Do we accept injury and possible death as a possible part of Alleycats?
Absolutely! The rider and only the rider accept the entire responsibility of racing.
If we do apply rules, how do we keep it from turning into pro-style bike racing, which many of us won't or can't compete in due to the requirements on equipment and quasi-mandatory drug taking?
At the entry level, there is no substantial increase in equipment demanded. Through rare, its legal and not unheard of to do USCF races on singlespeeds/fixed. Drug testing only happens in the pros, so that doesnt count. Even organized races on closed courses still pose a tremendous risk of personal injury and death. However, the race organizers have a limited responsibility for making the course safe.
They both are equally dangerous, but emphasize different skills. Organized races emphasize pack ridding strategy, while alleycats emphasize navigation. Both require fitness, and both are a great rush.
Will an alleycat with saftety rules still be an alleycat?
Will stated rules actually make them safer?
This is a matter of enforcement. you can tell people rules, but how are you going to enforce them when they are spread out over the city? And even so, what rules do you need beyond the basic laws of the road? The threat of police and ones own mortality
should be enough to keep most people from ridding like morons.
Should we prevent less experienced riders from competing in events that would push them beyond their ability (recognizing the fact that many injuries are sustained by very experienced riders)?
No, leave the races open to any and all, but change the incentives if you are concerned about people getting hurt at one of your events. If the only way to win is to be first to the line, then you can bet people are going to ride like morons to get there. Add side competitions that dont require speed. Encourage rookies to go for these competitions instead of trying to keep up with the veterans.
EDIT: i just thought of a trick. have a race start with a sprint (or some other litmus test of riding ability) over a safe coarse. the first X riders get manifests for the speed race, while the slower ones get manifests for the side completions. just an idea. Maybe have checkpoints at intersections, if they run the light, they don't get the checkpoint/manifest.
Do prizes by raffle. First place gets you a wad of tickets, but just registering gets you one. This way everyone can win and first to the line only guarantees you cred, not loot (this isnt my original idea).
carefully choose checkpoints/routes and race times to avoid exceedingly dangerous conditions.
There are plenty of ways to de-emphasize risk taking while still maintaining the win by your wits aspects that make alley cats what they are.