Debbie McGregor, 42, of Plano was riding her bike westbound on Windhaven Parkway near the intersection of Plano Parkway when she was struck from behind by a car, this according to an unidentified eye-witness. Along with the witness, an off-duty nurse stopped to aid Ms. McGregor who was lying motionless and bleeding in the street. She was taken to Plano Presbyterian Hospital by ambulance in critical condition. The extent of her injuries is currently confidential.

According to the eye-witness, at about 8:00 PM she was following the suspect’s car uphill on the route popular with cyclists when it struck Ms. McGregor at about 40-mph. The car continued without stopping.

By Brian Brode of Dallas Endurance Sports Examiner
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How long has the event been around and how did it start?

This is the second year of the event. I am a member of the Plano Sunrise Rotary. Several members of the Club ride and we thought that a bike ride
would be a great way to work in the community.

What was the motivation behind starting this event and who benefits from it?

We were looking for ways to support organizations in the community that we have not been able to support. This year, the Plano Fun Ride benefits Relief Nursery of Collin County, a child abuse prevention organization.
What is unique about Relief Nursery is the Prevention model it is based on. The organization looks to keep families intact, preventing the children from going into Foster Care by facilitating a safe family environment.

How have they been able to utilize the funds in the past?

The funds are used to support the organization’s Child abuse prevention program. Last year, we also were able to share the proceeds with the Plano Children’s Medical Clinic.

Logistically, can you give us an idea how many volunteers, finances and planning it takes to put on this event?

Our Steering Committee is made up of 5 key individuals, focusing on Sponsors, Volunteers, Route Planning, Event Logistics. This year was unique in that we planned for a longer set of routes into Collin County, but ran into key logistical issues that we could not overcome. We had to close our
67 and 47 mile routes this year. But hey, we are way ahead in planning for next year!

As we did last year, we are working within one municipality; Plano. This simplifies (but still not simple) the planning process. Our largest expense
is the Police participation. I’m not sure you can ever have enough volunteers. We have volunteers assigned to various duties including Planning,
Registration, Site Setup, Tear Down, Rest Stops, and Road Crew. In all, we have 57 volunteers, but anyone interested in helping, please contact us. We’ll put you to good use!

Which was the most rewarding experience throughout the years hosting this event?

This is the second year so it is hard to say. Each one is like your children, both different but you love them both. Last year we put on a
family ride and had two routes; 5 and 10 mile. Everyone had a great time (even though the rain cut the event short). This year we changed start/stop locations and expanded the routes to include a 31 mile ride. I would like to answer that question after this event.

What’s the average number of riders per year who finish the race?

Last year we had 159 riders, mostly families. This year we are planning for 300 riders with the expanded route. Next year when we expand further to include the 47 and 67 mile routes, we expect to double that again.

How many riders do you medically assist during the average race?

Last year we had one individual that had to be taken to the hospital for chest pains. It turned out to be nothing and he was OK.

What was the worst accident you had in this event?

We haven’t had one, and I would like to keep that record going.

What can folks do to support you and your mission?

The Relief Nursery of Collin County is working to keep families together. We offer a hand up, not a hand-out. Prevention is not only best for the
fabric of our society (keeping families together in a safe environment), but is it cost effective, as well. Each child that goes into Foster Care costs
the taxpayer $670 per month (payment to the Foster parents). That’s $16,000 per year for as long as the children are in foster care. The average Relief Nursery program duration is 17 months. At $4,600 per year, per family, the cost is $6,500 for the duration of the family’s Relief Nursery program. Foster care is paid with your tax dollars, Relief Nursery is funded through private funding, donations, and fundraisers such as this. Come on out and support the cause.

How many port-a-potties do you have?

At the rest stops that do not have rest rooms, we will have two
port-a-potties. We will have three at the start/finish.

Any celebrities joining the ride/walk?

No

Additional stuff you would like to let folks know about this years ride?

