Sunday Parkways

I am always surprised that many locals don’t know about Sunday Parkways.*
So, it’s basically a bicycle ride though designated neighborhoods N NE SE SW NW Portland.
You can still participate, (2015)
**August 23 @ SE Portland
**September 27 @ Tilikum Crossing/​Sellwood.
Port​land​Sun​day​Park​ways​.ORG. or 503−823−7599
It’s on a Sunday afternoon*(ikr) from 11−4-ish at various dates throughout the summer. The street traffic is diverted/​re routed by PPD as well as volunteers, so this allows you to ride without worrying about cars and traffic lights and what not.
The route takes you about 8 – 10 miles and to Public Parks where you can find events such as Live Music, Food Trucks, Clowns dancing with children while the parents cringe… ya know Portland Weird-​ness stuff, that we’ve grown to love. (As I turn my head and squint).
It’s a great Portland event for the whole family. Yes bring the Kids, The kids friends Taylor and Ashley and Gunner too. Bring the dog and a plastic bag to pick up after said dogs poop. LOL.
So, go to Portland Parks and recreation website, look for Sunday Parkways and get your butt moving!

I’m writing this review as someone who lives directly on one of the routes and who gladly says «If you can’t beat them, join them.»
Naturally, many of my neighbors feel differently. We are given ample warning of the street closure via newspaper, door hangers, and no-​parking signs. How hard is it, really, to not try to drive in and out (and in and out again) during a 6 hour window once a year? Well, apparently really really difficult for a lot of folks. But the event’s volunteers are top-​knotch. The slowly and safely guide cars to the nearest route exit point, minimizing disruptions.
I know the volunteers sometimes catch bad behavior from drivers trying to get about. I’ve overheard conversations between volunteers and police about unkind interactions and sometimes downright abuse volunteers have caught from frustrated drivers. But don’t let that dampen your enthusiasm.
I love how the routes and the distance of each route is well publicized. I always run the course and it’s helpful to know what I’m in store for! I have run three, maybe four, of the half-​dozen routes they offer each summer. I always look forward to the events.
Expect lots of garage sales and kids selling goodies, people in costumes, lots of politicking and petitions and information, and fun treats and events at the parks along the route. This is a great event for the whole family.
Be warned: The SW Portland route is EXTREMELY HILLY, As in, OMG kill me now.

We just participated in the North Portland Sunday Parkways. This event/​ride has to be one the most organized, well thought out, well put together event I have ever had the opportunity to be involved. The 9.5 mile bike ride flew by, we couldn’t believe how fast and fun getting that much exercise in with groups of random people. Everyone coming together and having a blast on bikes, skateboards, roller skates, roller blades and foot was insane. I can really see how Sunday Parkways in each neighborhood fosters civic pride, stimulates economic development, and represents the community.

Riding my trusty 1973 Raleigh Sprite all over SE Portland on an 85 degree Sunday never seemed so much fun! The route went by my home which made joining in easy. The route went by Col. Summer Park, Laurelhurst Park, Buckman, and wound all thru’ Hawthorne. The Hawthorne Street Fair occurred simultaneously so music, food, sno-​cones galore! I highly recommend everyone step away from their computer screens, put down their Bloody Mary glasses, politely decline the enormous brunch & get on your bikes! You will meet neighbors, see sights previously ignored, hear great music, & have an amazing Sunday! There’s only one Parkways left this Summer. Go check it out!