Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Chicago

Transit-Oriented America, Part 5: Wrap-Up

Portland_Go_By_Train_2.jpg

Thanks all for reading and commenting on our non-motorized honeymoon travel series (see parts 1, 2, 3 and 4). Below is a table Susan put together to briefly summarize some of our observations on the cities we visited.

 

Transit

Bike Accesibity

Amtrak
Station

Street life
and art

Chicago

Loop El made all connections we needed

Pedicabs exist, but are limited; Lakefront greenway; Bikers are seen on most of the city streets too. Flat.

Great station, however the grand hall seems to be off to the side and therefore less used.

Bustling city; monumental public artwork.

Seattle

Many bus routes, some electrified

Lots of hills, didn't see many bikers.

Renovations to the ceiling will make this station a better place.

Pigs everywhere painted different colors; tech money allows for amenities

Portland

Modern light rail (two systems?)

Great greenway system and tons of on-street bike paths.

Classy bustling station. "Go By Train" sign on the clock tower was a welcome sight.

"Keep Portland Weird" is less a slogan, more a way of life

San Francisco

An amazing variety of buses and trains, some vintage

Hills, but cyclists persevere.

Amtrak serves the city only with buses; use Oakland, Emeryville or San Jose for trains.

Tons of performers, packed sidewalks, awesome walk-in fountain.

Los Angeles

Has light rail and clean new subway.

More time needed for additional study.

Amazing old station like a Hollywood movie set surrounded by palms with deco style, but some parts are closed.

Well-done graffiti and murals; few pedestrians.

New Orleans

Sexy vintage streetcars with big windows, grassy right-of-way

Flat. Lots of small streets and many bikers. Coaster bikes seem to be the regional favorite.

Functional but drab station right downtown. Service to Florida is suspended indefinitely.

Lots of street musicians, lots of tourists in French Quarter

For those of you who want some more U.S. transit-oriented travel stories, check out Twin City Sidewalks' visits to Chicago and Washington, Babylon, L.I., Savannah, Ga. and Durham, N.C., and also visit Dave KCMO, who liveblogged his 8,789 miles on Amtrak and VIA Rail Canada.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Trump Culture War Tantrum Turns to Gateway Tunnel and Second Ave. Subway

It's the second time the Trump administration has denied New York transit funding in as many days.

October 1, 2025

West Side Pols Call on Trump Administration to Stop Illegally Blocking 10th Ave. Bike Lane

The DEA blockade of the 10th Avenue bike lane continues, and local politicians are demanding the federal agency stop denying cyclists safety.

October 1, 2025

When the DOT Takes Your Bike: A Cyclist’s Guide to Getting It Back 

A bike commuter's frustrating journey through New York's bureaucratic maze reveals a hidden problem affecting cyclists citywide. 

October 1, 2025

Wednesday’s Headlines: This is Your DOT on Drugs Edition

Yes, that's our editor consuming drugs in front of the federal Drug Enforcement Administration office on 10th Avenue to protest the agency's seizure of the bike lane. Plus other news.

October 1, 2025

BIG ZERO: Trump Stiffs MTA in ‘Sanctuary City’ Tantrum

The federal government is denying the MTA tens of millions of dollars in public safety funding over of New York's immigration policies.

September 30, 2025

Gale’s A-Blowin’: Brewer Abandons Daylighting Bill After Push By Parking-First DOT

DOT's anti-daylighting "scare tactics" have peeled off Council Member Gale Brewer, who says the policy will gobble up too many parking spots.

September 30, 2025
See all posts