Note: I'm currently dealing with a family medical emergency and am unable to work normal hours. You'll see guest articles and a lower volume of stories here (and on our social media accounts) and no coverage of breaking news until I return to Portland. Thanks for your understanding and support!
- Jonathan Maus, BikePortland Publisher and Editor
Despite confusion from some lawmakers that led to an unexpectedly lengthy discussion prior to the vote, House Bill 2682 passed the Joint Committee on Transportation yesterday by a tally of 7-3. I’ve described this bill as a no-brainer; but because it involves bicycling, you just never know what some Oregon legislators will get hung up … Read more
A bit of legal housekeeping.
This law needs to be edited for clarity.
Where the bike lane ends. Remember the disappearing bike lane case? I’m happy to report that it reached a positive conclusion — at least in the civil case of Carmen Piekarski. First, let’s go back to December 2009… Piekarski was riding her bike eastbound on SE Hawthorne approaching SE 10th Ave. While in the intersection, … Read more
Despite appearances, that bike lane continues through the intersection.(Photo © J. Maus) We’ve got more reaction and analysis on the infamous disappearing bike lane decision. First, a quick review: Carmen Piekarski was right-hooked by a woman driving a car while biking through an intersection. Multnomah County Judge Pro Tem Michael Zusman ruled that the person … Read more
No paint, no (legal) protection?(Photo © J. Maus) When bike lane striping disappears through an intersection, does the legal standing of a person operating a bicycle in that lane also vanish? Last month, Multnomah County traffic court judge Michael Zusman ruled that it does and the decision has left many people confused and concerned. We … Read more
A Portland judge has ruled that when bike lane striping vanishes, like in the intersection of SE 10th and Hawthorne, so does a rider’s legal protection. When Portlander Rob Daray witnessed a right-hook collision on his commute home last summer he thought it was obvious who was at fault. So did the police officer who … Read more