PORTLAND, Ore. — A driver was caught on video speeding across the carfree Tilikum Crossing bridge, startling cyclists, pedestrians, and transit riders who rely on the bridge daily. The dangerous stunt highlights ongoing concerns about reckless driving in areas meant to be safe for non-motorized travel.
A Bridge Built Without Cars in Mind
The Tilikum Crossing, completed in 2015 at a cost of $130 million, is one of Portland’s most celebrated infrastructure projects. Designed specifically for light rail, buses, bicyclists, and pedestrians, it has become a lifeline for commuters and an icon of Portland’s commitment to carfree spaces.
Its reputation made Friday morning’s incident especially alarming. Around 8:40 a.m. on August 29, witnesses reported a vehicle traveling at extreme speed across the span.
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Witnesses Describe “80 MPH” Car
The first reports came from people attending Breakfast on the Bridges, a monthly event where volunteers hand out coffee and pastries to cyclists and walkers.
One of them, cyclist Shawne Martinez, said the vehicle raced across just seconds after he and his daughter had crossed the carfree street. “Did anyone catch that car driver going 80 mph over the Tilikum Crossing at Breakfast on the Bridges this morning?” Martinez posted to the Bike Loud Slack channel.
He later shared video of the incident, showing the car speeding across the structure in clear violation of posted restrictions.
Not a Mistake, Observers Say
While some incidents on Portland’s roads involve confused drivers accidentally entering restricted areas, advocates say this one appeared deliberate.
“It’s very obvious that cars aren’t allowed on this bridge,” Martinez said. “Judging by the way he was driving, it looks like he did this on purpose.”
TriMet Responds
TriMet, which operates transit services across the bridge, condemned the driver’s actions in a statement released after the video surfaced.
“This was a dangerous and illegal act that could have had tragic consequences,” the agency said.
TriMet explained that its extensive security network — nearly 9,000 cameras systemwide — helped identify the vehicle’s make, model, and license plate. The Transit Police Division investigated, but the driver was not cited. Officials said discrepancies with the vehicle’s title and indications it may have been stolen prevented positive identification of the suspect.
“Anyone who breaks the law on TriMet property, including Tilikum Crossing, is subject to prosecution and may be held liable,” the agency added. “We are committed to working with law enforcement to keep our transit system secure.”
A Narrow Escape
The bridge is heavily used by commuters and families, with thousands crossing daily by bike, foot, or public transit. Advocates and city leaders noted the incident could have ended in tragedy.
For Martinez and his daughter, the close call was a reminder of the fragility of safety in spaces designed to exclude cars. “We had just crossed seconds before,” he said.
A Call for Vigilance
The episode underscores Portland’s ongoing challenges with reckless driving, even in spaces clearly marked as carfree. Advocates are urging both stronger enforcement and public awareness campaigns to prevent future incidents.
“We’re fortunate nothing worse happened,” one community member said. “But we can’t count on luck every time.”
Residents are encouraged to report unsafe behavior and check in with friends or family who may be struggling behind the wheel. As TriMet emphasized, safety on Portland’s roads and transit corridors depends on collective responsibility.
