Did You Know...

05-17-07 The mild and dry weather conitnues here in Vernonia creating ideal conditions for bicyclists and bicycle activities. The bicycle racks in front of the three Vernonia schools have been very full with students taking advantage of bicycle transportation. Unfortunately, many of the students seem to have forgotten the rules, laws, and requirments for bicyclists. The VPD suggests that ALL bicycle riders regardless of age wear protective headgear but Oregon law (814.485) requires anyone under the age of 16yrs old wear protective headgear. The base fine for violating this ORS is $77. Interestingly enough, if you violate this ORS and are age 12-15yrs old you OR your parent (guardian, responsible adult) can receive the citation. If you violate and are age 11yrs or younger than a parent, guardian, or responsible adult will receive the citation. In an effort to increase bicycle safety the VPD gave out approximately 30 helmet for free or small donation on Saturday at the Vernonia Baseball Slugfest '07. Though the department supply of helemts is very low, I hope to be getting some funds through donations or grants to purchase more helmets soon. The Vernonia City Council created Ordinance #745 Section 31 which makes it Illegal to ride bikes, scooters, skateboards, roller-blades, etc. on the sidewalks along Bridge St. from Weed Ave. to California Ave. This also includes sidewalks along Jefferson and Madison Ave. between Bridge and Maple. These riders are also required to "yield" to pedestrian traffic on other sidewalks. Violation of this ordinance could result in a fine of up to $50 as well as impoundment of your bicycle. City ordinance gives officers the right to impound bicycles and charge a release fee for violations. Many people have told me they do not want their children riding on Bridge St. or the Rock Cr. Bridge because of the vehicle traffic. I can understand this and I recognize that the bridge and downtown are both narrow and leave little room at times for vehicles to traverse them. When the council enacted Ordinance #745 they also discussed "Alternative Routes" for non-pedestrian traffic. These routes include the Linear Trail and Maple St. The car v. bicycle accident on Thursday is a vivid reminder that accidents can and do occur in Vernonia. Lastly, on Monday I received a letter from the Oregon Department of Justice (ODOJ)regarding Charitable Activities solicitations. The letter commented that though there are numerous legitimate solicitation campaigns going on there are also several fraudulent activities. The ODOJ would encourage anyone who questions the validity of a solicitation to ask questions and then inquire with the ODOJ or local law enforcement before contributing or giving out any personal information. Oregon law requires all fundraisers to register with ODOJ and provide scripts and contracts validating their authorization to solicit for a nonprofit organization. If you are contacted and question the validity of a fundraiser or would like to complain, try to obtain the following information: name of organization/fundraiser, contact information, caller i.d. information for the call, statements of the solicitor, where they want donations sent, etc. To make a complaint or for more information on solicitations you can call the ODOJ Charitable Activities Section at 971-673-1880 or online at <www.doj.state.or.us> and submit a complaint online.