Web Form: Hello I was in an altercation with a car on high Street this week it was a contractors vehicle he refused to allow me to cross he stopped in front of me he looked away so that I couldn’t tell if you know I was there or not he backed into reverse as I started to walk behind him and then when I spoke to him he told me that I was jaywalking and therefore somehow didn’t deserve to be treated with respect as a pedestrian. I put in a complaint with the contractors employer. But I’m wondering what the city plans to do to ensure that pedestrians and also bicyclists are treated with respect as our court neighborhoods become ever busier due to construction, flipping houses, and implementation of the new UDO. I was an avid bicyclist for about two years but I have since quit because I do not feel safe even in the corn Aber hood. I see people looking down at their phones while driving all the time. A friend of mine was in an accident, another was killed. And now I am harassed as a pedestrian by a contractor who does not understand that jaywalking it’s not an issue in a residential neighborhood. The incident happened at the intersection of Viva and high Street. Since many people do cross there, I would suggest at the very least at the city put in crossing lines and a pedestrian sign or perhaps a stop sign. Thank you
i forgot to close this after I responded last year. oops. offer still stands to discuss potential advocacy partnerships.
Hi Beth, I am really sorry to hear that you were met with harassment when you were simply trying to walk around your neighborhood. I'm glad that you reported it to the contractor. To be candid, it's really difficult right now- trying to change the culture of Bloomington to be less car-centric. As a member of the city, I it isn't my place to be on the front of the lines spearheading initiatives which demand higher prioritization and funding for sidewalks, protected bike lanes and transit. As a member of the community and as someone who has been a pedestrian in Bloomington for 8+ years I recognize that an organized response to change the hearts and minds of those pushing for more car infrastructure is the only way we can make progress in this regard. I'm sorry to hear that you no longer feel safe biking in Bloomington. I totally understand. If you ever want to meet to discuss ways to connect with the smaller advocacy organizations locally, or hear what education/encouragement projects I am developing - I would be happy to discuss. Thank you for reaching out. Please stay in touch. My email is rickbeilm@bloomington.in.gov
| City | Bloomington |
|---|---|
| State | IN |
| Latitude | 39.152606964111 |
| Longitude | -86.508491516113 |
| Status | Case Date | Category |
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