DENVER, CO (December 2, 2005) --The following are the remarks made by
Colonel Mark Trostel, Chief of the Colorado State Patrol, in regard to
timed special events on Colorado roadways.

 

"Following a great deal of discussion with my staff and other agencies,
I recently made a decision about the maximum number of participants for
timed special events on our roadways.

 

"This decision impacted a few events where participants highly exceeded
the cap of 2,500.

 

"In the spirit of cooperation and problem solving, I have decided to
delay the implementation of this cap for a period of 12 months.  

 

"This decision is based on several factors which include creating
additional dialogue on special events and the impact on the motoring
public, as well as in the communities where they are being held,
receiving additional input about early registration time periods for the
upcoming 2006 special events' season, and most importantly the safety of
all the entities involved.  Building partnerships to create safer use of
our highways is everyone's responsibility.

 

"We will take this interim period to work with the special event
organizers, the motoring public, the community and legislators to create
a policy that will ensure the safety of event participants and
motorists.

 

"Our goal is to effectively manage the safety of all such special events
with our current resources.

 

"The top priority for the Colorado State Patrol is highway safety.  It
is with this mission that we serve our communities and citizens.

 

"During the next 12 months, we look forward to reinforcing our
partnerships with special event organizers and other interested
partners.  The results of these cooperative efforts will allow us to
further evaluate the safety needs of timed special events and create
appropriate policy."

 

Colonel Mark V. Trostel
Chief, Colorado State Patrol