This web version of the newsletter includes updated information and differs slightly from the version that was emailed on Wednesday, January 14 at 11:01 a.m.
Dear parents, caregivers, educators, and community,
Big changes often start small and new travel habits are no different. Whether you're walking, biking, or rolling, these tips can help you turn good intentions into lasting habits:
- Start small. Choose one super simple change to build momentum.
- Eliminate the guesswork. Decide ahead of time and stick to it — no second-guessing.
- Stay accountable. Organize a walking or biking group with friends, family, or neighbors.
- Make it fun. Blast tunes on your ride, add a bubble machine to your bike, track your walks, or find your own twist.
- Stay motivated. Identify who or what inspires you and lean on that to push through challenges.
- If you fall off track, just begin again. Aim for progress rather than perfection.
Use these tips to prepare for Winter Walk + Roll to School Day on Wednesday, Feb. 4! For those organizing on behalf of school communities, make sure to order incentives before Wednesday, Jan. 28.
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, and Meaghan
Winter Walk+Roll to School Day is Wednesday, February 4!
Put on your snow or rain boots and walk or roll to school while enjoying wintertime in Portland. On Wednesday, Feb. 5, schools across Portland and the state are celebrating Winter Walk + Roll to School Day! This annual tradition is just one fantastic opportunity for the local school community to come together, building connections, and celebrate getting to school in a fun and sustainable way.
Order incentives
Incentives include stickers, reflective items, comics, and more. Order incentives by Wednesday, January 28 to make sure you're ready for Winter Walk+Roll to School Day!
In Portland Public Schools or Centennial School District?
Please email your school district's Safe Routes to School Coordinator to let them know your school is participating in Winter Walk+Roll to School Day:
- Maddy Cirineo, Portland Public Schools Safe Routes to School Coordinator
- Ian Rees, Centennial School District Safe Routes to School Coordinator
Learn more about Winter Walk+Roll to School Day
Learn about our accomplishments from the 2024-25 school year
The Safe Routes to School team recently completed our program summary report for the previous school year — and we hope you'll check it out!
This is more than just a summary of the work our program (and many, many partners!) accomplished in the 2024-25 school year to help students and families walk, bike, and roll to and from school and around their neighborhoods. It's also a collection of dozens of inspiring stories that tell how people in Portland are making their streets safer, communities healthier, and lives more enjoyable.
Read the Safe Routes to School Program Summary 2024-25
Community spotlight: Michelle Hepler, Duniway Elementary School bike bus
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!
Michelle Hepler is one of those people helping kids and their families safely walk, bike, and roll to and from school. Michelle founded and leads the Duniway Elementary School bike bus. Continue reading to learn more about Michelle!
Question: Why did you get started helping kids and their families walk, bike, and roll to and from school?
Answer: I first heard about the concept of a bike bus a few years ago, when my oldest child was in preschool. I immediately knew it was something I wanted to implement once my kids reached elementary school. The concept of biking to school every Friday with friends — music blasting and dancing along the way — felt like total blast to me. It was exactly the kind of experience I wanted for my own kids.
Biking to school in a group builds confidence, strengthens community, and teaches kids resilience. I can't think of a better way for children to start their day than being outside, moving their bodies, and biking to school with friends. Seeing the once-empty bike racks overflowing on Fridays is truly spectacular.
I'm incredibly proud of our student riders and how much they've learned about biking together safely and responsibly with the bike bus. We've ridden in pouring rain, on slippery roads covered in wet leaves, and in sub-40-degree temperatures — and our students still show up every week, smiling and ready to ride.
Parents often tell me how emotional it makes them to watch or ride in the bike bus. The only time I've gotten teary while leading the ride was watching my son and his first-grade buddies cruise to school in the pouring rain alongside one of the Duniway Elementary School teachers (shout-out to Mr. Jon for showing up every week!). That image — kids biking in terrible weather with friends and a teacher, having the time of their lives — perfectly captures why I started the Duniway bike bus.
Q: What is one bit of wisdom for people who want to do something like what you're doing?
A: I can't stress this enough: Starting a bike bus takes way less effort than you think. Our very first ride happened on a whim. Late on a Thursday night, I texted a few families in our neighborhood who I thought might want to bike to school together the next morning. I grabbed a screenshot of the neighborhood, sketched a simple route, threw together a Spotify playlist, and used the only speaker I had (which was definitely too small).
The next morning, about 10 student riders showed up. That was back in September. Today, we average around 50-75 student riders every single week.
It felt like we were growing at warp speed, and I was mostly just trying to keep up. I didn't have a playbook and had no idea what I was doing at first — but I knew there was a clear desire for this in our school community, so I kept going and figured it out as we went. And every Friday, I'm so grateful I did.
If you're thinking about starting a bike bus, my advice is simple: start small, keep it simple, and just begin. You'll build momentum faster than you expect.
Also: you're going to need a bigger speaker than you think. 😉
Q: What is something you've learned while doing this work?
