PORTLAND, Ore. — Residents of Portland's South Tabor neighborhood are rallying for urgent safety improvements on a crucial stretch of Southeast Powell Boulevard, especially between 52nd and 82nd Avenue. This renewed push follows a tragic incident where 86-year-old Roger Lee was killed while attempting to cross the road after disembarking from a TriMet bus.
This heartbreaking event unfolded just after 9 p.m. on March 9, 2025, when Lee, who had been returning from a Portland Trail Blazers game, stepped off the bus at Southeast 67th Avenue. Witnesses report that moments afterward, he attempted to cross the roadway but was struck by a motorcycle, resulting in fatal injuries. Security footage captures the motorcycle approaching, and despite the rider reportedly rolling off the throttle, it was too late for Lee.
Local community members, like Jose Esparza, owner of El Campesino PDX, have voiced their concerns about the dangers of crossing Powell Boulevard, a busy corridor characterized by high speeds and reckless driving. "I see a very dangerous place, especially when people are trying to cross the street," Esparza said, adding that conditions worsen at night due to insufficient lighting.
The tragedy of Lee's death hit hard, making an impact felt throughout the neighborhood. Juan Cummings, chair of the South Tabor Neighborhood Association, emphasized the community's collective grief, noting, "Everybody knew him... rode on the bus with him." Lee had long been a familiar face in the area, often seen attending Blazers games and engaging with locals. His death serves as a grim reminder of the safety challenges posed by Powell Boulevard.
In the aftermath, residents convened on March 20, 2025, to brainstorm actionable solutions to enhance pedestrian safety. Cummings described their motivation, urging local government and transportation agencies to address the pressing need for improvements. He stated, "We're here to brainstorm ideas on how to force some action and get something done. There's projects that are funded that haven't been completed. Safety studies that haven't been done." Within the meeting, participants discussed various strategies aimed at avoiding future accidents.
Despite the clear need for immediate action, current official responses have been somewhat limited. The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) acknowledged Lee's death as a tragedy, confirming that they had not previously identified this specific intersection for safety improvements. A spokesperson mentioned, "In any incident of this nature, we await the conclusions of the ongoing police investigation. If appropriate treatments are identified and resources are available, this intersection would be considered for a future safety improvement." ODOT has cited a commitment to improving overall safety measures on Powell Boulevard but indicated that specific funding for Lee's intersection remains unallocated.
Meanwhile, TriMet has expressed its eagerness to collaborate with transportation partners to enhance safety measures in the area. They are currently prioritizing improvements at five other intersections along Southeast Powell, including Southeast 47th, 57th, 61st, 79th, and Roberts avenues. Planned updates include better lighting, improved signage, and the installation of two Rapid Flashing Beacons, all aimed at fostering safer pedestrian experiences.
As these discussions unfold, local advocates remain steadfast in seeking comprehensive solutions. The community's determination to address safety on Southeast Powell Boulevard highlights the ongoing struggles cities face in balancing traffic flow with pedestrian safety in heavily transited areas. The memory of Roger Lee has become a call to action for many who traverse this roadway.
The pathway forward involves the collaborative effort among residents, local business owners, transportation agencies, and city officials. With a focus on creating meaningful and sustainable safety measures, the South Tabor neighborhood hopes to see swift progress that not only honors the memory of those lost but fosters a future where safety is paramount for all roadway users.
