Cycling in the City: All the Perks of Pedaling in Portland

With more cyclists per capita than any other city in the U.S., it’s safe to say Portland residents know a thing or two when it comes to conquering the city on two wheels. And they didn’t get this way by accident. Between the city’s ideal cycling infrastructure and overall eco-conscious attitude, many Portlanders prefer bikes to vehicles as a regular mode of transportation.

Whether you’re getting ready to move to an apartment in Portland or simply want to learn more about the city during May - National Bike Month - check out the bike-friendly amenities and trails that make the city pass up others when it comes to cycling.

Ride & Fly

Heading out of town? That doesn’t mean you have to leave your trusty ride behind. Portland International Airport (PDX) accommodates bikers with a multi-use path connecting to the regional trail system, secure bicycle parking and even a bike assembly and repair station.

Bike Parking

While the majority of businesses and attractions around the city offer bike parking, the convenience doesn’t stop there. Lloyd, a popular Portland neighborhood, is home to Lloyd Cycle Station, a world-class bike parking facility with 600 secure bike parking spaces, lockers, shower facilities, and a self-service repair and wash station. The bike parking membership runs as low as $99 a year for unlimited parking and access 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Tilikum Crossing

Often referred to as “The Bridge of the People,” Tilikum Crossing is a cable-stayed bridge built exclusively for trains, buses, pedestrians and, of course, cyclists – the first of its kind ever built in the U.S. The bridge crosses the Willamette River, giving bikers easy access in and out of the city via 14-foot-wide paths without the congestion of private cars. 

Willamette River Loop

Speaking of the Willamette River, in the mood to cruise while enjoying scenic views? Willamette River Loop offers 30 miles of beautiful greenery and water views while passing through Lake Oswego. There is also a 6-mile trail for cyclists looking for a shorter ride.

Mountain View Trail

Part of Powell Butte Nature Park’s 20 miles of trails, Mountain View Trail allows bikers to keep their eye on the prize as they pedal on the paved path toward Mount Hood. A few single-track trails nearby take riders around grassy nooks and open fields.  

Bike & Brew Tours

While bikes might come first in many residents’ hearts, beer is a close second. After all, there are more than 75 breweries within the city limits, so it’s no surprise that locals and tourists alike often combine the two passions with an afternoon of biking and brewery hopping (responsibly, of course).

Cycling Safety

Even with all the beer, Portland still ranks as one of the safest cities to cycle in, according to Bicycling magazine, due to its bike-specific traffic signals, bicycle boxes that make cyclists more visible to vehicles at intersections, and Vision Zero plan that aims to protect bikers and pedestrians by eliminating traffic-related fatalities.  

Banks-Vernonia State Trail

Take a ride through history. Originally serving as the rail line responsible for transporting timber and freight more than a century ago, Banks-Vernonia State Trail now carries cyclists and hikers looking to reconnect with nature while winding through 21 miles of dense forest.

Ready to call this cyclist-loving city home? Put the pedal to the metal when you check out Greystar’s impressive apartment communities in Portland’s most popular ZIP codes.

National Bike Month Series

• Coming tomorrow: Greystar is proud to have apartment communities in the top 13 cycling cities in the United States. Get tips on how to clean, store and organize your bike and accessories while living in one of our apartments.
• Coming Thursday: It's not all about Portland! Here are some other popular bike paths that Greystar communities are near.

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