PORTLAND, OR (KPTV) -
Speed limits on 70 miles of Portland's neighborhood greenways are set to change from 25 miles per hour to 20 miles per hour as the city of Portland implements the historic safety legislation passed last year.
"With more Portlanders than ever bicycling, walking and using transit, addressing neighborhood speed limits is more important than ever," Mayor Sam Adams said. "A pedestrian struck at 20 miles per hour has a 95 percent chance of survival. A pedestrian struck at 30 miles per hour has a 60 percent chance. A small difference in speed can be the difference between life and death."
Portland's neighborhood greenways are residential streets that prioritize active transportation and keep pedestrians, bicyclists and families safe by providing alternatives to busy streets.
Supporters of House Bill 3150 from the 2011 legislative session hope the bill will encourage more Oregonians to chose alternative transportation methods.
"House Bill 3150 gives local governments the flexibility to create safe and sustainable transportation options for pedestrian and cyclists. This is an important step toward reducing our reliance on cars and fossil fuels, and creating safer, healthier communities," said Sen. Jackie Dingfelder.
Portland has the highest percentage of bike commuters for a large American city with six percent commuting on bike. Six percent of Portland workers is an estimated 17,000 people choosing to bike to work.
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