Jonathan Maus
OBRA,
been following this conversation closely... Just published a story.
FWIW, the Portland Police have just hired a new bicycle liaison officer (to replace the awesome robert pickett)... I am in touch with that officer and will continue to cover this story as it develops.
Here's my story:
"On Rock Creek Road, an openly hostile road user galvanizes the community" http://bikeportland.org/2011/08/19/on-rock-creek-road-an-openly-hostile-road-user-galvanizes-the-community-57963
--Jonathan
_____________________
Jonathan Maus
Editor & Publisher, BikePortland.org
http://www.bikeportland.org
News Tipline/Cell: (503) 706-8804
jonathan@bikeportland.org
http://twitter.com/bikeportland
On Aug 19, 2011, at 11:32 AM, T. Kenji Sugahara wrote:
> Hi Andy-
>
> I've forwarded this suggestion onto the BTA. However, in the case of
> Scott Wheeler there are individuals like this for whom a public
> meeting will do absolutely nothing.
>
> I know because I was witness to an individual just like Wheeler. His
> name was Clinebell or "red truck" guy who engaged in the same exact
> behavior down in West Salem.
>
> The characteristics are the exact same:
>
> Following cyclists blaring his horn.
> Staying behind cyclists despite being waved through and having a clear
> road ahead.
> Anger management issues.
>
> Yes, there have been times where we thought he would kill someone.
> The cyclists down here had an extensive history with him down here and
> we have worked closely with the Polk County Sheriff and the District
> Attorney's office down here. He was a menace and he did have a CHL.
> (For those unfamiliar- that is a concealed handgun license) I myself
> was quite familiar with him since he followed me a number of times.
>
> He has subsequently lost his license and is no longer permitted to
> drive. The final straw was him hitting a deputy sheriff with his side
> view mirror. The deputy was helping direct traffic around wildlife on
> the road and Clinbell became impatient. The deputy was initially not
> going to do anything until he saw the long list of complaints against
> him. That's when the deputy took action.
>
> Keep riding. Do not let a jerk like him intimidate you. This is not
> in your face. Record every incident. Ride courteously. Most likely
> he has a video camera installed in his rig. Do not hesitate to call
> 911.
>
> As far as the locals are concerned beyond Wheeler a forum may be of
> benefit. The key is that they need to see that there are cyclists
> "just like them." I'm talking with some folks about what might be
> done.
>
>
>
> On Fri, Aug 19, 2011 at 10:53 AM, Andy Kaylor wrote:
>> I think Steve Long's idea of a community meeting is very good. Scott Wheeler is apparently the most aggressive opponent of cycling in the area, but it sounds like a number of other local residents share his feelings.
>>
>> Many of the other actions suggested seem to be oriented toward a goal of _forcing_ motorists in the Skyline area to _submit_ to the presence of bicycles on these roads. I'd like to suggest that a better result would be to find a way to make motorists on these roads less unhappy about the presence of bicycles. The chief problem here seems to be resentment and anger, and legal force isn't likely to help with that. It will lead to escalation.
>>
>> What I'd suggest is that we work with the Skyline Ridge Neighbors group (http://www.srnpdx.org/) to set up a public meeting of local home owners, cyclists and governmental representatives. I imagine a meeting that begins with an official representative from either ODOT or PPB standing up and giving a presentation on the proper way for bicyclists and motorists to share the road, followed by a Q&A period. Then there could be an open time for individuals to express their grievances and suggest directions for improvement.
>>
>> Even if this didn't solve the problem for everyone (and I'm sure it wouldn't), it would go a long way toward building good will among the people who live in the Skyline area, and, it seems to me, having had such an event would give some pretty big teeth to any future legal proceedings.
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>>
>
>
>
> --
> Kenji Sugahara
> Executive Director
> Oregon Bicycle Racing Association
> Phone: 503-278-5550
> http://www.obra.org
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