A: I learned quickly that a bike bus needs a team of volunteers to run well. I had one parent, Tracy Gluckman, immediately stepped up and she became my co-captain. Tracy brought new ideas to bike bus, and had the smart suggestion to apply for micro-grants and ask for funding and support wherever we could. This has certainly made a huge difference in our ability to grow quickly.
About a month into our weekly rides, it became clear that we'd outgrown a one- or two-adult operation. For safety reasons, we needed consistent volunteers. I rallied about 10 parents to help each week with corking intersections, leading, and sweeping the bike bus — roles that are absolutely essential to keeping kids safe on the ride to school. I'm endlessly grateful to these parents who show up enthusiastically, offer ideas, and generously give their time. Often, Duniway parents are having just as much fun as the students while riding. So, I'm especially thankful to our bike bus volunteers who give up the "joy ride" so they can focus on keeping everyone safe.
I've also been continually surprised by the level of support for our bike bus. Duniway Elementary has fully embraced it, with enthusiastic backing from teachers, the PTA, and school administration. Local businesses and the surrounding community have stepped up as well. In October, I had a wild idea to call the Portland Pickles and ask if their giant pickle mascot — affectionately known as Dillon T. Pickle — might ride with us. To my surprise, they said yes. Word spread quickly, and the Friday Dillon joined us, 150 people biked to school. It was unbelievable.
Q: What keeps you motivated?
A: At the end of the day, my goal is simple: get more kids outside riding bikes. There is nothing better than hearing a child say they're learning to ride a bike so they can join the bike bus. Those comments alone make it all worth it. Biking gives kids independence, confidence, and a sense of ownership over their world — and that's exactly why this matters. I have a number in my head of Duniway students I want to see on the bike bus every week, and lots of ideas on how to make it happen. We've got a ways to go to get to that lofty number, but I'm confident we can get there thanks to the support of everyone involved.
Bike bus also proves something important to kids and parents alike: biking is a year-round activity. Cold, wet weather isn't a reason to stop — it's just part of the adventure. With a jacket, a helmet, and a little encouragement, kids can ride in almost any conditions. I want to instill a love for biking that transcends the summer months.
Q: What's one thing you'd like people to better understand about your work?
A: When I first set out to bring a bike bus to Duniway, I had no idea what I was doing. I had a gut feeling that our community would like the idea, though. I also selfishly wanted this for my own children, too.
I decided to fully commit to making this idea a reality. I'm lucky to be in a season of life where I have the time and capacity to do this, and I wanted to use that time to build something that mattered. I really wanted bike bus to be successful, to create something where kids felt confident riding together, and where joy and movement were part of the school day before the first bell even rang.
In just three months, we've launched an Instagram page, designed a logo, recruited Dillon the Pickle to come ride with us, distributed official stickers, and partnered with Stone Soup Kitchen to serve hot chocolate after a ride. It's been a lot of work—but it's also been incredibly rewarding!
Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself!
A: I'm a mom of two kids, August (1st grade) and Greta (pre-K). My husband and I are originally from Chicago and moved to Portland a little over five years ago. Our family loves the outdoors, and you can usually find us skiing, hiking, or camping on weekends depending on the time of year. If you'd like to see what the Duniway bike bus is all about, see all the latest content here: instagram.com/duniwaybikebus.
Tell us about someone in your community!
Safe parking champions at Chapman Elementary School
We visited Chapman Elementary School last month and were ecstatic to notice that every single car was parked correctly behind the yellow curbs — despite being in the dense Northwest District neighborhood. Earlier this year, Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) crews painted curbs around the school yellow as part of our expanded safety initiative to improve visibility and reduce crashes near schools and in pedestrian districts.
As many Portlanders know, sometimes it is difficult to see each other near corners. Vision clearance, or "daylighting," is a safety measure that helps people in vehicles, people on bikes, and pedestrians see each other by setting back parking 20 feet near intersections and crossings.
This fall, PBOT painted curbs yellow at a small number of schools to increase awareness and create visibility around intersections. In areas where there were no curbs, PBOT installed no parking signs. Bilingual educational lawn signs accompany the yellow curbs to help inform school and local community members about the change.
PBOT's goal is to eventually apply these changes to all pedestrian districts and schools citywide but is only able to support these locations at this time due to limited funding.
Learn more about vision clearance
Expanding and improving our high school Transportation Academy program
This school year, the Safe Routes to School team is bringing our Transportation Academy to more high schools, while continuing to expand and improve our materials. The Transportation Academy teaches youth skills for navigating the city safely as pedestrians, people bicycling, people driving, and people riding transit. It also includes content on transportation justice and climate change.
In December, Safe Routes to School staff met with Portia Hall, a social studies teacher at Franklin High School, about a new partnership to expand the Climate Transportation Justice module. This work is funded by Metro's Regional Transportation Options grant. We also presented to the cadre of Portland Public Schools high school health teachers, through a partnership with the school district's Health and Physical Education department.
