Cyclists roiled by remarks on radio stations
We deeply regret that comments made by on-air personalities were misinterpreted. Clear Channel does not condone violence in any form and we are committed to working with the cycling community to improve cycling safety.
- John Hogan, Clear Channel CEO
OK, so it's not a station broadcasting a couple having sex in New York's St. Patrick's Cathedral, but I don't think these maroons realize just how suggestible the American public is.
CLEVELAND -- Bicyclists are demanding that the nation's largest radio group be punished because disc jockeys at stations in Houston and two other cities made on-air comments they say encouraged drivers to throw bottles at bike riders or hit them with open car doors.
They say the morning show hosts at Clear Channel Communications station KLOL (101.1 FM) in Houston as well as stations in Cleveland and Raleigh, N.C., also suggested motorists blast horns at cyclists and speed past them and slam on their brakes in front of them.
"DJs encouraging the masses to hurt people in any form is insipid and should not go unpunished," said Edwin D. Reeves, 30, a cyclist and ceramic engineer in St. Louis.
Clear Channel, based in San Antonio, owns roughly 1,200 radio stations in the United States.
The company won't release transcripts or tapes of the broadcasts, but the three stations apologized on the air, and Clear Channel donated $10,000 and air time to promote bicycle safety.
As one who has spent more than his share of time in the saddle of a racing bike, I can attest to the moronic behaviors of American drivers. That anyone would actually encourage this sort of recklessness is beyond reprehensible. Can't these jackasses be brought up on charges if anyone is injured as a result of their irresponsibility? Of course not, but one can always hope....
