Sounds like fun, except if you happen to live inside the cordoned off neighborhood route, as I do. We have been hit with many mailings over the past 6 months instructing the residents inside the loop Don't plan on getting out of the CoP imposed prison area. The mailings instruct us to "join the fun" and meet our neighbors. If I had wanted to meet my neighbors over the years, I would have. Now we get people from Gresham, Beaverton, and Vancouver coming into the hood , just to say "hi, I want to be your neighbor."

Do I think the idea is stupid - yeah. Do I think that spending $150,000 on the idea is stupid, yeah. However, I had to think - if that area wasn't going car-free would I go to that area? No. When the area does go car-free, will I go there? No. In fact, not much of anything would get me to go to that area, so in the end I don't much care. However, as one area resident said when they found out the cost - That money could have done so much more, than wasting it on this fiasco.

Another obtuse idea from the city cretins, and waste of money.
Maybe all of Portland should go car-less.
So happy I no longer live there.

How come the city is doing this in NoPo and not Kings Heights or Westmoreland or even the Pearl???

"...Now, the tighty righties will probably have their shorts in a knot over this...."

No, Jack, I think it's a great idea for a city that can't afford to take care of basic infrastructure. Shoot, what's one or ten or a hundred more stupid wastes of money when you are cash fat like Portland is.

If folks want to go car free, here's a simple solution - do it!

Meanwhile, if you live in that area or if you have a business you are trying to run, or have family plans involving travel, or wanted to (gasp) take the family to church, or go shopping, or visit some real estate, or any other of a hundred things I can think of that folks would normally do on a Sunday.....forget it.

You can accuse some folks of having their "shorts in a knot" but the truth seems to be the powers that be have their common sense gland in a jar on their desk....surgically removed, and completely non-functional.

It'll probably hinder the activities of the majority in that neighborhood, but I don’t think they’re organized to the point of officially complaining. (Unless it becomes a routine) It's just a playground that benefits people with spare time and it’s a really dumb idea.

Ladies, hang on to your purses. Gentelmen,handcuff your bikes to your wrist because you are not in the Pearl.

The "Tri-met - Max " terrorist will think they have died and gone to heaven with all the temptation around. My parents lived across from Chief Joseph school and occasionaly walked to the Interstate Fred Meyer store She was knocked down and robbed. That was 30 years ago.She has since passed away and i'm glad she didn't have to see her beloved Chief Joseph area go down the tube.
I'm a "tighty righty" and i'll have my shorts in a knot if i see a family DRIVE to the designated area, get out of their SUV and jump on their bikes and take advantage of the free food that the taxpayers have provided.
Police presence does not come cheap..........
.

First of all, taxpayer money should not be wasted on a project like this.

Second, if I was a resident of that area this would really would get my undies in a wad.

It was mentioned yesterday that people with legitimate reason to be there can still drive. Are we wasting more taxpayer money to have the police stop every driver and verify their papers?

Wouldn't it make more sense to shut down a few commercial strips like N. Mississippi or Alberta? That would give the event more of a street fair vibe and local business a reason to open up early on a Sunday.

I think it could be pretty fun, too, although a lot depends on how many families are willing to give it a go and how well-planned the activities are at each spot.

But there's always something cool about biking on car-less streets a few times a year - that's why I always love doing Bridge Pedal.

And I can understand how people in the neighborhood could be bothered, but it's one Sunday morning, with plenty of places to cross the route... I can't see that hindering anyone.

http://www.salon.com/opinion/keillor/2008/06/18/winneba... /

Where the link above was supposed to bring you.

by Garrison Keillor

June 18, 2008 | Eighty-six percent of the American people believe the price of gasoline will climb to five bucks a gallon this year, a big shift in public opinion from a year ago when most people felt that oil prices were spiking high and would soon return to normal -- which is 35 cents a gallon, same as a pack of smokes -- and we'd be able to head west in our Winnebagos for a nice summer vacation.

This does not appear to be in the cards and Winnebago stock has fallen about 50 percent in the past year. If you are selling a big box on a truck chassis for as much as a quarter-million dollars when gas is at $4 and rising, you are aiming at a rather select clientele indeed, folks who might rather buy a beach house in Costa Rica than go cruising the Interstate.

Nonetheless it's sad to see the motor home fade into the sunset. I used to despise them when I was a canoeist, of course. You paddle up to a campground at the end of a hard day and see a few R.V.s parked there, the air conditioners rumbling, the flickering blue light of the TVs in the windows, and as you set up your tent as far from them as possible, you feel a moral grandeur purer than you will ever feel again. A holy Christian pilgrim among the piggish heathen.

The fantasy of comfortable vagabondage lies deep within each one of us, though, and once, 30 years ago, driving a GMC motor home around western Minnesota, I fell under the spell. To have the freedom of the road and the comforts of home -- your own books on the shelf, your clothes in a drawer, your brand of beer in the fridge -- is an aristocratic privilege and I was happy to give up moral grandeur for a couple weeks and enjoy it.

