Portland’s reputation as a bike-friendly city is well-earned, as cycling is deeply embedded in the local culture. City officials estimate that more than 17,000 workers commute by bike, accounting for approximately 6% of the working population—a figure that far exceeds the national average of just 0.5%. Portland’s commitment to cycling is reflected in its extensive network of bike lanes, greenways, and dedicated cycling infrastructure, making it one of the most accessible cities in the country for those who prefer to commute on two wheels. Whether for daily commutes, recreational rides, or errands, biking in Portland is not just a transportation method but a way of life for many residents.

To support its growing cycling community, the city continues to invest in bike-friendly infrastructure and safety initiatives. Efforts include expanding protected bike lanes, improving intersections to reduce conflicts with vehicle traffic, and adding more bike racks and repair stations throughout the city. Programs like BIKETOWN, Portland’s bike-sharing system, make cycling even more convenient for newcomers and visitors who may not own a bike. Additionally, the city hosts numerous cycling events such as Pedalpalooza, further cementing its status as one of the most bike-centric cities in the United States. With ongoing improvements and a strong biking culture, Portland remains a model for other cities looking to embrace cycling as a primary mode of transportation.

Bike-Friendly Commuting

People are able to commute in Portland thanks to the city’s bike-friendly streets and designated bike lanes.  There are also innovative “bicycle boxes” at 26 busy intersections making cyclists more visible to motorists.  Bicycle boxes are used to reduce the likelihood of an accident. You’ll notice these bicycle boxes at intersections as they are bright green with a bicycle icon in the lane or the box.  Speaking of bicycle icons, when cycling in the city’s designated bike lanes you’ll notice a Portland tradition, bike lane characters.  Instead of the typical stick figure on a bicycle marking the bike lane, the city has had fun with whimsical hats, crazy hair, scarves, and even one reading a book while riding.

The Portland Bureau of Transportation states there are about 320 miles of bikeways in the city.  Furthermore, more than 50 miles are planned for the future. Additionally, there are roughly 5000 publicly installed bike racks.

Generally, it’s easier to ride through the city. Cyclists will find that they can make it over the Willamette River without a monumental effort. The city’s well-known bridges are a big reason for this, as nearly all 11 of them have designated bike lanes.  The opening of Tilikum Crossing, which connects southeast Portland to the South Waterfront provides another great option for cyclists. The bridge is for bike riders, pedestrians, and public transit vehicles.  Bicyclists do not have to worry about motor vehicle traffic as they cross.

In addition to bike lanes, the city also has about 59 miles of neighborhood bike-friendly greenways. These are residential streets that have lower volumes of automobile traffic, making them safer for bike riders. Greenways often include speed bumps and traffic diverters to dissuade drivers from using these streets unless they absolutely need to.

An Award-Winning Bike City

Due to its accomplishments in promoting cycling and reducing harmful emissions, Portland has won a number of awards for its bike-friendly culture. The League of American Bicyclists gave the city its highest possible “Platinum” rating and Bicycling magazine has named it the number-one biking city in the nation several years in a row.

The city also appears regularly on lists of bike-friendly cities in various publications including GeekWire Wired and Forbes among others.

If you would like to reduce emissions, get more exercise, and truly enjoy a reasonably safe urban biking experience Portland is the perfect city for you. The city’s infrastructure, strong bike culture, and focus on alternative means of transportation have made it a favorite of cyclists.

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^{Source on biking statistics: https://www.portlandoregon.gov/transportation/article/407660}