Editorial: It’s time for Charles City and New Kent to receive more compensation for local races and rides

This week’s editorial is going to be very simple and straightforward; it’s time for counties to get more out of the races that take over our local roadways.

First of all, I am not opposed to either of the events that are taking place this weekend in both Charles City and New Kent County. What I am concerned about is how some organizations claim to be giving back to local communities.

From my time as a reporter, I have not personally seen anything brought in by the counties for these events. An example of this could be last year with the triathlon came through Charles City. During that meeting, representatives said that money would be given back to the school system in exchange for kids volunteering to assist with the event. I don’t call that giving back, I call that hiring. The only true recollection I have were riders purchasing lunches.

The triathlon is based out of Williamsburg, thus making it the hosting jurisdiction. Permits through Virginia’s Department of Transportation (VDOT)are filed through the offices down in the Hampton Roads area. This is significant because these permits allow for roadways to be used by cyclists, runners, etc. during this period. There has been a lack of communication between VDOT departments in the past. A perfect example occurred last year, when VDOT in Fredericksburg granted a permit that had an event go through New Kent County and nobody in the area knew about it until days before.

In my opinion, it just seems that New Kent and Charles City aren’t getting enough for our county roads being used for these events. I do wish them to continue to some extent, but when people come to county leaders and complain about the traffic, disrespect, and litter left behind in these events, it makes me wonder if the headache is worth it. Local emergency resources (fire and EMS/Sheriff’s Department) are used to direct traffic and let riders pass through. But it has been admitted that they are paid for those services, and the counties rarely receive any type of compensation.

I hope both Charles City and New Kent Board of Supervisors continue to evaluate the ongoing races and rides. Not all parties are going to be happy with every decision, but its time for the organizers to truly to put forth the support for our local communities and not select organizations that benefit from these events. Locals suffer enough from the delays and traffic headaches. Let’s make sure that anything received will benefit the citizens who have to put on hold their weekend plans to compensate these guests.