(Photo © J. Maus)
After being made aware of a problem with garbage and recycling containers being left on the Cully Blvd cycle track, the City of Portland has decided to launch an education effort to encourage residents to keep the bikeway clear of obstructions.
In a story last week, I shared the experience of Portlander Bjorn Warloe, who was frustrated with how often the debris carts are left in the bikeway on Cully.
Kevin Veaudry Casaus, the Solid Waste and Recycling Sr. Coordinator for the City of Portland’s Bureau of Planning and Sustainability, noticed that story and the discussion that ensued.
“It appears that pretty much every residence has a convenient space to set out their containers without interfering with either the cycletrack… We can… eliminate the problem with these education efforts.”
— Kevin Veaudry Casaus, City of Portland
Casaus confirmed that recycling and garbage bins are not allowed in traffic lanes, which includes the cycle track and the sidewalk. “Our administrative rules state that residents must set out their container “curbside,” which is defined as within 3 feet of the curb, or where the curb would be if none exists,” he shared.
After seeing our article, Casaus had a field enforcement staffer visit Cully. “What she saw,” he reported back, “is that it appears that pretty much every residence has a convenient space to set out their containers without interfering with either the cycletrack or the sidewalk.”
Casaus also spoke with the hauler for that area, who confirmed that many people put their containers on the cycle track. According to Casaus, “The hauler has now agreed that when they find a container on the cycle track they will place it in an allowable location after emptying it.”
In addition, the hauler will leave a note on the cart telling the resident where they can and cannot place their containers and encouraging them to call the City in if they need additional information.
Casaus feels that the issue has a lot to do with this being the first cycle track of its kind in Portland.
“I think a lot of the issue has to do with the newness of the cycle track and the overall lack of familiarity for dealing with them for most residents who think they are just making it more convenient for their garbage hauler.”
Casaus says he expects the education effort to eliminate the problem.
This is a good outcome and I’m grateful that Bjorn Warloe stepped up to do something about it and that we have City staff like Mr. Casaus who respond to bike-related concerns.