Rider Injured During Cinderella Bike Ride In Dublin Saturday

A popular bicycle ride for women and girls was marred Saturday when a rider was struck by a car at Dublin Blvd. and Arnold Rd. as participants in the 40th Annual Cinderella Classic made their way through the Dublin segment of the 65-mile course.

Dublin Police Lt. Nate Schmidt confirmed that police are looking into the cause of the collision, which occurred at approximately 3 p.m. as an unidentified rider attempted to pass through the intersection, possibly against the traffic light.

Police said the unidentified driver was knocked to the ground, suffering “serious” but non life-threatening injuries. The driver of the car remained at the scene and was fully cooperative with officers, Schmidt said, while the rider was taken to a local hospital for treatment.

The Cinderella Classic, a fun ride for women of all ages and abilities through the Amador, Livermore, Diablo, and San Ramon valleys, in an area tradition drawing hundreds of participants – many in costume.

Sponsored by The Valley Spokesmen Bicycle Club, the ride has been under some pressure of late as an admonition on the club’s informational page pointed out:

“It is becoming increasingly difficult to get permission from counties, cities and towns to stage The Cinderella Classic/Challenge. Why? Increased traffic, development and complaints of Cinderella riders not obeying traffic laws and abusing the privilege of sharing the road by riding 2 and 3 abreast in the traffic lanes. Monitor your Cinderella riders for safety, and help keep us on the road.”