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trecpdx.bsky.social
TREC at PSU
@trecpdx.bsky.social
6K followers 5K following 420 posts
Portland State University's Transportation Research and Education Center (TREC). Home to the Initiative for Bicycle and Pedestrian Innovation (IBPI), transportation data programs PORTAL & BikePed Portal, Better Block PSU, and PSU's membership in PacTrans.
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trecpdx.bsky.social
We talk about reproducibility all the time in research, but in practical terms, here's a great snapshot of why it matters to you in terms of your own work.
Why Reproducibility Matters Researchers Empower Your "Future Self": Avoid the frustration of relearning your own code months later. Proof, Not Just Promises: Allow others to verify your claims instantly. Accelerate Science: Enable others to stand on your shoulders, not just stare at your graphs. Scientific Integrity: The best defense against accidental p-hacking, bias, and fraud Practitioners Stop "reinventing the wheel" -implement validated methods immediately Eliminate translation gap: Move from Paper to Product faster Build trust: Trust that the method works on more than just the author's laptop
November 21, 2025 at 7:09 PM
trecpdx.bsky.social
Just getting started with today's Transportation Seminar, Assessing Reproducibility in Transportation Research with Large Language Models, with Liming Wang of PSU! trec.pdx.edu/events/psu-t...
Liming Wang stands at the front of a classroom in front of a screen displaying slides
November 21, 2025 at 7:03 PM
trecpdx.bsky.social
Join us next month for a multi-day online workshop on databases and SQL. Each day will be a combination of a lecture & practical, covering the basics plus how to setup a PostgreSQL database on your local machine and use it to analyze #PORTAL data.

trec.pdx.edu/events/sql-w...
Structure Query Language: TRANSPORTATION DATA EDUCATION SQL Workshop Online Workshop December 2025 9 AM - 12:30 PM (Pacific)
November 20, 2025 at 7:19 PM
trecpdx.bsky.social
PSU & @oregonstate.edu researchers are helping @oregondot.bsky.social shape the future of speed safety camera use across Oregon.

A 2025 report offers guidance on location choice, transparency, & strategies for interventions that focus on high-risk drivers: trec.pdx.edu/news/psu-res... #VisionZero
Sign on Portland's Powell Boulevard saying 'Traffic Laws Photo Enforced' Results from a Qualtrics survey conducted by the researchers. Caption: Transparency and accountability: Should the operating agency report the results of speed safety cameras in terms of speeds, crash, and injury reductions? Graph shows majority of respondents are somewhat supportive or very supportive.
November 20, 2025 at 6:55 PM
trecpdx.bsky.social
The 2026 Mobility Matters (virtual) conference will be held on Thursday, February 26th, 2026!

Explore the connections between transportation accessibility, navigation, and community—Early Bird Pricing is available until December 15: sites.google.com/pdx.edu/mobi...
9th annual mobility matters summit: Charting new paths: Self-determination, disability-driven access, and mobility. Save the date: Thursday, Feb 26, 2026. 8:30 AM to 3 PM PDT.
November 20, 2025 at 5:45 PM
trecpdx.bsky.social
#BikePedPortal, the non-motorized data archive housed at Portland State, provides a centralized standard bicycle/pedestrian count database which includes automated and manual counts from across the country, along with a suite of custom tools and products. Learn more: trec.pdx.edu/news/learn-h...
Screenshot from BikePed Portal showing data and a photo of bikes
November 18, 2025 at 7:01 PM
trecpdx.bsky.social
Reproducibility is fundamental to the scientific process.

This Friday, join us at PSU as Liming Wang shares a comprehensive, data-driven understanding of the current state of reproducibility & open science practices in transportation research: trec.pdx.edu/events/psu-t...
JOIN US THIS FRIDAY ONLINE OR IN PERSON, With: Liming Wang Nov 14, 2025 11 AM (Pacific) PSU TRANSPORTATION SEMINAR Assessing Reproducibility in Transportation Research with Large Language Models
November 17, 2025 at 8:53 PM
trecpdx.bsky.social
High noise exposure is correlated to lower income neighborhoods, with high-traffic roadways as the largest contributor to urban noise in Portland.
Heat map showing urban noise levels
November 14, 2025 at 7:39 PM
trecpdx.bsky.social
#TBT to an oldie but a goodie: Our 2020 study with
@peopleforbikes.bsky.social calculated the economic outcomes that bike lanes & walking infrastructure can produce for cities.

