Important safety reminder from trimet

WES Tracks Are For Trains, Not for People

Four people were recently observed trespassing on WES
tracks in the Hedges area near the bridge in Tualatin. In June, two girls were
on the tracks, and as the train approached, they disappeared under the trestle.
In July, two males were on the bridge in the same area; the engineer had to put
the train into "emergency braking" -- a last resort to slow the train down --
to avoid hitting them; one of the males had to jump off the bridge into the
water. Both of these incidents were classified as "near misses" by railroad
officials.

These individuals were breaking the law and risking their
lives. Railroad tracks and trestles are private property; people who choose to
walk or play around railroad tracks are trespassing on private property and
could be fined, seriously injured or killed. A train moving at 55 miles per
hour can take up to a mile to stop; a locomotive engineer who suddenly sees
someone on the tracks will likely be unable to stop in time. Trains can't
swerve; emergency braking and sounding an audible device are the only reactive
actions an engineer can take.

Trespassing is a Class A misdemeanor; if caught, it may cost
up to $6,250 and a year in prison. The ultimate penalty is death.  Operation Lifesaver, Portland & Western
Railroad and TriMet want to remind everyone that tracks are for trains, not for
people.

High Capacity Transit Public Workshop

The City of Tigard will host a High Capacity Transit Land Use Plan public workshop on May 25, 2011. This is an opportunity for residents to join their neighbors and share their ideas on how they would like to see the Tigard community grow. This is the first time potential station community locations will be presented.

Wednesday, May 25, 6-8:30 p.m.
Tigard Library Community Room (13500 SW Hall Blvd.)

Two tracks are available depending on the amount of time participants are able to spend at the workshop.
Track 1 is a traditional open house with drop-in activities all evening. Track 2 is more involved for participants who are able to stay for the full meeting. Both tracks will offer opportunities to learn:

• Why station communities are important to Tigard
• How planning for station communities fit the city's long term vision
• How you can participate

Please visit city's website to sign up for the location of your choice. Sign-ups will also be available during the event.

Tigard Bike Rack Surveys

Do you use the bright yellow bike racks in Downtown Tigard?

Please take the on-site survey!

The racks were installed by the Westside Transportation Alliance and the City of Tigard with the cooperation of the host businesses.

Each host business is equipped with user surveys.

If you use these racks, please go inside the business and ask to fill out a survey. Having strong feedback on these racks will allow us to track their use and demonstrate their value to the community.

Thank you from WTA!

See a list of Tigard businesses with bike racks below...

Coming soon - Sharrows - to Burnham Street in Tigard

The City of Tigard plans to add sharrows to the pavement of the newly reconstructed Burnham Street. Sharrows appear on a few of Portland's streets and are growing in popularity in metro regions. Sharrows are a visual reminder that bikes are present on the road, as well as a guide for cyclists to follow to remain a safe distance from parked cars (think dooring) and cars on the road.

The WTA is excited to hear the City of Tigard is installing these sharrows and thus encouraging more cyclists to get on the road. If you support this kind of improvement, let them know!

(This is a sharrow)