Dear parents, caregivers, educators, and community,
As we close out the year, we're grateful for the many people in our Safe Routes to School community who help make Portland streets safer for students every day. It's no simple task. It takes maintenance crews, traffic engineers, parent volunteers, educators, school and district administrators, partner organization staff, students, neighbors, and so many more. We often highlight the big projects and major wins, but this season is also a good time to recognize the small, steady acts of care that keep our work morning.
As we look ahead to the new year, we hope you find your own moments of gratitude and connection amid the hard but meaningful work of building the communities and built environment we all want to see.
And remember to 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
- Join the BIKETOWN Youth Ambassador Program
- Join the ODOT Safe Routes to School High School Task Force
- Help improve neighborhood greenways for kids by completing online survey
- Congrats to schools that participated in Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day!
- Farewell, Josh! Sending off our Safe Routes to School team member
- Community spotlight: Suzanne Cummings, Centennial School District Transportation Director
- Sharing Portland's bike bus wins with visiting professionals
- More transportation safety education in more schools across Portland
- Reducing speeds on a Centennial School District neighborhood street
- Ride Through the Seasons: Keep biking past summer and into fall
- Leaf Day street sweeping service continues through mid-January
- Get home safe: Snow and ice travel tips
- Personal safety community resources
- Job and volunteer postings
- What we're reading
Join the BIKETOWN Youth Ambassador Program
The BIKETOWN Youth Ambassador Program gives students hands-on experience in project management, public speaking, and leadership. Participants have the opportunity to earn money and complete their Career-Related Learning Experience (CRLE) graduation requirement while supporting active transportation and sustainability efforts in their school communities. Participants may earn up to $320 for 20 hours of work over the length of the program (January - June 2026).
Apply by Monday, December 15
Students 16 years or older at Roosevelt, McDaniel, and Parkrose high schools are eligible to apply. Complete and submit the online application form by Monday, December 15.
Apply now to the BIKETOWN Youth Ambassador Program!
Join the ODOT Safe Routes to School High School Task Force
Applications are open for the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) Safe Routes to School High School Task Force. This leadership program brings together students from across Oregon to gain real-world experience in community planning, transportation safety, and civic leadership. Participants will learn from transportation professionals, connect with peers, and design an action project that promotes safe, active travel in their hometowns. The task force, which takes place from January through May 2026, empowers them to create safer, more walkable, and bike-friendly communities.
Apply by Thursday, December 11
ODOT Safe Routes to School encourages all high school students from all backgrounds and experience levels to apply. Applications are open now and will remain open until December 11 at 5 p.m.
Learn more about the ODOT Safe Routes to School High School Task Force
Help improve neighborhood greenways for kids by completing online survey
The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) is working to identify and implement street improvements to increase safety and comfort on neighborhood greenways being used by children biking and walking to school.
Neighborhood greenways are low-traffic streets with slower speeds that are prioritized for people walking and biking. They are often used by walking school buses and bike buses, which are groups of kids and parents who walk or bike to school. This Neighborhood Greenway Bike Bus project will identify improvements to greenways used by four school bike buses, but the first step is hearing from you.
PBOT is currently focused on the following four elementary schools, one from each council district:
- District 1: Lent Elementary School
- District 2: James John Elementary School
- District 3: Abernethy Elementary School
- District 4: Maplewood Elementary School
The last day to take the survey is Sunday, December 7
Whether you walk, bike, scoot, roll, or drive on neighborhood greenways, take the online survey to tell us where you'd like to see improvements. You can provide input on any street, but we will be most focused on the greenways around the four schools. Each of the school bike bus routes and neighborhood greenways are shown on an interactive map in the survey — just drop a pin (or multiple pins) to share your feedback.
Take the online survey by Sunday, December 7!
Congrats to schools that participated in Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day!
You make our community great!
Abernethy, Atkinson, Boise-Eliot/Humboldt, Bridlemile, Buckman, Capitol Hill, Chapman, Chief Joseph, Creston, Duniway, Forest Park, Gilbert Heights, Grout, James John, Kelly, Lewis, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Marysville, Parklane, Patrick Lynch, Peninsula, Powell Butte, Rose City Park, Sitton, Stephenson, Ventura Park, Vestal, Whitman, Woodlawn, Woodmere, and Woodstock elementary schools; Beverly Cleary, César Chávez, Laurelhurst, and Sunnyside Environmental K-8 schools; and OliverMiddle School.
