Rose Quarter to Gorge Trail Purpose and Need

  • The RQGT is an uninterrupted and safe off-street link between the East bank Esplanade, Willamette River Greenway, I-205 Trail, and Springwater Trail It is a comfortable grade for bicyclists, walkers, skaters, and physically challenged users throughout the trail.
  • It connects downtown Portland, Portland Rose Quarter, Oregon Convention Center, Lloyd District, Hollywood District, Gateway Regional Center, three State Parks, and Multnomah Falls.
  • It connects numerous bus lines and all MAX light-rail stations from the Rose Quarter to the Gateway Regional Center.
  • The RQGT has approximately 50 trail access points to streets and it has no railroad crossings.
  • The corridor encourages economic stimulus, housing development, zone changes, and urban renewal opportunities.
  • RQGT is a gateway to the City of Portland and the Historic Columbia River Gorge.
  • Connects all communities and all north/south bikeways along the bike/pedestrian RQGT corridor.
  • Encourages affordable and market-rate housing development.
  • Satisfies goals regarding equity, safety, congestion, and pollution reduction as a climate justice tool.
  • Relocates homeless camps and relandscapes land to beautify the I-84 entry into Portland.
  • Incorporate proper lighting, maintenance, and security plan for safety and no camping,
  • Develop Trail privately instead of publicly to save time and money.
  • 30-mile RQGT will be for both commuting to work and recreation.
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  • Promotes and encourages better health as a transportation alternative to driving.
  • Provides jobs and training for skilled and unskilled labor.
  • Sloped land will provide area for solar panels for alternative energy production.
  • Encourages community planning involvement and private/public partnerships.
  • By being off the street grid, it improves bicycle safety and decreases serious injury.
  • Acts as a catalyst for improving greater use of the Peace Memorial Park, Rose Quarter, Lloyd Center, Congressman Earl Blumenauer Bicycle/Pedestrian Bridge, and reduces the need for parking garages and self-storage facilities on the Trail.
  • The new RQGT adds historic significance to Indian tribes with their connection to a trail that was once a shortcut between the Columbia and Willamette Rivers.
  • Once the Rose Quarter to Gorge Trail is built as a new multi-purpose corridor, it will have value many times the development costs guaranteeing more excellent health, safety and equity.