The problem is that Oregon allows bicycle riding in sidewalks. Portland does not allow bicycle riding on sidewalks DOWNTOWN (Riding on the sidewalk is illegal in downtown Portland in the following area: south of Hoyt Street and north of Jefferson Street, and east of 13th and west of Naito Parkway). It would be easier of states would outlaw it outright (except for children) instead of having different rules depending on where you happen to be riding.