North American News: Georgia details unveiled; Osipow Discovers Bears; Colorado troubles?

North American News: Georgia details unveiled; Osipow Discovers Bears; Colorado troubles?: "Colorado events in danger
The Colorado cycling community is up in arms with the news that the Colorado State Patrol has added a new policy that could disable some the biggest bicycle events in the state. The new policy limits bicycle and triathlon events to 2500 riders, but the limit can be lowered at any time, putting the state's most popular events at risk. Bicycle races, tours, charity rides, group rides and triathlons are all affected.

Bicycle Colorado, a non-profit coalition of individuals, organizations and bicycling-related businesses, has posted an online petition urging interested cyclists to voice their concerns to state officials.

'The State Patrol says that they are using this ban to ‘ensure safety,'' Bicycle Colorado's Web site states, 'but a random cap has no effect on the safety of bicyclists. Safety is based on good event planning, educated bicyclists, traffic management plans, safe roads, and law-abiding motorists. A well-run event can be safe for 10,000 bicyclists and a poorly run event can be unsafe for 100 riders. An arbitrary cap punishes everyone and discourages all events.'

Events that draw more than 2500 participants include the Iron Horse Classic, the Elephant Rock Cycling Festival, the Triple Bypass, the Mt. Evans Hill Climb, the MS 150 charity ride, the Courage Classic, the Tour de Cure and the Bicycle Tour of Colorado.

'We formally asked the State Patrol to reverse their decision and they declined,' Bicycle Colorado states on its Web site. 'In State Patrol's reply to Bicycle Colorado they said that, ‘the primary reason for this change in policy is due to safety.' But according to Scot Harris, director of the Elephant Rock ride, the state's largest bicycle event, they've had only one car-bike crash in the 19-year history of this event. States like New York, Texas, Iowa, Illinois, and California safely handle events with 10,000, 20,000 and even"

San Francisco Grand Prix canceled - Cycling - Yahoo! Sports

San Francisco Grand Prix canceled - Cycling - Yahoo! Sports: "SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- The San Francisco Grand Prix, a cycling race that attracted the likes of Lance Armstrong, was canceled for next year because organizers could not agree with the city over pay for police and other services.

'Sadly, it's a no-win situation, and we simply cannot go forward,' said David Chauner, director of San Francisco Cycling LLC, which founded the 108-mile race. It is considered one of the country's most challenging races because of its length and the city's steep hills.

The cancellation, announced Sunday, comes as officials argue over how much of the race's cost -- if any -- should be absorbed by the city.

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Mayor Gavin Newsom's office has said the city would pay some expenses because the event attracts tourists. This year's Labor Day weekend race generated $10.2 million for city businesses, according to a study commissioned by the San Francisco Convention & Visitors Bureau.

The Board of Supervisors initially approved a deal in April to pay much of the cost of policing the event in exchange for 40 percent of the race's profits. But some questioned why organizers should be allowed to have the race -- originally set for Sept. 10, 2006 -- despite an outstanding bill for $89,924 from last year's event.

San Francisco Cycling and Newsom's office said the city mailed the bill only this month.

Updated on Monday, Nov 21, 2005 4:12 pm EST"

Newsday.com: Rise in bike deaths gives edge to clash over cycling in New York

Newsday.com: Rise in bike deaths gives edge to clash over cycling in New York: "With a month left in the year, police records show 21 cyclists have died in traffic accidents in New York, up from 15 in all of 2004.

The number may just be a statistical anomaly, transportation officials said. Between 2000 and 2004, traffic accidents killed 82 cyclists in the city, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration _ an average of about 16 deaths per year.

This year's small spike has further angered a riding community already upset by what they perceive as an unfriendly view of bikers among some drivers and city officials. "


Seems like the same story we hear everywhere: The Invisible Cyclist. Sounds like a black and white sicfi movie. With the rise in gas prices and more people taking to the streets on top of their trusty two/three weelers, it's statistically probable that we're going to have more cyclist deaths. I wonder how long it'll take before we start seeing ads for sharing the road. Which begs the question, where are the cycling governing bodies? I'd like to see ads that put a face and story to cyclists....much like cancer, child/spouse abuse, smoking, etc. Let's personalize and personafy this.