Hello from Portland, Oregon! I am currently in town working an odd job and trying to squeeze in some research about bike lanes and gentrified communities. I am drawn to Portland due to a recent community uproar over a proposed bicycle lane improvement plan in North Portland. There is ample coverage of this via Bike Portland: http://bikeportland.org/tag/williams-avenue-bikeway-project
Funny enough, I am sitting in a cafe mere feet from the bike lane that has caused a serious discussion about racism and classism rooted in bicycle infrastructure planning.
The community debate about what an improved bike lane represents in North Portland rests on a recent history of hyper-gentrification in the area. The house I am staying at in Portland is a few blocks from the intersection of Fremont and 15th Ave. I am completely fascinated with this intersection due to its glaring juxtaposition between the “old” and “new” North Portland. Have a look!
Helmets, Melody
phmelody 