Five-dollar gasoline is pushing that fantasy to the wall, and it's also showing most of us that we live in communities whose design is based on the assumption of cheap gasoline -- big lots with backyard privacy make for a long drive to the grocery store. In the big old-fashioned city neighborhood, if you're bored in the evening you just stroll out the door and there, within five or 10 minutes, are a newsstand, a diner, a movie theater, a palm reader, a tavern with a bartender named Joe, whatever you're looking for.

But in the sort of neighborhood most Americans prefer, there are only a lot of houses like yours and residents who give evening pedestrians the hairy eyeball. The mall is a long hike away and it's an amalgam of chain outlets, with a vast parking lot around it. To a person approaching on foot, it feels like an enemy fortress.

So we will need to amuse ourselves in new ways. I predict that banjo sales will pick up. The screened porch will come back in style. And the art of storytelling will burgeon along with it. Stories are common currency in life but only to people on foot. Nobody ever told a story to a clerk at a drive-up window, but you can walk up to the lady at the check-out counter and make small talk and she might tell you, as a woman told me the other day as she rang up my groceries, that she had gotten a puppy that day to replace the old dog who had to be put down a month ago, and right there was a little exchange of humanity. Her willingness to tell me that made her real to me. People who aren't real to each other are dangerous to each other. Stories give us the simple empathy that is the basis of the Golden Rule, which is the basis of civilized society.

So when gas passes $5 and heads for $8 and $10, we will learn to sit in dim light with our loved ones and talk about hunting and fishing adventures, about war and romance and times of consummate foolishness when we threw caution to the wind and flung ourselves over the Cliffs of Desire and did not land on the Sharp Rocks of Regret.

I'll tell you about the motor home trip and how lovely it was, cruising the prairie at night and drinking beer, stopping by a little creek and grilling fish on a Coleman stove, listening to coyotes. The vanishing of the R.V. only makes your story more interesting. One thing lost, something else gained. Life is like that.

Follow the goat, sheepeople!

If folks want to go car free, here's a simple solution - do it!

And leave those of us who prefer not to alone.

What a useless and meaningless thing this is. Perfect for Portland.

Yet the official reviews will interepret the "experiment" to have been whatever they imagine it is before it happens.

Also perfect for Portland.

According to the city the North Portland area was chosen for this first Sunday Parkway because the route is mostly flat and easy to bike or walk. As a resident right in the middle of the "no car" zone I have mixed feelings. It will be interesting to see how quiet it will be with fewer cars whizzing through. On the other hand, even though North Portland is not an urban war zone as so many seem to think, the idea of hundreds of strangers biking and walking past my house is not very comforting. It would seem to make more sense to close a major street (e.g. Martin Luther King Blvd or Hawthorne) for a few hours and allow pedestrians and bicyclists to move about without having to dodge motorized vehicles. I have witnessed this in Mexico City. Last summer they would close one of the major routes through the city (a six lane boulevard, Paseo de la Reforma) for about six hours on Sunday mornings. It was wonderful! The best thing was the quiet.

Only if we block off a part of town for cars only in an equal amount of time. Preferably a business section of town during 9-5 weekdays.

Jack, why doesn't your poll have "No" as an option?

My house is in the zone, and I think it is a good idea to have it free of motor traffic for 1 day. Nice way to get folks walking on Killingsworth--which is starting to get some nice commercial acitivity. IMO, this is good news for Overlook and Arbor Lodge neighborhoods.

I've got an idea. Why don't we shut down the streets around Dunthorpe or Council Crest and let the "little people" come from the flatlands and wander around? A good time would be had by all.

Thanks to ejs for the Garrison Keillor story. Having just returned from a "camping trip" in our rather simple little 21 ft, 1993 Tioga, I can identify. The 48 foot motor mansions we saw on the road were nearly all towing dinghies of various types form Escalades to Minis. All "needing" satellite dishes and all requiring umbilical cords to run all the stuff. You don't talk to people in campgrounds anymore.
The same is true with boats as well. Here you all in the middle of some of the most beautiful scenery in the world, but one MUST have one's 42 in flat screen tv.
The idea that people would drive to this car free zone in their SUVs is repugnant.
I agree with the folks who would prefer to have a business area restricted rather than an entire neighborhood that needs to have police to enforce the car ban. That seems like a needless expense in a city that has little if any money to spare.

It is amazing how many nah sayers are always commenting on new ideas and changes to make PDX a better place to live, work and play. They did this with the MAX. It turned out to be one of the best ideas in the U.S. and is internationally recongized. The list goes on and on.