This winter, we are also seeing the English Language Learner edition of the Transportation Academy expand from its pilot program at McDaniel High School (where it was co-created by Newcomers teacher Nicole Safranek) to other schools, as well as continuing our four-year Transportation Academy partnership with Parkrose High School Elevate Oregon teacher-mentors.
Learn more about the Transportation Academy
New and improved crossing in Sellwood
Last month, the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) put the finishing touches on the SE 14th Avenue and Bybee Boulevard Crossing project to improve an intersection that has long been a concern for students and families attending nearby Llewellyn Elementary School, as well as neighborhood residents. PBOT and real estate developers constructed project components, with the final product improving the crossing experience for people walking, biking, and rolling.
Project elements
- Concrete median island
- Marked crosswalk
- Updated ADA-compliant curb ramps
- Vision clearance or "daylighting"
- Updated lane markings and concrete separators
- Added streetlighting
Informed by local student and family needs
Together with the community, PBOT identified the SE 14th Avenue and Bybee Boulevard intersection as an important connection for students and families travelling to and from Llewellyn Elementary School during a Safe Routes to School outreach process.
Made possible by Portland voters
The SE 14th Avenue and Bybee Boulevard Crossing project is funded by Fixing Our Streets, the 10-cent citywide gas tax approved by voters in 2016, 2020, and 2024. PBOT allocates a proportion of the funding to improve how Portland families access schools.
Learn more about the SE 14th Avenue and Bybee Boulevard Crossing project
Spread the message of traffic safety and love this Valentine's Day
We're inviting school communities across Portland to share the love this Valentine's Day and thank one another for being sweet on the street!
Print and share our custom Valentine's Day-inspired cards with students, parents, caregivers, and staff at morning drop-off as a way to offer gratitude for and encourage safe travel decisions. Each card has traffic safety messages listed on the back, e.g., "organize groups to walk, bike, or roll to school together," "stop for crossing guards, safety patrols, and school buses," and "watch for families crossing the street."
Why? Because we know making safer travel decisions aren't always easy, but they are always sweet.
Print your "Thank you for being sweet on the street" cards here
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:
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
Grants, scholarships, and opportunities
League of American Bicyclists' Community Spark Grants
Due Tuesday, January 27
The League of American Bicyclists awards organizations for projects and programs that spark change and catalyze a community's ability to create places where bicycling is safer, easier, and more accessible. Community Spark Grants support the growing number of local grassroots changemakers and organizations nationwide working to improve their communities through better bicycling with $2,000 mini-grants.
Learn more about Community Spark Grants
Teens in the Driver Seat Driving the Message Contest
Due Friday, February 13
This year's Teens in the Driver Seat, a peer-to-peer safety program for America's youth, Driving the Message Contest will give junior and high school students an opportunity to showcase their creative talents. Students have a chance to win up to $2,000 for their school in three different categories: t-shirt design, social media reel, and PSA video.
Learn more about the Driving the Message Contest
Project Yellow Light scholarship competition
Due Sunday, March 1 and Wednesday, April 1
People know distracted driving is dangerous, but they do it anyway. As a Project Yellow Light applicant you have one clear mission: create a billboard, video, or radio public service announcement to encourage your friends to avoid distracted driving, specifically using your phone while driving. Scholarships range from $2,000 to $8,000.
Learn more about the Project Yellow Light scholarship competition
Skate Like a Girl Youth Employment Skateboarding
Due Wednesday, April 15
Calling all young leaders! Are you interested in gaining professional skills through skateboarding? Making new friends? Going on an unforgettable skate trip? If the answer is yes, then you need to join YES! The Youth Employment Skateboarding (YES) application is now open for Skate Like a Girl's 2026 cohort. Teens ages 13-18 are encouraged to join the YES teen leadership program to make new skate besties, work with skate industry leaders, and serve their community.
Learn more about Youth Employment Skateboarding
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.
Shared Micromobility Implementation Specialist
Apply by Monday, January 19
The Portland Bureau of Transportation is seeking a Shared Micromobility Implementation Specialist to monitor the performance of shared micromobility services in the city, implement discrete projects in partnership with operators, and report on the utilization and effectiveness of shared micromobility as transportation options. The position will support both the bike-share and e-scooter programs as we aim to increase safety, grow ridership, improve and innovate the system, and make these options a reliable way to get around for everyone in the city.
Learn more about the Shared Micromobility Implementation Specialist position
Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund Committee
Open until fulfilled
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
- More children are powering their own wheels to school as part of 'bike buses' (Inside Climate News)
- When is a bus not a bus? (Atlanta Regional Commission)
- School zones get safer with reduced speed limit (The Silicon Valley Voice)
- Ebikes are cutting car commutes to and from high schools and middle schools (Clean Technica)
Parts of this document were edited with the support of ChatGPT. City staff reviewed and fact-checked all content.