Painful Reminder

A jury of his Walla Walla-area peers deliberated for two hours before handing down their verdict in the case of Melvin Bohleen, the elderly Dayton man who was accused of vehicular homicide in a collision that killed Westside cyclist Sarah Eustis nearly a year ago.

The 12 largely middle-aged jurors, headed by foreman Duane Mitchell, a biologist with the U.S. Corps of Engineers, found him not guilty. His attorney Michael Hubbard said as terrible and tragic as the collision was, it was "an accident, not a crime."

But her surviving husband, now a widower, said drivers like Bohleen, harmless as their intentions are, have to realize they are steering a potentially lethal weapon and bear the responsibility of keeping their eyes on the road at all times.

Howard Eustis said Bohleen admitted to gazing at a nearby wheat field and did not see his late wife and friend until he was upon them and it was too late to hit the brakes.

Bohleen was described as remorseful, regretful and emotional during the trial. From all accounts, he is a man who would be more inclined to avoid an accident rather than to cause one. Even Howard Eustis said he is sure Bohleen harbors no ill will or impatience against cyclists and said Bohleen strikes him as a man of integrity.

But as the victim's husband, himself a cyclist, points out, it's easy to underestimate the destructive power of a fastmoving vehicle when measured against vulnerable cyclists and drivers should always be mindful of the pain they can inflict from behind the wheel.

On the eve of this year's Tour of Walla Walla, when hundreds of racers and cycling enthusiasts descend on Waitsburg and Walla Walla, it's important to note just how easily car/ bike accidents can happen around here, particularly on narrow country roads with 50-miles-per-hour speed limits.

The popularity of the Touchet Valley as a cycling destination is a reality and growing each year. Last year, a travel writer for the Seattle Times picked Waitsburg/Dayton as one of the top five cycling locations in the state.

The year before, Waitsburg famously hosted Cycle Oregon and more than 2,000 riders had a phenomenal experience here, the kind that spreads quickly by word of mouth and inspires cyclists to return or try out the area for the first time.

Cyclists say they love the wide-open country, the rolling terrain and the Blue Mountain vistas. There are things to do here, like wine tasting and visiting picturesque American towns steeped in proud frontier history.

As we've pointed out before, cyclists patronize local businesses, such as restaurants, shops and lodging establishments. By and large, they are a mindful lot: friendly and unassuming, sensitive to local ways and the area's natural beauty.

For the most part, local residents welcome them with open arms, like Waitsburg volunteers did when the Cycle Oregon travelers were here. However, some folks here believe they should not be encouraged to cycle on narrow country roads because those corridors ought to be preserved exclusively to farmers and local residents and because the difference in speed and absence of shoulders may lead to potential hazards.

Hubbard, for one, believes the use of back roads by cyclists is a recipe for trouble, saying there simply isn't enough room and the idea of "peaceful coexistence" is problematic at best.

We believe the road can be shared by all. Accidents can be avoided by safety awareness and mindfulness among riders and drivers alike. But a certain amount of patience and acceptance is required for "peaceful coexistence."

Cyclists ought to keep in mind that drivers here are still getting used to the presence of cyclists on the road and ride defensively. They should be equipped with rearview mirrors (which Eustis and fellow rider Teresa Wolber reportedly didn't have) and bright reflective clothing.

Drivers ought to give cyclists the kind of deference they give to slow-moving farm vehicles or campers. They should keep their eyes peeled for slower-moving two wheelers forewarned by bright yellow "cyclists" signs and expect them, particularly from March through October.

Cyclists and drivers should simply be alert to each other's presence and give one another enough room to share the road.