Deseret News | 5 cyclists injured in canyon crash

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5 cyclists injured in canyon crash

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Big Red | 1:23 p.m. Aug. 22, 2009

I enjoy riding my bike, but this is the very reason I stick to quiet back roads. I'm very sorry to hear about this accident. I hope everyone recovers ok.

Poorly Planned | 2:37 p.m. Aug. 22, 2009

I know the race is for a good cause but this was poorly planned. I live in the area and I think it's safe to say very few people even knew that the race was going on until you were stuck in traffic. There was a lot of frustration on the motorists end. Upon looking at the Highway Patrol directing traffic, they looked clueless. I don't think the race people coordinated with the local governments either because there were several road projects going on at the same time. I think in general cyclist are portrayed as everyone else needs to conform to them, but lets try to live together and coordinate. Lessons learned.

shame on the planners | 3:14 p.m. Aug. 22, 2009

Heads should roll for the poor planning & lack of safety escorts for the bikers.

Comments continue below

| 3:16 p.m. Aug. 22, 2009

That is a dangerous road already. It would have made sense to close off the road to car traffic for the day....600 riders coming down that canyon in one day. An accident was bound to happen. Also, there were signs indicating a race on the Sundance side, but I didn't see any on the AF side of the canyon. I understand that UDOT was aware of the race but chose not to close the road. Bet the road will be closed off next year.

Caution | 3:23 p.m. Aug. 22, 2009

People in Utah should drive with a little more caution. Caution never hurts.

Anonymous | 3:30 p.m. Aug. 22, 2009

Bike 'races' do provide escorts for cyclists with in the racing pack. A leading car and also a fallowing car are provided. Once a cyclist is not able to ride with the leading pack and falls behind the fallow car they are no longer racing. They are then on their own and out for a personal ride.

This article does not give all the facts. So it is interesting to see how people jump to conclusions. The story does not state if the riders where between the escorting cars or not. It also does not make clear where the SUV’s came from and what roll they played in the accident. .

re: 3:16 | 3:47 p.m. Aug. 22, 2009

I second, They should just close the road down.

Sundance resident | 4:11 p.m. Aug. 22, 2009

They closed it down a few hours later for the Tour of Utah . . . should have done the same here.

1000 Warriors Racer | 4:20 p.m. Aug. 22, 2009

American Fork Canyon was supposed to be closed down. When I registered for the race, the promo materials said it would be closed. When I asked the race organizers about it at check-in last night, they told me that the UHP said they were not concerned about that road, because "there isn't enough traffic to worry about it at that time of day." Seriously?! Early Saturday morning in August!? Hundreds of people go up there just to climb Timp for crying out loud. The UHP shares a heavy portion of the blame here. I don't know the riders, but I came on the scene very soon after the crash. The SUV was going 40 mph down the canyon and just stopped. The riders were riding on the middle to RH side of the road (like we are supposed to) and could not stop before crashing.

My thoughts and prayers go out to those involved in the crash, including the driver of the SUV. I can't imagine what it must feel like to be the driver of that vehicle. I hope all are well, and that all forgive.

AZ Man | 4:33 p.m. Aug. 22, 2009

I know 2 of the injured. The critically injured is just out of surgery. It looks like he might survive. I agree that the road should have been closed. This is such an unfortunate accident and blame should not be the focus.

Observer | 4:46 p.m. Aug. 22, 2009

Seeing how narrow the road is from the news article photo, more careful attention should have been given to rider safety!

Safety | 4:58 p.m. Aug. 22, 2009

Bottom line is that the cyclists were following too close and/or going faster than they should have. There is no way they would have hit the car if they were riding in a safe manner. When I drive my car I have a responsibility to ensure I don't hit the car in front, no matter what. Cyclists have the same duty to not hit other vehicles or other objects.

Utah Drivers | 5:11 p.m. Aug. 22, 2009

Both on bikes and cars/SUV's etc.......they just don't know how to drive!!!!

Who Knows? | 5:38 p.m. Aug. 22, 2009

First, it is very tragic and I hope those who are hurt are alright.

