Riding and Walking in the County

Walking FamilyBenefits of active transportation
Active transportation is any self-propelled mode of transportation. Walking, riding a bicycle, skateboarding and persons with disabilities using mobility aids are a few examples. Active transportation promotes healthy lifestyles and a healthy environment. It also complements public transit. Safe bicycle and pedestrian facilities that provide connections to transit and the places people need to reach are essential to making active transportation a viable alternative to using a car.

Building out a complete and effective countywide transportation network for all users will take time and significant funding resources. We are working diligently to address this need with the tools we currently have available, and we will continue working to identify new tools that may be used in the future.


Planning for active transportation
To encourage active transportation in Washington County, we are working to improve connectivity for bicyclists and those on foot.

Bike Ped prioritizationThe Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvement Prioritization Project was launched in 2011 to help plan for a complete bike and pedestrian system and produce a list of high priority needs to collector and arterial roadways. The final list of prioritized needs is now available.

The county's Pedestrian and Bicycle Plan includes policies, strategies and maps that support the development of bicycle and pedestrian facilities in Washington County through 2020. We've just recently begun an 18-month process to update our Transportation Plan, and we will be reviewing the Pedestrian and Bicycle Plan as part of that process.

Check out the "Additional Helpful Links" below for other projects that are helping us plan for a dynamic active transportation future.

Business BikerBuilding active transportation infrastructure
All major county capital projects are built to a multi-modal standard, with bikeways and pedestrian facilities. Since 1986, the Major Streets Transportation Improvement Program (MSTIP) has constructed over 130 miles of bikeways and sidewalks on county roads that lacked or had inadequate facilities before.

In addition, the Urban Road Maintenance District (URMD) and the Minor Betterment program can construct small-scale, typically interim improvements that help provide a safer, more complete road network for all users—cars, bicycles and pedestrians. Examples include:

  • Pedestrian bridge on Walker Road west of 173rd Avenue
  • Sidewalk/pathway/shoulder improvements on 143rd Avenue between Cornell and Thompson


Road Service Requests

To request a service or report a road-related problem, call 503-846-ROAD (846-7623), e-mail us, or submit an online service request.

Access our mobile app on your Smartphone:
http://washtech.co.washington.or.us/reportroadproblem 

Typical road service requests include location of potholes, traffic signals not functioning, sweeping requests, missing or damaged traffic signs, obstructions in the bike lane, etc.

 

 

Additional Helpful Links