Food service sales? Retail? Employment? Most 💲 were impacted positively, or not at all. trec.pdx.edu/news/study-f...
RESULTS SUMMARY: NATIONAL STREET IMPROVEMENT STUDY KEY FINDINGS While growth in retail employment and sales revenue was observed in the years following the construction of the protected bike lane on Massachusetts Avenue, we are unable to calculate pre- and post-construction growth rates due to zero retail employment in some of the years. However, the DID and ITS approaches both indicate that the bike lane installation did not significantly impact retail employment, either positively or negatively, along this corridor. Retail employment increased: The ITS approach shows a positive growth trend from the bike lane construction using LEHD data and QCEW wages data. No causal impact of bike lane construction on retail employment. The corridor saw a dramatic jump in retail sales immediately after bike lane installation, indicating a positive impact of bike lanes on retail sales. However, the great jump could also be related to other one-time changes, such as a large new store opening. Further investigation needed. All three approaches indicate a significant positive impact on retail sales in the improvement corridor. Retail employment and total wages in the retail sector appear to be growing at a faster pace in the improvement corridor, possibly indicating a shift in the type of retail businesses in the area. However, evidence from the ITS approach shows a statistically non-significant causal relationship between bike lane installation and employment growth. LEHD data analysis shows increase of retail service employment, but the ITS approach suggests that this increase is because of economic growth in the region and not because of the street improvement. Retail service-related sales dropped while restaurant sales grew. We suspect a shift from retail business toward more food service businesses after the street improvement. Given mixed results, analysis was inconclusive. Madison performed worse than two of the three control corridors and worse than city-wide, indicating that the street improvement on Madison may have had a negative impact on retail employment. Contradictory data patterns: Some sources show increase in retail sales and employment, but results are not conclusive. Bike lane installation did not significantly impact retail employment, either positively or negatively. Significant positive impact on food services employment following protected bike lane construction, indicating an improvement in business vitality. Food services employment growth significantly outpaced growth in Indianapolis as a whole. Dramatic increase in restaurant sales, along with increase in food service employment following installation (confirmed by both trend analysis and the ITS approach). Positive and significant impact of bike lane installation on food employment. Food service employment increased gradually after the street improvements. Food employment greatly increased two years after bike lane installation, exceeding the growth rate of both the control corridor and greater city trends. Restaurant sales increased and food service employment grew, but rigorous econometric approaches indicate that these increases may not be caused directly by the street improvement on this corridor. Given mixed results, the analysis was inconclusive. Significant positive impact on food employment: After bike lane installation, food employment dropped significantly in level, but dramatically recovered & surpassed previous levels over the next two years. Strong positive impact on food employment, supported by the aggregated trend analysis and ITS estimation results across both the LEHD and QCEW employment data sources. The corridor shows significant and substantial growth in all food service industry metrics—employment, sales, and wages—indicating a positive effect on business vitality following the street improvements.
November 13, 2025 at 6:59 PM
trecpdx.bsky.social
Four planning students, one engineering student, and one working toward a masters of public administration – meet six future transportation professionals now studying at PSU!

We're proud to celebrate these six scholarship winners for the 2025/26 academic year: trec.pdx.edu/news/meet-20...
Headshots of Grace Alston, Jesus Mendoza, Elias Peters, Gabriel Quiñones-Zambrana, Zoe Beckley and Niklas Roethig
November 12, 2025 at 7:48 PM
trecpdx.bsky.social
Health impacts of high noise exposure include cognitive impairment, mental health disorders, high blood pressure, cardio/metabolic problems, hearing loss & adverse pregnancy outcomes. @multco.bsky.social & @oregonstate.edu measured PDX noise levels. Learn more on Friday: trec.pdx.edu/events/psu-t...
JOIN US THIS FRIDAY ONLINE OR IN PERSON
November 10, 2025 at 6:22 PM
trecpdx.bsky.social
#TBT to our 2020 study that busted a myth: Cyclists don't slow down cars on neighborhood streets.

