Georgia on Two Wheels

Georgia Biking Back in Full -- Spring!

Wed, 01 May 2013 11:11:27 -0500

Georgians know that our state is a fabulous place for cycling. Our great climate gives us more options to ride throughout the year. And we also enjoy terrain that includes both mountainous regions in the north and flat coastal regions in the south. But as a Georgia bicycle accident lawyer, I am also very aware that there is a great deal to know about safe biking before we get on the road. And now that we are full-swing into the best seasons of the year, I wanted to provide a series of posts about biking in our state.

Georgians are fortunate to have so many cycling opportunities -- and here are only a few. Only last month, Bicycle Ride Across Georgia (BRAG) brought cyclists together for a great ride and lots of fun in the Spring Tune-Up ride. Next month, BRAG brings on one of the greatest cross-state tours in the United States. This "annual odyssey of discovery" takes riders across Georgia by bicycle and is a family-oriented tour in which riders travel their own pace, but on a route set by BRAG's experts. Riders stay in tents on college campuses or in motels along the route. Tour de Georgia is also a multi-day stage race which brings in a field of professional racers from all over the globe. Yet another fun cycling event is the Rock Eagle Ramble which spans a total of 62 miles, but can also be ridden in smaller increments.

Georgia has many cycling enthusiasts and local organizations that support riding and riders. Even our Georgia Department of Transportation gets into the Georgia cycling excitement by providing riders with great information, not to mention efforts to keep the roads bike-safe. Collaborating with cyclers and with planners, efforts are being made to ensure that motor vehicles and bikes can safely share our roads.

Safety is first and foremost with biking, since often we are sharing the road with motor vehicles. Over the next few posts, I want to remind readers about various aspects of biking safety and that begins with selecting and riding the right bike for you and for the circumstances in which you plan to ride.

If you are about to start biking or are in the market for a new bike, experts recommend that you make sure to choose the right bike for you and the type of riding you are going to do. Consider whether you need a road bike -- whether that is a racing bike for speed or a touring bike for longer trips -- depending on the types of trips you intend to take. Perhaps you want to ride off road and need a mountain bike. These bikes are built specifically for this type of ride, but you really need to be sure this is the type of bike you want since these bikes are not meant for road biking. Another option is a hybrid bike that is something between road and mountain and will ride well for city or road biking and paved trail riding. Recumbent bikes are lower to the ground and we often see these bikes with a flag on the back to improve visibility.

Electric bikes are also an option and these are becoming more popular. These bikes are powered by electric motors, but are not scooters and still need pedal power. These bikes are in a specific class on their own. Georgia defines these bikes as a two- or three-wheeled device with fully operative pedals and a small electric motor. However, the motor may not be greater than 1000 watts and cannot be greater than 100 pounds.

The Official Code of Georgia Annotated section 40-1-1 defines an electric assisted bicycle as: "A device with two or three wheels which has a saddle and fully operative pedals for human propulsion and also has an electric motor. For such a device to be considered an electric assisted bicycle, it shall meet the requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, as set forth in 49 C.F.R. Section 571, et seq., and shall operate in such a manner that the electric motor disengages or ceases to function when the brakes are applied. The electric motor in an electric assisted bicycle shall: (A) Have a power output of not more than 1,000 watts; (B) Be incapable of propelling the device at a speed of more than 20 miles per hour on level ground; and (C) Be incapable of further increasing the speed of the device when human power alone is used to propel the device at or more than 20 miles per hour."

In future posts we will share more information on Georgia cycling. Ride safely and enjoy!!

Hit and Run Kills Respected Local Man

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 13:16:34 -0500

The spring cycling season is barely in full swing and the Atlanta area has suffered yet another loss of life. The third in only a couple of weeks. A Marietta man, known by locals as "deaf Joe" and held with great affection by Burger King patrons and co-workers, has been struck and killed while riding his bike near the Cobb County Transit bus terminal. He served as a cook at the restaurant that is now mourning his loss. My heart goes out to all who knew him and to his family. The police have now arrested a suspect in this tragedy.

