River View Cemetery Bike Route Closures

River View Cemetery is putting up a new mausoleum, a process that will include some earth-leveling as well as building. Over the course of the project, there may be times when parts of the bike/pedestrian route are closed.

“Cyclists and pedestrians should be cautious and appreciative as we share the route with the crews performing the work,” Director of Public Relations Lois Leveen said. “Because the work is being done by an outside contractor, the cemetery leadership doesn’t yet know the exact schedule. The cemetery leadership is aware of the impact on folks who bike and walk through the cemetery, and their hope is the crews will have signs up to keep everyone updated as the project proceeds.”

Some friendly reminders for L&C bike and pedestrian commuters:

• Members of the public are guests when we bike and walk through the cemetery, so always be courteous and respectful.
• Please remember that River View Cemetery staff and the teams that will come in to do this project are all trying to do their jobs, so smile, wave, and be polite as you pass through their workspace.
• Please do NOT do anything that puts your safety or their safety at risk. There is enough challenge in operating heavy machinery, and we do not need to add to it.
• Please share this update with other folks you know who bike or walk through the cemetery.

River View CemeteryThe River View Cemetery route was developed over a decade ago, through a collaboration between the cemetery, the advocacy group the Bicycle Transportation Alliance (now known as The Street Trust), Lewis & Clark, and the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT). The route, which is now used by hundreds of Portlanders every day, provides a beautiful and contemplative way to get to and from campus, as well as other parts of Southwest Portland. Lewis & Clark is committed to being a good neighbor and partner to River View Cemetery, particularly regarding this route.

“But it’s important to remember that the cemetery is a private nonprofit, not a public park, and they are not required to provide bicycle commuters or recreational riders or pedestrians with access to their grounds,” Leveen said. “Anyone who believes Portland needs safe public routes for bicyclists and pedestrians in Southwest should contact their elected City officials, and let them know why this issue is important.”

Join the L&C Bike Commuter Listserv

For regular updates and discussion about things affecting bicycle commuters, check out the LC Bike Commuters Google Group, and click the “Ask to join group” button at the top of the page.