Dear parents, caregivers, educators, and community,
We're looking forward to celebrating International Walk+Roll to School Day with you all tomorrow — Wednesday, October 8!
Continue scrolling to learn more about how to stay safe on our streets as the sky grows darker, Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day on Friday, November 14, fall education updates, Halloween ideas, opportunities to serve on the Pedestrian Advisory Committee and Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund Committee, and more.
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook and tag us in your stories! We love celebrating your successes with the Portland community.
With gratitude,
Safe Routes to School Team | Brittany, Gui, Janis, Jeri, Josh, and Meaghan
In this newsletter
- It's about to get a lot darker. Get ready!
- Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day, Nov. 14
- Vision Zero resolution
- Community spotlight: Blake Goud
- Fall education kicks off at Arleta Elementary School
- Fall high school programming
- New school year, new curb ramp at Lents Elementary
- Ride Through the Seasons
- Treats on the streets: Host a block party this Halloween! Submit applications by Oct. 10
- Fall Traffic Safety Event, Oct. 13
- White Cane Awareness Day, Oct. 15
- Share your input on Metro's 10-year travel options plan
- Personal safety community resources
- Job and volunteer postings
- What we're reading
It's about to get a lot darker. Get ready!
In about one month, 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.
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
Vision Zero, Portland's goal to eliminate traffic deaths and serious injuries on our street, reported 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 = freedom and safety
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 give some a sense of more agency to travel when, where, and how they wish.
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
Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day, Nov. 14
Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day will be held on Friday, November 14. This day honors the living legacy of the civil rights activist who — in 1960, at just 6 years old! — etched her name in history when she walked to school and integrated all-white William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans. Since then, Ruby has become a national icon for her courageous act. The goal of Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day is to inspire kids to make positive changes in their school and community.
Visit the Ruby Bridges Foundation website to register your event and get event planning resources.
Order incentives
Order ahead of time to make sure you have incentives ready for Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day! Incentives include special Ruby Bridges stickers and bookmarks along with standard incentives, i.e., stickers, reflective shoelaces, pencils, comics, bookmarks, activity sheets, and coloring books.
Portland Public Schools and David Douglas, Parkrose, and Reynolds school districts
Visit Oregon Safe Routes to School's webpage to order incentives for schools in Portland Public Schools and David Douglas, Parkrose, and Reynolds school districts. Order by Friday, November 7.
Centennial School District
Please email Ian Rees, Centennial School District (CSD) Safe Routes to School Coordinator, by Friday, October 24 to order incentives for CSD schools.
Learn more about Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day
Vision Zero resolution
On Wednesday, September 17, the Portland City Council passed a resolution to reaffirm commitment to Vision Zero and convene a cross-bureau Vision Zero Task Force.
Vision Zero is the goal to eliminate traffic deaths and serious injuries on Portland's streets. City Council originally adopted Vision Zero in 2015 and action plans in 2016, 2019, and 2024.
Learn more about the Vision Zero resolution
Community spotlight: Blake Goud
We're interested in sharing stories about the amazing work that everyday folks in Portland do to make our community better.Blake Goudis one of those people helping kids and their families walk, bike, and roll to and from school safely!
Blake Goud is a parent leader at César Chávez School who is involved in the PTA and organizes their bike bus. Continue reading to learn more about Blake.
Question: Why did you get started helping kids and their families walk, bike, and roll to and from school?
Answer: Before my kids were born, I advocated for making it safer to get around Portland. I saw too many people harmed on familiar routes and wanted to change that because getting around by bike should be both practical and joyful. In 2014, I took the Portland Traffic and Transportation class to strengthen my advocacy.
After stepping back when my son was born, I felt called to return when a student at César Chávez School was hit by a person driving a vehicle in 2020. My son was starting kindergarten that fall, and his PE teacher, Sam Balto, introduced me to the bike bus through the Community Cycling Center. That connection inspired me to organize families for the walk and roll to school events.
Q: What is one bit of wisdom for people who want to do something like what you're doing?
A: You don't need to have everything figured out. The key is finding others who share your goal of making the trip to school more fun. Start small — maybe with just one other family. The best plans are simple and memorable, like: "We walk and roll the first Wednesday of the month." Once you start, you'll naturally find others who want to join in.
Q: What is something you've learned while doing this work?
