Lighting unlit cyclists

The recent death of a 14-year-old bicyclist after dark in Missoula has sparked a new city effort to hand out free bike light sets to cyclists caught without them at night.

Police officers will be distributing 150 of the light sets — free of charge — to bikers stopped for failing to have proper lighting.

The lights were purchased at cost from Planet Bike, a Madison, Wis., bicycle products company that donates 25 percent of its profits to promoting biking, the city said.

“I think the city has responsibility to show some leadership here,” Mayor John Engen said in a statement. “And when we can do something that’s simple and symbolic and practical, everybody wins. We may not prevent every tragedy, but if we prevent one, it’s worth the effort.”

Associated Press

SNOWMOBILING

Cascade Lodge may not open

A popular snowmobile pit stop miles from the nearest road in the upper Coeur d’Alene River region may not open this winter.

Cascade Lodge owner John Nichols told the Coeur d’Alene Press that family health matters are preventing him from opening the winter oasis. The lodge has provided refueling for both snowmobilers and snowmobiles since 1976. Nichols has been running the lodge 15 miles from Fernan Saddle since 1990.

Idaho recreation officials are worried that some snowmobilers who have depended on the lodge could find themselves stranded without food or gas.

Groomed snowmobile trails in the area are scheduled to open Dec. 15.

Nichols said he would re-evaluate whether he can open the lodge later in the winter.

Coeur d’Alene Press