Second, so far no one knows for sure on the boards what happened. I understood that the 1000 Warrior race was going to have a "rolling closure." But even if that is the case, as I saw today on the Tour, cars still disobeyed the officers and tucked in between packs of riders, and then caused greater problems as team cars where trying to leapfrog to their riders.

Remember that the 1000 warriors was a race, and not just a ride. If, and that is if, these riders were near or in the rolling closure they probably assumed the car was an authorized race car, and thus didn't take the precaution necessary.

Also, we don't know how the SUV got there, could be disobeying an officer to stop, could have turned in off a side parking lot without knowing it was closed, and they needed to wait.

Hold off burning the race organizers and officers also, until we know. They can't block every side road and pull out when the number is that high. More facts are needed.

Close Call at Timp Cave | 5:38 p.m. Aug. 22, 2009

As I was descending down the road near Timp Cave this morning, a white car (coming the opposite direction) partially turned left in front of me on my bike as they were attempting to get "that parking spot." I hit my brakes, skidded and fish tailed before they finally realized their mistake. Had they kept coming, they would have needed a new hood and windshield and I would have needed surgery myself.

It's not like they hadn't seen 200+ other cyclists coming down before me as they went up the canyon.

cdmom | 5:45 p.m. Aug. 22, 2009

I drove scouts up to a trail head for an overnighter yesterday and I did not see any signs warning of the race today. Granted, I was driving up only to the Tibble Fork cutoff. I followed a vehicle down the canyon part way who was only going 20 MPH, he kept waving me by, but there is no way I will ever pass a vehicle traveling in the same direction while going down AF Canyon.

This canyon is so narrow that at some places two large vehicles cannot comfortably pass each other. Ironically, one of the leaders and I were talking about the size of the road in the canyon and sharing it with bicyclist, runners and those who just park on the side of the canyon, and how hard it is to drive if they all come together at once.

Also, this race and the Pro Race were poorly organized with the surrounding cities, our city had at least one road closing construction job going on in the middle of the race course. I don't know what the racers did, but I had to take a different route out of town.

re: Safety | 5:47 p.m. Aug. 22, 2009

This was a bike race--they are supposed to go fast. if it was just a casual ride, you would have a point. That's why the canyon should have been closed.

cdmom | 5:51 p.m. Aug. 22, 2009

Kudos to the Lone Peak Fire District for their quick response. You should know that the majority of that fire department are volunteers and do a wonderful job! Thank you Chief Carlisle and team!

Race on Saturday? | 7:57 p.m. Aug. 22, 2009

Why was the race on a Saturday? It seems to me if the race was on a weekday there would have been less congestion. It's too much to ask to close the canyon on a Saturday. Also, there were football/soccer games all over the place and parents could not get to their games because of the race and road closures. I don't care if it is a race, if the cyclist are going to share the road w/ cars, they should obey the rules with the vehicles. Thanks to the local police/fire district for their service. UHP could learn a thing or two from you on this one.

I blame... | 8:50 p.m. Aug. 22, 2009

the bicyclists...most joggers and bicyclists in the AF area somehow think they own the enitre road and cars need to watch out for them. Many many times they have been sprawled out across an entire lane which has almost caused a wreck when cars end up swerving all the way around into the oncoming lane. I see this almost once a week. The only time bikes or joggers need to be in the middle of a lane is when they are crossing the street and should hurry their little tales as fast as possible. A 2 ton vehicle will always win the match against a pedestian. People please use your BRAINS if you have any!!!

If... | 8:58 p.m. Aug. 22, 2009

bikers share the road and need to obey the same rules as cars, they are at fault because they did not leave a far enough distance between them and the next vehicle. SORRY CHARLIE!!! The same would apply to car vs car. I personally think the canyon road is too narrow for bicycles because they do not have a bike lane; the road should be closed except for regular Vehicles...

