I think Sinnott's findings hold up. We all know bears and other wildlife will use trails to travel, especially when they're relatively empty most of the time. Cyclists are more likely to approach at a higher speed, and perhaps more quietly than a hiker, giving the bear and the cyclist less reaction time to deal with the other's sudden presence.

That said, it's a risk we all take when we go out here in Alaska. Even in town in parks like Kincaid or Far North Bicentennial Park (FNBP), we know there are animals out there, and some of those are bear. Taking basic precautions like knowing the trails, listening to other riders about who's seen bear tracks, scat etc where, and carrying bear spray.

I rode FNBP for years with my father, an avid cyclist. He talked with other riders and knew when to avoid certain trails like Rover's Run. I never encountered a bear riding, but we had spray if we needed it. Basic precautions like Sinnott says DO WORK.