TOM SOLLITT
District 3
What is your experience with off-road cycling? Do you have a favorite trail to ride?
I’ve participated in BIPOC rides organized by Roo (Ruandy) the creator of War Paint Magazine who was organizing rides with NW Trail Alliance a few years ago. Those experiences showed me how cycling can build community and make the outdoors more welcoming. While I’m not a regular trail rider, I appreciate the role trails can play in connecting people with nature and creating more opportunities for recreation close to home.
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
Yes. I’m committed to advancing the Off-Road Cycling Master Plan in District 3. The plan provides a roadmap for expanding access to trails and outdoor recreation, especially for youth, families, and neighborhoods that lack convenient opportunities.
I would focus on practical opportunities at Mt. Tabor Park, Brentwood Park, Colonel Summers Park, and Creston Park, as well as improving the Springwater Corridor with natural-surface trail options where feasible. I’d work with Parks & Recreation, community partners, and residents to move these projects forward with responsible environmental planning and long-term maintenance in mind. Portland has already done the work to develop this vision and now we need to make progress on implementing 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?
I would actively support strengthening partnerships with organizations like NWTA that bring expertise in trail building, stewardship, and youth programming. The City should work with community partners to make the most of our resources, reduce bureaucratic barriers, and improve our public parks. I’m particularly interested in expanding opportunities for young people to access cycling and outdoor recreation through programs like SUN Community Schools. With clear agreements and shared responsibility for maintenance and environmental protection, we can support City staff while building stronger connections between Portlanders and their parks.
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?
Yes. I’m willing to prioritize sustainable trail improvements in Forest Park that expand access while protecting its ecological health. The Off-Road Cycling Master Plan provides a path forward through carefully designed trails, habitat restoration, better maintenance, and ongoing monitoring. I would support working with NWTA, the Forest Park Conservancy, environmental experts, and other park users to implement these recommendations, while protecting sensitive habitats and preserving pedestrian-only trails where appropriate. We should be able to improve access to nature while ensuring Forest Park remains healthy and accessible for future generations.