Cemetery allows cycling, for now

River View takes measures to reduce conflicts and risks

By Steve Law

The Portland Tribune, Nov 19, 2009 (5 Reader comments)

L.E. BASKOW / TRIBUNE FILE PHOTO

Bicyclists have discovered River View Cemetery is a safer way to commute between Southwest Portland and the east side than the alternative route, Taylors Ferry Road. But speeding and rude bicyclists have caused conflicts with cemetery users.

Bicycle commuters will retain the right to pedal through Southwest Portland’s River View Cemetery, while the cemetery takes interim steps to resolve safety and liability concerns about conflicts between cemetery visitors and bicyclists.

Hundreds of bicycle commuters use the cemetery as a safe and scenic route linking Southwest Portland, including Lewis & Clark College, to Portland’s eastside via the Sellwood Bridge. The alternative is biking on Taylors Ferry Road, which is a treacherous route for bicyclists.

Conflicts came to a head recently when the cemetery added speed bumps to deter speeding bicyclists, and the abrupt bumps in the road led to a handful of serious injuries to bicyclists.

In response to the accidents and a growing number of complaints about rude and insensitive bicyclists, the cemetery’s board of trustees recently decided on a handful of interim steps, according to David Noble, cemetery executive director.

• The cemetery agreed to post new 15 mph speed limit signs at four entrances, making it clearer to motorists and bicyclists that they need to slow down while driving through the hilly terrain.

• The cemetery will hire a traffic safety consultant to evaluate the cemetery’s speed bumps and perhaps suggest other ways to accommodate safe bicycle traffic.

• And the cemetery will consult its insurance carrier to assess liability concerns about hosting thousands of bicycle commuters during the year.

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