Resident describes two e-bike crashes; commissioners urge coordination with Multnomah County on bike and sidewalk safety

A Troutdale resident told the Planning Commission Sept. 10 that two serious incidents on Sept. 3 left him requiring emergency medical evaluation after his e-bike struck buckled sidewalks and a two-foot gap at a Multnomah County crossing on 250 Seventh, which is under county jurisdiction. The resident asked the commission to work with Multnomah County and ODOT to correct hazardous sidewalks and crosswalks and to prioritize clear, separated transitions between travel modes in future projects.
Commissioners and staff acknowledged the county's jurisdiction over 250 Seventh and discussed coordination channels. Staff said a large multimillion-dollar county project (an $8 million project referenced in the meeting) is underway on 257 and that the city has limited authority over county road design but can forward concerns and recommendations. Commissioners and staff also discussed local design features (bump outs) that some said have made cycling routes harder, and attendees recommended looking at greenways and safe-routes-to-school connections on city streets (for example, Sandy Avenue) that are within city control.
Speakers raised operational issues that affect cyclist safety: debris accumulation in painted or protected bike lanes, pole or barrier maintenance, placement of construction signage that forces cyclists into sidewalks, and the need for education on correct cycling direction and traffic rules. Planning staff noted that some multimodal improvements are in the adopted Transportation System Plan (TSP) and a streetscape plan for Halsey that includes multiuse paths.
The commission did not adopt an ordinance or make a formal referral at the Sept. 10 meeting; commissioners asked staff to forward the resident's letter and concerns to the county and to continue integrating multimodal priorities into city planning documents and upcoming code amendments.