Breen: Races are the problem, not fundraisers
Despite growing frustration with road closures tied to various bicycle races, Guelph-Eramosa councillors have no problem with a fundraiser taking place on local roads this weekend.
The township is in the process of developing a special events policy, largely in response to the growing number of athletic events on township roads.
But councillors seemed to be okay with the Rona MS Bike Tour on Aug. 13 and 14, which will travel through the township on Jones Baseline, Guelph-Nichol Townline, Sideroad 14, 4th Line and Crowsfoot Road.
“The ones that are problems are the races,” said councillor Doug Breen. “Those guys won’t stop for anything.”
The competitive races are “an inconvenience to neighbours,” Breen added, while the MS Bike Tour is a recreational fundraiser.
Mayor Chris White agreed and said even if the township was opposed to the event, it could not prevent it from happening. The organizers are not seeking road closures and didn’t even have to tell the municipality about the event, he added.
Regardless, council unanimously approved a resolution allowing the event to take place on township roads.
