Tualatin Valley Highway, known as Highway 8 or TV Hwy, has long held a reputation for its perilous conditions, consistently earning a spot among Oregon’s most dangerous roads. In response, Ride Westside organized a journey on June 15th to investigate alternative biking routes between Beaverton and Hillsboro, aiming to bypass the hazards of TV Hwy.
Tim Wayman, the ride leader, tailored the event as part of Bike Summer, restricting participation to adults due to challenging intersections. This deviation from their usual family-friendly outings reflected the inherent risks associated with navigating local roads.
Wayman, a Hillsboro resident, advocated for two preferred east-west routes flanking TV Hwy, emphasizing their superior safety compared to the highway’s meager bike lanes. Starting from Tualatin Hills Nature Park amid intermittent rain showers, the group encountered picturesque yet congested paths, requiring cautious maneuvering among park visitors.
Their route included crossings like SW 170th Street, where visibility concerns prompted careful group movements to ensure safety amidst fast-moving traffic. Transitioning through quiet residential streets and crossing pedestrian bridges, such as SW Augusta Lane, provided temporary relief from vehicular congestion, although challenges persisted on thoroughfares like Johnson Street.
Johnson Street, a parallel route to TV Hwy, posed its own set of hazards with sporadic bike lanes and impatient drivers, underscoring the need for improved cycling infrastructure. Tim Wayman envisioned a future where Johnson Street could transform into a neighborhood greenway, reducing through-traffic and enhancing safety for cyclists.
Despite initial setbacks, the group persisted along SE Drake Road, navigating marshy parklands and eventually encountering SE River Road’s sidewalk-only passage. The absence of dedicated bike lanes heightened concerns among riders, prompting a shift to SE Discovery Street’s quieter suburban lanes.
A notable highlight emerged along SE Alexander Street and SE Blanton, where newly established cycle tracks provided a welcome respite from road-related anxieties. Participants expressed relief and optimism for such segregated facilities, contrasting sharply with older residential areas lacking basic cycling amenities.
Reflecting on the experience, riders like Michael Hashizume and Mick Orlosky acknowledged the practical utility of these routes but highlighted persistent safety concerns and the abrupt termination of cycle tracks at SW 209th Ave. Despite favorable segments, the consensus among participants suggested that significant infrastructure improvements were essential to encourage broader cycling adoption, especially for commuting purposes.
Tim Wayman, reflecting on the ride, stressed the importance of comprehensive infrastructure upgrades akin to those found on Blanton Street. Acknowledging the current limitations of existing alternatives to TV Hwy, he cautioned against inexperienced cyclists attempting these routes, advocating for safer options for all riders.
For suburban residents like myself, contemplating the viability of these routes for everyday use remains a critical consideration. While some segments offer promise, challenges persist, reinforcing the need for robust infrastructure developments to accommodate diverse commuter needs effectively.
In conclusion, while alternative routes around TV Hwy show promise, substantial improvements are necessary to foster a safer and more accessible cycling environment across Beaverton and Hillsboro.