PORTLAND, OR – The City of Portland, through its Bureau of Transportation (PBOT), is initiating a new effort to promote sustainable urban mobility with the launch of its City Bike Bus program. The inaugural event is scheduled for today, Wednesday, July 9, 2025, inviting adults to participate in a guided group bicycle commute into downtown Portland.
Designed to mirror the successful concept of school bike buses, this initiative provides a structured and social way for residents to cycle to their destinations. Participants have the flexibility to join the group ride at designated starting points across the city or link up with the collective at pre-determined locations along the various routes.
Event Mechanics and Routes
PBOT has mapped out nine distinct routes leading into the city center for the City Bike Bus. Each route has a specific departure time coordinated to ensure the entire group arrives at Salmon Street Springs by 8:15 a.m. This synchronized arrival allows for a collective conclusion to the commute, fostering a sense of community among participants.
To facilitate easy identification and navigation, designated ride leaders will guide each route. These leaders can be spotted by a bright lime green bandana prominently displayed on their bicycle handlebars.
As an example of the planned logistics, one route departs from the Rieke Elementary School parking lot, located at the intersection of SW Vermont Street and 13th Avenue. This particular ride is scheduled to leave promptly at 7:40 a.m., allowing sufficient time to reach the downtown destination by the target 8:15 a.m. arrival.
A Strategy for Sustainable Transit
The City Bike Bus is envisioned as more than just a single event; it is part of a regular series aimed at encouraging cycling as a viable and enjoyable commuting option. Group rides offer numerous benefits, including increased safety through visibility in numbers, shared navigation expertise, and the social aspect of riding together.
This program aligns with the city’s broader goals to reduce single-occupancy vehicle trips, mitigate traffic congestion, and lower carbon emissions, contributing to a healthier urban environment.
Ongoing Series Through October
The City Bike Bus is planned as a recurring event, scheduled for the second Wednesday of each month throughout the fall. The program will continue through October 2025, offering multiple opportunities for residents to participate.
Following today’s event on July 9, 2025, upcoming City Bike Bus dates include:
* August 13, 2025
* September 10, 2025
* October 8, 2025
These monthly events provide a consistent opportunity for cyclists to integrate the bike bus into their regular commuting routine or try it out on an occasional basis.
Participation and Information
Adults interested in joining the City Bike Bus are encouraged to choose the route most convenient for them and arrive at the starting point or along the route prior to the scheduled departure time. Details regarding the specific meeting points and departure times for all nine routes are available through PBOT’s official channels.
To receive monthly reminders about the upcoming City Bike Bus events, individuals can subscribe to updates by texting the phrase “City Bike Bus” to the number 888-520-0526. This opt-in service ensures potential participants stay informed about the schedule and logistics for each month’s ride.
The City of Portland’s PBOT emphasizes that participants should ensure their bicycles are in good working order and encourages the use of helmets and other standard safety practices while riding.
This initiative represents a practical step by the city to facilitate group cycling, making bike commuting more accessible and appealing to a wider segment of the adult population and supporting Portland’s transition towards more sustainable transportation methods.
