In May, a Beaumont-Wilshire resident’s request for traffic count/speed surveys on NE Skidmore Street by Wilshire Park (coupled with the resident’s proactive—albeit unauthorized—traffic calming and expanded pedestrian walking zone initiatives) prompted BWNA to reactivate its Transportation Committee to deal directly with the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) regarding concerns about speeding on Skidmore, not coming to a complete stop (or sometimes not stopping at all) at the 37th Avenue intersection stop sign, and marginalization of pedestrians (especially walkers and joggers) as a result. There is no doubt that the pandemic has prompted many neighbors to rethink how streets and public spaces are used, and the revitalized Transportation Committee began gathering data and feedback on the Skidmore situation.
In response to the original request and subsequent prodding from BWNA, PBOT performed traffic surveys in June and October. A brief analysis of these surveys indicated there may not be a rash of ultra-high-speed vehicles (greater than 10+ over posted 20 mph speed limit) along Skidmore, but a large portion of drivers, approaching 50 percent, do exceed the limit to some extent. BWNA sought temporary inclusion of Skidmore into the Safe Streets Initiative program, similar to traffic restriction suggestions and barricades seen on 37th Avenue, but was rejected by PBOT, at least for the time being, due to funding issues. Meanwhile, talks between BWNA and PBOT continue to pursue other traffic calming ideas, and the new bike kiosk on Skidmore and 33rd does, inadvertently, cause a slowing of turning vehicles at that location.
In June, a questionnaire was distributed to residents living north of Wilshire Park along Skidmore Street to get feedback on various options for altering the use of this atypically wide street. Residents were generally supportive of both traffic calming measures and/or singular special event use of this section of Skidmore. One particular event, something along the lines of a neighbor block party, has gained support within the Transportation Committee (if for no other reason than for neighbors to experience this space from a different perspective). This would obviously require BWNA Board approval when large public gatherings are again permissible.
In addition to the Skidmore Street discussions, a visitor to our neighborhood contacted BWNA to bring attention to the safety issue of unmarked intersections within Beaumont-Wilshire. (As a side note, I had similar concerns when I moved here 10 years ago due to my life experience of always having stop signs on at least one side of intersections). Discussions with PBOT have not yet begun on this subject, but the Transportation Committee will be looking into whether the Bureau’s historical position has changed.
Another issue recently directed to PBOT by a neighbor concerned the absence of American with Disabilities Act (ADA) sloped ramps at NE 33rd and Skidmore Street, and this inquiry received a positive response by PBOT. ADA access to the park is scheduled as a 2021 project.
The Transportation Committee has done much of its deliberation and communication via e-mail but has also held a couple of outdoor meetings with social distancing. If you would like to be notified of future meetings or have ideas about how to make our neighborhood safer for all modes of transportation, please e-mail info@bwnapdx.org with your request and/or thoughts. (NOTE: Discussions have also carried over into long and interesting threads on the NextDoor web site; search the site for the term “NE Skidmore.”)