Spinning Fear; Unbalanced Reporting of Crime in Baja Impacts Popular Cycling Event

The 29th Anniversary Rosarito Ensenada 50 Mile Fun Bicycle Ride will take place on April 19. And while a fearful few are still avoiding Baja due to negative media reports on safety, security surrounding the event is actually at an all-time high.

“Security for tourists in Baja has dramatically increased and we’re seeing positive results,” said Gary Foster of Bicycling West, a San Diego sports marketing company that promotes large-scale participatory events in Baja California. “Rosarito Beach hosted 150,000 visitors for spring break and there were no crimes reported against tourists.”

Foster attributes recent decreases in Baja tourism to not only a weak U.S. dollar, but also a fearful public that has been misled by the media. “News is a product, and fear sells. Violence anywhere is tragic, but the tragedy here has been compounded by unbalanced media coverage. Crime rates in Tijuana are no worse than Los Angeles, yet the headlines have focused on Baja.”

“The truth is there’s a lot more security now and crime has dropped off,” said Foster. “The state secretary of tourism has implemented security along the road between the San Ysidro border crossing and the beginning of the toll road in Tijuana. Federal Police have increased patrols on the toll road between Tijuana and Ensenada, and so have the federal Angeles Verdes tourist police. State police are posted at exits, on-ramps and toll plazas, and the city of Rosarito Beach launched a new tourist police force.”

“We’re impressed by Mexico’s efforts, and we’re pleased to see that it’s working,” concluded Foster. “We’re looking forward to a great season of events.” The Rosarito Ensenada bike ride is semi-annual and will take place on April 19 and September 27 in 2008.

The Rosarito Ensenada events begin at 10:00 a.m. in front of the Rosarito Beach Hotel. The course is 50 miles of paved highway along the Pacific Coast and inland through rural countryside from Rosarito Beach to Ensenada. Registration is open to the public and available online for $35 and at the event for $40. Round-trip transportation is available from San Diego to the event. Maps and detailed information is available on event’s official website at

*From: http://www.hispanicprwire.com
Traducido: usando Google o Altavista/Babel Fish

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