A: Be proactive and inclusive as possible. I want our events to be accessible to everyone, no matter their reason for participating or the barriers they face. Some families join for climate reasons, others for fun and friendship, and some for safety in numbers. We emphasize walking because not everyone has a bike or knows how to ride, and we try to make sure everyone feels welcome when they see familiar faces taking part.
Q: What keeps you motivated?
A: Seeing kids and families having fun getting to school together — there's nothing more motivating than that!
Q: What's one thing you'd like people to better understand about your work?
A: The bike bus movement has grown a lot, but participation doesn't always reflect the whole school community. We're working to change that. For example, we invited families who speak Spanish to lead a walking school bus, which feels most comfortable for them. We also partner with community groups and nearby schools to host bike giveaways and learn-to-ride events for families who don't have bikes or know how to ride them.
There's always more we can do to make these programs inclusive, and that's what keeps us going.
Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself!
A: I'm the dad of two kids, Emerson (5th grade) and Mia (kindergarten) at César Chávez School. I've lived in Portland for 25 years and biked for transportation for 20 of those, most of them in North Portland. In addition to organizing our walk and roll events, I serve on the César Chávez PTA board.
Do you know someone who is helping kids and their families walk, bike, and roll to and from school? Tell us about them by filling out this community spotlight nomination form!
Nominate someone in your community
Fall education kicks off at Arleta Elementary School
Our fall education seasons began at Arleta Elementary School, where students learned pedestrian safety in PE classes. PE teacher Hannah Conahan shared, "It was a huge success and the students loved it. It was very fun to see the kids so engaged in the activities!"
Safe Routes to School staff train PE teachers to lead this curriculum, which uses games and movement to teach safe walking skills. The train-the-trainer model helps bring transportation safety education to far more schools than our staff could reach alone — empowering more families to choose to walk, bike, or roll to school.
Our pedestrian safety education unit aligns with Oregon State PE standards. It became mandatory curriculum in Parkrose School District in 2022 and supplemental curriculum in Portland Public Schools this year.
Learn more about pedestrian safety education
Fall high school programming
The Safe Routes to School team kicked off the new school year with a bust and inspiring fall!
In Northeast Portland, Parkrose High School, we hosted a lunchtime transportation table to promote a BIKETOWN station design competition and our BIKETOWN Youth Ambassador Program — while also gathering student input on their hopes and ideas for Portland's 2045 Transportation System Plan.
To welcome McDaniel High School's new students, we let a group bike ride through nearby neighborhoods, highlighting local safety infrastructure and teaching hand signals and callouts.
To cap off a bust month, Lincoln High School students met the professionals behind Walk Portland, a new downtown pedestrian wayfinding pilot, getting the chance to experience the project firsthand and learn directly from its creators.
Learn more about our high school programming
New school year, new curb ramp at Lents Elementary
Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) crews recently installed a new curb ramp at the entrance to Lent Elementary School — just in time for the new school year! The new curb ramp improves the existing marked crosswalk on SE 97th Avenue between Schiller and Steele streets. It provides an accessible path to the school's front door and bike parking.
Informed by community needs
Together with the local school community, PBOT identified this crossing as an important connection for students and families walking and rolling during a Safe Routes to School outreach process. The Lent Bike Bus also advocated for this improvement. This project was funded by one-time dedicated Safe Routes to School funds in partnership with State Senator Khanh Pham.
Learn more about Safe Routes to School construction projects
Ride Through the Seasons
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!
New to Portland Ride: Southeast
Tuesday, October 7
Are you new to town, or new to biking? Join this mellow ride exploring bike infrastructure in Southeast Portland on Tuesday, October 7 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Lents Park (SE 92nd Avenue and Steele Street).
All Seasons Cycling Workshop
Thursday, October 16
Join an interactive session to learn tips and techniques for staying dry, comfortable and safe while riding all year 'round on Thursday, October 16 from 4 to 5 p.m. at Go Lloyd (700 Multnomah St., 3rd Fl.)
Winter Cycling Workshop
Sunday, October 19
Learn basic bike maintenance and winter riding tips on Sunday, October 19 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Lents Farmers Market (5718 SE 92nd Avenue). Plus, attend a flat fix demo starting at 10 and 11 a.m.
