while it lasted.]
The law requires that all cyclists have a front light and a rear reflector. A little over one year ago, the Traffic Division of the Portland Police Bureau began giving out free lights to bicyclists who were stopped for violating this law.
The program was spearheaded by then Commander Bill Sinnott and was met with much rejoicing by city bureaucrats and bike advocates in Portland. It also garnered significant publicity locally and nationally, including a spot on CBS News Sunday Morning.
Unfortunately, I’ve just gotten word that the PPB does not plan to continue this program after their remaining 50 sets of lights are given out.
I called Lieutenant Mark Kruger (2nd in command at the Traffic Division) this morning and asked why. He said,
“It was always approached as a one-time program…it had to have an end date. We think cyclists have had an exceptional opportunity to learn compliance with this law and after we run out of lights it will again be their own responsibility to have the required equipment.”
I still remember visiting ex-Commander Sinnott and seeing my story on the program pinned up on his bulletin board. It was clear that he took pride in this program not just because it kept cyclists alive but because he knew that it meant a lot to the relationship between the Traffic Division and the community.
I applaud the Traffic Division for their efforts and look forward to working with them on similar programs in the future.