Learn more about Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day
Farewell, Josh! Sending off our Safe Routes to School team member
This month, our thoughtful, hard-working, and kind colleague Josh Wrigglesworth is departing the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) after two years as a Community Service Aide II supporting the Safe Routes to School and Vision Zero programs. His last day is Wednesday, December 17.
During his time on the Safe Routes to School team, Josh supported many bike buses, walking school buses, bike fairs, and other community events. One moment that stuck with him was helping an anxious student at a James John Elementary School learn-to-ride event. With his signature patience and gentle approach, Josh helped the student start striding by the end of the day. A year later, that same student remembered him, making the memory especially meaningful, knowing he helped make school feel safer for someone.
While at PBOT, Josh learned that one size doesn't fit all. He shared that "every school community, family, and individual has unique circumstances and needs that may either propel or stifle their ability to walk, bike, or roll to school." When asked what advice he would give to someone starting a new role at Safe Routes to School, he offered that, "there is no problem too big or solution too small." While none of us can single-handedly solve the major challenges of our time — like climate change, mental health, and rising costs of living — Josh believes we can all do the next right thing to make it easier for families to get to school safely.
After logging off one last time, Josh is looking forward to a long walk home to reflect and consider what's next — whether that's in transportation, community engagement, or something else. He's currently pursuing a Geographic Information Systems certificate at Portland Community College and hopes to use those skills to keep serving the public.
Outside of Safe Routes to School, Josh enjoys playing music, writing songs (something he's done since age 13), and spending time with his family, especially his two young nieces. While he enjoys riding transit, Josh made it clear that walking is his favorite mode of transportation as it "requires us to slow down and feel connected to the earth under our feet and allows us to connect with others." He's a big fan of the passing "smile and nod."
Connect with Josh or wish him well before his last day!
Community spotlight: Suzanne Cummings, Centennial School District Transportation Director
Do you know someone in your community who helps kids and their families safely walk, bike, and roll to and from school? Tell us about them. We're interested in sharing their story!
Suzanne Cummings is one of those people helping kids and their families safely walk, bike, and roll to and from school. Suzanne is the new Transportation Director at Centennial School District. She has made an immediate, significant impact on their Safe Routes to School program since she started in August. Suzanne is finding ways for all students to patriciate in walk + roll events, including kids who take the bus to school and those who need special education services. Recently, her team helped make four massive Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day events possible. Last month, Suzanne led her staff in the first-ever Bus Driver Bike Rodeo — a one-of-its-kind event to help bus drivers understand how to safely share the street with people on bikes.
Continue reading to learn more about Suzanne!
Question: What student and family transportation needs inspired you to prioritize Safe Routes to School?
Answer: It is normal for all of us to live on "planet us," however this can lead to increased crowding and dangers in school loading zones as parents are in a hurry and primarily focused on their own family's needs.
Q: If someone wanted to make school travel safer in their community, what's one thing you'd encourage them to do?
A: Decrease individual car use! This is why student transportation and Safe Routes to School is such a beautiful collaboration. We really do have the same goals in mind: safer school travel in our community!
Q: What's one thing you've learned in your role about keeping students safer on their way to and from school?
A: It takes a village, and we are all in this together. When teaching professional drivers defensive driving we talk about keeping your eyes moving and getting the big picture.
Q: What did participants take away from the Bus Driver Bike Rodeo that will help them drive more safely?
A: Just how vulnerable you are on a bicycle when large vehicles go by!
Q: What keeps you motivated to make Safe Routes to School a priority every day?
A: The safety and wellbeing of our students.
Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself!
A: I am very honored to work with such a dedicated team. I love to hike. I have been married for 24 years. My son will graduate from University of Oregon this year with a degree in music education, and I do amateur stand-up comedy for fun!
Tell us about someone in your community!