In my law practice as a Cobb County bicycle accident lawyer, I know from many years of experience supporting victims and families, that these losses are difficult to bear. The loss of "Deaf Joe" is felt by many in the community.

The driver of the vehicle that struck him down hit him and ran. Hit and run accidents appear to be on the rise, but they are no less confusing for law-abiding citizens who cannot imagine leaving the scene of an accident they have caused.

One of his co-workers said yesterday that he usually was at work early in the morning and dedicated to his job. He also was an aspiring rapper who rapped in sign language. What a great person and great loss to our community. Although he did not speak, he rapped in sign language and wrote notes. He was said by his co-workers to be a person willing to pitch in when anyone needed him.

Sadly, this is the second fatal bicycle hit-and-run accident in only two weeks. Another Marietta man was killed while riding late last month. Witnesses reported that the man was struck by perhaps a black SUV that could have been a Cadillac Escalade.

Only yesterday, the Marietta police asked the public for information to help solve the most recent hit and run accident. Both evidence at the scene and a tip are reportedly the information needed to enable the police to identify the vehicle that was involved and to arrest the suspect.

He has been charged with several violations of Georgia law, including hit and run, DUI and first degree vehicular homicide. Under Official Code of Georgia Annotated section 40-6-393 (b), "[a]ny driver of a motor vehicle who, without malice aforethought, causes an accident which causes the death of another person and leaves the scene of the accident in violation of subsection (b) of Code Section 40-6-270 commits the offense of homicide by vehicle in the first degree and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than three years nor more than 15 years."

As was perhaps the case here, many hit and run accidents are solved with witness information. Sometimes, the witness is not a witness to the accident, but sees the damage to the vehicle that wasn't present before. This might even be a family member. When motorists have new damage to their vehicle that fits with the hit and run, often they try to get repairs done at body shops without notifying their insurance carriers. Body shops should remain aware of such accidents and contact authorities if there is anything suspicious about the damage to the vehicle or if the person who owns the vehicle wants to pay cash for the repairs.

The spokesperson for the Marietta police was quoted yesterday as saying: " 'It's hard for me to understand how somebody could run someone down and not stop, but that's what we have here.' " I agree with this sentiment and hope more citizens will understand that leaving the scene is not acceptable morally and is a violation of the law.

Bicyclist Hit and Killed, Search for Driver Mounts

Sun, 17 Mar 2013 11:35:53 -0500

Just as I posted last week about the importance of wearing a helmet while riding a bicycle, we learn that an Atlanta man was struck by a hit and run driver over the weekend. He was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital, but passed away from his injuries. Authorities are searching for the vehicle and the driver that struck the man.

We do not know whether the deceased man was wearing a helmet or not. But as a Gwinnett County bicycle injury lawyer, I can say with certainty that it is critically important to expect the unexpected and to ride with care and with a helmet. Even with a helmet, being struck by a motor vehicle can still result in serious injury or death.

And Georgians know that not only must they share the road, they must pull over safely to lend support after an accident that causes injury. A hit and run is a very serious matter and is not permitted under Georgia law. Under the Official Code of Georgia Annotated section 40-6-270, "[t]he driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to or the death of any person or in damage to a vehicle which is driven or attended by any person shall immediately stop such vehicle at the scene of the accident" or as close to the accident as possible. This of course applies whether the driver hits a pedestrian or a person riding a bike or another vehicle.

As the better weather approaches, I want to remind readers of the importance of riding defensively when possible. It is likely we will see an increase in many types of outdoor activity-related injuries as we move into riding and boating season.

