United States

Portland

Portland is a leading bike-friendly city in the United States, known for its extensive cycling infrastructure, strong bike culture, and progressive urban planning that prioritizes active transportation.

Stolen Bikes in Portland

Bike theft is an ongoing challenge in Portland — current risk: High (thousands reported annually). Learn how to protect your ride with our Security Tips and understand coverage options in the Insurance Guide. If your bike was taken, you can report a stolen bike in Portland to alert the community.

Daily riders

6.3% of commuters (2018)

Dedicated paths

Over 620 km of bikeways

Bike sharing stations

200

Theft risk

High (thousands reported annually)

Stolen bikes are commonly targeted near transit hubs and popular areas. Use two quality locks and register your frame number.

Quick map

Open Portland on the map

View map

Theft insights

High (thousands reported annually)

Security tips Insurance Report theft

Why it’s special

Extensive network of dedicated bike lanes, cycle tracks, and multi-use paths.

Home to innovative bike infrastructure designs like bike boxes and bike boulevards.

Strong cycling advocacy and community, fostering a vibrant bike culture.

Biketown, an electric-assist bike share system, widely available.

Scenic routes along rivers, through parks, and to natural areas.

The Tilikum Crossing, a car-free bridge prioritizing transit, bikes, and pedestrians.

Safety tips

Always use a white front light and red rear light/reflector at night.

Wear a helmet (required for under 16, recommended for all).

Be predictable: use hand signals for turns and stops.

Be aware of streetcar tracks; cross them at a 90-degree angle to avoid getting wheels caught.

Lock your bike securely, especially in public areas, using at least one U-lock.

Maintain eye contact with drivers and pedestrians, especially at intersections.

Ride like a local

Rules that matter

Cyclists must use hand signals for turns and stops.
A white front light and red rear light or reflector are required from dusk to dawn.
Cyclists have the same rights and duties as vehicle operators; yield to pedestrians.
Oregon's 'Idaho Stop' law allows cyclists to treat stop signs as yield signs and red lights as stop signs (after stopping and yielding).
Helmets are required for riders under 16 years old.
Ride as far to the right as practicable, except when passing, turning left, or avoiding hazards.

Typical fines (EUR)

Mobile electronic device use€152

Running a red light€244

No lights at night€101

Unwritten etiquette

Be predictable and communicate intentions clearly with hand signals.
Use your bell to alert pedestrians and other cyclists when passing.
Make eye contact with drivers and pedestrians at intersections to ensure you are seen.
Yield to pedestrians, especially on shared paths and crosswalks.
Avoid blocking bike lanes or shared paths when stopped.
Be patient and courteous, especially with less experienced riders or tourists.

Security & parking

Parking like a pro

Utilize the numerous public bike racks available throughout the city.
Consider using guarded bike parking facilities at major transit hubs like Union Station's Bike Hub.
Avoid parking in a way that obstructs sidewalks or building entrances.
For longer-term parking, inquire about secure options at your accommodation or workplace.
Always lock your bike, even for short stops, as theft is prevalent.

Theft & lock strategy

Use at least two high-quality locks (e.g., a U-lock for the frame and front wheel, and a cable lock for the rear wheel).
Always lock your bike to a fixed, immovable object, securing both the frame and wheels.
Register your bike with a service like Bike Index to aid in recovery if stolen.
Avoid leaving expensive bikes locked outside overnight, especially in high-traffic areas.
Consider using a GPS tracker for valuable bikes.
Document your bike's serial number and take photos for insurance or police reports.

Bike Garage Spotlight: Union Station Bike Hub

The Union Station Bike Hub offers secure, indoor bike parking with capacity for hundreds of bikes, featuring monitored access, repair stations, and lockers. It's seamlessly integrated with Amtrak and TriMet services, providing a safe haven for bikes at a major transit gateway.

Learn more on the city site

Bike Garage Spotlight: Union Station Bike Hub

Rent a bike

Cycle Portland Bike Tours & Rentals

€28–€46/day

City • E-bike • Road

Waterfront Bicycle Rentals

€23–€41/day

City • Tandem • Kids

Pedal Bike Tours

€32–€55/day

City • E-bike • Road

Biketown is Portland's public electric-assist bike share system, operated by Lyft. Tourists can easily access it by downloading the Lyft app and linking a credit card. No specific ID is required beyond app registration.

Epic day trips

Marine Drive Trail • 25 km

A flat, paved route along the Columbia River, offering scenic views of the river and Mount Hood, ideal for a relaxed ride.

Springwater Corridor • 34 km

A multi-use path extending southeast from Portland, passing through natural areas, wetlands, and suburban landscapes.

Banks-Vernonia State Trail • 34 km

A scenic rail-to-trail path outside the city, winding through forests and over historic trestle bridges, offering a tranquil escape.

Top safety cities

Oslo

Safety score: 92

Copenhagen

Safety score: 90

Utrecht

Safety score: 90

What’s next

Central City in Motion

An ongoing Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) initiative to improve safety and mobility in downtown Portland, including new protected bike lanes and enhanced pedestrian crossings.

Outer SE Division Street Safety Project

A project focused on improving safety and access for all transportation modes along Outer SE Division Street, including enhanced bike facilities and pedestrian infrastructure.