Tour of Elk Grove safe, but big crowds are concern

Elk Grove Village President Craig Johnson praised the success of this year's Tour of Elk Grove in providing exciting racing, drawing big crowds, providing money for local nonprofit groups and winning a three-year sponsorship extension from Alexian Brothers Medical Center.

One couple, though, came to the meeting to ask that the race stick to major streets or that more safety precautions be taken to protect race watchers who crowded up against the narrow streets in their neighborhood.

While most of the racing is on wider streets, Stage 2 of the men's pro race went through their neighborhood on Saturday afternoon. Last year that race was routed through a Schaumburg neighborhood.

Jerry Borek, who lives near Crest Avenue and Bianco Drive, said while he supports the race, he was concerned that a bike could crash into spectators or children who wander into the street. He was even more worried that chase vehicles and an ambulance following the racers could swerve off course on the tight turns in the area.

"I'm afraid the children will get hurt," he said. "I feel it's very dangerous the way it is set up."

Johnson said he rode with the chase vehicles for a time and they stayed within the speed limit. The drivers and racers are professionals, he added, and the village staff and organizers work hard to make the event safe.

"Could a tragedy happen - yes," he said. "But we don't feel we're putting people at risk."

He promised the village would encourage parents to keep their kids back. And after the meeting, village officials huddled with Jerry and his wife, Robyn, over photos the Boreks had taken to see if more should be done next year to keep people farther from the street.