Statistics show that when bikes and vehicles collide, very serious injuries are often going to occur. In 2010, 618 lives were lost in crashes involving bicycles and motor vehicles. Bicycle crashes may be lower than they have been in previous decades, but the accuracy of their reporting is not clear since a fraction of those involved in bicycle crashes are reported by authorities. In reality, bicyclists represent a very small number by percentage of those killed in traffic accidents. As recently as 2010, that number was only at two percent. The source for these statistics is bicyclinginfo.org where you can read more about bikes, safety and more.

Given the fact that when bikes and vehicles collide, there is a greater likelihood of injury we all need to consider how to keep ourselves and our families safe while bicycling. Here are some things that we all need to think about before we start our rides and while riding our bicycles.

When sharing bikes paths make sure that you can be seen and that you are aware of pedestrians who walk with headphones and other distractions these days, as well as those walking their dogs, skating and other cyclists. When sharing the roads, cyclist should always ride with the traffic. It is also important to ride as close to the right as possible and never to wear headphones while riding a bike on the road with motor vehicles. You need all your senses to ensure your safety.

It may seem obvious, but it is important for bicycle riders to avoid drinking and riding. A high percentage of bike crashes involve some sort of impairment on the part of the rider, possibly as many as one-third.

As we have posted previously, it is very important for your safety to wear a helmet. There is really no doubt about this. We know that head injuries represent a high percentage of serious injury and death while riding a bike. For more information about wearing a helmet properly, visit the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute website.

Many riders forget that even helmets wear out. Make sure yours is still safe. Get it checked by a cycling store and check it yourself. The Snell Foundation notes that many factors weaken helmets, such as sun, sweat and hair products. If you drop your helmet on a hard surface that can weaken it as well.

When riding your bike make sure that you are seen by drivers and other riders. Some cyclists weave in an out but riding in a predictable fashion is far safer. And of course wear a light or place a reflector on you and/or your bicycle so that drivers can see your bike at night. The Official Code of Georgia section 40-6-296 requires that "[e]very bicycle when in use at nighttime shall be equipped with a light on the front which shall emit a white light visible from a distance of 300 feet to the front and with a red reflector on the rear of a type approved by the Department of Motor Vehicle Safety which shall be visible from a distance of 300 feet to the rear when directly in front of lawful upper beams of headlights on a motor vehicle. A light emitting a red light visible from a distance of 300 feet to the rear may be used in addition to the red reflector."

What's Better, Helmet Hair or Brain Injury?

Sat, 09 Mar 2013 09:53:55 -0500

It makes sense that when we get on a bicycle or motorcycle, a helmet can keep us from serious brain injury. But many riders still resist the use of helmets even though they keep riders safer. Helmet use has not risen, but bike riding has. Perhaps riders don't like to use a helmet because they assume that they cannot be seriously injured in the event of an accident or they believe that a helmet hinders their ability to see. But in my experience over two decades as a Gwinnett County bicycle accident lawyer, serious injuries can sometimes be avoided with the use of a helmet.

In some cities and states, bicycle helmets are required for all riders. In Georgia, our laws are a little different. We have several laws that provide for protective gear while riding a bicycle. Georgia's bicycle helmet law found in the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) section 40-6-296 (d) (1)) focuses on children and teens and states that "[n]o person under the age of 16 years shall operate or be a passenger on a bicycle on a highway, bicycle path, bicycle lane, or sidewalk under the jurisdiction or control of this state or any local political subdivision thereof without wearing a bicycle helmet." Helmets are also required to meet or exceed the standards for bicycle helmets set by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) or the Snell Memorial Foundation.

Similarly, under OCGA section 40-6-292 (c) children under the age of one may not be passengers on a bicycle on a highway, roadway, bicycle path, or sidewalk unless certain equipment is used. This provision allows for the transport of young children using an infant sling or bicycle trailer as long as the manufacturer's instructions are followed and the child is wearing a bicycle helmet.

Sharing the road with motor vehicles increases the danger that in the event of an accident or even a fall, the cyclist could be injured. For example, if a cyclist goes over the bike's handlebars, serious injury can result.

