Cops fail to protect cyclists, Pima misses platinum

City Manager Mike Hein should take personal charge of reforming TPD's poor treatment of bicyclists

TUCSON -- The failure of police to protect bicyclists has cost our region the 'platinum bike friendly' rating. Given the stepped-up police harassment of cyclists, Tucson is lucky to stay at 'gold' for at least the next four years.

The police and platinum promoters didn't listen to the many people who encouraged changes in enforcement to better protect cyclists.

Unless there are major changes in local police attitudes toward cyclists, Tucson will likely lose its gold rating in 2012.