Tri Met Cyclist Fox: Powering Portland’s Cycling Revolution One Commute at a Time

From high-tech urban hubs to sprawling greenways draped in autumn leaves, Portland’s cycling culture thrives—largely due to the Tri Met Cyclist Fox initiative, a synergistic push combining public transit, cycling infrastructure, and community advocacy. This movement is not just about moving people from point A to point B—it’s a dynamic reimagining of sustainable mobility, equity, and connectivity across Oregon’s largest metropolitan region. Backed by Tri Met’s commitment and the fervent participation of local cyclists, the program has rapidly become a model for integrating cycling into daily urban life.

At the heart of Tri Met Cyclist Fox lies a clear mission: to make cycling safer, more accessible, and seamlessly connected to public transit networks. The initiative operates at the intersection of policy, infrastructure, and public engagement, transforming how residents perceive and use bicycles as a primary transportation mode. “We’re not just building bike lanes—we’re building accessible pathways that link homes, jobs, parks, and neighborhoods,” states Emily Chen, Tri Met’s Director of Sustainable Mobility.

“Cyclist Fox is about creating a system where every rider—whether commuting to downtown, hopping on a MAX train, or exploring Southeast Portland—feels supported every mile of their journey.”

Central to Cyclist Fox is an expanding network of dedicated bike lanes, secure bike storage at transit hubs, and real-time digital tools that guide riders through the Tri Met corridors. Cyclists gain immediate access to over 400 miles of protected bike paths, bike boxes at intersections, and connect-the-dots signage—all operationalized under the Cyclist Fox banner. Integrated fare discounts and bike-sharing partnerships further remove barriers, allowing users to switch effortlessly from cycling to light rail or bus service.

“The program’s strength is its holistic design,” says Mark Reynolds, spokesperson for Tri Met’s Active Transportation Division. “It ensures that even first-time riders or those with mobility challenges can navigate Portland confidently.”

The infrastructure investments driving Cyclist Fox are both bold and pragmatic. Over the past three years, Tri Met and City of Portland have collectively allocated more than $70 million to expand and protect cycling networks—funds directed toward separated lanes, traffic-calming measures, and bike-and-ride stations.

Notable projects include the expansion of the Bowman Avenue corridor, a bustling cycling spine connecting the Sunnyside neighborhood to downtown, and new bike-over-rail underpasses enhancing crossings over MAX lines at Alder, Powell, and Bush stops. These upgrades directly address long-standing concerns around safety and connectivity identified through community surveys and rider feedback.

Equity shapes every phase of Cyclist Fox.

Recognizing that access to reliable, safe cycling differs across socioeconomic and racial lines, Tri Met has prioritized underserved areas such as Lents, L Département Hills, and West Burnside. Mobile outreach teams partner with local BIPOC and low-income community organizations to promote bike access, offer free or subsidized helmets and lights, and gather on-the-ground insights that guide future investments. “Transportation justice is non-negotiable,” affirms Chen.

“We’re not just building infrastructure—we’re building trust through inclusion.”

Rider response has been overwhelmingly positive, with usage of Cyclist Fox-aligned services surging over 60% since the program’s steady rollout. Monthly ridership data shows increased connections between cycling and MAX/DART stops, while rider satisfaction surveys consistently rank cycling safety and system integration as top wins. Younger riders especially cite the convenience of e-bike integration and app-based navigation as game changers.

“I started cycling just last month, using the new bike parking at Montgomery Street and the MAX transfer bridge,” said lifelong Portland cyclist Jamie Park. “Tri Met’s infrastructure made it easy—and safe—to dip into transit. This isn’t just a bike lane; it’s a lifeline.”

Underpinning Cyclist Fox’s success is a robust public-private partnership.

Tri Met collaborates with Portland Bike Share, the City’s Bureau of Transportation, local cycling nonprofits like BikePAC, and corporate sponsors including Ford and Intel—who fund disposal stations and gear distribution. “This collaboration turns individual efforts into collective impact,” notes Reynolds. “When tech firms support bike infrastructure, and transit agencies align schedules with cycling peaks, we create a multiplier effect that boosts ridership and sustainability.”

Technological innovation fuels Cyclist Fox’s forward momentum.

The Tri Met app now integr