Physicians see a lot of head injuries when helmets are not worn. As noted in one recent report, doctors and other experts favor helmets due to the nature of the brain's tissues which is comprised of a soft, complex network of tissues that is not well-protected. They note that brain tissue is delicate and that the skull is not enough protection from serious injury to the brain in many bike crashes.

Unfortunately, many riders don't realize that even in a low velocity crash, they can be injured seriously. But wearing a helmet often completely avoids significant head injury and riders often walk away from accidents if they have been wearing a helmet. Amazingly, the large study done in the late 1980's showed that "wearing a helmet reduced the risk of head injury by 85 percent and of brain injury by 88 percent." More recent statistics collected by researchers has revealed that "91 percent of bicyclists killed in 2008 weren't wearing helmets."

Doctors note that they cannot heal brain injuries in the same way that they can help patients heal broken bones or soft tissue injuries. As we have posted previously, traumatic brain injury (TBI) can be mild to severe, and symptoms vary greatly depending on the location of the injury. Even with milder TBI, symptoms can interfere with cognition and other functions, such as memory loss, sleep and concentration. Wearing a helmet decreases the risk of skull fracture and serious injury, although concussion can still occur when the brain moves inside the skull in an accident even with a helmet.

Some Great Rides (and Reads) on Motorcycle Blogs

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 11:41:52 -0500

There are lists and then there are lists that matter. For web-saavy riders, the best of the best in motorcycle blogs would seem to be a matter of focus and content. In fact, the best is a bit tricky to discern because there are many great blogs out there. Although there are several lists of the best bike blogs, looking at the blogs themselves, there is something for everyone and that makes "the best" a moving target. As a Gwinnett County motorcycle injury lawyer, I like to check in with many of these because their content is so diverse and interesting. Here are some interesting top blogs and a bit about their content.

From Phoenix Valley Atlas Rider focuses on motorcycle touring. Motorcycle travel has become more and more popular. Many retired folks are taking to their Harley bikes and getting on the open road. This is a great resource for those who want to travel the open road.

Bikes in the Fast Lane provides interesting news stories in the motorcycle world, including some interesting historical facts. If you are interested in the latest gadgets, you might just find them here. And then there is Knucklebuster which delves into the world of motorcycle customization. You can read the blog and peruse some cool in-progress photos and either weep or get your tools out. Although the blogger isn't posting as often as he used to, the updates are fun and show a lot of detail about his progress on his latest work.

And now for those women out there who adore their bikes as much as the guys, Rippin Kitten is the place for you (and for the guys too). This blogger gives readers the latest on culture and events ... a good place to go for some biking goings-on.

Bike EXIF is a top ranking blog and a great resource for custom bikes. Not only are the photos great, the info is as well and it is updated regularly. If you are looking for lots of content that covers a big space in the biking world, The Kneeslider is a good place for you to be visiting on a regular basis. It is well-written and doesn't skim the surface. The blogger is not afraid to voice an opinion either.

If you like fine writing and are inspired by the grand beauties of the past, check out The Vintagent. The blogger is not only an expert on the valuation of vintage bikes, he has definitely honed his writing chops and it is a great great read. He also writes the online magazine "Oily Rag" which is "dedicated to the unrestored, and more importantly, the original which needs no improvement" ... you can check out stories about vintage bikes and auctions as well as stories about machines of old ... like the snow crawlers from Yellowstone. Great photos as well.

Study Says: Boomer Bikers Getting Injured

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 19:06:37 -0500

Boomers have some extra time on their hands once they "retire" and many of them are avid bike riders. I enjoy talking with these folks who have loved biking for years or have started later in life and find great enjoyment in the open road -- especially our wonderful Georgia backroads.

But a recently published study has some cautionary statistics for boomer riders. In their study Tracy L. Jackson and Michael J. Mello examined injury patterns in motorcycle accidents and looked at age group differences for those patterns. They took data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System-All Injury Program to evaluate those treated in emergency departments for bike crashes from 2001 to 2008. What they found is particularly interesting to me as an Atlanta motorcycle crash lawyer, since I work hard to get the medical and legal rights that bike accident victims deserve.

Essentially, the numbers made it clear to the researchers that injuries increased in all age groups for the period 2001 to 2008 -- but the rate of increase was largest among those 60 and over. in fact, that age group was more likely to be hospitalized. In addition, the injuries were more severe within the older age group which led the researchers to conclude that "[o]lder adults involved in motorcycle crashes are prone to more severe injuries than younger adults." The risk for this group is higher than younger riders who might recover more quickly or more fully than older riders.

In the time frame studied there were 1.5 million motorcycle crash injuries in those age 20 or older, those in the older group had a very high rate of increase. There were about 4,300 injuries in 2001 and about 15,100 injuries in 2008 which represented a nearly 250% increase. Other age groups' injuries increased about 60 percent.

Boomer bike riders are more likely to be hospitalized for their injuries as well, by about three times. Perhaps due to bone changes as we age, fractures and dislocations which are common for all injured bikers in accidents, were seen by the researchers to be in greater numbers for the older group. Other injuries were more likely in the older group as well -- such as brain and organ injuries.

Great News for EV Bike Industry

Mon, 07 Jan 2013 11:22:19 -0500

There is some good news coming out of the twisty fiscal cliff ride we have all been on with Congress these past few weeks. One of our favorite parts of the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 is the extension of tax credits for electric motorcycles. Having represented many motorcycle enthusiasts in my Atlanta motorcycle injury law practice, any good news about biking in America is worth repeating. If you weren't watching closely as we rode closer and closer to the cliff, you might have missed this good news for electric bikes.

Thanks for this goes to Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon who sponsored the extension of the EV tax credit. This legislations allows buyers of these vehicles to receive a credit of 10% of the cost of a qualified electric vehicle with a cap of $2500 for each vehicle. These bikes are required to be a two- or three-wheeled plug-in electric designed mainly to be ridden on public streets, roads, and highways. They also need to be capable of traveling at 45 miles per hour or more. This language prevents electric golf carts and similar vehicles from being eligible for this tax credit.

The tax credit is also very good news for jobs in the expanding electric motorcycle industry reports MotorcycleUSA. Senator Widen's official statement noted that "the electric motorcycle industry is expected to create nearly 2,000 jobs in just the next 18 months and more than 16,000 jobs over the next 5 years." Senator Wyden says that over the next decade thousands of jobs will be created due to these vehicles which also supports "the transition to a low-carbon American economy."

The pacific northwest, and specifically Oregon, has been a greenhouse of electric motorcycle ingenuity. Some of the hottest bikes are coming out of the area including, Brammo and MotoCzysz.

American Motorcycle Association Says EPA Could Scrap E15 Fuel Minimum

Sat, 22 Dec 2012 14:35:44 -0500

Here's some news for all riders. The American Motorcycle Association reported earlier this week that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plans to drop the requirement that consumers purchase a minimum of four gallons of gas when dispensing the new E15 ethanol-gasoline blend. As an Atlanta motorcycle injury lawyer, I am please that the AMA's effort could protect bikes from damage or lack of fuel efficiency.

The AMA had voiced its opinion to the EPA that the E 15 blend could be placed into motorcycle and all-terrain vehicle inadvertently. The blend contains up to 15 percent ethanol by volume which if placed into these vehicles using a blender pump (the same hose from which consumers would purchase the E 15 blend) could be problematic for bikes and ATV's. Most motorcycles and ATVs are simply not designed to use E15 fuel.

