(May 2, 2023) The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) invites Portlanders to walk, roll, and stroll at Portland’s signature open street event—Portland Sunday Parkways presented by Kaiser Permanente in East Portland on May 7 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Coinciding with National Ride a Bike Day and Bike Month, this free, accessible, and family-friendly event features 3.3 miles of mostly car-free streets and parks that host food carts and retail vendors. Each park also features free entertainment or fitness programming. Portland Sunday Parkways is a unique tradition, and for many Portlanders, it’s the event that got them started biking in city streets.
“As a health care organization that believes in the power of creating health where people live and play, Kaiser Permanente is proud to partner with the City and local businesses, artists and vendors to create healthy and memorable experiences for our Portland communities,” said Dr. Siobhan Gray, Medical Director of Virtual Cardiac Rehab at Kaiser Permanente Northwest. “Activities like biking, walking, running and playing are especially good for your heart health, so we are excited to celebrate good health, civic pride, amazing parks and safe streets.”
“Sunday Parkways is one of my favorite city events,” said Transportation Commissioner Mingus Mapps. “I love riding the open streets with my kids as we explore the neighborhood and enjoy the music, entertainment, and delicious treats along the route. Whether you plan to walk, bike, roll, or stroll, you are guaranteed to have a great time!”
Enjoy live entertainment and activities all day
The East Portland Sunday Parkways will feature an exciting array of free entertainment and activities.
- Always wanted to try roller skating? Visit Rose City Rollers at Gateway Discovery for free rentals from 12-3 p.m.!
- Enjoy live music from talented local musicians and performers at the music stages at Gateway Discovery Park, Lincoln Park, and the traffic circle at NE 108th and Oregon Street.
- Learn some new tricks with Circus Cascadia at Ventura Park.
See the full line-up at our East Portland Sunday Parkways website.
Sunday Parkways has also partnered with organizations to offer programming for people with disabilities. Community members can interact with Adaptive BIKETOWN, Every Body Athletics, and Children’s Healing Art Project.
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What to expect for driving in the area
People living in the area will be able to travel to and from their homes. Stop at the barricades and talk to the volunteers at intersections to manage access along the route. Drive slowly and cautiously and ask for help from volunteers as you cross designated Sunday Parkways routes.
Those driving on nearby arterial streets such as E Burnside Street, SE Stark Street, and SE 122nd Avenue, should expect delays as well. Flaggers will be on hand at the busiest intersections to control traffic and ensure everyone can enjoy Sunday Parkways safely.
Get your bike ready for riding
Set yourself up for successful rides by doing a simple A-B-C quick check on your bike. Take 2 minutes to save hours of headaches! To learn more about keeping your bike running smoothly join our Bike Maintenance Basics class on May 4.
No bike? No problem! Free BIKETOWN at Sunday Parkways
BIKETOWN is offering free rides for anyone ending or starting their ride at the event. Each free ride is 60 minutes, to keep riding simply lock the bike before 60 minutes run outs. Then you can start a new trip. Pro-tip, set a timer on your phone for 50 minutes so you don’t forget. Riders should be 16 years and older, and each person will need to unlock their own bike from a smartphone. Download the app here.
Our sponsor Lime is also offering 50% off e-scooter rides that start in East Portland.
Support biking by volunteering in your community
Portland Sunday Parkways is still looking for volunteers for all three community events. We are recruiting for Intersection Superheroes and Mobile Superheroes. Our Superheroes are the most important volunteers, helping neighbors who live directly on the route, and acting as ambassadors for Portland Sunday Parkways. Each shift is only 3.5 hours, so you’ll still have time to enjoy the event, and every volunteer receives a commemorative t-shirt. Interested individuals can get more info and sign up here.
Can’t make it on Sunday? Go on a joy ride any day with self-guided rides
Self-guided rides are a convenient and flexible option for having some bike fun in the city. Find inspiration for rides in different neighborhoods across Portland on our PBOT webpage, and more on apps like Ride-with-GPS. PBOT self-guided rides feature routes that utilize low-stress streets and have been tested by our staff. Or check out PBOT’s walking and biking maps and plan your own trip!
About National Bike Month
National Bike Month in May is promoted by the League of American Bicyclists and celebrated in communities from coast to coast. Established in 1956, National Bike Month is a chance to showcase the many benefits of bicycling — and encourage more folks to giving biking a try.
About Portland Sunday Parkways
Portland Sunday Parkways 2023 is presented by Kaiser Permanente and is a Portland Bureau of Transportation program. For maps and more information, visit PortlandSundayParkways.org or call 311 / 503-823-4000. Follow us on Facebook @PortlandSundayParkways and Instagram @PortlandSundayParkways.
About Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America’s leading healthcare providers and nonprofit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable healthcare services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 12.5 million members in 8 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. For more information, please visit: about.kaiserpermanente.org