Sharing Portland's bike bus wins with visiting professionals
On October 29, Safe Routes to School Infrastructure Coordinator, Jeri Stroupe, joined the MPact Transit + Community Conference to showcase Portland's growing bike bus movement. As part of a hands-on mobile workshop, conference attendees hopped aboard the Abernethy Bike Bus alongside several BikeBusPDX leaders, Abernethy Elementary School's Principal Melissa Dunn, and partners from Metro and Portland State University's Transportation Research and Education Center.
Jeri shared how the Portland Bureau of Transportation supports bike buses through infrastructure improvements, wayfinding pilots (funded by a Metro Regional Travel Options grant!), and social media promotion — efforts to help increase participation and make the program more popular among students and families.
The Mpact Transit + Community Conference, founded in Portland in 1995 as Rail~Volution, explores how transit, mobility, land use, and development intersect to create great places to live, for everyone. Through this workshop, attendees got a firsthand look at how a simple idea like a bike bus can make streets safer, communities healthier, and transportation more accessible.
Learn more about the MPact Transit + Community Conference
More transportation safety education in more schools across Portland
From costumes to crosswalks: Duniway Elementary School's pedestrian safety lessons
In October, Duniway Elementary School PE teacher Lisa Kosher taught Portland Bureau of Transportation's pedestrian safety education unit for the very first time. Lisa was part of cohort of educators who trained at our first large-group pedestrian safety teacher training in August, an event hosted by Portland Public Schools and led by Meaghan Russell, Safe Routes to School Education Coordinator.
Lisa introduced the unit as a warm-up to Duniway Elementary's popular annual "Scooter Town" tradition, giving students hands-on practice with real pedestrian safety skills before they hopped on their scooters. The timing turned out to be perfect. "I found that this unit was great to do around Halloween (students could relate to being pedestrians as trick-or-treaters) and it set us up nicely for adding pedestrians to our Scooter Town this year," Lisa shared. "I would love to do this again next year!"
Inspired by Lisa's experience? Reach out to Safe Routes to School to bring PE-teacher-led pedestrian safety education to your own school.
How Jackson Middle School PE Teachers built 800+ confident riders
In November, every one of Jackson Middle School's 800+ students learned bike safety skills, an ambitious effort led entirely by PE teachers Ben Pierson, Julia Mazur, and Kasandra Norgaard. Jackson Middle is the first school in Southwest Portland to take on this teacher-led program, and at first, staff weren't sure it was possible. The steep hills and winding roads around the school seemed like major obstacles for safe community rides.
But the teachers and students rose to the challenge. Ms. Mazur drilled her classes daily on ALPACA principals — being Aware, Lawful, Predictable, Assertive, Considerate, and Able to be seen — and it showed. When Safe Routes to School Education Coordinator, Meaghan Russell, joined a ride, she saw students who had mastered signaling, awareness, and gear shifting, moving confidently through Southwest Portland's streets.
Some students had arrived on their first day not knowing how to ride a two-wheeled bike. By the end of the unit, with support from encouraging peers and parent volunteers, they were riding confidently. One sixth grader called bike safety education "the most fun thing we've done in PE" Teachers plan to repeat the unit next year.
Learn more about transportation safety education
Reducing speeds on a Centennial School District neighborhood street
The SE 174th Avenue Traffic Calming Project reduces speeds between Marie Street and Haig Drive — a neighborhood street with high speeds and traffic volumes. The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) installed six speed cushions earlier this year.
This is a precursor to the SE 174th Avenue Sidewalk Project, funded by an Oregon Department of Transportation Safe Routes to School Competitive Infrastructure Grant, that is currently underway. The sidewalk project is anticipated to begin construction in early 2027.
PBOT will evaluate the traffic calming project in 2026.
Informed by the community
Together with the local school community, PBOT identified this segment of SE 174th Avenue as an important connection for students and families traveling to and from Powell Butte Elementary, Centennial Middle, and Centennial High schools during a Safe Routes to School outreach process.
Made possible by Portland voters
This project is funded through Fixing Our Streets — the 10-cent citywide gas tax Portland voters approved in 2016, 2020, and 2024. The most recent renewal set aside $2 million for traffic calming projects.
