Loudoun Police nap the "MS-8" Not the violent gang, but the weekend cyclists !

Contacted by an experienced cyclist, I went back and checked the Washington Post and other news reports of that I had been following after Loudoun County law enforcement officers charged bikers riding in the annual MS-150 charity bike ride. While injured cyclists and charity sporting event participants have contacted us at ABRAMS LANDAU, Ltd., in the past, this case did not involve a biker’s injuries or crash with a car or truck. Prior posts have discussed recreational athletes’ personal injury cases and sports torts.

Cyclists in Loudoun County leave a rest stop during a long weekend ride
Cyclists in Loudoun County leave a rest stop during a long weekend ride

However, the “MS-8” were bike riders nabbed during a Sunday ride in Loudoun County. The cyclists were charged with not stopping for stop signs during the Multiple Sclerosis charity event. Specifically, tickets were given for failure to come to a complete stop. A sheriff’s deputy was there to issue the citations which, if contested, will require the athletes to appear in the Loudoun County General District Court on Tuesday, July 7th, 2009 at 8:30 A.M. Currently scheduled to be in New England at that time, if asked, I may return to Virginia early in order to help the bike riders.

6 responses on “Loudoun Police nap the "MS-8" Not the violent gang, but the weekend cyclists !

  1. Gwen Gertz

    Is it very common for cyclists to come to a complete stop during races or is the route typically patrolled/taped off specifically for the event (as in officers present to control the auto traffic to prevent injury to cyclists/racers)?

  2. Gwen Gertz

    Is it very common for cyclists to come to a complete stop during races or is the route typically patrolled/taped off specifically for the event (as in officers present to control the auto traffic to prevent injury to cyclists/racers)?

  3. Doug

    Dear GG:

    Where the roads or courses have been “closed” to vehicular traffic, racers usually are instructed before the event begins and they do no stop, just like in the Tour de France. Where the route is not “Closed” then they are advised to obey all applicable traffic laws, including stopping at intersections and yielding”right of ways.” These are excellent questions, and I appreciate the interest of my readers from the West Coast. I look forward to speaking with you and the other California cyclists next week in person. doug

  4. Doug

    Dear GG:
    Where the roads or courses have been “closed” to vehicular traffic, racers usually are instructed before the event begins and they do no stop, just like in the Tour de France. Where the route is not “Closed” then they are advised to obey all applicable traffic laws, including stopping at intersections and yielding”right of ways.” These are excellent questions, and I appreciate the interest of my readers from the West Coast. I look forward to speaking with you and the other California cyclists next week in person. doug

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