To: Sussex Cyclists Membership

On Monday of this week one of our ride leaders, while riding with a few other riders on Cedar Creek Road near Milton, was attacked and bitten by a medium – sized dog. The dog was accompanied by another dog and they appeared to act as a team. Our rider stopped and dismounted his bike and both dogs retreated to the back of their home. Our rider was bitten severely enough that he required treatment at an urgent care facility and now, unfortunately, is undergoing the rabies shot protocol. He no doubt will return to riding in a few days.

This incident occurred near the corner of Isaacs Road and Cedar Creek Road, on a route that many of our riders use.

There are a lot of opinions on the internet about what to do if you find yourself in this situation and it appears our rider took the right action in dismounting and using his bike as a shield. Using sprays and other devices, while sometimes effective, can also be even more antagonistic. The best action at this point, since the dogs were not under the control of the owner is to avoid riding in this location.

Best Regards,

Jim Prettyman, Safety Director