The Street Trust’s Newest Collab: Parkrose High School

Posted on November 7, 2024November 7, 2024 by Burgin Utaski

November 7, 2024

In February of 2023, The Street Trust connected with The Pathfinder Network to discuss community engagement and collaboration with the students at Parkrose High School. The Street Trust is currently working as the backbone organization behind an initiative to build a multi-modal pathway in East Portland at the cross levee spanning from Sandy Blvd to NE Marine Drive at about 142nd (running north-south), strategically linking Argay and Parkrose Neighborhoods to the bustling Columbia River.

Guided by The Street Trust, this community-driven project will increase accessibility, connectivity, safety, and resilience within our neighborhoods. We envision an interconnected path between Parkrose and Argay Neighborhoods, providing crucial access to the Columbia River. By improving access to green spaces and reducing the urban heat island effect, the path will assist in creating a harmonious relationship between people, nature, and the built environment.

Essential to this project is extensive community engagement, understanding the needs of those living, working, studying, recreating, and playing in the Parkrose, Argay-Terrace, and surrounding neighborhoods. By fostering collaboration across sectors and stakeholders, we aim to enhance the quality of life for residents, creating a more vibrant and accessible community while championing historically underserved populations.

Thanks to a grant from APTA, The Street Trust was able to fund this collaboration, including a presentation at The PATHfinder Club about civic engagement through public space, the onboarding of a Youth Steering Committee Member (Parkrose sophomore Bradynn D.), and a compensated walk audit with thirteen club members.

Bradynn, our Youth Steering Committee Member, has participated in stakeholder meetings for the project, where we government, private sector, and community partners oversee the project. Her contributions to the communications and public safety plan as a well-connected Parkrose resident have been invaluable.

Most recently, Club members joined The Street Trust staff in a walk audit along the proposed pathway. During the walk, students received a meal and provided feedback about what they would like to see on the path. Students highlighted the need for good lighting, a paved path, vibrant public artwork, and security features. Some students even highlighted interest in community activation projects like a community garden or a monthly food truck event. Of all student attendees, 100% said they would use this path if built! At the end of the walk, each student received a $25 Visa gift card.

Looking forward, The Street Trust would love to continue collaboration with The Pathfinder Network and the amazing students at Parkrose High School, encouraging students to get involved with local community projects and feel empowered doing so. One way to encourage this is continued compensated engagement, where students are paid for their time and expertise. This multi-modal path project is a several-year-long process to plan, fund, and build, and we hope to continue this partnership with The PATHfinder Club throughout.

“A Place for People” – TST Board Member Randy Miller on Portland’s Secret to Success

Posted on November 15, 2023 by staff

Screenshot of The Street Trust Board Member Randy MIller on KATU

The Street Trust Board Member Randy Miller was recently featured in an in-depth interview series conducted by KATU called, ‘City in Crisis: Broken Bridges, New Pathways‘ which spoke with community leaders and changemakers tackling some of the city’s most pressing challenges.

According to Miller, who for over thirty years has hosted best practices trips for hundreds of Portland’s civic leaders domestically and internationally, there are no “cookie cutter formulas” to make a city great. “You have to really understand the ethos and the culture of that community,” he insists.

And Portland’s ethos? Focus on making Portland a great place for people in the community. “We were outliers… we created a community that [is] attractive for people… not necessarily anything else,” he stresses, “for people.”

Randy shares The Street Trust’s optimism that Portland can reclaim its status as a great place by focusing on core elements such as compact neighborhoods, safe infrastructure for people walking and bicycling, robust public transit, and investments in environmental sustainability and climate adaptation.

Ride2Own: A Pioneering Step Towards eBike Accessibility in Oregon

Posted on November 14, 2023November 15, 2023 by staff

Oregon’s eBike enthusiasts were abuzz this fall with the electrifying news of the Ride2Own launch in Portland’s Portsmouth neighborhood. This groundbreaking initiative, a brainchild of The Street Trust in collaboration with We All Rise,Oregon DEQ, and PGE is set to revolutionize eBike accessibility in Oregon, particularly for historically excluded communities.

