PORT TOWNSEND — The City Council voted Thursday night to revisit the city’s controversial bicycle helmet law passed by a split vote late last year.
The council, however, voted not to reconsider the city’s formula store ordinance.
During a work session to discuss so-called “in-box” items for possible reconsideration, the council voted 4-3 to reschedule consideration and possibly vote on the helmet law.
The vote came after Councilman Scott Walker and several cyclists urged the council to repeal the law now in the public education phase of its adoption.
Council members Frank Benskin, Geoff Masci and Laurie Medlicott opposed revisiting the ordinance they strongly support.
But if Walker has anything to do with it, he said the ordinance will be history this summer.
“We don’t have the support of a lot citizens,” said Walker.
“I hear the citizens a lot and they’re angry about this.
“I think we need to revoke this ordinance, finish our bicycle safety effort and then relook at this.”
During public comment, Port Townsend resident Robert Frank said he opposed the ordinance.
He reminded the council that a petition against the ordinance was submitted to city officials, asking that it be repealed.
Jane Whicher, Port Townsend Bicycle Association president speaking on behalf of the city’s Non-Motorized Transportation Advisory Board, agreed with Walker, saying that during every board meeting “people come to us to get the ordinance repealed.”
“We sincerely feel that a broad-based community program is needed in town,” she said.
