City adopts bicycle ordinance

Portland City Council took a step Monday in an effort to enhance safety for bicyclists.
The council on first and second readings gave approval to a new ordinance that requires a minimum distance for drivers when passing bicycles on city streets.
The new rules require that drivers allow at least 3 feet between their vehicles and bicycles and that vehicles not return to the original lane until safely in front of the bicycle. Those violating the ordinance could face a fine of up to $100.
Theresa Inman, a member of Jay County Trails Club, brought up the idea for the ordinance at the April 20 council meeting, saying it would improve bicycle safety and help in receiving grants for trail planning. Council discussed the issue again in May, asking city attorney Bill Hinkle to draft a proposed ordinance.
Council members Bill Gibson, Judy Aker, Mark Hedges, Don Gillespie and Kip Robinette gave their approval Monday with Kent McClung and Michael Brewster absent.
Portland’s ordinance is based on one enacted in South Bend, and Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Seymour, Carmel, West Lafayette, Lafayette and Elkhart have similar rules. Indiana is one of 17 states with no specific law for bicycle passing, while 25 states require a passing distance of 3 feet.
Council also gave permission for Wayne Street to be closed from the city street department garage to Seventh Street from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 27 for the Jay County Time Trial Bike Race. Organizers were asked to alert residents in that area of Wayne Street of the closing.
Hedges again brought up the issue of the removal of trees, which have been replaced by orange cones, in the downtown area. It marked at least the fourth time since February that the topic has been part of council’s discussion.
Mayor Randy Geesaman said he plans to hold a meeting with downtown property owners this month to discuss a solution. Tree removal has been at the request of business owners.
In other business, council:
•Heard comments from Aker and Geesaman about the lack of flooding on the west side of the city this weekend despite more than 2 inches of rain. The hope is that work, such as clearing roots from sewer lines, cleaning catch basins and installing flap gates and check valves, during the last year has helped with water flow.
On the same topic, Geesaman asked residents to make sure grass and other yard debris is not left in the street to flow into and block catch basins.
•Transferred $3,000 from the police department’s equipment from to its criminal investigation fund.
•Heard Geesaman and Gibson suggest a change to the city’s ordinance regarding high grass. Currently, the city must wait until May 15 in order to issue a warning for grass taller than 8 inches. They suggested eliminating any dates from the ordinance and allowing police to issue warnings as needed.
•Paid claims totaling $854,553.61.