The Portland Police Bureau released their decisions on whether or not to cite the drivers in two fatal collisions: The one that claimed Tracey Sparling last October 11, and the one where Brett Jarolimek died, last October 22.

In the Sparling case, driver Timothy Wiles was cited for failure to yield. In the Jarolimek case, driver Bryan Lowes was not cited (but as noted on BikePortland.org, a citizen-initiated citation will be filed).

From the police:

TRAFFIC DIVISION COMPLETES BICYCLE INVOLVED FATAL COLLISIONS

Investigators from the Portland Police Bureau Major Crash Team have completed their investigations in the October 11, 2007, collision that caused the death of 19-year-old Tracey Sparling at Southwest 14th Avenue and West Burnside and the October 22, 2007, collision that caused the death of 32-year-old Brett Jarolimek at North Interstate Avenue and North Greeley Street. Both investigations were submitted to the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office to review for potential criminal prosecution and both were declined.

The investigations into both tragic collisions included a thorough and complete examination of all physical evidence and witness statements. Both drivers cooperated fully with the investigation and there was no evidence of drug or alcohol impairment, careless or reckless driving behavior, equipment violations or driver status violations. The last remaining question is for the investigator to determine if the driver of the vehicles involved in the collisions failed to yield the right of way to the bicyclists who died in the collisions.

From evidence obtained during the reconstruction, investigators concluded it was appropriate to issue a citation for Failure to Yield the Right of Way to the truck driver, Timothy Wiles, who was driving the vehicle involved in the collision that caused the death of Ms. Sparling.

Based on the totality of evidence obtained during the reconstruction, the investigator has made the decision that it is not appropriate to issue a citation for Failure to Yield the Right of Way to the driver involved in the collision which caused the death of Mr. Jarolimek.

The investigative reports in both fatal collisions are public records and available through the Portland Police Bureau Records Division.