1000 warrior rider | 9:04 p.m. Aug. 22, 2009

I rode down to the accident moments after it happened. I was flagged down by a driver who had gotten out of their car to warn cyclists coming down behind the accident. Thank you kind motorist!! There were cars already backed up on both sides. The accident happened around a blind corner. A bike or car would be blind until right on top of that car so while not sure how close bike riders were, accident still might have happened with safe distance. Road should have been closed. FYI: A Family member in a car saw the accident. The truck pulling the trailer coming up the hill DID swerve into the downhill lane causing the SUV driver to stop....My heart goes out the the riders, and their families and to the driver of the SUV.

dodging bikers lately | 9:19 p.m. Aug. 22, 2009

I have noticed lately that bicyclists are all over, even when they have a nice large shoulder to ride they are in the lane. I have also had to swerve for riders riding side by side, which is not safe (if not illegal). I do hope those in this incident will be ok. Bicyclists please be careful, remember that 3k pound car will always win if you meet.

All the talk | 9:42 p.m. Aug. 22, 2009

I suggest to people ride bikes more. Loose the fat! Move more talk less.

Anonymous | 11:18 p.m. Aug. 22, 2009

Is convenience worth a life? That's what we are really talking about here. The 1,000 warriors and Tour of Utah are races that happen only once a year, but UDOT put the convenience of drivers above the safety of hundreds of cyclists. It is not hard to see that having a bike race down a narrow and busy canyon full of impatient drivers is a recipe for disaster. Shame on UDOT.

cann | 11:39 p.m. Aug. 22, 2009

I was the first driver coming down the canyon to come upon this accident. I will never forget the horor that I felt at looking at the critically injured man bleeding out in the road. His fellow riders were doing a great job of protecting the injured. UDOT not only put the bikers at risk, they put us, who were driving at risk. There could have been a pile up of cars. What were they thinking!?! American Fork Canyon is extremely busy and narrow and has so many curves. Prior to the accident, as the bikers whizzed by me, I felt very uncomfortable being caught in a race. I began to slow down alot - thank-goodness! My neighbor's daughter, who also attended our ward campout at Mutual Dell, and passed the accident behind me was so upset, but uninjured. Life is precious! I hope the officials will remember that in the future.

paul f | 3:59 a.m. Aug. 23, 2009

very tragic for the riders and their families. my heart goes out to them. poor form for commenters here to talk about 2k meeting a bike. does it give you satisfaction to rub it in? be careful on the road and watch for bikers. please don't be as arrogant behind the wheel as you sound on this thread...

Organizers | 5:00 a.m. Aug. 23, 2009

If the organizers had been more cautious and knowing the road was not closed for the race and that many racers should have canceled or postponed the race until the road was closed. This canyon is used heavily on the weekends and a no notice race of hundreds of bike racers is a recipe for a disaster. Then there is all the blind curves and side roads in the canyon that added to the danger of the race.

Bike racers use a lot of road when racing and for their own safety keep separation from each other to pass all the time so someone really dropped the ball on this one. I'm sure the organizers had done their part in notifying all the departments and had all the permits and it all falls on the shoulders of the city, UDOT, and UHP who all treated it as a sight seeing ride. It's too bad that hindsight and incompetence kills people.

Utah Bicyclist | 6:57 a.m. Aug. 23, 2009

To our public leaders a major bicycling event in Utah does not hold the same weight as a major sporting event like a BYU or Utah football game or a Jazz game. The Utah highway patrol and UDOT fail to give these less traditional events the same level of attention and support.

State agencies charged with public safety should be held accountable.

Safe Biker | 7:46 a.m. Aug. 23, 2009

I fail to see why UDOT needs to be held accountable. Why schedule two bike races with two different organizers in the same canyon on the same day? Whoever issued the permits should be accountable. That's the part that doesn't make sense. Everyone seems to forget that this road is used by more than bike riders and shouldn't be closed the entire day for a race.

Silva | 7:53 a.m. Aug. 23, 2009

Why was the race held in such a heavily used, narrow canyon? I hope if they hold the race next year, they will plan a better route.

The minute the UHP told them they would not close the road, the organizers should of come up with a back up plan.

Tekakaromatagi | 7:57 a.m. Aug. 23, 2009

I am a bicyclist and I have ridden in Utah. As a bicyclist I will ride two feet out in the road rather than two inches. That way anyone who has to pass me will go ride. If I try to ride on the very edge people will try to go past me without moving out and it is very dangerous for me.

