streets
- NE Killingsworth Street from 450' east of 82nd Avenue to Sandy Boulevard
45 to 35 mph
- NE Killingsworth streets from 82nd Ave to 450' east of 82nd Avenue
40 to 35 mph
- N Columbia Boulevard from Portsmouth Avenue to Upland Drive
40 to 30 mph
- NE 138th Avenue from Marine Drive to Sandy Boulevard
35 to 30 mph
- N Basin Avenue from Going Street to end of the road
- N Schmeer Road from Interstate to Vancouver avenues
- N Whitaker Way from 122nd to 138th avenues
- NE 105th Avenue from Sandy Boulevard to Airport Way
- SW Bertha Boulevard from Barbur Boulevard to Chestnut Drive
30 to 25 mph
- Miller Road from NW Cornell to SW Barnes roads
- NE Killingsworth Street from 42nd Avenue to Lombard Street
- N Mississippi Avenue from Cook to Russell streets
- SE Division Street from Third to Eighth avenues
Establish 25 mph speed limit
- NE 80th Avenue from Columbia Boulevard to Holman Street
- NE Holman Street from 80th Avenue to 82nd Avenue Frontage Road
- NE 82nd Avenue Frontage Road from Holman Street to 82nd Avenue
25 to 20 mph
- N Russell Street from N Interstate to N Kerby avenues
- SE Belmont Street from Grand to 49th avenues
- S Corbett Avenue from Grover to Hamilton streets
Learn more about speed limit changes in Portland
Ask a PBOT expert
Our Vision Zero inbox is filled with thoughtful questions from community members about traffic safety — and our team strives to provide equally thoughtful answers. These exchanges often spark meaningful conversations, and we believe they deserve a bigger audience! That's why we're sharing some of these questions and answers in our newsletter, edited for clarity and brevity, to highlight insights and ideas that benefit us all.
Question: How do I continue biking throughout the fall and winter months?
Answer: To answer this question, we're so excited to share this incredible zine, Biking Thru Winter in Portland, from local artist Shay Mirk (also known as @mirkdrop)!
Flip through the pages where Shay chronicles their experience with fall and winter riding in Portland as well as tips on how to gear up.
Shay's winter biking strategy is simple, safe, and effective:
- Dress in layers
- Pack backup clothes for work in case you get soaked
- Schedule riding to avoid rain
- Stay bright
Biking throughout fall and winter provides its own unique perspective on what it means to live in Portland, not to mention the additional bragging rights!
Print, fold, and share the Biking Thru Winter in Portland zine
Ride Through the Seasons
Reducing the amount of driving is core to our Vision Zero work. We can eliminate traffic deaths and serious injuries in Portland by significantly changing the design of our most deadly streets to slow drivers — as well as making it easier for people to get around without a car. Traveling fewer vehicle miles is strongly correlated with safer streets. Below are several free events the Portland Bureau of Transportation created to help make biking more desirable and easier to incorporate into your daily routines!
The Portland Bureau Of Transportation's Ride Through the Seasons campaign aims to encourage Portlanders to keep on riding their bike past summer and into fall. Join us for rides and events, with the chance to win prizes along the way. Riding in the rain is not only possible, it's fun too!
See and Be Seen Ride
Tuesday, October 28
Dress in your most visible attire, light up your bike, and join us for a fun illuminated ride on Tuesday, October 28 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Salmon Street Springs (SW Naito Parkway and Salmon Street). Come early for some bright freebies!
Celebrate the Rain Ride & Hot Chocolate
Saturday, November 1
A guided ride exploring where to get the best rain gear in Portland, followed by hot chocolate on Saturday, November 1 from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Clever Cycles (900 SE Hawthorne Boulevard).
Rainy Rider Photo Contest
Saturday, November 1 to Sunday, November 30
Riding in the rain is not only possible, it's fun too! Text a photo of yourself and your bicycle in the rain to 888-520-0526 for the chance to win prizes all month long!
All Seasons Cycling Workshop
Friday, November 7
Join an interactive session to learn tips and techniques for staying dry, comfortable and safe while riding all year-round on Friday, November 7 from 3 to 5 p.m. at Woodstock Library (6008 SE 49th Ave.)
Waterways Real and Metaphoric Ride
Saturday, November 15
Keep riding through the seasons on this tour of public art and community spaces where rainfall and water play an important role in our city on Saturday, November 15 from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Delicious Donuts (12 SE Grand Ave.)
Learn more about Ride Through the Seasons
Help shape next year's Sunday Parkways events!
