Readers respond: Car-unfriendly Portland is a good thing

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Kate Wood was upset about her attempt to park in the Pearl District for an event. (“Readers respond: Portland makes supporting downtown difficult,” Sept. 19.) She basically made the point that downtown Portland is not “car friendly” -- but that is a good thing.

TriMet, contrary to her assertion, is reliable. If you don’t want to bike or take TriMet or the streetcar, you can take a cab (or Uber or Lyft) and not have to deal with parking at all. If you park your car you have to worry about vandalism or theft. Sorry, that’s just how it is.

There is no reason to take or bring a car unless you have special needs or issues. In that case, you can expect the usual challenges with congestion, construction and meters. Portland does not, as she said, cater only to the unhoused or to downtown residents. It is a national model for walkability and affordable, accessible public transportation. Sure the ‘burbs are great, but Portland is still alive and happening.

Lane Browning, Portland

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