Josh Leake
Council - District 4
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Q1 A city to learn from
What city has an approach to transportation that Portland should learn from? What specific policies, funding, design, etc., could be adopted to work here?
Amsterdam. It's a walkable city, but it's also accessible for people with disabilities. They prioritize public transit, bike, walking and car pooling. I believe we should prioritize public transit and use PCEF to help fund free public transit for all Portlanders. Once that is implemented, I would advocate for neighboring cities to create city connection transportation systems that lower the cost and make it more affordable to travel around our region. I also would advocate for reduction in costs to carry, transport and bring your bike when you travel.
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Q2 Got it right, got it wrong
What is one specific Portland transportation project (built, abandoned, under construction, or proposed) that you think Portland got right, and one that Portland got wrong?
Portland Got Right: Bike lanes on the bridges going from Oregon to Washington on I5 and I205.
Portland Got Wrong:Tilikum Crossing Bridge. I've been disappointed by the relatively small footprint for people and bikes. I wish that the project team had included more space for benches, and bike parking to enjoy the view.
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Q3 Progress on biking, walking & safety
Is Portland making progress on getting more people biking and walking, and on making streets safer? What do you think is behind that trajectory?
We need to create more walking or bike only community spaces and increase the requirement of bike parking inside and outside of new construction and high value remodeling.
I would work more closely with banks in Oregon and request that they create a non-credit banking product to fund more bike, safety, and riding equipment purchases. Getting a bike, is just part of the issue. Bikers need helmets, bags, lights and pumps for safety and maintenance.
I would also advocate for the parks bureau to address biking activities and create a city map of bike paths.
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Q4 How they get around
How do you actually get around Portland day-to-day? Commuting, errands, evening plans, etc. What is the last trip you took by bike or transit, and what's stopping you from doing more of your trips that way?
I walk and ride my bike. I also drive a hybrid Prius. I would walk or ride my bike to city hall. I drive and walk to grocery shop. I buy potatoes in bulk, so it's not convenient to have a 50lb bag of potatoes on my handlebar. Nothing is stopping me from riding my bike. Let's go!