Home Homeless Transit Autos Planning Politics Housing Printables/Misc Links Video

Portland is a PR machine for light rail & streetcar

Here are Some Facts About Portland Oregon          

“It must always be remembered how cost-effectiveness works in the public sector: the cost IS the benefit.” - author unknown




Traffic Calming KILLS people

Factors that slow PF&R’s response in some geographic areas more than in others include distance, topography (like hills), congestion, and traffic calming structures such as speed bumps.   


we recommend that the Commissioner in Charge and City Council take actions to ensure the Fire Marshal’s involvement in decisions that affect response, including traffic calming and development affecting street width




Portland  City Auditor:

Traffic calming delays Fire Department

local copy


Here are actual Quotes from the report

(bold added)


Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) has constructed speed bumps and other traffic calming devices throughout the city which also slow emergency response vehicles.


According to our research and communication with PBOT and PF&R, decisions to add specific traffic calming devices in Portland have not always been founded on evidence of lack of safety or with full consideration of the various competing public values


PF&R is supportive of the recommendations noted in the Auditor’s report, specifically the bureau supports ensuring the Fire Marshal’s direct involvement with regards to traffic calming and access issues, working with PF&R’s Physician Supervisor, Multnomah County Emergency Medical Services and the Bureau of emergency Communications to increase efficiencies for first responder services as well as improvements in how PF&R documents and measures response time performance.


(PORTLAND FIRE & RESCUE: Emergency response time goal not met, though PF&R strives for excellence July 2010)  

Calming Risk

THINKING OF SIGNING THAT SPEED HUMP PETITION?

Les Bunte: Calming Kills (video)

Other web sites

each speed bump can add up to nine seconds of delay.