The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT), Oregon Walks, and Travel Portland are collaborating on a downtown pedestrian wayfinding pilot project called Walk Portland. The project is designed to help residents and visitors walk and roll around downtown Portland with confidence and ease using signs, maps, and a website.
The project, which officially launched the first week of August, is funded by a $150,000 grant from Travel Oregon. Walk Portland features branded maps and signage, a downtown walking route, and a website. When the three-month pilot concludes in November, and the signage and maps are removed, the project will be evaluated to understand the impact on downtown pedestrian activity and help the team prepare for a future permanent pedestrian wayfinding system.
“One of the best ways to experience downtown Portland is to walk it,” said Transportation Director Millicent Williams. “This project is a wonderful first step (pun intended) in helping tourists and locals discover the beautiful storefronts, restaurants, public art and cultural destinations that make our downtown so iconic.”
“Through signage, artwork, and a designated downtown walking route, Walk Portland will help people feel more confident exploring downtown as a pedestrian—whether you’re new to Portland or have lived here your whole life,” said Zachary Lauritzen, Executive Director of Oregon Walks.
The Walk Portland downtown route guides visitors and locals alike to and through some of downtown Portland’s greatest hits, such as Pioneer Courthouse Square, Director Park, Salmon Street Springs at Waterfront Park, and the Portland Visitor Center. The route also encourages people to venture off the route and discover new things, such as the PSU Farmers Market, the newly renovated Central Library, destination food cart pods, as well as local businesses and hotels.
The initiative aims to increase pedestrian traffic in the downtown core and test the effectiveness of various pedestrian-focused design elements, including wayfinding signage, maps, and a designated walking route. Visitors will be able to follow clearly marked walking paths, discover local landmarks, and provide feedback on the look, feel, and helpfulness of the system—all while contributing to a more walkable, vibrant downtown.
“Portland is often cited as one of the most welcoming cities in the country, and we are known for our inclusive nature. A place cannot be truly welcoming without being accessible and pedestrian-friendly,” said Travel Portland President and CEO, Megan Conway. “We are thrilled to partner on this program as it is a timely opportunity to empower locals and visitors alike to explore our vibrant downtown community of restaurants, museums, shops, parks and more.”
Want to check out Walk Portland with 20,000 of your closet friends? The Downtown Sunday Parkways is on Sunday, Sept. 14 and the event intersects with the Walk Portland route. Stop by the PBOT info booth for Walk Portland maps and enjoy the walking route through downtown. Learn more at the Downtown Portland Sunday Parkways website.
Want to enjoy the route with a smaller group? The Walk Portland team will be hosting guided walks of the route and will be gathering feedback on those walks. More info is available on the project website walkpdx.com
The Walk Portland pilot project is up for three months, until early November. So grab a friend and go rediscover downtown with Walk Portland!
For more information, including ways to provide feedback, visit walkpdx.com
Find resources about walking in Portland at portland.gov/walking
Source: Portland Bureau of Transportation