GOVERNMENT CAMP -- Two police agencies said Wednesday that racing down Timberline Road on small bikes, known as "Hoodbombing" will no longer be tolerated.
A man in his 20s crashed late Sunday afternoon on a hairpin about midway down the 5.5 road from Timberline Lodge to u.S. 26. He was flown to a Portland hospital for treatment.
A year ago, a young woman was critically injured when she crashed into a road sign on the descent.
"Most bicyclists using our roads know the laws and the importance of riding safely while sharing the road," said Sgt. Duane Larson of the OSP office at Government Camp. "But the use of Timberline Road to ‘Hoodbomb' can be unlawful and place not only themselves but others driving along the road in an extremely dangerous situation."
Under Oregon law, a bicycle is considered a vehicle and subject to traffic laws, he said.
Larson watched online videos of prior Hoodbombing events and said he saw the following offenses - improper use of lanes, careless and reckless driving, speed racing, and organizing a speed racing event.
"We want Timberline Road to be safe for all users including pedestrians, bicycles and motor vehicles," he said. "The last thing we need is to have someone driving on Timberline Road encounter an out-of-control cyclist and the police knocking on a relative's door to tell them their son or daughter are dead because of this."
