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Posted on Fri, Nov. 07, 2003

Clear Channel moves to woo bicyclists
Associated Press

SAN ANTONIO -Clear Channel Communications has joined forces with the
League of American Bicyclists to promote cycling.

That's after some on-air personalities at Clear Channel radio stations
had suggested mayhem against bicyclists.

In recent months, broadcasts in Houston, Cleveland and Raleigh, N.C.,
included suggestions to throw bottles at riders, hit them with open car
doors and blast horns. Listeners called in to agree, vent and share
stories.

In announcing the alliance on Thursday, officials for the nation's
largest radio group said they will tolerate no more anti-bicyclist
rhetoric by its disc jockeys.

"We look forward to a very productive partnership with this important
organization, focused on promoting safe conditions for bicyclists,"
John Hogan, president of the company's 1,200-station radio division,
said in an e-mail.

Representatives with American Bicyclists, which represents more than
300,000 riders, met with officials at Clear Channel's San Antonio
headquarters Wednesday to air concerns about "shock jocks" encouraging
motorists to harass cyclists.

Clear Channel said the comments were not meant to be serious. The
company has issued an apology and has disciplined some employees,
including firing a Houston producer.

Also, all three stations have since started running public service
announcements to educate drivers about bicycle safety.

Clear Channel stations have promoted or helped sponsor bicycling events
for years - more than 100 since 2002.

The company even had a team of riders in this year's Bike to the Beach
ride from San Antonio to Corpus Christi to raise money for the Multiple
Sclerosis Society.

The cycling group and company officials intend to meet again early next
year to discuss further steps.