Bicycle, Portland

You'll see bicycles everywhere in Portland. It's a very "green" way to get from Point A to Point B.

To see a list of suggested places to rent bikes, click here.

Portland has often been compared to Amsterdam in the way it's inhabitants utilize bikes. Do the same! We also have awesome public transportation services, so one can see the sights by bus, trolley the MAX(metro) or by rental cars called "Zips." These cars are parked aound neighborhoods and in the city, and can be rented by the hour (u pay for insurance, gas, and the rental all at the same time electronically).

Portland is a bike-friendly town. We have lots of bike paths and lanes. The heart of downtown can be a bit tricky, but is definitely doable on bike. Just stay off of the sidewalks in this area! The city puts out a series of bike maps for the different sectors of town and there is a bike map that covers the whole city. Tri-Met, the bus/light rail system, takes bikes on all buses and trains when space permits, and at no extra cost. If you don't have a bike with you you can rent one at a number of places listed in the yellow pages.

For more information you can contact Tri-Met at 503-238-7433, contact the Portland Visitors' Association at 1-877-678-5263, or contact just about any bike shop in the city.

Bicycles are big in Portland, and I think at time bicyclists even get somewhat militant, ie.interfering with traffic one of the bridges during a bicycle "march" perhaps to agitate for better bicycle conditions.
I don't remember the details, but I watch Portland news from my far eastern Oregon corner.
Also there's a weekly ride at breakneck speed from the zoo area, which has been reported as disturbing some of the neighbors.
At one time they had free yellow bicycles they left for anyone to use in downtown Portland, but I think that was discontinued, maybe because the free bicycles gradually disappeared.
Anyway, Portland is considered a bicycle friendly city.

Link to public tranist server: tri met



Link to public tranist server: tri met


Portland has some of the best public transit in the nation. (Which is mediocre compared to most other countries, but who am I to complain?) Fares cover both the MAX (a kind of cross between subway and trolly car) and the busses. Max will run to the airport in September 2001, and a free ferry going east and west through downtown will be up in 2001. bike lanes are also on many roads.

Besides waterfront park, Portland has another wide greenbelt on the other side of the river that has nice views and information on the history. I haven't seen any gangbangers, so I think it's safe.