The City of Portland Oregon will be implementing new road markings aimed at giving bike commuters a fighting chance against automobile and truck traffic. These “Bike Boxes,” as the City is calling them, will allow bike commuters to wait in front of cars and trucks at traffic lights. They are intended to reduce the chance of drivers making right hand turns into cyclists waiting at traffic lights. The City will be installing these bike boxes at 14 intersections, drivers will not be allowed to pass through the bike box to turn right on a red light.

The City of Portland, Oregon is a few light years ahead of our Portland. They actually respect bicycles as a legitimate form of transportation and have clearly marked bike lanes. But even in Portland, Oregon the automobile reigns supreme, that’s why the City is also installing bike boulevards and new systems to encourage and support a far superior form of urban transportation - which in the long run will save the City money.

Visit BikePortland.org for more info.