It would be great if these nay sayers would actually support ideas to make them better and to help PDX grow productively. Waste of tax payers money is those who bitch and never participate in anything. How self-centered can you be? Got any ideas that would create a sense of place and community nah sayers, or do you think it should be all about you once again?

Believe it or not, businesses actually thrive because people can spend the time and visually see them rather than to just drive by. People actually get to know the neighborhoods and discover new parks, businesses, activities, etc. Also folks, the MAX will allow people to get to and from the area to participate. This is free marketing for businesses.

As for crime, yes that is a shame that an incident or two has happened. However, do you remember what it was 5 years ago? It was a crime haven. Thanks to redevelopment dollars and the MAX that the neighborhood has transformed into a more productive area. Less crime has occured.

If you get out there and participate to make it better, not just for the neighborhood iteself, but for all of Portland, crime would happen less because people are willing to invest more.

I'll go because I only live a few blocks away.

"Nice way to get folks walking on Killingsworth"

What's stopping them now?
Cars down't drive on the sidewalks.

Sorry, but this is all just too dumb.

"It is amazing how many nah sayers are always commenting on new ideas and changes to make PDX a better place to live, work and play. They did this with the MAX. It turned out to be one of the best ideas in the U.S. and is internationally recongized. The list goes on and on.

It would be great if these nay sayers would actually support ideas to make them better and to help PDX grow productively."

Hey KSP, here's one for you - I use my car to get to work, to pay the taxes that supports crap like this. I won't change a 45 min car ride in my 45+ MPG diesel for two and a half hours on the crime ridden MAX line. Not happening. An "incident or two"....?? How do you manage to type with your head in the sand so deeply?

Here's an idea that will help PDX grow productively - spend money on sustaining the infrastructure we already have and don't spend money we don't have on feel good nonsense like this. No one is telling folks they HAVE to use cars; they can get around any way they choose. I only ask for the same freedom in making my transportation choices.

Gee Jack...looks like readers of your blog aren't as crazy about the idea as you are.
maybe they don't like the "bridge to the 18th century" style transportation that Portland is advocating
Lars

While I find your blog erudite and a great source of public information and "talk oif the town," sometimes bojack i just can't understand the curmudgeons who read and comment on your website.

When people get out and walk and bike more, it reduces health care costs by getting people outside, it increases community, it promotes transportation free of carbon emissions, makes transit more equitable since not everyone can afford an automobile/gasoline, it'll bring money into the myriad of local businesses and vendors selling food.. Seriously. I can understand being frustrated by the potential of difficulty being in an automobile trying to get around the parkway, but it's sunday morning!

I live inside the car-free area in NoPo and I'm not worried about it at all. I can get out just fine. There are plenty of intersections that will allow me to drive my car out of the "zone".

I think it's a great idea. I don't mind making cars inconvenient for a day and let pedestrians rule the road. If gas prices keep going the way they are (From $65 per barrel a year ago to closing at $134.01 per barrel last night. An increase of 107.7% in one year) those roads will be plenty car-free within a year anyway.

Portland keeps getting cornier by the minute. $150K for this goofy event is a just another wannabe feel good story. One day of going 'car free' in a small residential section of NoPo will be an after thought a week later...folks are you that gulible?? I love how it's popular now to be green and want to save the earth...is the earth really dying or is our perception of the earth dying?..hmmmm..everyone wants to feel like they are doing something good, maybe to cover up the things they are doing bad? hmmm..

It's a stupid idea, and am fearful it will be imposed in my neighborhood sometime. One more reason to flee this commune where planners impose their own views on the working class.

I think this is an awesome idea. New York City is doing something similar in August. And for all those who are whining about the cost:

Grants from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Kaiser Permanente, Metro and other sponsors have completely covered the city's $150,000 tab for the event.

Jack, why doesn't your poll have "No" as an option?

There are two "No" answers, meant to separate those who can go but won't from those who couldn't go even if they wanted to because they're not from around here.

If there's some other category of "No," that's what the comments are for.

There are two "No" answers, meant to separate those who can go but won't from those who couldn't go even if they wanted to because they're not from around here.

I still think there should be a simple "No" selection. For example, I don't live in the area, but I don't consider myself too far away to attend. I just think it is a stupid idea and wouldn't attend under any circumstances.

But, like you said, that's what the comments are for. And it's your blog and poll.

Carry on...

I'll be going over to check it out. Ever since the International Standard Stupid Idea Relative Proporionality Scale was radically revised by the Bush administration, something like this hardly even ranks anymore.

Portland is a great city and all of the different neighborhoods add to its charm in my opinion. I enjoy exploring Portland on my bike, on foot, on TriMet/MAX and yes, even in my car.

Events like these get me out of the house and into a new neighborhood. Events like these make me want to stay in Portland, meet my neighbors, participate in civic discussions, sort through the rants on this blog, and continue to feel good about paying taxes.

