Spinning Fear
Unbalanced reporting of crime in Baja impacts popular cycling event

San Diego, March 25 - 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 www.rosaritoensenada.com.

<Back