Portland, Oregon is a haven for cyclists, boasting numerous bike-friendly parks, riverside paths, and diverse urban routes. The city’s commitment to promoting sustainable transportation options and an active outdoor lifestyle have led to a rich biking culture and infrastructure. Exploring Portland by bike allows visitors and locals alike to experience the charm of different neighborhoods, enjoy the natural beauty of the region, and indulge in the city’s thriving food and beverage scene.
One of the most popular ways to see Portland on two wheels is by riding along the Willamette River. The loop takes you on both sides of the river and spans from the Broadway Bridge to the north, down to the Tilikum Crossing to the south. The flat, 5.5-mile round trip journey is full of dedicated bike lanes, making it an ideal starting point for cyclists of all skill levels.
For those looking to venture beyond the city limits or dive deeper into Portland’s unique offerings, several guided bike tours are available. These excursions range from downtown explorations to journeys through the nearby wine country and the stunning Columbia River Gorge. Additionally, the city of Portland hosts cycling events throughout the year, offering an incredible opportunity to participate in group rides and hone one’s cycling skills.
Bike Tours and Rentals
Portland is a bike-friendly city with numerous options for exploring its neighborhoods by bike. In this section, we will discuss some popular choices for bike tours and rentals, including Pedal Bike Tours, Biketown, and other local businesses for bike rentals and accessories.
Pedal Bike Tours
Pedal Bike Tours offers guided bicycle tours of Portland, Oregon, allowing you to explore the city’s history, food, and culture. They provide daily tours that are easy, fun, and safe for a unique experience of riding through Portland’s iconic bridges, parks, and neighborhoods.
Biketown
Biketown is Portland’s bike-share program, offering a convenient way to rent bikes for short rides around the city. The program features over 1,000 bikes at 100 stations across Portland, making it easy to find a bike near your location. Riders can pay per ride, per day, or choose a membership option for frequent use.
Bike Rentals and Accessories
Apart from Pedal Bike Tours and Biketown, there are other options for bike rentals in Portland. Cycle Portland provides guided tours, bike rentals, and also has a bike shop in downtown Portland. They offer a variety of bikes to choose from, including road bikes, mountain bikes, and electric bikes.
When renting a bike, it’s essential to have the right accessories for a safe and comfortable ride. Cycle Portland’s bike shop offers helmets, locks, lights, and other necessary gear for your cycling adventure. Additionally, Everybody’s Bike Rentals & Tours is another option for budget-friendly bike rentals and guided tours in Portland.
Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a beginner, Portland’s bike tours and rentals options offer various ways to explore the city’s unique neighborhoods and attractions on two wheels. Enjoy the diverse experiences that Portland has to offer by bike!
Infrastructure and Trails
Portland is renowned for its bicycle-friendly infrastructure and an extensive network of bike trails. With over 400 miles of bikeways, Portland offers a variety of options for exploring the city on two wheels.
Bike Lanes and Bikeways
There are 162 miles of bike lanes in Portland, including iconic routes such as the Hawthorne Bridge. Furthermore, the city has 94 miles of Neighborhood Greenways and 85 miles of paths that provide an enjoyable biking experience for both novice and experienced cyclists. Portland also features 35.5 miles of bikeways with increased physical separation between cyclists and automobiles.
- Hawthorne Bridge: A popular route for bike commuters, the Hawthorne Bridge features dedicated bike lanes that offer a safe and comfortable crossing over the Willamette River.
- Eastbank Esplanade: This popular riverside bikeway connects the Hawthorne Bridge with the Steel Bridge, providing picturesque views of the city skyline and the Willamette River.
Neighborhood Greenways
Neighborhood Greenways are low-stress avenues with less car traffic, designed to enhance biking conditions in residential neighborhoods. Portland boasts 100 miles of these greenways, providing a safer and more relaxed biking experience. Most Portland residents live within a quarter-mile of a bikeway, making it convenient and accessible for daily commutes or leisurely rides.
Columbia River Gorge
For a more scenic and adventurous ride, the Columbia River Gorge offers an unforgettable biking experience. The Springwater Corridor, a 40-mile paved path, is a popular route that follows the Columbia River and takes cyclists through lush forests, past waterfalls and vistas, and connects to various other trails throughout the Gorge.
- Springwater Corridor: This extensive trail begins in downtown Portland, following the Willamette River before turning east along the Columbia River, offering a picturesque, family-friendly ride through the natural splendor of the area.
By exploring Portland’s diverse and extensive bike infrastructure, cyclists can enjoy the city’s unique blend of urban and natural environments while navigating on safe, thoughtfully-designed paths.
