Hey, why is it that when you ask a cop here in Bend a question he answers in a way such as, ‘Well I think that it is because of this!’ What is up with that?
Don’t they have access to a computer in their squad cars? When I ask a question about something I want to hear, ‘Well sir, this is the city ordinance,’ or, ‘This is this because this is the law in Oregon.’
I have had numerous experiences with the police here in Bend, and quite frankly they suck. Why do they suck? Well I never see them on Skyliners road west of Mt. Washington Drive monitoring those idiots in their pickups blazing along at 80 mph. Is there a speed limit out there? I have asked questions about the bicycle lanes and whether or not it is illegal to park in that lane. Some police say yes and some say no. Well what is it? The City Hall says it is illegal to park in the bicycle lane unless it is a city vehicle or emergency vehicle.
I have seen the police here let young teenagers curse at them and they do nothing. So (much) for feeling safe around here; I guess it is time to leave Bend. So to be fair, not all the police are Beevis (sic) and Butthead or Ren and Stimpy, and I have met one or two who know the laws.
I guess we can’t trust the cops, so perhaps we should go down to City Hall and get all the information ourselves so we know our right and the law.
So my final departure here is: Can someone let Sheryl (sic) Baxter know that her police force need(s) to know the answers and not make them up. When we, the residents, get false answers our faith in the police goes down the toilet.
Yoda
This article appears in Jan 29 – Feb 4, 2009.
MAKE LOCAL JOURNALISM HAPPEN
Republish our articles for free, online or in print, under a Creative Commons license.
Heck they start accelerating at 14th on their way up Galveston which becomes Skyliner. After 14th they’re going 50 mph, and after Washington they’re going over 80 mph.
Photo-Radar it works, but when the new elementary goes in up there, the cops will be seen, as Oregon law allows double-charge on speeding in a school zone.
Just last week I wondered myself, don’t the cops have a computer database in their car or perhaps down at the station? I spoke to several city cops after being the victim of a crime and was convinced that “they suck”. Years ago, I took it upon myself to learn my rights after being treated like a piece of dirt by city cops. The cops here seem to enjoy using “intimidation” and will lie right to your face! If you’re really lucky, they might even be a complete jerk to you. Forget about asking THEM any questions, better yet, know your rights and never talk to cops without your lawyer’s advice.
You have had numerous experiences with police in Bend??? Maybe you should consider changing your behavior so you do not have to interact with the police so often. In my experience those who cry the loudest are the most guilty!!!
Good strategy there young Yoda… not using your “real” name. My good friend and long-time attorney once asked a cop here a question. He now lives in Washington DC.
master Yoda, you seek knowledge, I offer humble answers:
ORS 811.440 says:
2) a person may operate a motor vehicle upon a bicycle when:
(a) making a turn;
(b) entering or leaving an alley, private road or driveway; or
(c) Required in the course of official duty.
(3) an implement of husbandry [farm machinery] may momentarily cross into a bicycle lant to permit other vehicles to overtake and pass the implement of husbandry.
ORS 811.550 states that vehicles may not be stopped or pakred upon a bicycle lane with certain exceptions listed in ORS 811.560:
1) worker or student transport buses with flashing lights on;
2) vehicles stopped stanindg or parked momentarily to pick up or discharge a passenger;
3) maintenance or repair vehcils performing work on the roadway;
4)when the driver’s disregard of the prohibitions is necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic
5) vehicles under the direction of a police officer or traffic control device;
6) disabled vehicles that cannot be moved
7) govt. employees releasing fish;
8) vehicles momentarily stopped to allow oncoming traffic to pass before making a right hand or lefthand turn, or momentarily stopped in preparation or while negotiating an exit from the roadway.
Oh, wise master, arm yourself with the wisdom of Pedal Power: A legal guide for Oregon Cyclists, available from the Bicycle Transporation Alliance in hardcopy form, or downloadable as a PDF from stc-law.com. It boils down the ORS as it applies to cyclists very neatly. Also, visit the Bend PD website for contact info for Sandi Baxter and community liaison Steve Esselstyn, they are very accessible. Also, you can report infractions to the Bend PD non-emergency line 388-0170. There is also an online complaint form on the Bend PD website for re-occurring situations in specific areas. Vehicles parked or stopped illegally in bike lanes can cause serious injury or death..sadly this caused the death of Keith Moon last year. You would think enforcement would not be optional after that incident.
Do not remain silent, master Yoda. reach out directly, and you will be heard.
didn’t you know? according to the local cops, “cyclists cause most of the problems”. they’ve said that time and time again, despite the fact that on a daily basis cyclists are almost injured or killed in incidents that do not show up in their handful of reported accidents. Report reckless, harrassing or oblivious drivers so the they get the true picture. And YES, there are cyclists out there who need to get a clue also. As a community we need to continue to show that the vast majority of us are safe and responsible and know the rules.