The Ride2Own program is not merely about providing eBikes. It’s a comprehensive approach that encompasses education, gear, and community-building. The overarching goal? To create transformative experiences through e-mobility and initiate a ripple effect that expands sustainable transportation options across the region.

The program’s first pilot kicked off on October 1st, 2023, with a year-long pilot in the Portsmouth neighborhood of Portland, reported by KPTV. The program is providing the first cohort of 15 electric bicycles to community members with low-incomes who would otherwise lack access, education, or support for e-mobility. Participants will track their experiences over twelve months and, upon successful completion, keep their bikes for free.

This is the first of four pilots Ride2Own will be conducting across the Portland metro region. The other neighborhoods are Portland’s Parkrose, Milwaukie, and Hillsboro. A total of approximately 90 eBikes will be distributed to qualifying community members across the four pilot areas.

“I am excited about the opportunity to be a part of making bike commuting even more accessible to members of communities of color like myself,” said one program participant in their application.

It’s hard to overstate the significance of this launch. At a time when Oregon’s transportation sector contributes a staggering 40% of the state’s GHG pollution, initiatives like Ride2Own are not just welcome; they’re imperative. Ride2Own’s overarching goal is to create positive, transformative experiences through eBiking and initiate a ripple effect that expands sustainable transportation options for residents and reduces the amount that people need to drive (VMT, vehicle miles traveled) across the region.

“Portland General Electric is excited to award funds from DEQ’s Oregon Clean Fuels Program to support our partners in expanding cleaner transportation systems across the state,” said Elyssia Lawrence, senior manager, Product Manager and head of PGE’s Transportation Electrification team. “Transportation electrification plays an essential role in accelerating the clean energy transition. It is going to take all of us working together to achieve a cleaner and more equitable future for all Oregonians.”

Ride2Own stands as a testament to what’s possible when innovation meets determination.
In a world where the status quo often reigns supreme, Ride2Own is a reminder that with the right vision and commitment, we can build transportation systems that serve everyone equitably. As we celebrate this launch, let’s also recommit to a future where every Oregonian, regardless of background or zip code, has access to safe, sustainable, and inclusive transportation options.

Special thanks to The Street Trust Board Member Paul Buchanan, for helping bring the Portsmouth Neighborhood Pilot from idea to reality and to PGE Drive Change Fund, which is funded via the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality’s Clean Fuels Program. Funded by the sale of Oregon CFP credits, which PGE aggregates on behalf of residential customers who charge their electric vehicles at home, the fund supports projects aimed at expanding electric mobility options and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The DCF prioritizes projects focused on serving vulnerable populations and underserved communities.

Recap of the 2023 Alice Awards

Posted on October 23, 2023 by Kayla Kennett

On Saturday, October 14th, the Oregon Zoo became a habitat for one of our favorite species—transportation visionaries. The 2023 Alice Awards brought together nearly 200 people who share a common commitment to help create a safer, more accessible, and more sustainable transportation system.

Together, we enjoyed an evening filled with inspiration, community, and generosity, raising an astounding $70,267 through sponsorships and individual donations to further our mission.

Highlights

The program kicked off with a special video message from Congressman Earl Blumenauer, a national champion for bike and pedestrian issues. In his remarks, he emphasized the importance of community-based transportation advocacy and extended his sincere thanks to our award recipients for their dedication to improving Oregon’s transportation system.

Congratulations again to our 2023 Alice Awards winners and finalists. Learn more about them here.

Then, Poison Waters brought her signature style and charisma to the stage as our emcee. She helped pay a heartfelt tribute to her close friend, Darcelle XV, who was posthumously recognized with the Lifetime Achievement Award.

We were also delighted to have auctioneer Amanda Valley, who led an exciting and successful live appeal, generating dozens of individual donations.

The evening culminated with the long-awaited results of the Alice Awards Raffle. One participant walked away with a brand new Tern E-Cargo bike, complete with a front rack and rear bags, courtesy of Clever Cycles. Another lucky winner received a car rear rack for two bikes, thanks to ReRack Portland. Finally, a weekend getaway to the Society Hotel was awarded to our Last Hero donor.

Thank you to our local business community for making these prizes possible.

Thank You!

