Gravel Greenways: FAQs

What is Gravel Greenways?

Gravel Greenways is the concept that every gravel road or section in the city represents an encounter with a more natural environment while cycling, walking or running there. Instead of seeing gravel road sections as sadly neglected, just waiting for asphalt to help them become grown up roads, we see them as forest paths running through our city, connecting us with where we're going and also with the immense forest that was here before Portland was a city. We envision these gravel roads as preserved and curated routes where speeds are slower, travel is safer, noise is reduced, native vegetation and bird habitat is abundant, and we all stay connected to the earth and its rejuvenating qualities, while we're moving along in our busy days.

What's better about transportation on a gravel road?

Gravel roads have far less going on! There are fewer cars (even parked ones!), less traffic, less road furniture like big rain-catchers (gravel roads absorb rainwater naturally), and lower speeds. They are also quieter, which is great for transportation options that don't include windows you can roll up to block out noise. There are great options for road travel in portland, such as Portland Metro's Bike There site: https://gis.oregonmetro.gov/bikethere/?_ga=2.79954327.1441392042.1571160504-1011687856.1570810274 We want to enhance this with natural options and let riders, walkers and runners know of a new a unique transportation option!

Won't slow transportation modes be even slower on a gravel road?

It depends on how much gravel is included, but riding on a gravel road is generally slower than on pavement. But given the slower speeds of walking, running or cycling, the difference in speed is not very great. And Gravel Greenways promotes the idea that as we go about our day we're all doing something more than just getting from place to place: we are living. Transportation shouldn't just be about getting somewhere as fast as we can.

Isn't riding on gravel roads more dangerous because of the loose road surface?

It's true that gravel can move under your tires and feet, and it takes the right approach to move along with confidence. But most often accidents while cycling or on foot along paved roads come from other traffic, specifically automobiles, and what we refer to as 'road furniture': those rain catchers and other constructed obstacles often designed to slow traffic down.

What is happening now to preserve gravel roads and make them forest paths?

Ride around Portland and you will see that many homeowners along gravel roads have adopted them; there are lovely pieces of sculpture and art, murals, garden spots and other beautification and preservation efforts. We hope Gravel Greenways can support these owners in curating the gravel roads near them, so they can serve as a model and inspiration to other homeowners or a neighborhood who might wish to adopt a gravel road.

Why haven't I heard about this before?

The general concept of Gravel Greenways is brand new, we are just now getting the word out and soliciting awareness, support and involvement from the City of Portland, native plant and bird organizations, neighborhood and other community organizations. Hopefully you're hear a lot more about it soon! Gravelland recently presented the Gravel Greenways concept at the Oregon Active Transportation Summit put on by The Street Trust https://www.thestreettrust.org. Responses were of surprise, enthusiasm and curiosity. It was a great start!

What's next on the Gravel Greenways timeline?

We are working hard to get the word out about this concept and hope to convene a group interested community members and organizations sometime in 2023. If you are interested in learning more, please send an email to gravellandpdx@gmail.com and we'll be sure you stay in the loop!

Happy graveling!