The difference in car speeds with & without a bicycle present was less than 1 mph.

This evidence supports the design of safe street networks like neighborhood greenways: trec.pdx.edu/news/do-bicy...
A bike boulevard in Portland, OR. Cars share the road with cyclists.
November 6, 2025 at 7:33 PM
trecpdx.bsky.social
The @oregondot.bsky.social and 48+ local agencies are collaborating on the development of a multimodal data set for transportation planning within metropolitan areas.

Learn more tomorrow at PSU (or watch online): trec.pdx.edu/events/psu-t...
With: Ben Stabler (DKS) and Theresa Conley (ODOT) Nov 7, 2025 11 AM (Pacific) JOIN US THIS FRIDAY ONLINE OR IN PERSON PSU TRANSPORTATION SEMINAR Building Oregon's Statewide Multimodal Transportation Inventory with AI and Interagency Collaboration
November 6, 2025 at 6:33 PM
trecpdx.bsky.social
"Storywork: The Prints of Marie Watt" is on exhibit through Dec 6 at PSU's Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art.

Stop by any Friday this month (except Thanksgiving) to see the free exhibit before or after our Friday Transportation Seminar in the same building.

This Friday: trec.pdx.edu/events/psu-t...
With: Jason Anderson and Sirisha Kothuri, PSU Oct 31, 2025 11 AM (Pacific) JOIN US THIS FRIDAY ONLINE OR IN PERSON PSU TRANSPORTATION SEMINAR Building Oregon's Statewide Multimodal Transportation Inventory with AI and Interagency Collaboration Marie Watt, Vivid Dream (Liberty), 2023, photogravure on gampi with calico fabric, collage, string, silver leaf, 31 1/2 x 19 inches Sheet
November 3, 2025 at 10:11 PM
trecpdx.bsky.social
Tomorrow, Jason Anderson & Sirisha Kothuri of @maseehcollege.bsky.social will share guidance and tools for transportation practitioners to reduce turning conflicts between motor vehicles and bicycles at controlled intersections.

Join us online or in person: trec.pdx.edu/events/psu-t...
With: Jason Anderson and Sirisha Kothuri, PSU Oct 31, 2025 11 AM (Pacific) JOIN US TOMORROW ONLINE OR IN PERSON PSU TRANSPORTATION SEMINAR Reducing Motor Vehicle – Bicycle Conflicts at Controlled Intersections
October 30, 2025 at 7:03 PM
trecpdx.bsky.social
TREC's John MacArthur rode the TREC-cycle today with the Abernethy Bike Bus! A perfect cool, foggy Portland morning, with Ghostbuster's music playing and a Halloween theme. Great way to start the day 😊
Children and adults riding bikes in the Abernethy Bike Bus
October 29, 2025 at 6:52 PM
trecpdx.bsky.social
If you weren't able to attend the PacTrans conference earlier this month and hear from @davidzipper.bsky.social, who gave the keynote address, you're in luck! A recording is available - Check it out here! How Cities Can Prepare For Autonomous Vehicles: trec.pdx.edu/news/pactran...
Two presenters speaking at podiums at the PacTrans conference. Keynote speaker David Zipper and TREC Director Jennifer Dill on stage during the keynote address.
October 27, 2025 at 5:00 PM
trecpdx.bsky.social
One of the most common locations for fatal motor vehicle-bicyclist crashes is at intersections, which inherently have a large number of turning conflicts. Reducing these conflicts is a key objective in improving intersection safety across all modes.

