Colorado State Patrol to cyclists: 'Never mind!'

Never mind for now, anyway. After bipartisan criticism from the Colorado legislature, protests from the large Colorado cycling community, and a petition drive by Bicycle Colorado, Colorado State Patrol chief Mark Trostel announced Friday to "study the issue" of his bike event ban until December 2006 "in the spirit of cooperation and problem solving."

Event organizers breathed a sigh of relief at this decision, but Bicycle Colorado executive director Dan Grunig said he's still not satisfied with the decision.

"Colorado needs to send a message that bicyclists are welcome not just next year but every year. Citizens who want to participate in these safe, healthy events should have the opportunity to do so. This State Patrol policy must be overturned quickly and permanently to avoid further damage to the state’s economy, charities, and reputation."

Complete details:

• Rocky Mountain News: Bike tour limit put on hold for 1 year.
• Summit Daily News: Colorado State Patrol delays race cap until 2007.
• VeloNews: Colorado patrol backpedals on 2500-rider cap.

Tags: colorado cycling