Check out the first "safety tip"!!!!!



Towns Charge For Organized Bike Rides
Wisconsin State Journal :: FRONT :: A1
Saturday, May 21, 2005
Gena Kittner Wisconsin State Journal
Area biking clubs are having to shell out more money for organized rides and races this summer in western Dane County -- causing one group to consider taking its event elsewhere next year.
The towns of Berry and Vermont have instituted a permit policy they hope will catch the attention of cyclists in western Dane County.
But bike ride organizers say the fees are unfair and, in some cases, don't intend to pay.
"Getting permits from townships ... it is a financial hardship for us," said David LeMahieu, president of the Bombay Bicycling Club.

The Bombay Bicycle Club has been holding rides in western Dane County for more than 30 years.
"It almost seems like they see this as a way to make money," LeMahieu said. "All this over-regulating is putting our whole club's existence in jeopardy."
Tensions between athletes and rural residents have grown the past several years as more bikers hit rural roads for training rides and organized races. Last year, several cyclists competing in the Ironman Wisconsin Triathlon had flat tires from nails on the course near Cross Plains. Many participants thought the nails were placed intentionally.
In April, a town of Dane man was placed in a first-offenders program after admitting forcing roller skiers off a rural road near his home. The town of Berry approved a policy in December establishing a $50 permit fee -- plus $1 for every rider -- for cycle rides of 50 or more people, said Brenda Kahl town of Berry clerk.
A refund for the permit is negotiable, depending if the town needs the money for other bike-related expenses, she said.
The town of Vermont instituted a $100 nonrefundable permit policy, along with a $500 security deposit for any bike event, said Steve Cowan, town chairman.
Municipal leaders say the policy was created to increase cooperation with cyclists and safety for everyone.
"Some of the bicyclists need to have better manners," Cowan said. "If they're going to stop, they need to get way over to the side. The roads are so curvy and hilly out here, it's almost impossible for an automobile to pass. They are going to have to police themselves."
Mark Rooney, a lawyer representing the Horrible Hilly Hundreds event, said the towns' policies do not conform to state laws that provide for limited regulation of bicycles as vehicles using the roads.
"It appears that the towns have gotten off on the wrong legal foot here," Rooney said. The towns are better off working with ride organizers, because each event differs and the resources for enforcing the policy are limited, he said. "Enacting a policy that tries to regulate all cycling activities is counterproductive," he said.
Melvern Bankes, town of Berry chairman, said the town will get a legal opinion if necessary regarding the policy.
"We're not in it to make money," he said. It's a matter of safety and having funds available to clean up after the ride if necessary, he said. "The taxpayer should not have to pay to clean up."
Part of the town of Vermont's policy stipulates no bike races, which would rule out the annual Blue Mounds Classic bike race.
The town does not allow races because the riders wouldn't follow road rules, such as stopping at stop signs, Cowan said.
The Atkins Citizen Racing Club has held its Blue Mounds Classic bike race in the western part of the county for nine years. Because of the town's new policy, the club might alter the route to avoid the town of Vermont.
"We are currently looking at designing a different route that would possibly be safer," said Darryl Mataya, Atkins president. "We may very well put on the race without filling out the (town of Vermont) permit."
While the race will remain in western Dane County this year, Mataya said the group is considering moving it to a different town next year.
Holding the race in conjunction with a town party would make it easier to close roads, he said. "I think this issue was going to come up. More and more people are using the roads and there's more population."
Rooney said a dialogue between riders and municipalities has started and he's been pleased with the progress.
The town of Berry has constructed signs to be displayed on days when there's an organized ride as a warning to motorists.
The town has 30 signs and will put them at every intersection if possible, Bankes said.
Organizers of the Horribly Hilly paid the fee in the town of Berry as a way to show good faith, because the town invested in the signs.
"We hope to be able to resolve the whole deposit issue so that becomes unnecessary," Rooney said.
If every town has fees, it would make it impossible to conduct events, he said. "I think as people start to reflect on all these issues, (they will) realize the whole issue is overblown."


\ Bike safety tips
* Ride on the shoulder or as close to the edge of the road as possible
* Ride in control going downhill. On rural roads there is often sand at the bottom of a big hill.
* Keep at least two bike lengths between you and the rider in front of you.
* Learn to change your tires and carry a spare tube or a patch kit.
* Walk over railroad tracks. Your wheel can get caught in the tracks.
* Be aware of road conditions and ride accordingly. Watch for wet leaves and oil slick roads. Be aware of sun glare, especially in the morning and the evening.
* If you are not riding your bike, pull off the road completely.
* Call out if you are passing another rider.