This Friday at PSU: trec.pdx.edu/events/psu-t...
JOIN US THIS FRIDAY ONLINE OR IN PERSON With: Jason Anderson and Sirisha Kothuri, PSU Oct 31, 2025 11 AM (Pacific) PSU TRANSPORTATION SEMINAR Reducing Motor Vehicle – Bicycle Conflicts at Controlled Intersections
October 27, 2025 at 4:24 PM
trecpdx.bsky.social
Thanks, Rachel Wheat of ODFW, for such an informative presentation today at the PSU Transportation Seminar! Want to know how transportation professionals can hep protect wildlife from the impacts of Oregon's roadways?

If you missed it, the recording & slides are posted: trec.pdx.edu/events/psu-t...
A fully accessible version of this slideshow can be accessed at https://trec.pdx.edu/events/psu-transportation-seminar-10242025. A fully accessible version of this slideshow can be accessed at https://trec.pdx.edu/events/psu-transportation-seminar-10242025. A fully accessible version of this slideshow can be accessed at https://trec.pdx.edu/events/psu-transportation-seminar-10242025. A fully accessible version of this slideshow can be accessed at https://trec.pdx.edu/events/psu-transportation-seminar-10242025.
October 24, 2025 at 8:28 PM
trecpdx.bsky.social
The Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University has four new e-bikes, thanks to a grant from the Portland General Electric (PGE) Drive Change Fund! PSU staff & faculty can borrow the e-bikes for a period of time to try them out: trec.pdx.edu/news/portlan...
Image: E-bike. Text: The PSU E-Bike Lending Library Is Open! Are you a faculty or staff member at Portland State University? Want to try an e-bike?
October 23, 2025 at 8:38 PM
trecpdx.bsky.social
Tens of millions of animals are injured or killed on Oregon’s roadways each year.

This Friday, Rachel Wheat of ODFW shares opportunities to mitigate this, including the use of wildlife crossing structures, autonomous animal detection systems, and smarter project siting: trec.pdx.edu/events/psu-t...
JOIN US THIS FRIDAY ONLINE OR IN PERSON Oct 24, 2025 11 AM (Pacific) PSU TRANSPORTATION SEMINAR The Realities of Roadkill: Challenges and Opportunities for Wildlife Transportation Mitigation With: Rachel Wheat, Oregon Dept of Fish & Wildlife
October 20, 2025 at 8:55 PM
trecpdx.bsky.social
If you missed today's Portland State University Friday Transportation Seminar, the video is now posted:
trec.pdx.edu/friday-trans...
October 17, 2025 at 8:43 PM
trecpdx.bsky.social
How does living in a TOD affect the way people travel?

#AffordableHousing makes a difference.

We'll be getting started in about an hour with today's Transportation Seminar, featuring Nathan McNeil with a study sponsored by @oregonmetro.gov and Portland State!

trec.pdx.edu/events/psu-t...
October 17, 2025 at 4:56 PM
trecpdx.bsky.social
Calling all middle school educators, club advisors, and youth program leaders!

The 2026 Garrett Morgan Sustainable Transportation Competition is here, with the theme: “Ride On, Ride Safe—E-Bike Style!”

Team Registration Deadline: October 22, 2025

transweb.sjsu.edu/workforce-de...
ride on ride safe ebike style. Can you help raise awareness about ebike safety? garret morgan sustainable transportation competition. open to middle school students. Registration deadline october 22, 2015 at 11:59 PM PT.
October 15, 2025 at 8:34 PM
trecpdx.bsky.social
Portland State University & @oregonmetro.gov examine the travel choices of transit-oriented development (TOD) residents.

This Friday, learn how TOD works for low-income Portlanders, how their travel differs from prior TOD residents, and the TOD/affordable housing combo: trec.pdx.edu/events/psu-t...
JOIN US THIS FRIDAY ONLINE OR IN PERSON Oct 17, 2025 11 AM (Pacific) PSU TRANSPORTATION SEMINAR Transit-Oriented Development and Affordable Housing: Lessons from Portland With: Nathan McNeil, TREC at PSU
October 13, 2025 at 7:12 PM