The Portland City Council held a regular session on September 17, 2025, focusing on public safety and transportation issues, particularly the Vision Zero initiative aimed at eliminating traffic fatalities. The meeting featured public testimonies highlighting the urgent need for improved infrastructure and safety measures for pedestrians and cyclists.

Joseph Perez, a resident of District 2, emphasized the community's desire for safer transit options, citing a 2022 survey indicating that 60.2% of Portlanders want to ride public transit and 45% wish to bike. He urged the council to fully fund the Vision Zero program, advocating for a budget that prioritizes safety over speed and convenience. Perez called for the development of a comprehensive safety program that includes safe sidewalks, transit stops, and bicycle infrastructure.

Rob Galanakis, a parent from District 3, expressed frustration over the lack of progress since Portland committed to Vision Zero a decade ago. He pointed out that over 500 residents have died in traffic incidents during this time and stressed the importance of street design in reducing traffic violence. Galanakis urged the council to make difficult decisions that would enhance safety, referencing successful models from cities like Stockholm and Barcelona.

Kate Connolly, a survivor of traffic violence, shared her personal experience of being severely injured while biking. She criticized current transportation policies that prioritize cars over alternative modes of transport, stating that the design of the city affects future generations. Connolly called for a shift in focus towards making roads safer for all users, highlighting the public health crisis posed by traffic violence.

Eric Esqueda, president of the Mount Scudderle Neighborhood Association, discussed the positive outcomes of a road diet implemented on Foster Road in 2018. He noted that the changes, which included bike lanes and improved pedestrian crossings, did not lead to the anticipated traffic congestion and instead revitalized local businesses. Esqueda emphasized the need for collaboration between city bureaus to enhance safety and maintain infrastructure.

The meeting concluded with a call for the council to take decisive action in addressing the ongoing issues of traffic safety and to prioritize the needs of all road users in future planning and budgeting efforts. The testimonies underscored a collective demand for a safer Portland, where infrastructure supports the well-being of its residents.