Portland City Council Considers Plan To Remove Abandoned Bikes

A proposed ordinance in Portland seeks to reduce the number of abandoned bicycles in Maine's largest city.

According to the Portland Press Herald, the plan would allow police officers and city workers to remove abandoned bikes and cut any locks or chains holding the bikes in place. That's something the city is currently unable to do because there are no policies or procedures in place at this time.

Under the proposal, suspected abandoned bikes would be tagged. The owner would then have 72 hours to remove it. If it's not removed, the city takes it.

Bicycles that go unclaimed would be donated to a nonprofit organization that specializes in restoring bikes.

A final vote on the issue could take place at the city council meeting on April 6.