Portland Bureau of Transportation would love your feedback to evaluate the 2025 Portland Sunday Parkways season! Please take this post-season survey before 5 p.m. on Friday, October 31. Information from the survey will help make next year's events even more fun. As a thank-you, you may enter to win Portland Sunday Parkways merchandise at the end of the survey.
Share your feedback and enter to win merch!
Adopt your neighborhood storm drain and help prevent street flooding
The leaves are changing colors and rain is in the forecast, which means it is time for the return of the Portland Bureau of Transportation's (PBOT) adopt a storm drain program.
PBOT crews work hard to keep more than 58,000 storm drains clear but with so many, we can't get to them all. By "adopting" a storm drain near you and helping keep them clear of debris, you help keep your street safe and clear from ponding water for your family, friends, and neighbors.
Follow these tips for clearing storm drains:
- Use a rake, shovel, or broom and wear gloves and reflective clothing.
- Only clear drains you can reach from the curb (or the shoulder where there are no sidewalks).
- Clear drain before the rain, whenever possible.
- Never lift storm drain grates.
- Don't put leaves in the street.
Thank you to all Portlanders who have "adopted" storm drains in their neighborhoods and help PBOT keep them free and clear.
Learn more about the adopt a storm drain program
Apply by Nov. 17 to join Metro's Transportation Policy Alternatives Committee
Metro is seeking two community representatives to fill positions on the Transportation Policy Alternatives Committee (TPAC). The TPAC provides technical input on transportation planning and funding priorities for the region. The community positions are well suited for representatives from organizations working on topics related to transportation. Unaffiliated community members may also apply. These community representative positions will serve two-year terms. To apply, submit an online application form by Monday, November 17.
Learn more about Metro's Transportation Policy Alternatives Committee
High Crash Network safety projects
Portland Bureau of Transportation prioritizes safety investments on our highest crash streets and intersections in areas with higher proportions of people of color and people living with lower incomes. In 2024, 71% of traffic deaths occurred on the High Crash Network. We track recently completed and currently under construction High Crash Network projects online.
Learn more about High Crash Network safety projects
Access the latest deadly crash data
Our Vision Zero dashboard provides an overview of traffic safety improvements from the past five to 10 years — as well as data relating to our performance measures. Staff update the dashboard regularly. Preliminary deadly crash data is updated monthly, while other data is updated quarterly or annually, based on availability.
Learn more about the Vision Zero dashboard
Remember to say crash, not accident!
We want to change the way we talk about crashes and remind each other that they are predictable and preventable. A Vision Zero approach refuses to accept the idea that crashes are inevitable. That's why we're saying crash, not accident! Will you join us?
Learn more about why we say crash, not accident
Free Vision Zero materials and yard signs
Help educate the people in your community about Vision Zero, Portland's commitment to eliminate serious and fatal traffic injuries. Order and receive reflective stickers and pins, brochures, and fliers in the mail or pick-up a yard sign. Materials are available in English, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Lao, Romanian, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Ukrainian, and Vietnamese.
Return of "20 is plenty" yard signs!
You loved them, and now they're back! Come get your "20 is plenty" yard sign at the Portland Building (1120 SW Fifth Ave.) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
20 mph speed limit supports safety
Most residential streets in Portland are narrow, have few marked crosswalks, and no bike lanes. Given the neighborhood use and lack of protection for people walking, using mobility devices, and biking, it is important that people drive slowly on residential streets.
Slower speeds lower the risk of crashes. When crashes occur, slower speeds make it less likely that people are killed or seriously injured. A pedestrian struck by a person driving 20 mph is four times more likely to survive than a pedestrian struck at 40 mph.
Learn more about how to get free Vision Zero materials
Personal safety community resources
We want to help create a transportation system that allows all people to feel safe getting where they need to go. We put together free, accessible personal safety resources for community members, including how to report a non-urgent traffic safety concern, report bias and hate, participate in a self-defense workshop, and more.
Learn more about personal safety community resources
What we're reading
- Why do we care about speed? (ProFound City Insights)
- Improving pedestrian safety at night (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine)
- The war on… walking and biking? (Streetsblog)
- No, defensive walking isn't the solution for road deaths (Jalopnik)
- Reducing e-scooter injuries demands designing safer streets (Axios)
- E-bikes could cut carbon, congestion, and costs — if cities take them seriously (Grist)
- 8 walking and biking safety tips that just might save your life (NPR)
- It's time for the fire service to join communities in preventing street trauma (Streetsblog)
- Trump cancels grants for pedestrian safety, bike lanes (Governing)
- San Francisco adopts new street safety plan to reduce fatal crashes (Axios)
Parts of this document were drafted with the support of ChatGPT. The content was edited and fact-checked by city staff.