A reported “close call” at an Ely intersection prompted words of caution and warning this week from Ely Police Chief Chad Houde.
Houde used his time at Tuesday’s regular council meeting to warn both motorists and pedestrians “to keep an eye out” for each other - particularly given the increase in city traffic during the busy summer months.
He reiterated concerns about motorists failing to yield to pedestrian traffic when required and offered words of reminder that it’s illegal for motorists to veer into parking lanes or to cross the white line to pass vehicles on the right.
“You can’t cross a solid white line, you can’t cross into a bike lane,” said Houde. “What I have personally seen are vehicles, when people are flying around and passing on the right, not only one car but two cars just passing on the right and you don’t know, somebody may be turning left going the other way or there may be a pedestrian.”
Houde told council members that police conducted a sting operation of sorts recently, stopping eight vehicles in the span of an hour for failing to yield to pedestrians.
“They all got a nice education (but) no tickets were issued,” said Houde. “I was surprised that the majority of those stopped were locals.”
Houde added that he “highly recommended” to the Minnesota State Patrol that they conduct additional patrolling on Sheridan Street. “I did a lot of education, but the patrol will probably be doing citations,” said Houde.
While motorists have a responsibility to yield to pedestrians, Houde offered words of advice for those on foot as well.
“Just because you have the right of way, it doesn’t mean that the pedestrian should just jump in there if you see a vehicle coming,” said Houde. “Make eye contact with the driver. Sometimes they can’t see you. Keep an eye out.”
Houde said he is looking to avoid situations like the one reported to police and city officials recently, where a juvenile nearly was struck be a vehicle.
“We had a very close call last week,” he said.
Another police matter was up for discussion Tuesday, as council member Angela Campbell asked questions about the council’s response to dueling political rallies held Saturday at Whiteside Park.
Several hundred people were in the park or on the sidewalks on both sides of Sheridan Street for protests both against the Trump Administration and those supporting the current president. Houde said law enforcement must walk a fine line when dealing with events such as protests.
“It’s their right to protest in the Constitution,” said Houde. “Two separate groups (were in the park) which is their right. We managed the best we can.”
Campbell voiced concerns over protestors veering on to the street but Houde responded “I’m not going to pick a battle over it.”
Ely’s police force is currently down one officer and Houde said the department doesn’t have the personnel to “manage whatever view you have.”
“I’m not staffing officers for either side,” said Houde. “Call 911 for emergencies and we’ll respond. I had people calling me, and I told them if you’re going to protest, to come at your own risk” Houde added that “both organizers were receptive to my concerns that they don’t block the intersection or block the road.”
