Skip to Content
Streetsblog California home
Streetsblog California home
Log In
Streetsblog USA

50,000 Portlanders Turn Out to Preview the Car-Free “People’s Bridge”

Photos: Michael Andersen/BikePortland
Photos: Michael Andersen/BikePortland
false

On Sunday residents of Portland got a preview of Tilikum Crossing, a.k.a. the "Bridge of the People," described by Michael Andersen of BikePortland as "the first bridge in the United States to carry buses, bikes, trains, streetcars and people walking but no private cars."

Tilikum Crossing is the first bridge constructed over the Willamette River in over 40 years. "Tilikum" is Chinook for "people," and Andersen says they turned out in droves to cross their bridge ahead of its official opening in a few weeks.

The crossings began with an early-morning VIP ride and continued with the Providence Bridge Pedal bike ride, then an open crossing for people with disabilities and finally by the three-hour “People’s Preview” for anyone and everyone.

TriMet spokeswoman Mary Fetsch, helping direct traffic at the west landing, was one of several TriMet officials present to marvel at the throngs who showed up. At about 3 p.m., with more than an hour left to go, she estimated that more than 20,000 people had crossed.

By mid-evening after the event, she’d upped her estimate to “40,000 to 50,000.”

“Where are they all coming from?” deputy project director Dave Unsworth asked happily about an hour later, as people continued to stream across the river. He was straddling a bicycle on the west landing and directing people to avoid getting their wheels stuck between the MAX tracks. “Are they arriving in busloads on the other side?”

tilikum-overhead-540x334
false

Elsewhere on the Network today: Second Avenues Sagas reports that New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has disavowed responsibility for New York rail infrastructure, and Greater Greater Washington says the DC Department of Transportation plans to protect Pennsylvania Avenue bike lanes from U-turning drivers.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog California

Wednesday’s Headlines

A larger than usual headlines stack as we careen towards the 4th of July.

July 2, 2025

Inner Richmond Parents Fed Up with SFMTA Watering Down Safety

Mother of a child hit by a driver furious with city excuses for not taking daylighting and other safety measures seriously.

July 2, 2025

Governor Signs Major Changes to CEQA to Cheers from YIMBYs, Jeers from Environmental Groups

Newsom fast tracked changes to CEQA to fast track development and housing. But what do the changes to the law actually do?

July 1, 2025

Santa Monica and West Hollywood Bus Lane/Stop Enforcement Programs Start Today

Don't block the bus! Parking in a bus lane or at a bus stop will result in a $293 ticket.

July 1, 2025

Tuesday’s Headlines

Gov Signs CEQA Bill to Increase Housing, Higher Fees on Parking and Tolls, Opposition to Road Widenings, ICE

July 1, 2025
See all posts