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 7:30 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! If your photo features a student or kid, you'll have the chance to win a Safe Routes to School goodie bag including bike lights, pencils, and a backpack, water bottle, and reflective sticker! Up to four winners will be selected each week.
Learn more about Ride Through the Seasons
Treats on the streets: Host a block party this Halloween! Submit applications by Oct. 10
This Halloween, make your street the safest and spookiest place to be. With a free and easy Portland Bureau of Transportation 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. Block party applications should be submitted at least 15 business days before your event. If you want to host a Halloween block party, make sure to get your application in by Friday, October 10.
Learn more about block party permits
Fall Traffic Safety Event, Oct. 13
Join friends, family and neighbors for a Fall Traffic Safety Event Monday, October 13 from 7:30 to 9 a.m. at SW 50th Avenue and Vermont Street. Build community, meet neighbors, and promote traffic safety near schools. Participants will display signage to encourage people driving to slow down and yield at crosswalks. Registration is limited to adult participants. This event is brought to you by West Hills Montessori School in partnership with Safe Routes to School, Portland Police Bureau and Maplewood, Multnomah, and Hayhurst neighborhood associations.
RSVP and learn more about the Fall Traffic Safety Event
White Cane Awareness Day, Oct. 15
Since 1964, people across the country recognize White Cane Day on Wednesday, October 15.
White canes are a tool for people to navigate the transportation system
When you see someone using a white cane, remember that the cane is a tool for people who are blind to navigate the environment safely and independently. There's no need to shout warnings or try to physically steer so that canes don't bump into things. Remember that people are using their canes to explore what is around them. If they need any help or direction, they will ask. If you are driving or cycling and see someone using a white cane, you must follow the law and stop to give that person the right of way. Take this opportunity to review Oregon crosswalk laws that require people driving vehicles to stop and remain stopped for pedestrians who have limited vision or is blind.
Raise awareness in Portland, Oct. 8
Help raise awareness by joining pedestrians who use white canes or guide dogs to navigate the transportation system on Wednesday, October 8 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Holgate Library (7905 SE Holgate Blvd.). The half-mile walk will start at 1:30 p.m. and last about 20 minutes. There will be white cane trivia and light refreshments.
Learn more about White Cane Awareness Day
Share your input on Metro's 10-year travel options plan
Metro wants to know how to make it easier to use active and shared transportation in the region. Take the survey to share your ideas about programs, education opportunities and incentives that would encourage more people to walk, bike, take transit, or carpool.
The survey is open through Friday, October 17. All survey respondents who share their contact information will be entered to win a $100 Visa gift card. The survey is available in English, Español, Tiếng Việt, 繁体中文, Русский.
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
Job and volunteer postings
The City of Portland posts new job opportunities every Monday.
Pedestrian Advisory Committee
Apply by Sunday, October 19
Are you passionate about making Portland a great walking city? You may be interested in serving on the Pedestrian Advisory Committee (PAC). The City is currently recruiting applications for new PAC members to serve a two-year term. The PAC is a City Advisory Body that advises City Council and all departments of the City (though primarily Portland Bureau of Transportation) on all matters that encourage and enhance walking as a means of transportation, recreation, wellness, and environmental enhancement.
Learn more about the Pedestrian Advisory Committee
Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund Committee
Apply by Sunday, October 26
Are you looking for a space where your passion, knowledge, and skills will contribute to a more just society? Do you envision your city as one that advances racial justice and leads with equity to provide a clean energy future for frontline communities? The Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund Committee is seeking leaders like you. With your help, we can ensure the most impacted Portlanders are prepared for a changing climate as we move toward our goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Learn more about the Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund Committee
What we're reading
- Study examines factors influencing safe cycling routes for students (Iowa College of Public Health)
- Rules of the road: When are children ‘present' in a school zone? (The Bellingham Herald)
- When do you have to stop for school buses in Oregon? (Yahoo)
- 8 walking and biking safety tips that just might save your life (NPR)
- Study finds almost all drivers experience road rage, but it can be stopped (AAA)
- What America's driving habits reveal about road safety (Consumer Affairs)
- Nebraska's cities are built for cars. These young activists want to change that (Nebraska Public Media)
- What Taylor Swift can teach us about talking about climate change (Yale Climate Connections)
Parts of this document were drafted with the support of ChatGPT. The content was edited and fact-checked by city staff.