A recent Bend Bulletin story has stirred up some Bend advocates. In the article, local Police Sgt. Koester was quoted as saying, “The majority of problems are the bicyclists’ fault."

In response, local advocate Eric Chu informed the Bulletin that in fact motorists are more often at fault than cyclists when auto-bicycle crashes occur. "In 2006 (latest year for which data is available) 56.5% of motor vehicle drivers involved in a crash with a bicyclist were found at fault. 43.5% were found not to be a fault (see page 22 of ODOT report.)"

As the BTA continues to work with advocates and police departments statewide, we are focusing on ensuring that correct statistics and facts are disseminated. We are working to ensure that law enforcement officers understand bicycling, their vulnerable nature, and that cyclists are treated with full respect under the law.

Eric Chu's letter to the Bend Bulletin reads:

Lots of good information in this article, BUT the statement by Sgt. Koester that the majority of problems are the cyclists fault is not supported by the facts. Such as statement is careless and irresponsible. It's unfortunate that the Bulletin chose not to challenge the blanket statement or research the facts.

In 2006, the latest year for which data is available from ODOT, 56.5% of motor vehicle
DRIVERS involved in a crash with a bicyclist were found at fault. This is in direct contradiction to Sgt. Koester's assertion.

I totally respect that law enforcement officer see firsthand the aftermath of poor decisions by pedestrians, cyclists and motorists. If Sgt. Koester has the personal impression that cyclists are the cause of many or the majority of accidents, this should not be offered or accepted as fact. I'm sure there are plenty of cyclists who do foolish and dangerous things, for lack of education and awareness of the rules of the road and their responsibilities. As a community we have to reach out those folks as much as we have to reach out to drivers.

However, as the head of the team of officers that investigate crashes, Sgt. Koester's comments indicate a bias against cyclists that is disturbing. If he makes such a statement, it should be supported by facts. Likewise, if he were to say that motorists were responsible for the majority of accidents, it should also be supported by facts.

As it stands, according to the ODOT numbers, the fault in accidents is roughly 50-50 which means that BOTH cyclists and motorists have essentially equal responsibility and room for improvement in their road and safety awareness. Assigning the blame to one or more groups is not productive in the least, whichever way the numbers lean.

Any bias may not be intentional or malicious, but it is just as damaging. By showing the photo of the cyclist who was hit by a vehicle, not giving any information as to the cause of the accident, and the stating the cyclist was not wearing a helmet implies carelessness on the part of the cyclist. Yet another example of bias, unintentional or otherwise. Whether or not the cyclist was wearing a helmet just isn't relevant to the cause of the accident. Absolutely no info was given on the determination of fault for the incident in the photo.

In the future I would hope that the Bend PD would choose their words more carefully or check their facts first, and the Bulletin could also do a better job of challenging blanket statements, rather than accepting them as fact.

Lots of great information in the story and a nice job overall, but unfortunately, also perpetuates some myths and makes me wonder if I'm involved in an accident, whether or not the incident will be investigated objectively.

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