Bicycles May Return to Catalina Trails

Bicycle riding in the rugged interior of Santa Catalina Island will be permitted again starting June 30 after an insurance company takes over liability coverage of a bicycle-riding permit program.

Officials from the Catalina Conservancy, the nonprofit foundation that owns 86% of the island, said the American International Group will provide coverage for the program, which allows cyclists with special mountain bikes and protective helmets to ride in the 76-square-mile interior.

Another insurance company had discontinued coverage April 30.

Permits will cost $50 a year for individuals and $75 for a family, said Penny Grenoble, a conservancy spokeswoman.

Rose Ellen Gardner, conservancy vice president, said letters with permit applications will be mailed within two weeks to the 330 bicyclists who held permits. Other cyclists interested in obtaining a permit can call (213) 510-1421.