On September 29^th at the final Stakeholders Advisory Committee meeting on the 12^th Avenue bridge bike lane project, a vote was held and the new alignment of the bridge and surrounding intersections passed.  The unanimous SAC vote culminated nearly a year-long process that had potential to further alienate truck-dependent businesses following the difficult Couch Street Couplet changes and who feel squeezed near a major entrance and exit to the district.  In the end, key businesses were satisfied that the city put together a plan that, with significant improvements in signalization, met their needs while adding a bike lane in a difficult intersection.

The proposed changes can be viewed here: ftp://ftp02.portlandoregon.gov/PBOT/Bikeway_Development/Lloyd_District_Stakeholder_Advisory_Committee/SAC_materials_for_9-29-11/12th_overpass_concept_Sep_2011.pdf

CEIC committee representative Mark Twietmeyer of URS Electronics asked that PBOT include a review of the project a year after implementation and create a point of contact for the business community should there be any changes in use, signalization, etc.

Ellen Vanderslice and the PBOT team worked hard to address the needs of the business community and received high marks for producing a product that took seriously the needs of the business community.  But make no mistake, the pressure brought from Franz, Portland Bottling, Twietmeyer and the CEIC had a lot to do with an outcome that many feel improved the overall intersection.  While there are other options that may have been preferable to some, in the end this process can be viewed as a success for both the bike community and the CEIC.

Achieving a desirable outcome “was really a team effort”, said David Lorati, President of the CEIC.  “Early on Juliana (Lukasik @Large Films & CEIC VP) getting Mark Twietmeyer to agree to serve on the SAC was an important first step and Jim Kennison (Franz Bakery), Tom Keenan (Portland Bottling), and Vic Alphonso all played key roles by engaging the process and following through to advocate on behalf of their businesses and the truck community.”  Behind the scenes, there was a sustained high level CEIC effort that included countless hours of advocacy that included the engagement of the Portland Freight Committee, the Portland Business Alliance and members in the Lloyd District.

Lorati also gave credit to Tom Miller and the PBOT project staff.  “We gave them some advice early on that someone needed to engage these businesses and take seriously their needs.”  “They did that, and they deserve credit for following through with their promises and working until the needs of all users of the intersection were met.”  Lorati added “I hope this becomes a model for the CEIC, the City and the bicycle community for working together and building trust.”

A sincere thank you to Mark, Tom, Vic, Juliana and everyone else who gave their time to influence an effective outcome.