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Senate crashes bill that could have added more trails for mountain bikers

By Kyle Glazier

The Denver Post

Citing concerns about stripping protection from victims of negligence, a Senate panel voted 5-4 today against a bill that would have limited liability for mountain bike area operators and providers of other mountain biking services.

Senate Bill 36, sponsored by Sen. Greg Brophy, R-Wray, sought to protect trail owners, equipment renters and guides from lawsuits stemming from injury to riders except in cases of intentional injuries or "willful and wanton" conduct.

Brophy said his bill was similar to laws protecting ski areas and dude ranch owners, and would encourage growth of the sport in the state.

"We can provide a new tourism opportunity that we might not otherwise have," he said.

The bill failed on a party-line vote, with Democrats opposed.

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Allen Beauchamp on January 31, 2011 at 7:45pm

This was truly sad news indeed. I thought for sure that in a state known for it's love of outdoor sports pursuits and also knowing the economic benefit of these (see SKIING), this bill would have been a pretty easy sell and would have paved the way for increased participation and access for mountain biking state wide.

This bill was brought forward by one of the people that brought us the Bicycle Safety Act of 2009 which increased the awareness, safety and legitimacy for so many bicycle riders on the roadways of Colorado.