Transportation Ambassadors 2024
We've completed our orientation for 2024, but you can still join us.
If you are interested in participating, send us an email at ambassadors@portlandoregon.gov and we'll send you information on how to join. In the meantime, you can review our orientation video:
What are Transportation Ambassadors?
- Are you interested in learning about transportation justice and helping all people experience safety and joy while traveling?
Do you care about creating vibrant communities where all members can thrive?
- Are you a high school or college student looking towards transportation, city planning or community engagement as a career?
- Do you like having fun and connecting with new and interesting people?
If you answered “Yes” to any of these questions, then the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) wants you as a Transportation Ambassador!
Transportation Ambassadors are volunteers who share information about transportation resources at public events in order to keep Portlanders connected and active. They also get together socially to discuss how they can improve the program – and to just have fun!
Transportation impacts so much of our lives so the choices we make affect access to jobs and education, climate change, the quality of air we breathe and our overall well-being. That’s why it’s crucial PBOT gets as much information about transportation options out to as many Portlanders as possible.
What does a Transportation Ambassador do?
Ambassadors support a variety of community and transportation focused programs. In 2022 we returned to in-person events with Ambassadors volunteering more than 200 hours of their time. We were crucial components of the Blumenauer Bridge opening, Sunday Parkways and bike fairs all over town.
Ambassadors also gather once a quarter just to go on walks or take interesting tours.
Here’s what some of the Ambassadors have to say about the program:
- Karle W: “There's so much variety in what you can do. There’s bike rides; there’s hikes; there’s tabling events that are really fun - you get to meet people and talk about public transportation.”
- Richard R: “It means helping to get the city working better and getting more connected.”
- Debbie G: “I absolutely LOVE this group! The PBOT staff are great and they make volunteering something you look forward to!”
A Transportation Ambassador might find themselves:
Participating at bike fairs - this is probably the most common activity for Ambassadors. We run a five-station program called the "Transportation Safety Passport. " You can find tutorials for all five stations HERE.
Supporting outreach for a program by attending a community event
Taking photos or videos at events or for communication materials
Sharing information about programs or resources with your community
Encouraging people in their networks to take part in activities and events
Helping others get comfortable taking new modes of transportation by answering questions and providing encouragement
Translating materials
Transportation Ambassadors might be volunteering for:
BIKETOWN - Support the expansion of BIKETOWN, Portland’s shared bikes which are going electric! These shared bikes are available for anyone to use and the introduction of electric bikes and newly expanded service area into St. Johns and East Portland has added a whole new way for Portlanders to get around. Through community engagement you will help share both this new system, and the joys of e-bikes with others.
Safe Routes to School – Safe Routes to School supports students as schools return to in-person learning. As an ambassador you will support school activities like bike safety education in middle and high schools helping with group rides.
Sunday Parkways - Through multiple events each year, Sunday Parkways open Portland’s largest public space, its streets for neighbors and visitors to walk, bike, roll, play and connect with each other. These events draw thousands of people each year and rely on volunteers to help make the events safe and fun for all participants. Each event route highlights the city’s network of neighborhood greenways and new or upcoming transportation projects that help people get around.
Portland By Cycle - Portland by Cycle offers free guided bike rides, skill-building classes and support. We provide information and a supportive setting for adults new to cycling, new to Portland, or just getting back on the bike. This year one-third of the activities will be open to the general public and two-thirds hosted in collaboration with community-based organizations working with BIPOC groups and immigrant New Portlanders.
Neighborhood Greenways – Portland has over 100 miles of neighborhood greenways, which are great for people looking for comfortable and safe options for walking, biking, rolling and scooting. Help people discover Portland's network of neighborhood greenways and how these routes can help them get around.
SmartTrips – PBOT's SmartTrips program has many great printed and digital materials to help people get around without cars, such as our Suggested Walks & Bike Rides and The Portland Bike Map. Ambassadors will help grow awareness for these materials and resources.
MADE POSSIBLE WITH SUPPORT FROM METRO AND THE FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION