The Intersection of Neglect: How Portland’s Streets Became a Battleground for Pedestrian Safety
There’s a chilling irony in the way we design our cities. We build roads to connect people, yet too often, they become the very places where lives are severed. Portland’s Franklin Street and Marginal Way intersection is a stark example of this paradox. It’s not just a dangerous crossing; it’s a symbol of a deeper systemic failure—one that prioritizes the speed of cars over the safety of people.
The Human Cost of Design Flaws
Let’s start with the story of Diane Bell, a 75-year-old runner who was killed at this intersection in November. What makes this particularly tragic is that Bell was doing everything right. She was wearing reflective gear, following traffic signals, and even helping others cross safely. Yet, she became another statistic in Portland’s growing list of pedestrian fatalities.
Personally, I think this raises a deeper question: How can we blame individuals for accidents when the infrastructure itself is designed to fail them? The intersection’s layout—with its slip lanes, high-speed turns, and confusing signals—is a recipe for disaster. It’s not just about one driver running a yellow light; it’s about a system that incentivizes reckless behavior.
The ‘Beg Button’ and Other Insults
One detail that I find especially interesting is the so-called ‘beg button’ at this intersection. Pedestrians must press a button to get a walk signal, as if their right to cross safely is a privilege, not a basic human need. This design choice is more than an inconvenience; it’s a metaphor for how we treat pedestrians in car-centric cities.
If you take a step back and think about it, this button is a symptom of a larger problem. We’ve engineered our streets to prioritize the flow of traffic, often at the expense of human lives. What this really suggests is that we’ve lost sight of who our cities are for.
The Slow Grind of Progress
Portland has adopted a Vision Zero plan, aiming to eliminate pedestrian deaths. On paper, it’s a noble goal. But in practice, progress feels glacial. The city has allocated millions for safety improvements, yet advocates like Myles Smith, chair of the bicycle and pedestrian advisory committee, argue that change isn’t happening fast enough.
From my perspective, the issue isn’t just about funding—it’s about mindset. We’ve spent decades building a transportation system that favors cars, and undoing that legacy requires more than just money. It demands a fundamental shift in how we think about urban space.
The Psychology of Speed
Speed is the silent killer in pedestrian accidents. At 40 mph, a driver has little chance of stopping in time to avoid a collision. Yet, many of Portland’s streets are designed to encourage exactly this kind of driving. What many people don’t realize is that even small reductions in speed can dramatically improve survival rates.
This raises another point: Why are we so resistant to lowering speed limits? In my opinion, it’s because we’ve internalized the idea that time saved in a car is more valuable than the safety of those outside it. This is a cultural problem as much as it is a design one.
Temporary Fixes, Permanent Problems
Temporary solutions like flex posts and road painting are a step in the right place, but they’re not enough. The Bicycle Coalition of Maine has fielded 50 requests for such projects, which shows how desperate communities are for change. Yet, bureaucratic hurdles like permitting and insurance requirements often slow down these initiatives.
What this really suggests is that we need to rethink how we implement safety measures. If we’re serious about saving lives, we can’t let red tape get in the way of progress.
The Bigger Picture
Portland’s pedestrian safety crisis isn’t unique. It’s part of a broader trend in American cities, where car-centric design has created environments that are hostile to walkers and cyclists. But what makes Portland’s situation particularly fascinating is its potential to be a turning point.
If the city can successfully redesign its streets—prioritizing safety over speed, people over cars—it could serve as a model for others. But this requires bold action, not just incremental changes.
A Call to Action
As I reflect on this issue, one thing that immediately stands out is the urgency of the moment. Every day we delay, more lives are at risk. The redesign of Franklin Arterial, scheduled for next year, is a start, but it’s not enough. We need systemic change, and we need it now.
In my opinion, the real challenge isn’t technical—it’s political. Are we willing to prioritize safety over convenience? Are we ready to reimagine our streets as spaces for everyone, not just cars? These are the questions Portland—and every city—must answer.
Final Thoughts
Standing at the Franklin and Marginal Way intersection, Myles Smith described it as ‘Portland’s purgatory.’ I couldn’t agree more. But purgatory implies a chance for redemption. The question is whether we’ll take it.
If you take a step back and think about it, this isn’t just about one intersection or one city. It’s about the kind of world we want to live in. Do we want streets that divide us, or ones that bring us together? The choice is ours.
