Bikes, Trains, Buses, and Walkable Streets: The Future Oregonians Want

Today, 100+ Oregonians are rallyingin Salem to deliver a message shared by more than a thousand during a legislative listening tour last summer - public and active transportation is equally important no matter where you live in Oregon. The rally, hosted by an OEC partner coalition Move Oregon Forward, will focus on the state's newly proposed transportation packagewhile uplifting data collected during the legislative listening tour. That data paints a clear picture: 64% of Oregonians support more investments in public transportation.

The report by Move Oregon Forward found that "transit agencies across the state need investments to ensure services remain stable and continue to connect Oregonians regardless of where they live in the community."

For the listening tour, lawmakers criss-crossed a dozen cities to hear from local voices about the state of Oregon's transportation system, and turnout was massive. More than 1,160 Oregonians vocalized support for a future that is walkable, bikeable, and public transportation-centered.

Listening tour participants made their priorities for transportation crystal clear. Per the report: "Despite the geographic and demographic diversity across Oregon, our transportation needs are quite similar. Everyone needs a safe and efficient way to travel, with or without a car, on a transportation system that is well maintained."

From Coos Bay to Ontario, the Move Oregon Forward coalition was there for every meeting. Below are some key takeaways from the coalition's report :

• 745 people support Oregon investing in public transportation which includes things like buses, dial-a-ride shuttles, a transit pass for youth to ride for free, light rail, and passenger rail (like Amtrak). Right now, transportation is our state's biggest source of climate pollution. More people traveling by bus, train, bicycle, on foot, electric cars and trucks means fresher air, fewer health impacts, and thriving communities.
  
  Our transportation system also has big gaps that limit some more than others. People with disabilities, rural families, people of color, and folks struggling to make ends meet have the greatest need for affordable transportation. These frontline communities are more likely to struggle to afford a car in areas that depend on driving. They're also more likely to rely on public transit, and walk or bike out of necessity. That's why the primary focus of our work in the Move Oregon Forward coalition is on policy solutions that put these communities first.
• 432 people support Oregon investing in bicycle and pedestrian improvements which include things like sidewalks, bike lanes, trails, and crosswalks. Oreogn's current transportation system needs major repairs. Sadly, our state has a high rate of traffic fatalities with very little choice for the people who live here. We can create vibrant, resilient neighborhoods by prioritizing safety-focused sidewalks, bike lanes, trails, and crosswalks. Investing in bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure will also cut pollution and improve our health. Air pollution from transportation (like diesel emissions and debris from tire wear) is killing and sickening us. We can save hundreds of lives every year in Oregon, and lower chronic disease and asthma rates with improvements for bicycles and pedestrians.
• There is strong support for a mix of public transportation options. Of the 64% who support funding for public transportation: 60% support transit, 16% support passenger rail, 11% support paratransit and another 11% support rural transit. We want a transportation system that works for everyone. This report shows us that Oregonians agree. With more options like trains or buses, and by modernizing to electric transit, people can avoid commuter traffic; limiting the need for costly megaprojects and cutting air pollution. More sidewalks, bike lanes, trails, and crosswalks also prevents traffic, pollution, and crashes. Oregonians should have the freedom to choose how they move within their communities, and from city to city. With these investments we can make our streets safer for people no matter what mode of transit they choose.
• Two key state safety programs rose to the top of public comments. Among the 37% of people who support investing in bicycle and pedestrian improvements: most people, 70%, support improving and completing bicycle and pedestrian networks. 13% support Oregon's Safe Routes to School program as well as safety upgrades in commuter areas around major schools. Another 12% support the Oregon Community Paths program which helps communities create and maintain multi use paths with better access and safety for people walking and bicycling. Also significant, more than four percent support micro mobility, which includes bicycles, e-bikes, e-scooters, and bike and scooter share programs.

Altogether, the report is telling. Public and active transportation priorities are equally important in Oregon's rural and urban areas. While it may be no surprise that the top three priorities for people in Eugene are funding for public transportation, active transportation, and maintaining local roads and highways - the same three issues also rank the highest for testifiers in Hermiston.

Among the consensus, there is also some nuance. Coos Bay testifiers mentioned Medium-Heavy Duty vehicle electrification was important to their community, while Medford testifiers supported wildlife crossings. Portland testifiers expressed support for paratransit, transit electrification and passenger rail. Tillamook community members spoke up for many of these same issues while calling for regional and intercity connections along the coast and to the valley, as well as the completion of the Salmonberry Trail - an 82-Mile Rail-To-Trail project connecting Banks, Oregon to the Oregon Coast.

As the legislature kicks into high gear, and discussions about the future of our transportation system start to take shape, it's important to remember how urban and rural community priorities in this area are more aligned than we may assume. This alignment is especially notable in light of recent demographic shifts that have shown population growth happening less in the state's traditional urban centers, and more in its rural communities .

Members of the Move Oregon Forward coalition attended every stop of the legislature's summer transportation listening tour. From these public hearings, the coalition counted 767+ written submissions and 350 oral testimonies. The coalition boasts 40+ members representing active transportation, climate, environmental justice, and place-based organizations, and is led by a handful of organizations: OEC, Verde, Climate Solutions, Oregon Walks, The Street Trust, 1000 Friends of Oregon, Oregon Trails Coalition, Oregon Just Transition Alliance, and Better Eugene-Springfield Transportation.

If you or your organization would like to get involved , visit the Move Oregon Forward website for more details.