Ever wonder how pros competing in events like the Tour de France can spend 5+ hours in the saddle day-after-day? While part of it is certainly that they are elite athletes, they also have the benefit of working with coaches and other pros to insure their bikes fit the nuances of their body perfectly, and
Bicycle Injury
Products That Could Protect You When Riding at Night
By Stark & Stark on
Posted in Bicycle Injury, Motorcycle Injury
Nighttime riding is so much more dangerous than daylight trips due to the obvious difficulty of being seen by drivers of other vehicles. Add in factors such as glare from headlights, wet roads, inexperienced drivers, distracted drivers, drivers tired after a long day at work and congested roadways and the danger multiplies. If you ride…
One Million Bikes Recalled by Trek Due to Hazard in Quick Release Mechanism
By Stark & Stark on
Posted in Bicycle Injury
Trek bicycles has issued a major recall related to the quick release mechanism affecting bicycles equipped with disc braking systems. The recall states “An open quick release lever on the bicycle’s front wheel hub can come into contact with the front disc brake assembly, causing the front wheel to come to a sudden stop or…
Disturbing Statistics Regarding Bicycle Fatalities
By Stark & Stark on
Posted in Bicycle Injury, Legal Updates
A recent report from the Governors Highway Safety Association points out some very disturbing statistics regarding fatal bicycle accidents. The GHSA represents state transportation safety agencies and this report, authored by Allan Williams, is a cause for concern among its member agencies. The most disturbing fact was the news that the number of US bicyclist killed in traffic accidents actually increased in 2011 and 2012. Fortunately, there is an overall decline in cycling fatalities stretching back into the 1970s. The report noted that 722 American cyclists died in motor vehicle crashes in 2012, an increase of 42 deaths over the 2011 statistics, and an increase of 101 over the 2010 reported cyclist deaths. This is an increase of 16% over those two years, and during that same time period, motor vehicle deaths increased by 1%.
The report found that most of the cyclist deaths considered in the three-year period of the study occurred in California, Florida, Texas, New York, Illinois and Michigan. The author concluded that the states are high population states with many urban areas, and the statistics likely reflect a high level of bicycle exposure and interaction with motor vehicles. The report supported this conclusion, finding that 69% of 2012 deaths occurred in urban areas, and more than one in three occurred at intersections.…
Continue Reading Disturbing Statistics Regarding Bicycle Fatalities
New Jersey Needs a Traffic Statute Addressing the Hazard of “Dooring”
By Stark & Stark on
Posted in Bicycle Injury
“Dooring” events – crashes or other collisions triggered by a motorist opening their door into a cyclist or the cyclist’s path — are one of the more common collision events for cyclists in urban areas. Often with devastating results. As a bicycle accident lawyer, I’ve seen folks who have suffered catastrophic head injuries, shoulder injuries,…
Children’s Bikes – Required Safety Features & Considerations
By Stark & Stark on
Posted in Bicycle Injury
You are probably aware that bicycles sold in the United States are required to meet certain design requirements set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). But did you know that bicycles which are only intended for use by children have their own safety standards? Due to a variety of reasons, including developmental differences (such…
Childrens’ Bike Recalled – Risk Handlebars Will Loosen & Trigger a Fall
By Stark & Stark on
Posted in Bicycle Injury
On February 10, 2015, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued an announcement that Marin Mountain Bikes has issued a recall notice concerning approximately 450 units of its 2014 model MBX 50 and Tiny Trail boys and girls bicycles. The bikes in question have 16” wheels and were intended for young children. They were reportedly…
UVEX Announces Helmet Recall Due to Excessive Risk of Head Injury
By Stark & Stark on
Posted in Bicycle Injury
As a bicyclist and consumer safety advocate in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, I find myself regularly performing research and, in my travels today, I came across an announcement that UVEX, a major producer of bicycle helmets, has recalled several helmet models due to a risk that the chinstrap mechanism will fail. In addition, the helmets involved…
Deadly Decisions: Driver of SUV Runs Over Cyclist and Hits Tree. 3 Dead. DWI Suspected
By Stark & Stark on
Posted in Bicycle Injury
A tragic news story out of Sacramento, CA serves as a reminder of the deadly consequences which can result from one’s decision to drive while under the influence.
According to local news reports, the California Highway Patrol advised that a cyclist and both occupants of an SUV were killed recently, when the driver of the…
USDOT Announces Action Plan to Promote Safer Streets
By Stark & Stark on
Posted in Bicycle Injury
USDOT Secretary Anthony Foxx recently announced a new federal action plan, entitled “Safer People, Safer Streets” in response to recent data which have revealed that the incidence of cyclist and pedestrian fatalities caused by motor vehicle accidents is on the rise throughout the United States. Speaking to the assembled crowd at the recent the Pro…