LOS ANGELES, May 26 (UPI) -- Leaders of the zip line industry say their hair-raising rides have soared in number to more than 200 in the United States alone.
There were about 10 zip lines in the nation in 2001 but Americans' thirst for thrills has brought dozens of them to scenic sites, and more are on the drawing board.
"They are spreading like fast-food hamburger joints," Mike Teske, technical director for a Hawaii–based zip line company, told the Los Angeles Times.
Teske is also the head of an industry panel drafting national safety standards for zip lines. Currently, operators follow guidelines established in 1994 that generally focus on lines that are smaller than the new-generation rides, which can stretch hundreds of feet and reach speeds up to 35-45 miles per hour.
"Everyone agrees that new standards are a good thing," Teske said.
The federal government currently does not keep record on zip line accidents; however, the Times said crashes are relatively rare but still can be devastating.
