Club president Jim Schroeder asked the candidates running for County Sheriff in the Democratic primary election coming up to respond by email to concerns related to a road rage incident last year. (The candidate in the Republican primary is unopposed.) Their email responses are pasted in verbatim below.
Of the four candidates current treasurer Catherine Smith does not have a website and is not campaigning actively for Sheriff. Below are the responses of the other three:
MIKE PERSHING
Hello Jim,
In the course of my work I have seen near accidents that could have resulted in injury or fatality involving a bicyclist and motorist. I think the way that we could avoid these in the future would be to educate both motorist and bicyclists on the laws governing both. For the motorist, they should have situational awareness which will help them give bicyclists ample room when they are passing them which will help the bicyclist feel much safer. Bicyclists, in turn, need to follow traffic laws such as stop signs and red lights, because disregarding these enforcement s can result in severe injury. Obviously, we want people to be able to use their bicycle without risk or fear of injury, and I think that this course of education will help our community continue to allow bike use to flourish, helping our environment and public health. Bicycle only lanes also help to keep traffic away from bicyclists which will help keep aggressive motorists from getting into a negative situation.
Thank you so much for reaching out about this issue, and I hope you will reach out about any other issues that concern you!
BRAD SWAIN
Hello Mr. Schroeder,
I am not familiar with the particular event that is referred to. I can say that such cases should be investigated, and a meeting with the driver should happen even when not attempt to harm has been made, as means to put the person on notice.
I can only speculate on the lack of follow up on the even where the license number was photographed. It could be the registration was invalid, and the vehicle didn't match; or the officer couldn't locate the vehicle after going to the address on the registration. There may also be a chance the officer did locate and talk with the driver, but did not let the complainant know the status.
My apology.
My response sent before I was finished. I wanted to say that as Sheriff, I will remain accessible for any inquiries a citizen has in regard to how a call to 911 was address by a Deputy.
STEPHEN SHARP
The City of Bloomington has made great strides to provide safe bicycle paths within the city. The county has provided bike trails in the county and are planning more as funding becomes available. I am not personally aware of the incidents of which you speak. Many of our
county roads are narrow , two lane with limited visibility. While the scenery is wonderful for bicyclist and vehicles alike, the road can be hazardous when vehicles and bicycles are trying to use the same space. The laws are very specific about the bicycle usage of the road, as are laws governing the impediment of efficient flow of traffic. Both parties must be considerate of each other. Bicyclist who a injured as a result of a vehicle actions, should contact the Central Dispatch 911 and provide as much information as possible concerning the vehicle and incident. A deputy will be dispatched to investigate the incident. Most speech is protected even though it may be offensive.
Of the four candidates current treasurer Catherine Smith does not have a website and is not campaigning actively for Sheriff. Below are the responses of the other three:
MIKE PERSHING
Hello Jim,
In the course of my work I have seen near accidents that could have resulted in injury or fatality involving a bicyclist and motorist. I think the way that we could avoid these in the future would be to educate both motorist and bicyclists on the laws governing both. For the motorist, they should have situational awareness which will help them give bicyclists ample room when they are passing them which will help the bicyclist feel much safer. Bicyclists, in turn, need to follow traffic laws such as stop signs and red lights, because disregarding these enforcement s can result in severe injury. Obviously, we want people to be able to use their bicycle without risk or fear of injury, and I think that this course of education will help our community continue to allow bike use to flourish, helping our environment and public health. Bicycle only lanes also help to keep traffic away from bicyclists which will help keep aggressive motorists from getting into a negative situation.
Thank you so much for reaching out about this issue, and I hope you will reach out about any other issues that concern you!
BRAD SWAIN
Hello Mr. Schroeder,
I am not familiar with the particular event that is referred to. I can say that such cases should be investigated, and a meeting with the driver should happen even when not attempt to harm has been made, as means to put the person on notice.
I can only speculate on the lack of follow up on the even where the license number was photographed. It could be the registration was invalid, and the vehicle didn't match; or the officer couldn't locate the vehicle after going to the address on the registration. There may also be a chance the officer did locate and talk with the driver, but did not let the complainant know the status.
My apology.
My response sent before I was finished. I wanted to say that as Sheriff, I will remain accessible for any inquiries a citizen has in regard to how a call to 911 was address by a Deputy.
STEPHEN SHARP
The City of Bloomington has made great strides to provide safe bicycle paths within the city. The county has provided bike trails in the county and are planning more as funding becomes available. I am not personally aware of the incidents of which you speak. Many of our
county roads are narrow , two lane with limited visibility. While the scenery is wonderful for bicyclist and vehicles alike, the road can be hazardous when vehicles and bicycles are trying to use the same space. The laws are very specific about the bicycle usage of the road, as are laws governing the impediment of efficient flow of traffic. Both parties must be considerate of each other. Bicyclist who a injured as a result of a vehicle actions, should contact the Central Dispatch 911 and provide as much information as possible concerning the vehicle and incident. A deputy will be dispatched to investigate the incident. Most speech is protected even though it may be offensive.
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