Ready to take a (video) ride on a street sweeper?

City of Portland street sweepers are out in force cleaning leaves from streets each fall. Recently Friends of Trees Program Director Brighton West was invited to take a ride in one of the sweepers. What did he learn?

First, the driver can ride on either side of the sweeper. It’s equipped with steering wheel and pedals on both sides. Second, it’s a loud and bumpy ride.

“It took a few blocks to get settled in so I didn’t fall out of my seat,” Brighton said.

Most interesting to Brighton was the dedication of the operator, Tyrone Goodgame. Tyrone really wants to see a clean street after he’s come through. When residents park their cars on the street or fail to prune their trees properly, Tyrone can’t do a good job.

Check out this video from inside the cab, then call 503-823-4489 to get your free street tree pruning permit and advice from a city arborist (if you live in the city of Portland, OR.)