TREC research addresses complex transportation problems by drawing on multiple disciplines, including engineering, planning, economics and design, from across the Portland State University campus. Use the search box at right to search for a specific project.

Research Highlights

Shared Space and Bicyclists

Allison Duncan
Shared space is a traffic calming technique and design concept. The technique is relatively new, and the majority of existing research concerns pedestrians only. This mixed methods study will be international in scope focusing on intersections in England. The goal of this dissertation is to understand how cyclists perceive and travel through shared space intersections by observing cyclists as they traverse selected sites and control sites as well as intercepting and surveying those cyclists… Read More

Is There a "Buy Local" Case for Lower Travel Speeds? Testing Differences in Driver Recognition of Local Versus National Retail at Different Travel Speeds

Jonathan Bean Arlie Adkins , Tara Goddard
City officials and business leaders looking to increase economic performance and attract new residents recognize the benefits of having a strong local retail environment. Money spent at a local retail is more likely to stay in the community (Civic Economics, 2008; Patel and Martin, 2011) and sell goods that are sourced locally (Clark & Banga, 2010). A commissioned study in Grand Rapids, Michigan, found that locally owned restaurants spent 56% their revenues locally, compared to only 37% in the… Read More