Pedestrians and Cyclists Have a Voice
Are you interested in walking and cycling issues in Tigard? If so, we'd like
to hear from you!
The city is looking for volunteers to serve on the Pedestrian and Bicyclist Subcommittee.
The subcommittee provides advice and guidance on issues affecting
pedestrians and cyclists and promotes walking and cycling as a form of recreation and transportation.
The group typically meets from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month in the Red Rock Conference
Room at City Hall (13125 SW Hall Blvd., Tigard). Meetings are open to the public.
Subcommittee’s current tasks include:
- Identifying and prioritizing projects to address gaps and key connections in the city's pedestrian
and bicycle transportation system.
- Providing input on project design and planning issues related to walking and cycling.
- Helping city staff understand the needs of walkers and cyclists who travel in and around Tigard.
The group consists of nine volunteers serving one or two-year terms. Citizen Committee Interest
Applications are typically accepted in late spring/early summer of each year. Contact Sr. Project Engineer Mike McCarthy
at 503-718-2462 or mikem@tigard-or.gov if you're interested in serving.
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Keepin’ it Safe at Crosswalks
In 2011-12, the city installed rapid-flashing beacons at four Tigard crosswalks: Durham Road at Tigard High School, Greenburg Road at Center Street, Walnut Street at Grant Avenue,
and 68th Parkway south of Hampton Street. These crossings are popular with pedestrians, but
do not have traffic signals.
Crosswalk Beacons
The solar-powered beacons, stationed along both sides of the street, are mounted on posts with
typical crosswalk signage. Pedestrians press a button to activate the beacons, which produce
yellow flashing lights. The lights signal motorists to yield to pedestrians waiting at the curb
or walking in the crosswalk. Depending on the width of the crossing, beacons flash for 20 to 40
seconds before turning off automatically. Research shows that crosswalk beacons significantly
increase the number of motorists who yield to pedestrians. In one study, rates improved from
18 percent before beacons to 81 percent after beacons.
Crosswalk Reminders
Pedestrians:
- Cross at designated signals or crosswalks where motorists expect to see you.
- Make eye contact with drivers before stepping into the street.
- Make yourself visible to motorists; be predictable and carry a flashlight and wear reflective clothing at night.
Drivers:
- Be alert for pedestrians, particularly at crosswalks and intersections.
- Yield to pedestrians who are crossing or waiting to cross the street.
- Keep in mind that, according to state law, a crosswalk exists across all sides of an intersection—even if the crosswalk is not marked.
Did you know...
Did you know that when you're riding in the street (acting as a vehicle) and a school bus
stops with flashing red lights, you must stop before reaching it and wait, just
like any other vehicle on the road (see ORS 811.155). Easy enough. But cyclists
also have the ability under Oregon law to become pedestrians (ORS 814.410). If
you choose to exercise that option and use the sidewalk to cautiously pass, keep
these rules (from Dan Pegoda of the Animated Traffic Law Center) in mind:
- yield right-of-way to pedestrians and give an audible signal when passing
- slow to walking speed when crossing a crosswalk or driveway
- don't operate your bicycle in a careless manner
- don't operate an electric-assisted bicycle
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