Portland Mall Bike Safety Tips

How to ride safely on 5th and 6th avenues

On May 24, many bus routes in downtown Portland returned to 5th and 6th avenues. Eighteen bus lines now operate on the Mall, with an average of 44 buses operating each hour, and 91 buses each hour of rush hour.

In addition, TriMet light rail operator training will continue in June on both avenues, but trains are not accepting passengers during the training phase.

On most blocks on the new Mall, cyclists and motorists share the left-hand traffic lane, while buses and MAX trains travel in the right-hand transit lanes.

When necessary, buses can move into the traffic lane. A white, bumpy lane divider separates the traffic and transit lanes.

Signals are timed for traffic moving at about 12 miles per hour, so bicycles and other vehicles travel at the same comfortable speed.

Rules of the road

• Bike in the left-hand traffic lane only.
• Do not ride on or near the light rail tracks. Only cross the tracks at a 90-degree angle when entering the Mall from a cross street.
• Do not stop on 5th and 6th avenues except as required by traffic signals.
• Do not make right-hand turns off 5th or 6th avenue unless otherwise posted. See below for tips on making safe right turns.

Turning right from 5th or 6th avenue

It is unlawful to make right turns from 5th or 6th avenue, except at 5th & Jackson, 6th & Harrison and 6th & Irving. However, to go right at an intersection, you can use this maneuver:

1. Stay on the curb side of the left lane as you approach the intersection. Stop at the intersection and move over to the curb.
2. When the "Walk" signal is activated, use the crosswalk to cross. Ride at walking speed in the crosswalk and yield to pedestrians. Then, merge carefully with traffic.