Opinion: What I Think
Portland’s Neighborhood Greenways are a network of streets meant to prioritize biking and walking, yet Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) continues to install expensive and ineffective speed bumps instead of a better solution: modal filters. Modal filters are a traffic management technique that restricts or prohibits certain modes of transport (like cars) while allowing others (like pedestrians, cyclists, and buses) to pass through a specific point on a road.
Speed bumps can cost up to $7,000 each and do little to stop cut-through traffic. They may slow drivers briefly, but many simply speed up between bumps. Meanwhile, modal filters actually prevent cars from using greenways as shortcuts, making streets safer and more comfortable for people biking and walking.
Modal filters are also more cost-effective. Instead of spending tens of thousands on speed bumps that don’t solve the problem, PBOT could install strategic modal filters for a fraction of the price. SE Clinton Street proves this works — modal filters there led to a 50% reduction in car traffic, something speed bumps alone can’t achieve.
If PBOT is serious about making greenways safer while being fiscally responsible, it’s time to prioritize modal filters over speed bumps. The city can save money while creating truly low-stress streets for biking and walking. Instead of sticking with outdated solutions, PBOT should invest in what actually works — greenways designed for people, not cut-through car traffic.
The views expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Beaumont-Wilshire Neighborhood Association
B-W resident Sam Balto is a father of two young boys, passionate educator for over 10 years, safe-streets-for-kids advocate, Alameda and Vernon schools Bike Bus leader, and founder of Bike Bus World. Reach out with any questions for Sam at CoachBalto@gmail.com.