A cyclist was struck by a car this morning in Northeast Portland – at an intersection near property where Metro’s voter-approved Natural Areas Program recently secured rights to extend the Marine Drive Trail.
“When we talk about trails, people immediately think of outdoor recreation. That’s important, but so is public safety,” said Metro Council President Tom Hughes. “Although trails don’t eliminate the possibility of accidents, they make a big difference.”
A car was heading west on Northeast Marine Drive when it turned left onto Northeast 122nd Avenue, police said, hitting an eastbound cyclist. Police said the cyclist’s injuries were not life-threatening, but did not offer additional information.
Last month, Metro negotiated an agreement to build nearly 500 feet of trail just west of 122nd Avenue. This is one of several gaps Metro is working to close in the Marine Drive Trail, which eventually will stretch 20 miles from the St. Johns neighborhood in North Portland eastward through Gresham and Troutdale. It is part of the 40-Mile Loop trail system.
Several trails are represented in the 27 areas where Metro invests the region’s 2006 natural areas bond measure. When it comes to trails, Metro typically doesn't buy land – just the right to put a trail on it. Metro then coordinates with the local government that will build the trail, eliminating missing links that force users onto public streets.
During the past year, Metro has negotiated agreements that pave the way for about 2.75 miles of trail. Progress has been made across the Portland metropolitan area, including the Marine Drive Trail, the Springwater Corridor and the Fanno Creek Greenway.