City OK's signs for bike routes (09/16/2008)

Share the road.

A local woman is hoping that posting signs will remind drivers there are bicyclists on Portland streets.

Terri Inman asked Portland City Council members Monday night to post signs on Tyson Road, Morton Street and Industrial Park Drive. The signs would have a picture of a bicycle and read, "Share the road." Council members voted in favor of her request after hearing that a bicycling group would pay 80 percent of the cost of installing the signs.

"I believe ... biking is the alternative transportation," Inman said, adding that several local residents ride their bicycles to work. The aforementioned streets are frequently used by bicyclists because the streets are wide and in good shape, she said.

Inman asked for two signs on each street.

But Jeff Harker, street and park department superintendent, said he felt additional signs are needed.

The Indiana Bicycle Coalition has agreed to pay 80 percent of the cost of the signs, with the city paying for the rest.

Inman said the signs would cost about $68, which does not include the costs of the posts. Harker said the posts would cost about $15 each.

The city would be responsible for 20 percent of the $68 sign cost, along with the full $15 for the posts.

The signs will be installed by street department employees.

The coalition is expected to have more funds available to help purchase additional signs next year, Inman said.

Before the council voted, Bruce Hosier, mayor of Portland, said, "I think it's a great idea. I ride (my bike) and so does city attorney Bill Hinkle."

Councilman Kip Robinette said before voting, "I would like to see it open-ended. I think two signs (per street) is not enough."

Judy Aker and Mike Brewster, both council members, agreed with Robinette.

The council voted to allow Harker to decide how many signs are needed for the three city streets.

In other business, Hosier gave Harker permission to install an additional school zone sign on Floral Avenue, near Boundary Pike.

Aker asked if the sign could be installed because of street closures caused by the Boundary Pike/Wayne Street project. She said people are driving fast at Boundary Pike and Floral Avenue, which is near General Shanks Elementary School.

"There has been a lot of increased traffic and increased speeding. Somebody's gonna get hit," Aker said.

The sign will be erected on Floral Avenue, near the exit from General Shanks. Harker said school officials are considering stationing another crossing guard near the busy intersection.

Also Monday, council members:

•Approved a resolution to temporarily borrow $25,000 from the city's general operating fund for the park fund. The money is needed because the city has not received its tax money, as property tax bills were sent out late this year.

The funds will be replaced in the general fund as soon as the city gets its tax money.

•Reviewed a proposal for a stricter ordinance for junk properties.

The changes submitted by Aker and council president Bill Gibson state that a first offense would result in a warning, the second would be a $25 fine, the third would be a $50 fine and the fourth offense in a year would require the property owner to appear in city court.

After the meeting, Aker said the current ordinance typically only results in warnings.

The proposed changes likely will be discussed at a future council meeting.[[In-content Ad]]