The resounding success of the 2023 Alice Awards would not have been possible without the dedication and support of numerous individuals and organizations. We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who attended, our generous sponsors, and the staff and volunteers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes.

Your contributions will reach far beyond this event’s success. As we look to the year ahead, we’re filled with hope, knowing that the momentum generated by your investments of time, talent, and resources will inspire others to join the movement, make donations, and further our cause. Together, we can continue building a transportation system that’s safe, accessible, and sustainable for all.

Thank you to our 2023 Alice Awards Sponsors

Announcing the 2023 Alice Awards Winners

Posted on October 11, 2023October 23, 2023 by Kayla Kennett

The Alice Awards honors individuals and organizations shaping Oregon’s transportation landscape, leading with a commitment to The Street Trust’s mission to create a complete, safe, low-carbon, and multimodal transportation system for enhanced accessibility and equity.

The Street Trust is proud to announce the following 2023 award recipients:

The 2023 Alice Award recipient is The City of Tigard. This award acknowledges their outstanding work in building a multimodal transportation system that promotes a healthy and prosperous community. Their contributions include implementing an innovative e-bike sharing program, reducing speed limits, creating safe routes to school, and advocating for improvements on “orphan highways,” notably Hall Boulevard. The City of Tigard’s dedication to safety, accessibility, and sustainability sets an inspiring example for the region.

Walter “Darcelle XV” Cole is the 2023 recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award. His dedication to better bicycling and safer streets in Portland spanned decades, starting with his involvement in the Bicycle Transportation Alliance in 1992. His enduring advocacy for improved bicycling infrastructure and safer streets in Portland continued steadfastly. Although Darcelle XV is no longer with us, his legacy lives on through the positive impact he had on the city and the cycling community.

Metro Councilor Juan Carlos González is the 2023 recipient of the Elizabeth Jennings Graham Award. He has shown exceptional dedication to championing transportation justice and equity, particularly through his roles on the Metro Council and Joint Policy Advisory Committee on Transportation (JPACT). His work truly embodies the spirit of the award, making a lasting impact on transportation justice in the region and creating a more equitable and accessible transportation system for all.

Shawne Martinez is the recipient of the 2023 Safe Streets for All Award for his unwavering dedication to promoting safer streets and sustainable modes of transportation, driven by his commitment as a parent to provide a healthier lifestyle for his daughter and combat climate change. His innovative approach, including documenting his transition from a diesel pickup to eco-friendly transportation, and advocating for responsible driving, sets a remarkable example and significantly contributes to improving street safety for all.

Recipients Reflects on Their Motivations

Dave Roth, Principal Transportation Planner at City of Tigard, shared his vision for Tigard’s mobility future:

“Our community is working together to ensure that everyone can participate, prosper, and thrive, regardless of their identity, experience, age, ability, or preferred mode of travel. We’re building a vibrant, equitable, and healthy city for generations to come, with safe, sustainable, and accessible mobility options at the core of our decisions.”

Poison Waters, a close friend of Walter “Darcelle XV” Cole, reflects on the legacy of this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award recipient:

“Darcelle taught me to be a person, not just a personality. Locally, he was part of numerous nonprofits, worked with the homeless long before it became a crisis, and always supported the houseless in our community. He and Roxy spent nearly five decades building their business, raising funds for charities, caring for friends affected by HIV/AIDS, and advocating for LGBTQ rights.”

Metro Councilor Juan Carlos González shares his commitment to creating an equitable and accessible transportation system:

“As the youngest and first elected Latino Metro Councilor, my commitment is unwavering in ensuring that underrepresented communities have a seat at the decision-making table. I’ve dedicated myself to advocating for safe, equitable, and accessible transportation systems, especially in neglected areas like TV Highway. Equity, accessibility, and safety are at the forefront of my vision for our community.”

Shawne Martinez, the 2023 Safe Streets for All Award recipient, reveals the motivation behind his advocacy for safer streets and sustainable transportation:

“Becoming a parent brought tremendous positive change to my life! I realized that driving a big stinky pickup truck was harmful to my daughter and everyone else around us. I made transportation choices to promote a healthy lifestyle. I want to be able to tell my daughter that I did everything I could to end car dependency and fight climate change.”

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