Some of the replies make me wonder if people bothered to read the very well written article, or simply reacted to the title.
I had hoped that a major takeaway from this discussion would be some reflection. Sitting around and bemoaning the lack of races, the poor organization, the safety, the lack of programs, etc… doesn’t do anything to HELP cycling. In fact, those approaches are part of the reason we are seeing a decline in road racing.
Proactivity and involvement are the harbingers of change. What if, instead of focusing efforts on complaining, there was mass organization to change those points of contention? You don’t like your local race organizers? Assemble a team and start something yourself! No juniors program for your kiddos? Gather a bunch of cycling buddies with kids and teach them. You don’t like the types of race being offered? Start a new type!
Sure, it’s much easier to sit back, spend oodles of money on new bikes and whine about a lack of opportunities to race them (for those who want to race, or course).
If we are only consumers of this art, it will never flourish. Those who truly have a passion for cycling must give back to the sport that brings such joy. Be the change that you wish to see… or something 