John Sweeney
District 3
Note: John Sweeney submitted two responses to this form. Both responses are combined below.
What is your experience with off-road cycling? Do you have a favorite trail to ride?
1) Off road cycling: NO.
But, I road for Western Union when I 18. Whhile I was with the Portland Parks, I helped build a trail off of Salsman Road. We spent about 6 or 7 weeks doing it. And, for 4 seasons I mowed the fire trails up in Forrest Park. That was part of the “Fire Surpression Plan”. It was an enjoyable experience. They need a lot more work.
2) None. But, I rode for Western Union when I was 18. And, as a kid I almost lived on my 1939 Schwim during the summers. And, I know that the bycycle is the most effective form of transportatiom.
The Off-road Cycling Master Plan (ORCMP) was published by the City in 2023 after a robust public process. It found that Portland suffers from a severe lack of opportunities for off-road cycling despite Portland’s cycling reputation. Are you committed to advancing the goals of the ORCMP in your district? Why or why not? Off-Road Cycling Master Plan for reference: https://www.portland.gov/bps/planning/off-road-cycling/documents
1) I am not up on the details of that plan. But, I am with you on that project. Improvements will also help with fire supression in that area. A fire in Forrest Park with an East wind could get out of control and be in Scapose in 3 hours. Fire can spread at 500% per minute / minute /minute.
2) I am not uup to date on this plan. But, most likely I would support it.
NWTA is a City of Portland partner with a proven track record in building, restoring, and maintaining high-quality, sustainable trails for multiple user groups, in addition to providing cycling and stewardship programming for Portlanders. To what degree would you help strengthen and promote partnerships with groups like NWTA to support City staff and improve our public parks?
1) I am not up to date on these matters. But, I will be with youn on improving them.
2) I have strong feelings for Forrest Park. As a light equipment operator I worked expanding A trail off of Salsman Road (doing most of it ny hand). I sprnt 4 seasons (6 weeks each) mowing Lief Ericson Drive and the fire trails from Thruman Street to Newbarry Road. That was part of the Fire suppression plan. The last time I checked they have been not been mowed for a long time. I am worried about it.
For over 40 years, the City of Portland has blocked all efforts to provide meaningful multi-use trail access in Forest Park. Now, the City’s ORCMP (page 72) has a number of recommendations for Forest Park that bring environmentally sustainable multi-use trails online and follow the Forest Park Natural Resources Management Plan process. Are you willing to make sustainable off-road cycling trail improvements a priority to improve trailhead congestion, environmental concerns and access for all Portlanders to Forest Park?
1) The more people use our parks the better. Even while I was on the building crew and people came through it was go to talk with them about our work. They liked our work a lot.
2) I am in favor of making all trails wide enuff for walkers and riders. As that would make usable for for control and medical teams when needed. They would also be added fire breaks as part of the fire suppression plan. A big fire in Forrest Park with a go East Wind. The fire could reach Scappose in three hours..