E-Bike Safety

Published June 28, 2023

Message from Sergeant Tom Harper of the Lake Oswego Police Department:

We are seeing a significant increase in the use of Electric Assisted Bicycles (“E-Bikes”) in Lake Oswego. With their increased use, we are also seeing an increase in unsafe and unlawful behavior.

Here is some useful information, in case you get questions regarding e-bikes:

An E-Bike is defined as having fully operative pedals for human propulsion and an electric motor with power output not more than 1,000 watts. To be considered an E-bike, it must also not be capable of going faster than 20 mph on level ground without assistance (i.e. pedaling). If it is capable of going faster than 20 mph or has a motor with a power output of more than 1,000 watts, then it is considered a moped and would require an Oregon Driver License to operate it.

Here are some basic rules for E-Bikes:

  • You must be at least 16-years-old to operate it.
  • A helmet is not required for anyone over 16 years of age (but is recommended).
  • You must have approved lighting if it is operated under limited visibility.
  • They are NEVER allowed on sidewalks (ORS 814.410).
  • Riders MUST use a bike lane if one is adjacent to or near a roadway (ORS 814.420).
  • They are allowed on bike paths and in crosswalks.

Some other information to consider before operating an E-Bike can be found in ORS 814.400 Application of vehicle laws to bicycles, ORS 814.486 Endangering bicycle operator or passenger, and LOC 32.10.810 Requirements for Operation of Bicycles Generally. The Oregon Department of Transportation has also compiled a helpful chart that lists the guidelines for Electric Assisted Bicycles, bicycles, scooters, mopeds, and more. You can find that here.

If anyone in Lake Oswego has questions about E-Bikes or E-Bike Style mopeds, they can reach out to Sergeant Tom Harper ( tharper@ci.oswego.or.us )of the Lake Oswego Police Department.

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Neighborhood Enhancement Program (NEP) Project Coordinator

Primary Role:

  • Handles NEP grant applications, grant approvals, reviews receipts for reimbursement and is the single point of contact between the entire Palisades Neighborhood Association (PNA) and the City.
  • To be successfull in this role you should be organized, communicative.
  • Time commitment: From 8-12 hrs. throughout the year

Process:

  • Accepting NEP proposals: Anyone living in the Palisades Neighborhood Association can submit proposal(s) to the NEP Coordinator along with estimated costs throughout the year. They should follow the application guidelines and answer the questions related to their proposal.
  • PNA Board will Vote on Which Items To Include in our NEP Proposal: During the month of March PNA board meeting the NEP Coordinator asks the board to vote on the proposed item(s). NEP Coordinator encourages person(s) proposing the item(s) to attend the meeting to answer questions that might come up. The PNA board then votes on which items should be included in the NEP grant proposal.
  • Developing and Submitting the NEP Grant Proposalt: During the NEP grant proposal period (usually the month of May) the NEP Project Coordinator:
    • Fills out the NEP grant proposal application based on items approved by the PNA Board;
    • Gets sign offs from the PNA Chair
    • Submits the proposal form to the city in early May for the initial review process
    • Provides additional information requested by the city
    • Revises and submits the final application to the City by the deadline (typically May 31).

What Happens Next:

  • Iris McCaleb from the City forwards the NEP grant proposals to the grant review committee and then to the City Council who review it and awards certain grants.The NEP Coordinator will receive a letter of award from the City and will share it with the PNA Leadership Team.
  • As items are purchased from the approved grant list, the project close-out form is filled out by the person requesting reimbursement. They will attach digital copies of receipts and photos and then submit all to both the NEP Project Coordinator and the PNA Chair. The NEP Project Coordinator submits the reimbursement request to Iris at the City for reimbursement.
  • Reimbursement checks are then sent directly to the person who purchased the item(s).