Cyclist gather before a Midnight Mystery Ride.(File photo) The Portland Police Bureau (PPB) were busy this weekend issuing citations to cyclists at two Portland biking traditions: the monthly Midnight Mystery Ride and the weekly Zoobomb. Both rides have grown in popularity over the years and riders reported mass ticketing at both events. The coordinated — … Read more
Over the weekend, the discussion over enforcement against bicycles in North Plains continued both in the comments of my post from Friday and on the OBRA email list. Among the reactions was a comment by North Plains Police Chief Scott Whitehead. Whitehead wrote in to clarify his position on the situation: “It seems that several … Read more
The fatal crash that took the life of Timothy O’Donnell seems to have resulted in two different responses by law enforcement personnel. The Washington County Sheriff’s office shows a willingness to work with the community for tougher laws against motorists, while the North Plains Police opt for increased enforcement directed at bicyclists. A story in … Read more
Looking north on SE 4th Ave.(File photo) Back in February, I shared the word from the Portland Police Bureau Traffic Division that the OMSI construction area would be an “enhanced enforcement zone” (see map below). Now, given the amount of emails and phone calls I’ve received in recent days, it seems like they’ve significantly ratcheted … Read more
File photo As I reported yesterday, the fixed-gear brake bill is moving along nicely in Salem. What I didn’t mention was that an amendment has been added to the bill that will allow police bicycles to be equipped with a siren. Here’s the deal. Existing Oregon statute (ORS 815.280(b)) states that, “A person shall not … Read more
File photo: 8/26/05 The Portland Police Bureau released their Annual Traffic Activity Summary yesterday. The report details all the traffic violations and expenditures for 2006. Among the stats was a page devoted to “Non-permitted Protest, Demonstration, Critical Mass”. It’s important to note not only how they categorize their presence at Critical Mass, but the amount … Read more
Police presence at a Portland Critical Mass ride in August 2005.File photo: 8/26/05 The Portland Police Bureau Traffic Division will no longer be in charge of Portland’s Critical Mass ride. Seeking to remove a layer of management, the Bureau has decided to give the duty of patrolling the monthly ride to Southeast Precinct Lieutenant Bob … Read more
I just received a report on Wednesday’s enforcement mission at Ladds Circle from Traffic Division Sergeant Mike Fort: Photo: Portland Police Bureau Traffic Division
A scene from yesterday’s enforcement mission in Ladds Circle. Neighbors complained about bicyclists and the Police Bureau responded with motorcycle officers.Photo: Aaron Tarfman The recent enforcement mission in Ladds Circle has created a fervor of action and discussion. Twenty-four hours after the incident and comments are still coming in. Here’s a quick recap of what … Read more
I just got a tip from a reader that the Portland Police Bureau has set up an enforcement sting at Ladds Circle in southeast Portland. The tipster said lots of cyclists were getting “scooped up” on their morning commute for not coming to a complete stop before entering the circle. Consider this advance warning if … Read more
At the Tour de Fat Parade.File photo: 8/27/06 I have covered bicycle-related law enforcement issues extensively on this site. My coverage has mirrored changes in my personal understanding and experience of the complex relationship between police officers and bicyclists in Portland.
As part of the Bicycle Master Plan update process, city bike coordinator Roger Geller is leading monthly rides to survey what works and what doesn’t in our existing bikeway network.