Quick question based solely out of curiosity: Have any of the recent attacks targeted a lone rider, or have all the hit-and-runs involved groups of multiple cyclists? Personally, I feel I experience much more resentment from autos when I am riding with at least one other cyclist. I love group rides as much as the next guy, but it does seem, unfortunately, that we are now in significantly more danger when we engage in them.

Thoughts?

Julian (vitaminwater-Trek)

To the issue of cyclists and our use of the road: tonight on the Midweekegem ride that heads North on Sheridan etc. we were once again pulled over by an officer.  While half the ride scrambled like roaches those unfortunate souls new to the mayhem (as clearly identified by their Primal jerseys) stopped and were issued tickets. 

Last week we were confronted by an officer twice regarding our um, liberal use of the right lane. 

It appears that the situation is reaching a fever pitch, though thankfully the fall and winter will once again return the North Shore to the land of the brave (and toe-less). 

That being said, once the Sheridan paving project is complete expect to see no leeway for or tolerance of cyclists breaking the law…

Steve Hansen

Is that Midweekegem a ride or an open road criterium?  You guys kill me every time I’m brave enough to get my coconut donut encrusted tummy out there. 

Seriously, this is becoming a bigger issue as the sport grows in popularity and the rides get bigger and more frequent.  The police have figured out when and on what day to expect the mass of flying cyclists. 

Cyclist need to follow the rules of the road which includes no more than two abreast.  We need to be beyond approach in the eyes of the law.  Following those rules should not reduce the quality of these rides.  They too often are chaotic without an organized pace line.  I’ve heard the older Masters cyclist lament the old days where the rides knew much better pack skills. 

We can put this issue on the agenda of one of our fall Illinois Cycling Association meetings to see how to handle it.  We won’t change the laws of the road which are there for everyone’s safety.  I think the solution has to be better managed rides that give us quality workouts while respecting the law.  What things we can do to accomplish this solution could include distribution of a pamphlet on how to behave in a high speed pack ride, to talking with the police to make sure we have a positive dialog with them.  Perhaps we could get the police to start writing down bib numbers!!

As the sport grows the rides will grow and so will the problems.  Being proactive about this issue is in everyone’s interest.