Must-Visit Locations
Pearl District
The Pearl District is a trendy neighborhood ideal for exploring on a bike. Known for its revived warehouse buildings, this area offers an eclectic mix of art galleries, designer boutiques, and top-notch restaurants.
While cycling through the area, be sure to stop by some iconic spots such as the First Thursday Art Walk, Powell’s City of Books, and the many green spaces. With plenty of bike lanes and low-traffic streets, the Pearl District offers a comfortable and leisurely cycling experience.
Willamette River
A popular route to explore Portland’s scenic beauty is along the Willamette River. The Willamette River Loop offers a 30-mile ride that runs along the river’s banks.
One section of this route is the Springwater on the Willamette, a 3-mile path between the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) and the Sellwood Bridge. This path is part of the greater Springwater Corridor, a rails-to-trails project offering picturesque views and wildlife sightings. To make the ride even better, you can cross the Steel Bridge for a stunning view over the river.
Forest Park
Forest Park is the largest urban park in Portland, covering over 5,000 acres of wooded land. With more than 70 miles of trails and fire lanes, this is an excellent spot for cycling enthusiasts seeking an adventure amidst nature.
Some popular cycling routes within Forest Park include the Leif Erikson Drive, a mostly gravel path ideal for both beginners and more experienced riders, and the Wildwood Trail, which offers a more challenging terrain. Additionally, you can explore trails leading to Garden Home and various viewpoints overlooking the astonishing Columbia River Gorge.
Bike-Focused Events and Classes
Pedalpalooza
Pedalpalooza is a bike festival that takes place every summer in Portland. Known for its unique events and bike rides, the festival is a great chance for locals and visitors alike to dive into Portland’s bike culture. Featuring various events spanning several weeks, there is something for everyone in this celebration of all things cycling.
Guided Bike Rides
For those looking to explore Portland on two wheels, the city offers guided bike rides throughout the year. These rides are designed for riders of different skill levels and aim to help participants familiarize themselves with the city’s expansive bikeway network. Guided bike rides are a great way to learn about the best routes around Portland, and they are completely free and open to the public.
Some of the popular guided bike rides in Portland include:
- Historic neighborhood tours
- Nature-focused rides through parks and greenspaces
- Social rides for meeting fellow cyclists
Bike Repair and Maintenance Classes
In addition to group rides, Portland offers numerous bike repair and maintenance classes. These classes are perfect for new riders looking to learn essential skills, as well as experienced cyclists who want to expand their knowledge and gain confidence in fixing their own bikes. Classes cover topics such as:
- Basic bike maintenance
- Flat tire repair
- Brake and gear adjustments
Taking advantage of these classes is a great way to become more self-reliant and better equipped to handle any bike-related issues while exploring Portland.
In conclusion, Portland offers a variety of bike-focused events and classes to help riders of all skill levels get the most out of their cycling experience. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just starting out, there are plenty of opportunities to dive into the local bike scene and grow your skills and confidence on the road.
Safety and Etiquette
Bike Safety Tips
When exploring Portland by bike, it’s essential to prioritize your safety and the safety of others. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Always wear a helmet and ensure it fits snugly and securely.
- Use hand signals to communicate your intentions to drivers and other cyclists.
- Follow the rules of the road, including obeying traffic signals and signs.
- Be visible: Use lights and reflective gear, especially when riding in low-light conditions or at night.
- Avoid distractions such as headphones or phone usage while biking.
In Portland, you may encounter green “bike boxes” designed to prevent collisions between cyclists and motorists making right turns. When the light is red, stop inside the green box and wait for the signal to change.
Navigating Gresham and Surrounding Areas
Gresham is a suburb of Portland and offers additional biking opportunities. When cycling in Gresham and the surrounding areas, here are some helpful tips:
- Plan your route in advance to ensure you’re taking the safest and most efficient paths.
- Always yield to pedestrians and respect their right of way.
- Use marked bike lanes and shared paths where available, but be prepared to share the road with cars as well.
In case you notice any street concerns or maintenance issues while biking in and around Portland, you can call the following numbers for assistance:
- For repairs to streets or pavements: (503) 823-BUMP
- For traffic safety concerns: (503) 823-SAFE
- For parking issues: (503) 823-5195
- For maintenance emergencies 24/7: (503) 823-1700
Source: GlobalGrasshopper
By keeping these safety tips and etiquette guidelines in mind, you’ll be well-equipped to explore Portland and Gresham by bike and create an enjoyable cycling experience.
