In the warm summer weather, Portland streets can be packed with all sorts of commuters. People may be on their way to work or a recreational activity and may not even be aware that they are breaking the law. According to reports, there has been an increase in the number of people who are using skateboards and bicycles on Portland's sidewalks. Police say this creates hazards to pedestrians who are also using sidewalks.
Pedestrians are protected by riding bans. These laws were put into place decades ago to keep people from riding on city sidewalks. However, over the years, these rules have seen little enforcement. In fact, only four people were issued citations in 2013 for violating these rules.
Nonetheless, according to police this is about to change. Portland police are about to undertake increased enforcement of the laws banning riding on sidewalks. In particular, the police will increase enforcement on the sidewalks between West Burnside and Southwest Yamhill Streets, Fifth to Sixth avenues between 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.
People found riding skateboards and bicycles in violation of these riding bans will face citations and penalties. Skateboarders who are citied will face a $122 fine, and bicyclists will be fined $182.
Portland police often issue traffic citations, like these, for a variety of situations. Depending on the specific citation people can face a variety of penalties and fines. Portland residents should make sure they understand their legal options, if they believe they have been wrongly ticketed for a violation. Just because the fines are smaller than other misdemeanor charges, does not mean that people do not have legal rights.
Source: The Oregonian, "Portland police cracking down on sidewalk bicyclists, skateboarders in downtown," Joseph Rose, July 31, 2014
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