TL -- I'm sorry your quality of life is so tied to your 45 minute car commute. I wish there were a way to use PDX taxes to get your company to move closer to where you live.

"They did this with the MAX. It turned out to be one of the best ideas in the U.S. and is internationally recongized. The list goes on and on."

Um, correction, MAX is wreck that keeps on giving a sucking (your tax dollars) sound. Even IF (a HUGE if) EVERYONE paid the fare, the fare box would barely cover 20% of the costs. Instead, all businesses in the Tri-county area have to pay and pay and pay - regardless of how far your business is from ANY kind of public transportation. The reason MAX is 'internationally recognized' is because they don't point out little details like the true costs, the crime factor and the time factor - when you ignore those points of interest, MAX starts to look like a success; if you keep them in the equation it's NOT a success.

I heard the lady in Portland who is in charge of this idea, gushing, about how 'fun' it will be. Last time I looked, the city charter didn't include 'fun'. Spent your time and money doing things like repairing roads and bridges and putting bad guys in jail. The majority of citizens will take care of having 'fun' without your help.

NO CAR ZONE!!Can anyone say Socialist Russia..Show me you're PAPERS! What gives the City of Portland the right to deny legal tax paying citzens the right of access to any part of our city.Restricting the rights of a free people to move about in any manor is a violation of our basic rights.If I choose to drive my car or truck and use fuel that I paid for,thats my right.This is a slippery slope that we are going down.What's next?The right to free speach,or? This is not a protest on the cost of fuel or cars,but an attack on our personal FREEDOM.If you want to walk or ride your bike thats your right,but do not tell me I have no right to drive my car.

Jedfish wants people to be forced to live close to their jobs, or is it that employers are to be forced to move their businesses close to their employees? In either case, that's more government control than I am willing to tolerate--and it doesn't address the problem of employees who want to live in different places for reasons of family, church, or whathaveyou.

What about people with mobility issues? Many of them need bus service or car service to get around; the purported virtues of walking instead won't improve their health, just make life more difficult for them.

Dumb, wasteful, misplaced.

My money's on at least one incident/accident.

Alameda/Wilshire/Hollywood would be a better area.

And here I thought I was the city's grouchiest old coot.

Okay, I've now resolved to just read Jack's posts and not the comments anymore on this blog. You guys have really jumped the shark.

You're complaining about a family-friendly event, largely paid for by donations, that promotes healthy living, that neighbors have known about for six months, and that brings attention and visitors (and shoppers) to a part of town that historicaly has been neglected.

What a bunch of whiners.

"Jedfish wants people to be forced to live close to their jobs, or is it that employers are to be forced to move their businesses close to their employees?" I do? Is this what I said?

Thanks Kai for noticing my post, but you might want to read it more carefully before you make claims on my behalf.

I will say that I feel very lucky that I can bike, bus, or in a pinch walk to work. It greatly improves my quality of life. I get some exercise, I stop and talk with neighbors on the way home, I have more time with family, friends etc. And I think it would be great if companies were given some sort of tax break/incentive to relocate/set up satellite offices closer to their employees.

While I agree with promoting a healthy lifestyle, reducing vehicle traffic, and finding alternatives to high fuel costs I can't say that I agree with the placement of this event or the amount of money spent. I definitely agree that the Pearl or Hawthorne or many other places around Portland would have been a better choice. 23rd st. downtown could easily have been closed w/o complaints and w/o spending money on events due to the large amounts of activities already in the area. BTW the event was sponsored by a grant from the EPA.... Which to my knowledge is a branch of our government... Which to my knowledge is mostly funded by tax dollars...
http://www.portlandonline.com/transportation/index.cfm?c=46103

"Wouldn't it make more sense to shut down a few commercial strips like N. Mississippi or Alberta?"

NOOOO! Alberta has events coming out the yin yang. No more please.

That said, when they do shut down the street, we get out and enjoy the novelty of it for a few hours. I'm not sure I understand six whole miles, but I'm sure it will pass without much trouble.

I'm guessing the grouchiness here comes from an overall feeling that there is a conspiracy afoot to make the town unworkable for people who rely on cars (i.e. almost everyone). I succumb to that suspicion often enough.

The tone of the comments to this post is skewed toward the grouchy primarily because The Oregonian website has prominently linked to the story on its front page.

"TL -- I'm sorry your quality of life is so tied to your 45 minute car commute. I wish there were a way to use PDX taxes to get your company to move closer to where you live."

Interesting comment, Jedfish. I wonder how many folks would honestly take a substantial cut in pay to work within bicycle distance of their home. My guess is that the answer is "not many" if folks would be honest. If that means my "quality of life" is "tied to my car commute" I guess I have to plead guilty as charged. Doing the best I can for my family matters a lot.

Only thing is my company moved AWAY from PDX to escape the repressive business c