Like they say, in a contest between a 2000 lb car and a bicyclist, the car will win.

Tekakaromatagi

bikers mom | 8:21 a.m. Aug. 23, 2009

Someone messed up, we all know that. If any of the race organizers had been organized enough and had enough experience on how to run a bike race some simple precautions would have been taken.

1. The canyon should have been closed. Not closed then move the bike race to another canyon should have been chosen. Since one bike race it was closed for and not the other makes no sense. The morning race had triple the number of riders. What were the race organizers thinking and what was UDOT thinking?

2. I have been to bike races all over the world , Someone from both organizations should take the time to learn how things are done correctly and safely.

3. FYI - It can be done and if Utah doesn't want to do it right then let Colorado take over the race in their state. Money can be made , you just haven't figured it out yet.

Dumb | 10:01 a.m. Aug. 23, 2009

This race has been advertised for an entire year. Sine last year in fact. This was an amature rider who signed a waiver agreeing to follow all rules of the road. All of them were going way too fast. They were told the roads were not closed to traffic and they should ride according to that. So all you people complaining about race organization and law enforcement and everyone else but the speeding dangerous bike races should keep their comments to themselves because you really make yourselves look stupid

Bike Racer | 10:43 a.m. Aug. 23, 2009

The 1000 Warriors Race Flyer specifically says "This year, we’re closing Alpine Loop to all automobile traffic, and we’re hiring a lot of police support".

This was/is a serious misrepresentation on the promoter's part.

Rear end accident | 10:45 a.m. Aug. 23, 2009

This is a rear end accident. You can say others are at fault too but most of the liability falls on the bike riders for following too close. In Utah in order to recover damages in a legal action you will need to show that the other party was more at fault than you. In a rear end accident you would have a difficult time getting a jury to say you were less than 50% at fault. Rear end accidents happen all the time. People die in rear end accidents every day in the blink of an eye. Bad things happen. Keep an eye on what is in front of you and don't get too close. Don't speed, don't drink and don't follow too close. It is your life and you need to watch out for yourself because the rest of the world may not be looking out for you.

Fan of Cycling Races | 11:06 a.m. Aug. 23, 2009

This tragedy is very unfortunate, yet serious crashes are not uncommon in professional cycling. Even Lance Armstrong crashed in the Giro this year. The difference here was this crash could have been prevented. Cyclists ride differently than cars so they can't stop the way cars can. Yet cyclists have every bit as much right to ride on public roadways as other vehicles...they don't have to ride in the gutters in danger when a safer path is available to them. Roads should be closed to other vehicles during a cycling road race. Anything less than that is an invitation for disaster and totally irresponsible.
I hope lessons will be learned from this tragedy and next year's race will reflect improved decisionmaking by organizers and public agencies alike (law enforcement, UDOT, cities, etc.). The ToU and the 1000 Warriors are important events to be supported, not criticized. Safe road cycling races are routinely held across the US, Europe, and around the world. If CA,MO,GA, and all of Europe can see to it that cyclists have a clear, safe passageway on race day surely Utah can do it too.

DBR | 1:16 p.m. Aug. 23, 2009

Last year our family had a reunion at Cascade Springs for a lunch visit. We had three vehicles, so changes of plans were not feasible when we encountered the hundreds of bicycles coming down the Alpine Loop and American Fork Canyon. To avoid other cars and cyclists which were constantly passing with inches to spare, our top speed was about 20 mph -- most corners at 5 to 10 mph. There were several stops required to avoid cyclists who were coming around corners or passing slower downgrade vehicles. This loop road is narrow enough in the middle of the week when only five vehicles are on it.

It is irresponsible to not shut down that road, or any other road, for cyclists events, especially with thousands of cars on the weekend. Unfortunately, it usually takes deaths and lawsuits -- not common sense -- to make needed changes. I hope the cyclists next year will have a safer, traffic-free road. Time will tell, but it won't heal all wounds.

