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As of last June, the city of Portland had just over 5 miles of protected bike lanes. Those are bike paths that separate people on two wheels from the multiton, gas-guzzling killing machines known in some circles as cars.
But in November, the Portland City Council approved a plan to build 16.8 miles of protected bike paths throughout the central city. To do that, and create bus lanes, the city took the dramatic step of agreeing to get rid of 1,000 parking spaces and 13.77 miles of car lanes as the plan builds out.
Portland has long claimed the mantle of bikers' paradise, but it has seen other cities catch up and surpass it in that arena. The new plan will finally help Portland to compete again. Maybe, just maybe, a few more people will feel safe enough to get out of their cars and onto bikes—or e-scooters.
1. Because we're not afraid of public displays of affection…
2. Because women are in charge…
3. Because our local theater scene tells true, inspiring Oregon stories…
4. Because Kevin Calabro and Lamar Hurd make even Blazer losses fun…
5. Because we're still No. 1 in semi-factual superlatives…
6. Because we have a sixth quadrant now…
7. Because the hottest rapper in the game is obsessed with us…
8. Because Oregon is gradually getting more diverse, and in unexpected ways…
9. Because we can work it out…
10. Because we helped jump-start the movement that's changing the tech
industry…
11. Because if you want to, you can dance to…
12. Because we're so sex positive, you can take a class on…
13. Because we're working to become a bike haven again…
14. Because after walking across Antarctica, I can still come back
to my favorite dive bar…
15. Because the Blazers' game-day posters are the coolest collectibles in sports…
16. Because our airport is Beervana…
17. Because our fake fast food beats the real thing…
18. Because the Big Pipe is keeping poop out of the river…
19. Because we're making an effort to diversify the cannabis industry…
20. Because we finally have a virtual reality playland…
21. Because we have nicer weather than Hawaii (no, really)…
22. Because Basic Rights Oregon is fighting for LGTBQ+ rights—and winning…
23. Because Portland State's gym just underwent an awesome makeover…
24. …and the courthouse is getting one, too.
25. Because our hotel bars are some of the best bars in the city…
26. Because you'll spend less time in jail here than the national average…
27. Because we make some of the best guitar pedals in the biz…
28. Because our Curry is better than that other Curry…