Each time I go out on the routes to review the course, I get jazzed. The courses are really a nice ride. The beauty of the shorter family routes is
that parents can introduce their children to the joys of organized cycling in a semi-controlled environment. The longer route is for Tweeners. Kind of like us. Each rider get’s a free t-shirt and we’ll be grilling up free lunch for when you are done.

Thank you David for granting this quick interview and we hope we can catch up with everyone at the event.

Click here to view the event details for the Plano Fun Ride

AUSTIN (KXAN) – Texas state troopers are finding a new way to fight crime: Patrolling on bikes instead of in cars.

They now have a new perspective on crime, and a new way to fight it.

“You are there and able to see more. You obviously are a lot more quiet and not as obvious,” said Texas Department of Public Safety Sgt. Gabe Huber.

“It’s kind of like the difference between an old television and an HD,” says Eric Brackelsberg, DPS bike patrolman. “Your perspective is so much more vivid. It’s a whole new way of patrolling.”

In October 2009, DPS officials decided to take six officers out of their patrol cars to send them cycling, patrolling the Capitol complex on bikes . In less than a year the program is showing huge success. There are now 13 officers cycling the complex and more importantly, they’re presence and crime fighting is working.

“”It’s approximately a reduction of 50% of the crime, and the majority of crimes is crimes against property, criminal mischief, burglary to vehicles,” said patrol and security operations captain Laurencio Saenz.

From the time it takes an officer to walk to his patrol car, crank it up and arrive to a scene, a bike officer is likely already there. When the Capitol is in emergency mode on lockdown, cement barricades are activated blocking any cars from entering or exiting the Capitol complex. On a bike, officers don’t have to wait; they can bypass the barricades, take the sidewalks, ride between buildings arriving to a scene in just seconds. In a patrol car more than just a barricade can stand in the way.

“With the number of one way streets, the units [patrol cars] tend to get caught up in some of that traffic, whereas our bike patrol units are not confined to the streets alone,” said Sgt. Gabe Huber.

When Fausto Cardenas opened fire at the Capitol back in January 2010 , Eric Brakelsberg and his partner were two of the first responding officers.

“I was five or ten seconds behind him. We were able to beat all the units over there because of the circumstances,” said DPS bike patrolman Eric Brackelsberg.

The bike patrolman have the same jurisdiction as DPS’ patrol cars. They can issue tickets, make arrests, and assist EMS with minor and more serious medical calls. Cycling also allows Troopers to see and hear more and they are more accessible to the Capitol employees and its visitors.

“You could be riding by and somebody can holler at you, hey I need some help and you’re in a car, you have your window up or even just your engine noise of your own vehicle, you might not hear that person,” said Eric Brakelsberg.

Riding a bike has proved to be more cost-effective too. Officers say the expense of a patrol car, outfitted with computer and all the equipment officers need is about $30,000. That doesn’t include regular maintenance and gas. Putting an officer on a bike, is significantly less. Overall, Troopers say doing more with less is keeping the public safe, cutting down on crime and response time. Troopers patrol 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Cindy Whitney

AMARILLO, TEXAS – ProNews 7 has been telling you about cycling advocate Cindy Whitney. She was tragicilly killed on US 87, just south of Canyon, by a driver not paying attention and reaching for his cell phone on Saturday morning. The 54-year-old was being safe riding with a group of cyclists, practicing for next weeks MS ride when she fell victim to a 24 year old who made one bad decision.

Cindy Whitney was the last bicyclist that anyone would think of when it came to a tragic fatality. She’ll be missed tremendously by us and certainly her family her husband Rod, and her daughter. “I think she was matriarch of cycling, the cycling community, and she helped organize many cycling events on and off the bike,” said Kenneth Graham from Old Tascosa Cycling and Friend of Cindy’s.

With this loss leaves the question of safety amongst motorist and cyclist, and the rules of what to do to be safe on the roads, starting with cell phones. ” It’s a reminder to all of us if were a bicyclist or not, these tools of communication are wonderful to have, but there hugely addictive and very distractive to motorist. We need to turn them off and put them down,” said Kenneth Graham.

