Portland City Council considers ban on standing in dangerous traffic medians

The Portland City Council has moved a proposal forward that would prohibit individuals from “standing, sitting, staying, driving or parking” on 17 specific traffic medians identified as high-risk zones. The draft ordinance targets medians less than five feet wide, excluding those used while actively crossing the street. The measure was sent to the sustainability and transportation committee following a 7-1 vote.

City officials cite pedestrian safety and recent fatal accidents as primary drivers for the ordinance. One fatal incident occurred in June when a pedestrian was struck and killed while standing on a median near Preble Street and Marginal Way. Traffic studies identified several dangerous intersections, including Riverside Street and Brighton Avenue, which recorded 34 vehicle crashes between 2023 and 2026.

The proposal has sparked debate among council members. Mayor Mark Dion stated the initiative aligns with the city’s Vision Zero goals to improve street safety. However, Councilor Wes Pelletier opposed the measure, questioning whether the ordinance is truly about safety or aimed at addressing panhandling activity. This follows a previous attempt by the city in 2013 to implement a broad median ban, which was subsequently blocked by a federal court.