Re: 100 Warrior Racer | 1:46 p.m. Aug. 23, 2009

If the SUV was going 40 MPH down the canyon, it was speeding. Anyone (including bicycles) keeping up with it was speeding, too. The speed limits apply to bikes as well. "It was a race," you say. If it was a race on a closed course, the speed limits would not apply, but on an operating public road, the limits DO apply.

As for what the driver of the SUV felt, I'm guessing it was kind of a thump in the back of the seat.

Utah Drivers need to Take Care | 1:53 p.m. Aug. 23, 2009

What a tragic turn of events. I hope that the cyclists and drivers involved in yesterday's accident can heal.

I was disappointed, but not surprised to see comments from readers stating that they heaver car will 'win' in an accident with a biker. Utah law requires drivers to give bikers a 5' right of way.

If you do not follow the law and you hit a biker you will be liable for their injury and possible death. How is this a win for anyone?

Learn to share the road or everyone will pay the consequences.

Chuck | 2:51 p.m. Aug. 23, 2009

If there were 600 bikers, there were thousands of other people up there too! It would have been ridiculous to close the canyon! This isn't like closing 700 E. with lots of other ways around. UDOT did the right thing.

The race organizers are at fault. It was stupid to do a race in that canyon!

Chuck | 2:54 p.m. Aug. 23, 2009

Especially stupid to do on a weekend!

common sense | 3:04 p.m. Aug. 23, 2009

Bicycles, motorcycles, cars, and trucks are all responsible to share the road and must abide by the same traffic laws. For motorized vehicles there is a common violation called "Tail gating" luckily there are break lights to warn those behind. As a bicyclists it is easy to get too close and that is what happened here. Bicyclists got too confident riding behind a vehicle and together and it resulted in an unfortunate accident. All in all give your self some space to those around you

Mr. 1:46 PM | 4:15 p.m. Aug. 23, 2009

Your heartless statement actually makes me sick to my stomach. The road should have been closed. It was advertised as a race. We close roads all of the time for such events. The Alpine Loop is closed much of the year. It would not have hurt to close it for a few hours to provide a safe race, because that's what it was.

Your statement regarding a "thump" is just plain sick and heartless. We need less of that in this world, especially regarding people who are actually trying to help soldiers' families while engaging in healthy recreation. Every once in a while, it would be nice to do some good, even if it's just providing safe race conditions. This was not just a Saturday morning bike ride. It was a planned event with promised safety provisions. Motorists and cyclists were failed by UDOT, UHP, and the organizers. There is no hiding from responsibility.

bike lanes | 4:23 p.m. Aug. 23, 2009

We need bicyclists to pay for and install bike lanes. Riding a bicycle on a highway should be outlawed. It's unsafe and completely rude to the motorists that use these roads. Bicyclists impead traffic besides causing safety concerns and issues.

OK, now for the rude, prejiduced comments from bicyslists who selfishly believe that motorists should accomodate them no matter the inconvinience.....bring it on!

to bike lanes | 4:23 p.m | 5:11 p.m. Aug. 23, 2009

To paraphrase your comment, and your attitude...

Cyclists are rude because they think they own the road that really belongs to me.

Hypocrisy much?

Prejudiced biker | 5:36 p.m. Aug. 23, 2009

I'll pay for the bike lanes. No problem. There are enough people in this state who care about being healthy and will join me.

Let's take a vote. No problem.

But we are not going to pay for your double cheeseburger. Not a chance.

Get out of your car and go for a bike ride every now and then.

Cars or Bikes? | 5:39 p.m. Aug. 23, 2009

Roads should be for cars or bikes, not both. They just don't mix. I don't know how many times I've had bikers expect me to risk my life to they can clog up a traffic lane with their slow paced ride. Eventually, things like this are going to happen.

KS Grl | 5:49 p.m. Aug. 23, 2009

I agree with the poor planning, I work near the Capitol and they had no idea that a major bike race was being held on the street directly to the East (Tuesday's leg of the race).

Just a minute folks... | 6:20 p.m. Aug. 23, 2009

The cyclists had no fault WHATSOVER in this affair.
People. It was a race on a closed course!

The fact that UHP decided on its own to allow cars on the CLOSED RACE COURSE makes pretty clear where the fault lay.

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