Recent triathlon race causes Charles City supervisor to lash out

Over the last few years, Charles City District 3 supervisor Floyd Miles Sr. has expressed displeasure over bicyclists occupying the road during events. Now, District 2 supervisor Bill Coada is echoing the sentiments after a July 10 triathlon caused the representative frustration during his travel on the highways.

Coada’s monologue during the July 26 meeting of county supervisors revolved around cyclists during a triathlon that originated in James City County. The issue caused furor with the District 2 representative during his travels, something he reiterated to the public.

Prior to the supervisors’ comment and directive period, Coada asked questions of Virginia’s Department of Transportation (VDOT) representative Marshall Winn on the issue.

“I want to know how [the organizers] used a permit obtained in the neighboring county to conduct a race in Charles City,” Coada questioned Winn. “About a quarter-mile of that race is held in that county but 50 miles of it takes place in Charles City.”

Winn said he was also puzzled on how the permit was approved for the event, allegedly without consent from Charles City’s officials. The VDOT representative said the information passed along to him seemed odd.

Coada, however, continued his remarks, pointing out his frustration driving during the event, as well as information on the triathlon’s organizers.

“I have done some research on the organization that hosted this event and it seems to me they have a shady way of going about things,” the District 2 supervisor said. “I was traveling down Route 5 (John Tyler Memorial Highway) and they were in the middle of the highway. I’ve also seen the Virginia Capital Trail being used for the running portion, something that was not supposed to happen according to a representative of the Trail’s committee.

“When the cyclists run a stop sign, they are violating the law,” Coada’s speech continued. “When they are impeding traffic and not riding single-file, they are violating the law. They are to abide by the same rules as a vehicle.

“It gets me that drivers are supposed to allow three feet to pass these riders,” he added. “But if we do that, we are crossing solid double-lines and we can get ticketed. When those cyclists ride and occupy the middle of the lanes, drivers have no choice but to cross those lines.

“As one supervisor, I’m going to do something to prevent these type of events from coming into the county until they are able to follow the rules and regulations,” Coada said as he began to wrap up his comments. “I have spoken with the sheriff about this and I am really frustrated what’s going on. I hope the sheriff’s department goes out and sees these riders and give them tickets. Once 30 or 40 of them receive tickets for breaking the law, then maybe they will get the picture.”

Another bike ride is currently scheduled for September in the county. But despite receiving a conditional use permit to hold the race, Winn said it can be revoked.

“We’re going to do all we can to resolve these issues,” Winn concluded.