Walking + Rolling Platform

Created by 350PDX with input from Oregon Walks,

part of the 350PDX Climate Justice Platform 2024

Context

There are hundreds of miles of unfinished sidewalks and crossings in Portland. Increasing the ability for pedestrians to navigate their neighborhoods would reduce pollution and greenhouse gas emissions since they would not have to rely on fossil fuel powered vehicles, would make the City infrastructure safer and more equitable, would increase public health, and would increase the sense of community.

Unfinished corridors will never have full sidewalk buildouts unless the city leads a coordinated effort. While that can seem overwhelming, there are priority routes—such as schools, parks, transit stops, and along and across high crash corridors—that deserve immediate investment.

Additionally, neighborhoods are more walkable when there is a high level of residential density and when businesses that meet daily needs are nearby. These neighborhood centers help reduce vehicle trips and distances and make pedestrian areas more vibrant.

Actions

  1. A commitment to identifying and funding pedestrian infrastructure infill.
    • Identify priority routes, such as those near schools, parks, transit stops, and along high crash corridors.
    • Work on these projects in order of priority.
    • Identify funding mechanisms and allocate an adequate budget to complete these projects. For example, Milwaukie, OR added a small monthly fee to everyone’s utility bill to pay for pedestrian infrastructure (see below).
    • Make a reasonable timeline for when priority routes will be completed.
  2. A commitment to residential infill that will increase density.
    • Create zoning and financial incentives for increased residential density.
    • Develop and fund education for constituents who are initially opposed to larger buildings in their neighborhoods.
  3. Businesses that meet daily needs within walking distance of residential neighborhoods.
    • Updating zoning so businesses such as grocery stores, cafes, restaurants, laundromats, and other services are present in high-density neighborhoods.
    • Financial incentives.
    • Education campaigns to constituents about the importance and usefulness of larger buildings in their neighborhoods.

Endorsed by:

Endorsed full Climate Justice Platform:

Laura Streib (D2)
Jonathan Tasini (D2)
Brian Conley (D3)
Chad Lykins (D4)
Moses Ross (D4)
Andra Vltavín (D4)

Endorsed this section:

Stanley Penkin (D4)