Learn more about the SE 174th Avenue Traffic Calming project
Ride Through the Seasons: Keep biking past summer and into fall
All Seasons Cycling Workshop
Tuesday, December 9
Is the rain, cold, and darkness keeping you off your bike right now? Sure, it gets pretty wet in the Pacific Northwest, but with a little extra preparation you can get around by bike in all seasons. Join the Portland Bureau of Transportation for an interactive session to learn tips and techniques for staying dry, comfortable, and safe while riding all year 'round on Tuesday, December 9 from 3 to 5 p.m. at Central Library (801 SW 10th Ave.). Stay for information about how to keep your bike happy when the weather is gloomy.
Learn more about the All Season Cycling Workshop
Leaf Day street sweeping service continues through mid-January
What is Leaf Day?
From November to mid-January each year, the Portland Bureau of Transportation's (PBOT) Leaf Day service helps us provide cleaner, safer streets, keep our storm drains clear, and ensure our intersections don't flood.
High schools in Leaf Zones
This year, several Portland high schools are in Leaf Zones, including:
Jefferson High School
- Wednesday, December 3 (Leaf Zone N 6)
Lincoln High School
- Thursday, December 4 (Leaf Zone SW 2)
Roosevelt High School
- Tuesday, December 9 (Leaf Zone N 2)
Grant High School
- Saturday, December 13 (Leaf Zones NE 11, 12)
- Monday, January 12 (Leaf Zone NE 8)
Central Catholic High School
- Monday, January 5 (Leaf Zone SE 1)
Ida B. Wells High School
- Tuesday, January 13 (Leaf Zone SW 5)
McDaniel High School
- Thursday, January 15 (Leaf Zone NE 24)
Cleveland High School
- Friday, January 16 (Leaf Zones SE 14, 15)
Please ensure students, staff, and visitors who might drive and park in the surrounding community are aware of these dates so they can make alternate plans. Promoting walking, biking, and rolling to school these days, for instance, reduces the number of vehicles and helps PBOT get the cleanest sweep possible.
Learn more about PBOT's Leaf Day service
Get home safe: Snow and ice travel tips
During winter storms, crews with the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) work 24/7 to clear hazards from city streets and keep emergency routes open. Before the storm arrives, plan for winter weather:
- Create an emergency plan for winter with family and co-workers. Plan to work from home if you can or take public transit.
- Make a checklist for your home, business, and vehicle. Have ice melt and snow shovels ready to clear sidewalks. Consider overhead dangers such as trees or powerlines. Be prepared to keep ditches, culverts, and trash racks clear of debris if your home or business is in an area prone to landslides. Carry snow chains for your vehicles.
- Stay informed. Sign up for PBOT alerts via text or email. Follow @PBOTInfo on all social media. Visit PBOT's Guide to the Winter Weather Center to learn how to track the latest weather, traffic, road closure, and snowplow information.
- Stock up on food, water, clothes, and medications you, your family, your pets, or your business will need in case you are stranded by winter weather — at home or in your vehicle.
- Check in with vulnerable neighbors who may need help ahead of a storm or clearing their sidewalks afterward.
- Prepare to move your car off PBOT's "snow and ice" routes to give room for snowplows and other equipment.
Learn more about how to plan for winter weather
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 anon-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.
Transportation Demand Management Specialist I
Apply by Monday, December 15
The Portland Bureau of Transportation is hiring two Transportation Demand Management Specialists I to support key programs that expand access to safe, affordable, and climate-friendly transportation options. These positions will play a vital role in the Transportation Wallet: Access for All and the Shared Micromobility programs.
Learn more about the Transportation Demand Management Specialist I positions
Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund Committee
Apply by Wednesday, December 31
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
- Kids and teens go full throttle for e-bikes as federal oversight stalls (KFF Health News)
- The female crash test dummy has been a long time coming — but she isn't here yet (NPR)
- To change our safety culture, we need storytellers (Fast Company)
- Cartoonish crosswalk signs spark backlash after recent Nashville pedestrian deaths (Nashville Banner)
- Could cities partner with guerilla urbanists for safer streets? (Next City)
- States across America are taking action to stop ‘super speeders' (Streetsblog)
- Ready for winter driving? (Safety+Health)
Parts of this document were edited with the support of ChatGPT. City staff reviewed and fact-checked all content.