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By David Boerner
400 Smith Racing
I’m going to say a phrase, and I want you to say the first thing that pops into your head:
“Sheriff Alderden.”
OK, maybe you shouldn’t say your answer out loud.
What pops into my head is, “lame duck.”
It’s true! Our beloved Larimer County Sheriff is term-limited. After the November elections, there will be a new sheriff in Larimer County.
If you’re a registered Democrat or a registered Republican in Larimer County, you probably know that the primaries are upon us.
You have the chance to decide which candidate from your party is on that ballot in November. And as a cyclist, you might want to carefully consider which candidate you vote for. Your choice may affect whether or not your next group ride gets pulled over and ticketed – or left alone. Your choice may make all the difference when the sheriff’s department chooses to interpret Colorado Statute 42-4-1412 as “cyclists must ride single file if any cars are present” or “unless they’re bringing traffic to a grinding halt, cyclists can always ride side-by-side.”
Jay Harrison and Al Ohms are running for the Democratic nomination. Carl Bruning and Justin Smith are running for the Republican nomination.
I had the opportunity to ask all of these candidates some questions about their views on cyclists in Larimer County. Based on their answers, I’ve made my own personal endorsements. These endorsements are based entirely on the answers to my questions. The unedited questions and answers will follow this article.
Democratic Endorsement: Jay Harrison
Based on the answers to my questions, Jay Harrison is clearly the best Democratic candidate for cyclists in Larimer County.
Asked if the candidate supports “group rides” taking place on Larimer County roads, Mr. Harrison said,
I am NOT opposed to group riding, whether on bicycles, motorcycles or groups of any kind. We all have the right to travel together safely and by any means of transportation, as long as we are obeying the laws.
Al Ohms answered the same question “are you opposed to group rides?”
YES. I’ve seen it and it causes people to get angry and can cause traffic congestion.
To me, this answer shows a profound lack of respect for cyclists, competitive or otherwise. Cyclists have as much of a right to be on the road as drivers – legally and ethically. So when someone immediately cites “traffic congestion” (for cars) as their big concern - operating on the assumption that drivers have more right to travel on Larimer County roadways, I get mad – mad enough to publicly oppose them.
As you can read for yourself in Mr. Ohms’ responses, he does not sound very sympathetic of cyclists. The choice is clear for the Larimer County cyclists: Jay Harrison for Sheriff.
Republican Endorsement: You’ll Have to Decide For Yourself
If you’re a registered Republican, you’ll have to read Carl Bruning’s and Justin Smith’s responses yourself and make a decision. But the good news is that both candidates had excellent things to say about cyclists in Larimer County.
Justin Smith stressed that he is himself a cyclist (as is his wife, who recently completed her first century). He acknowledged that riding two-abreast is fine in many cases. He said of group rides,
I have no objection to group rides, but I have witnessed groups that develop a pack mentality and then begin to disregard not only general rules of courtesy, but also the traffic laws. That creates a concern for me.
(not that any of us have ever been involved in a wild, lawless group ride….)
In a follow-up email, Mr. Smith even challenged other candidates to “ride the ride.”
On a personal note, I thoroughly enjoyed my commute from Estes Park to Fort Collins on bike to work day a few weeks ago. I noticed things in the Big T Canyon that I hadn't seen in my last 7 years of commuting. I realize that I am certainly not up to the endurance level of your fellow riders, but I would challenge any and all of my opponents in this race to walk the walk (or ride the ride, as it were) and join me in a 50 mile Sheriff's Race Ride around the county! Would you be interested in "sponsoring" such a ride?
It might be something to keep in mind before the general election, if Smith gets the Republican nod.
Carl Bruning made no such claims about his ability on a bike, but he did exhibit the most sophisticated understanding of Colorado Statute 42-4-1412 of all the candidates. When asked is cyclists should ride single-file at all times, Bruning said,
No. The Colorado statutes state that “Persons operating bicycles on roadways shall ride single file; except that riding no more than two abreast is permitted when riding two abreast will not impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic.” Sheriff Alderden said his office interprets the rules to mean that cyclists must move into single file if a vehicle is approaching from behind, and riding two abreast “could” impede the flow of traffic. “If you ride double file, we’re going to give you a ticket,” Alderden said.
Senator Greg Brophy wrote the two abreast statute and shared with the Sheriff this interpretation was his intent. We believe Colorado Statute gives bicyclists the ability to ride two abreast as long as bicyclists are not impeding the normal and reasonable movement of traffic. I agree with Senator Brophy here, and will support the statute.
Mr. Bruning also said he supports group rides as long as they’re in compliance with statute 42-4-1412.
I like what I’m hearing from Bruning. He clearly intends to do his job as an elected official.
Mr. Smith is a cyclist and that’s great. Having a cyclist for Sheriff might help us out considerably. Then again, Mr. Smith is endorsed by none other than Sheriff Alderden. And for all off Smith’s grandstanding to me about his love of cycling, he certainly doesn’t include any of it on his website (he does talk a lot about guns, though!).
It’s your call, Republicans.
Remember: our rights on the road as cyclists are important, but there are other things going on in the county. Check out the candidates’ websites to find out their stances on other issues (like guns!).
Carl Bruning (R): http://carlbruning.com/
Jay Harrison (D): http://www.jayharrisonforsheriff.com/
Al Ohms (D): http://www.ohmsforsheriff.com/
Justin Smith (R): http://justinsmithforsheriff.com/
Here are my interviews with the Republican and Democratic candidates. The order gives preference to those who answered the questions directly, then ordered alphabetically.
Carl Bruning (R)
-What are the current traffic and enforcement problems concerning cyclists in Larimer County?
CB: As we recently saw with the Fort Collins bicyclist who was hit by a car Sunday afternoon while crossing Drake Road, we need to do more to ensure the safety of cyclists here.
The Sheriff has publicly stated his officers will be taking extra weekend patrols for traffic enforcement on roads near Carter Lake and Horsetooth Reservoir this summer. Their goal is to cite unsafe and illegal behavior by motorized and non-motorized users.
What can/will you do to ameliorate these problems?
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