PORTLAND, Ore. – Portlanders have a new bikeway to explore, and it’s turning heads. The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) has officially unveiled changes to Northeast Broadway between NE 7th and 26th, where one car lane has been removed to make way for a dedicated bike lane.
The redesign is part of PBOT’s “pave and paint” initiative, in which major resurfacing projects provide an opportunity to rethink striping and align streets with the city’s long-term transportation goals.
A Business District Bikeway
Historically, Portland has been slow to add bike lanes along busy commercial streets. Advocates often pointed to North Williams Avenue as the city’s best — though imperfect — example of a bike-friendly business corridor. But after the latest improvements on NE Broadway, many believe Portland may finally have a contender.
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The new bikeway widens space for riders, introduces traffic-calming crosswalks, and reduces car speeds — all while maintaining parking through a mix of parallel and angled spots.
What Changed on Broadway
Before the project, NE Broadway’s cross-section included six lanes: three for vehicle travel, one narrow bike lane, and two rows of parking. The redesign has reduced that to five lanes: two for vehicle travel, two for parking, and one much larger bike lane.
From NE 26th heading west, riders now encounter a buffered lane to NE 24th. From there, the reconfiguration begins, with general travel lanes reduced to make way for cyclists.
The budget for the project was just $500,000 (not including paving). PBOT opted for a street-level bike lane instead of a fully protected “parking-separated” design, citing cost. Still, the new lane includes two-foot buffers on both sides, giving riders a generous 12 feet — more space than the adjacent car lanes.
Safety Features and Slower Speeds
Beyond lane reallocation, the project includes:
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Five new marked crosswalks at NE 11th, 13th, 17th, 19th, and 22nd
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Concrete median islands to improve pedestrian safety
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A reduced speed limit from 30 mph to 25 mph (and down to 20 mph west of 21st)
PBOT engineers expect these changes will significantly reduce vehicle speeds. Early observations already show drivers slowing at crossings, often yielding to pedestrians more quickly than before.
Reactions from Businesses and Riders
Feedback has been mixed.
At Cutters PDX, a barber shop near NE 24th, owner Kris Perry welcomed the quieter atmosphere:
“The immediate thing I notice is the parking. The thing I hear from my clients the most is, ‘Oh, they took the parking away!’ It’s frustrating while it’s happening, just because of all the change. But honestly, I see the goodness in it. I’m excited for the safety of it, the families, the walkability of Broadway especially — it’s exciting!”
Another barber agreed, noting that the south side of the street feels calmer, with more people lingering at outdoor tables.
Not everyone is pleased, however. A group at Swift Bar expressed frustration with angled parking, calling it dangerous and inconvenient. One patron jokingly blamed the “spandex mafia” for pushing the changes.
Cycling Experience
For riders, the upgrades nearly double the usable space compared to the old lane. The wider, buffered design encourages safer cycling, though challenges remain.
At NE 16th, for example, a busy store driveway and nearby bus stop create a congestion point where drivers cross the bike lane to park. At intersections, “chicanes” require cyclists to weave slightly toward the curb to avoid median islands — a feature meant to slow traffic but one that could confuse drivers into mistaking the lane for a turn pocket.
Despite those concerns, advocates argue the benefits outweigh the inconveniences. More visibility for cyclists, slower car speeds, and better pedestrian infrastructure make Broadway a stronger candidate for an all-around safer corridor.
Looking Back and Ahead
The new striping stops at NE 7th, where Broadway returns to its older, narrower design. It’s a stark reminder of the $38 million Broadway Main Street project PBOT once planned, which would have extended protected lanes to the Broadway Bridge. That federally funded project was shelved when the Trump Administration rescinded the grant.
For now, the current improvements are being celebrated as progress. What was once a stressful stretch for cyclists is becoming a more inviting route.
Mayor Keith Wilson praised the upgrades during a recent bike ride, telling reporters: “You have a dedicated bike lane on Broadway now. It’s beautiful.”
A New Contender for Portland’s Best Bikeway?
Before the redesign, NE Broadway was rarely used by cyclists who instead opted for quieter greenways like NE Tillamook. But with smoother pavement, wider lanes, and slower traffic, that may change.
As Portland continues to balance the needs of drivers, businesses, and cyclists, the NE Broadway project offers a glimpse of what future commercial streets could look like: places where bikes, cars, and pedestrians can coexist more safely.
