The MLK Viaduct Project construction zone is proving to be quite a pain for some cyclists.
(File photo)
Many people have been ticketed for stop sign violations since the Police Bureau announced that the entire area — which just so happens to be one of the busiest bike corridors in the city — was an official “enhanced enforcement zone”.
Others have been ticketed for not riding in the newly striped bike lane. That offense is far from clear cut and at least one cyclist plans to take his ticket to court.
Making matters worse, and related to the bike lane issue, is the story (and photos) sent in by a reader about a business in the area that thinks the bike lane is their own private parking lot.
Here’s the story (photographs follow):
“I took some pictures of the Apple Foods trucks blocking the bike lane between 4th and 5th on Caruthers today. With all the police action targeting moving violations in the construction area, I am getting a bit tired of seeing this obstruction every day which forces bikes into the main lane with all sorts of traffic, including lots of large trucks (which is demonstrated in one of the photos). It seems dangerous to me…”
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Another reader, who commutes by bike and foot through the area, emailed to say she has had several close calls with trucks. Here’s her story:
“Heading in to work this morning I took my usual route which includes SE Division Pl to SE Grand and under the 99 viaduct on SE Caruthers. Going really slow because of the construction and traffic, I was westbound in the bike lane under the viaduct and a guy in a construction truck decided he wanted to turn right onto the dirt lane on the west side underneath the overpass where they all seem to park their vehicles. Of course, he wasn’t paying attention and turned in front of me. I yelled at him and he just looked over his right shoulder at me and continued his turn. I’m trying to figure out who to contact about this as it is not the first close call I’ve had with the people working on the 99 viaduct.”
The good news is that ODOT is ready to deal with these safety concerns. The reader above got this reply when she emailed an ODOT rep:
“Thank you for bringing this issue to our attention. Safety on this project…is a major priority and we have specifically been mindful of the bike/ped safety issues. What you explained is exactly what we are trying to avoid. I have contacted both our ODOT project manager and the safety manager for the contractor doing the work about your experience. It will be discussed at the next safety meeting and discussed with the workers on site.”
I also saw this sign posted near the site. I called the number this morning and was told that I had reached the ODOT office in charge of the project. Typical procedure is to take down reports and have the appropriate person return the call.
If you ride through this area, slow down, be aware (of trucks and cops), and be prepared to take extreme caution. If you have any problems, call (503) 771-3370.
UPDATE: Mark Ginsberg, Chair of the City of Portland Bicycle Advisory Committee, says that the “Bicycle Concerns?” sign is a direct result of fellow BAC member Matt Arnold. Arnold suggested the sign when ODOT reps came to the BAC before the project began to ask how they could minimize impact on bicyclists. Way to go Matt!