Boston bombing leads to tighter security at Amgen Tour Race
New safety rules are in place for the upcoming Amgen Tour of California bicycle race. The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Department held a meeting to discuss the changes after the bombings at the Boston Marathon.
Local law enforcement agencies have agreed to enforce parking restrictions starting May 12 at 7 a.m. The restrictions include all areas along the race route in Arroyo Grande and Avila Beach. Any cars that violate the new rules will be towed.
Officials will also require spectators to attach a tag with contact information to any bag or backpack and keep personal belongings with them at all times.
Here’s the entire press release issued by the SLO County Sheriff’s Department:
On 4-24-13, the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office hosted a meeting of lawenforcement agencies and other stakeholders that are affected by the upcoming AmgenTour of California Bicycle Race. Those present at the meeting were representativesfrom the Sheriff’s Office, CHP, Arroyo Grande Police Department, San Luis ObispoPolice Department, Pismo Beach Police Department, Port San Luis Harbor District,State Parks Department, FBI, PG&E, Cal Fire, and Five Cities Fire Authority. Aunified chain of command was established and a comprehensive security plan wasdeveloped that would provide for the safety of the riders as well as members of thepublic who want to view the event. As part of the plan, the agencies agreed toimplement parking restrictions starting at 7 AM the day of the race for those areasalong the bicycle route in Arroyo Grande and Avila Beach. Any vehicles parked alongthe route after 7 AM the day of the race will be towed away at the owner’s expense.Signs will be posted warning drivers of these restrictions. Part of the plan alsocalls for any bag or backpack that is left unattended in those affected areas to beremoved by law enforcement officers. Spectators are encouraged to attach a tag withcontact information to any bag or backpack for easy identification and to keep allpersonal belongings with them at all times. These actions are designed to bring therace to a successful and safe conclusion.