Graham also has some rules for bicyclists, stressing the importance of wearing a helmet or riding in a group when out and about on the streets. Graham continued saying, “ride flowing with the traffic, ride in a straight line so motorist know what your intentions are. Use hand signals when changing lanes and making turns.”

And for motorists, Graham has some tips for you as well, so both groups can share the highway together accident free. “Pay attention why your behind the wheel, and get to your destinations safely and not have an accident. Put your cell phone down and keep both hands on the wheel as often as you can,” said Graham.

By Kale Steed of Connectamarillo.com
Click here for Original Article

How long has the event been around and how did it start?

The Ring of Fire: Race or Ride Luckenbach is in it inaugural year. We are really excited to be teaming up with Luckenbach for such a fun venue.

What was the motivation behind starting this event and who benefits from it?

We really just wanted to have a Johnny Cash theme event!  No, really, we love cycling, love producing the events and really wanted to bring a sense of Community in Cycling to Texas through one ride. We added the RACE aspect to please those who do these events and just hammer the course. We thought there should be a winner for bragging rights.

The events beneficiary is the Ronald McDonald House in Austin.  We are really so excited to be partnering with them again to raise awareness and funds for the house. We are planning on it being a long and successful partnership!

How have they been able to utilize the funds in the past?

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Austin and Central Texas creates, finds and supports programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children and their families.

They have been providing programs for 25 years since a group of community leaders came together to open the Ronald McDonald House in Austin in 1985.  McDonald’s is a partner in care and provides, through local donations, about 10% of our operating budget. The other 90% comes from gifts from individuals, corporations, organizations and foundations who support our mission.

Logistically, can you give us an idea how many volunteers, finances and planning it takes to put on this event?

We have needs for almost 200 volunteers this year, planning takes the better part of the year and the finances are ridiculous!

Which was the most rewarding experience throughout the years hosting events?

Red Licorice Events likes to think it creates experiences not just finish lines. Anyone can produce a bike ride or a 5k, but it takes a special & dedicated team of people to create events that make lasting impressions and keep the participant coming back for more. Our most rewarding moments are watching those who thought they couldn’t, do it. It always gets to me seeing that final finisher smile across the finish line!

How many riders do you medically assist during the average race?

A good event has Zero! But realistically with a few hundred or a few thousand riders, somebody is going to go down. They say “its not if, it’s when” right? Thankfully and knock on wood, all of our participants who needed medical attention made a full recovery and went on to ride again!  We do take all medical events very seriously and we will have over 20 medical on staff and on the course during the event. We are keeping an eye out for people who are dehydrating as well as for signs of hyponatremia  which is equally as dangerous. We are taking steps to let the participants know about how to properly hydrate and take in nutrition along the 4 courses, especially the 110 mile course!

What can folks do to support you and your event & mission?

Come! Ride or Race! And Donate or Fundraise for Team Ronald McDonald House. You can register now at www.redlicoriceevents.com

How many port-a-potties do you have?

This year close to 40. Next year…. Hopefully more!

Any celebrities joining the ride?

I believe Austin Local Celebrity journalist Pam LeBlanc is coming out and Jeff Vaughn from KENS 5 in San Antonio is doing a story on the event with his blog and headcam! I keep Tweetin’ Lance, but he is a bit busy right now….

Additional stuff you would like to let folks know about this years ride?

This is going to be a big party! Prizes, Awards, Live music from 10 am till 8 pm or later. Bike shops from all over Central Austin are coming in to show off their goods as well as support the event with mechanical out on the course. It’s a tough and challenging Hill Country ride, but totally worth it for the cold beer at the finish line!

Thank you Erin for granting this quick interview and we hope we can catch up with everyone at the event.

Click here to view the event details for the Ring of Fire : Luckenbach – Ride or Race