Transportation System Plan Update
PEDESTRIAN & BICYCLE ACCESS WORKSHOP

Pedestrian & Bicycle Access Links:

• Review meeting materials and notes
• Bike Boulevard Presentation
• Milwaukie Bike Map

Other Links:

• View draft chapters of the 2007 TSP 
• Return to TSP Update Home Page

The purpose of the pedestrian and bicycle workshops has been to gather input from the community about the challenges and solutions for walking and cycling in the city. The input gathered during the workshops has helped to develop policies and projects that will make Milwaukie a more pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly city. 

The following is a synopsis of what was discussed at the public meetings: 

Pedestrian Access

The two pedestrian workshops reviewed the existing conditions of pedestrian routes and crossings in the city, developed a master list of pedestrian projects for consideration in the TSP, and prioritized the importance of the projects on the master list. The key results of the workshops are:

• It is most important to build sidewalks on collector and arterial streets. These include SE Monroe Street, SE Linwood Avenue, SE Stanley Avenue, SE 17th Avenue and SE Railroad Avenue.
• Improved pedestrian crossings are needed near the intersection of SE Oak Street and Highway 224. The priority intersections include SE Oak Street and the railroad tracks, SE Harrison and Highway 224, and SE Railroad and SE 37th Avenue.
• The City can improve pedestrian access by maintaining existing sidewalks through property owner education and enforcement, developing walking maps that show safe routes to important destinations in the city, and enforcing vehicle speed and traffic laws.

Bicycle Access

Participants in the bicycle workshops verified existing bike lanes, identified gaps in the system of bicycle facilities, and noted areas and intersections of special concern to cyclists. The group set priorities within a list of bicycle projects and held a special workshop session focused on the concept of "bike boulevards." Bike boulevards are lower-volume streets shared by cars and bicycles, with a variety of treatments designed to make safe and convenient routes for bicycle travel. (Click on the link above to view a presentation on the bike boulevard concept.)

As a result of the workshop discussions, the following recommendations emerged:

• Prioritize "bike boulevards" as a method for providing safe bikeway connections to other transportation modes and between parks, schools, activity centers, and regional destinations. Primary bike boulevard routes include Monroe Street (from downtown to Linwood Avenue), Stanley Avenue (from Railroad Avenue to Johnson Creek Boulevard), and SE 29th (from the Springwater Trail to Monroe Street, via Harvey Street and SE 40th Avenue).
• Improve existing bikeways by paving, striping, adding signage, and establishing new bike lanes where appropriate.
• Make key intersections safer and more functional for cyclists with treatments such as improved striping, accessible signal buttons, and bicycle detection devices.
• Improve education for cyclists and drivers and encourage cycling with planned cycling events.
• Keep bike lanes clear of debris.
• Coordinate with other jurisdictions on long-range projects and improve response-time on day-to-day issues.

If you would like more information about the Pedestrian & Bicycle Access elements of the TSP update, please contact Brett Kelver, Assistant Planner, or Ryan Marquardt, Assistant Planner. Brett is the City's bicycle planner and can be reached at 503-786-7657 or kelverb@ci.milwaukie.or.us. Ryan is the City's pedestrian planner and can be reached at 503-786-7658 or marquardtr@ci.milwaukie.or.us.

TSP Pedestrian & Bicycle Access Meeting Agendas and Notes