BIKE: Jingle Bell Ride

[Hillclimb]

As the orginal sponsor and continuing co-sponsor of the Jingle Bell Ride I would like to address a few of the threads I've just read about the JBR--

There is no document required by the sponsors that anyone has to agree to or must sign, so in effect there is no "rule" requiring the use of a helmet on the JBR--just try getting 1000 + riders to sign a liablilty waiver before heading out on a night ride.  And believe me that my insurance carrier would not be happy to hear me telling you this, but it's the reality of the event.  So those of you who don't feel like wearing a helmet can feel welcome to come jingle bell riding, no one will tell you to go ride elsewhere based on your headgear.  

As regards the police escort, after the ride grew to over 500 people and there were a few close calls at the bigger intersections we felt it was wise to, and APD strongly suggested that we, contract with off-duty APD officers to help control the places where an unfortunate bike/car interaction could easily occur.  As the ride has grown APD has required us to add officers to help out, and I think most everyone who attends the ride is happy to have them there to support the ride.  

The reality is that the JBR wouldn't be allowed to happen these days if there was no escort, and we are currently discussing with APD how to address some of the motorists complaints they received this year from drivers who were not pleased with the delays they experienced.     

Hill Abell