Hundreds of motorcycles drove through New York City to ground zero on Sunday in a procession that organizers said will be their last.
Ted Sjurseth, founder of the nonprofit America's 911 Foundation, said he's tired of battling Maryland and Virginia state police and highway agencies' reluctance to block Washington-area traffic for 1,200 motorcycles.
The agencies say they support Sept. 11 memorial events but must maintain safe traffic flow in the congested region.
The problems stem from the first leg of the America's 911 Ride, from Shanksville, Pennsylvania, to Arlington, Virginia, always on a Friday. State agency officials say it can cause 5-to-10-mile backups, and stall home-bound commuters near the Pentagon.
"Complaints are received every year," Maryland State Police spokesman Greg Shipley wrote in an emailed response to questions from The Associated Press.
Sjurseth, 55, a computer consultant from rural Lucketts, Virginia, said that instead of complaining, stalled motorists should reflect on the 3,000 lives lost in the 2001 terrorist attack, and on the sacrifices made daily by first responders.
Shipley said he has tried in vain to find someone willing to take over the arduous task of organizing the ride. Now the foundation is looking for other fundraising options, he said.
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The rides began in 2001, two months after hijackers crashed airliners into the Pentagon and New York's World Trade Center. Another jetliner crashed near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, as passengers and crew fought to regain control of the aircraft.
