Fresh video from the Tyne Valley Oyster Festival parade is drawing renewed criticism of Canadian amateur gravel cyclists at the P.E.I. Mussel Tear race on Saturday 01 August, after footage showed racers riding head-on into the parade, weaving around floats, performers and spectators, including children.

The P.E.I. Mussel Tear is a 430-kilometre self-supported point-to-point gravel race across the length of Prince Edward Island in eastern Canada. Organized by RAD HQ, the course runs from Tignish to Souris, passing through small communities along the way—including Tyne Valley, where this year’s edition collided with one of the island’s best-loved events, the Tyne Valley Oyster Festival parade.

A Facebook livestream video of the parade, broadcast by local business Backwoods Burger, captured riders weaving through the parade, past performers and with a few feet spectators along the route. Several riders passed on the near side of a float as costumed performers stood aboard, while others raced on the opposite side. In both instances, families were seated and standing along the roadside, with children positioned close to both the parade and the passing cyclists.

Tyne Valley Fire Chief Daniel Grigg said some cyclists “blew right through the fire trucks” that were blocking roads for the parade and that those who continued racing ignored requests to give way. He said the riders had “no thought for safety or concern for anybody else,” and appeared to believe the bike race took priority over the community event. Grigg noted that most competitors chose to dismount and walk through the area, but those who did not created a serious safety concern given the number of children present.

Organizers apologized on Monday 03 August, calling the riders’ conduct “reckless” and confirmed disciplinary action, although RAD HQ has yet to publish any disqualifications or sanctions. Corey Ross (17:16:00) and Sasha Rayzl (21:45:00) are listed as the men’s and women’s solo winners.

Photo Credit: Backyard Burgers

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