The City is enforcing a new ordinance for bicycles that have been locked and left on public property. In efforts to clear public spaces of abandoned bikes, and to create space on bike racks, bicycles will be removed if they meet several criteria.
West End News Cargo Bike
Abandoned bicycles are bikes that have been left in a public spaced locked for one month or longer. If the bike meets two or more criteria below the City will have the right to remove it.
-The bike has no tires or wheels
-The bike has missing or warped wheels, handlebars or seats
-The bike has a missing, rusted or broken chain that makes it inoperable
-The bike has a visible layer of dust on the seat and/or handlebars
The City will tag bicycles that meet these criteria with an “Abandoned Bicycle Removal Tag.” Each tag will be printed with a date that the bicycle must be removed by. If a bike has not been removed within three days it will be removed by City staff. Bicycles blocking a pedestrian path or handicap ramp will be removed immediately.
Bicycles will be stored for a minimum of 30 days. During this period, bicycles can be retrieved at no charge by contacting Public Works Dispatch at 207-874-8493. If a bike is tagged in error, you may remove the tag and move the bike to a different location.
If you want to report an abandoned bicycle you can use the Fix It! Portland app. When you identify the bike please describe the bike’s color, location, type of lock, what the bike is locked to (sign, tree, fence etc.) and at least two criteria from the above list.
The City will be accepting proposals to be part of the Abandoned Bicycle Program. A local non-profit organization will be chosen to receive any unclaimed bikes, refurbish and repurpose the bikes for community use. Interested organizations can apply by responding to the Request for Proposals here http://www.portlandmaine.gov/DocumentCenter/View/11051.