The EPA's original position was to require a minimum purchase that would effectively dilute residual E15 fuel in the hose pump, so that it would not impact motorcycles or ATV's. However, after continuing concerns voiced by the AMA, the EPA has indicated instead of imposing the minimum purchase requirement, it will now "likely require a label on blender pumps that dispense E10 and E15 through the same hose that state the pump is solely for passenger cars and trucks." And, the EPA says it will also require service stations selling E15 to have a pump that is solely for the E10 blend for use by motorcycles and other vehicles.

The possibility that AMA members and the riding public in general could inadvertently use the wrong gas has been a concern for a while now. As noted by the AMA, due to the size of a bike's tank, any residual fuel that should not be used could "be detrimental to the performance of motorcycle or ATV engines due to the small size of their fuel tanks and the higher concentration of ethanol that would, therefore, be present in the fuel," This is serious business as the use of the wrong fuel can not only cause lower fuel efficiency, it could also "possibly cause premature engine failure. Use of E15 fuel voids many manufacturer warranties. In off-road engines, the effects can even be dangerous for users."

Cobb County Motorcyclists, One Lucky, One Not

Sat, 08 Dec 2012 11:11:45 -0500

A motorcyclist was said to be "lucky" after he tried to evade a police chase in Cobb County. As a Cobb County motorcycle injury lawyer, it is good to know that this biker was not injured.

The biker apparently had run a stop sign and was driving "erratically" according to reports. The chase ended in the biker being down and run over by the officer that was chasing him. But the biker did not sustain injuries that were life threatening. It is very fortunate that this biker was not seriously injured in this incident.

Sadly, in another Cobb County motorcycle accident, a biker tragically lost his life when he was riding his 2011 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide and hit a bridge retaining wall. He fell into a creek and died at the scene of the accident. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that the biker was riding on "Cheatham Road between Deer Valley Drive and Old Stilesboro Road, according to Cobb police Sgt. Dana Pierce." It is suspected, but not confirmed, that both a high rate of speed and alcohol may have contributed to this very sad crash and loss of life.

Bikers know that speed is fun, but it needs to be within the posted limits for any road or condition. Bikers also know that alcohol and riding are not a good mix and in fact can cause the loss of their own lives and the lives of others, both passengers and others on the roads.

Over the holidays, please do not drink and ride. Here are some things that all bikers should keep in mind.

It is possible to be too impaired to ride, even when a person doesn't look or seem, or even feel drunk. Please watch out for your fellow riders. If you notice that someone has been drinking too much, don't let them get on their beloved bike and ride. One way to do this is to get others involved. Judgment is impaired after a couple of rounds and it is very difficult for riders to know when they might not be able to drive safely.

Some people think that even though they know that too much alcohol consumption and riding don't mix, they think that alcohol won't affect their ability to ride well. As noted by the experts, "[w]hile you may not be legally impaired after drinking, alcohol robs you of some of the critical skills and judgment you need to ride safely."

Ride safely this holiday season and do not become a statistic that proves that riding and drinking don't mix.

Motorcycle Legends Honored

Fri, 30 Nov 2012 11:40:39 -0500

The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame inducted seven new members this past month in Las Vegas. The 2012 inductees are all world class riders with famed histories. The event was hosted by Perry King, actor and motorcyclist. As an Atlanta motorcycle injury lawyer, I wanted to bring you all news about the inductees.

First, the list: Rod Bush, who is no longer with us, but was the KTM North America president and a true visionary within the industry; championship roadracing tuner Nobby Clark; off-road champion Ty Davis; AMA Supercross Champion Jimmy Ellis; renown motocrosser Sue Fish; famed restorer Brian Slark; and the late Al Wilcox, the famed race starter.

At a dinner before the ceremony that was sponsored by Kawasaki Motors Corporation, diners enjoyed good conversation and great food. Sharing memories and stories about the inductees and the best of the best in the biking world.

The inductees enjoyed the usual honors of videos about their careers and highlights of their careers. The ceremony included not only the 2012 inductees, but shout outs to the fine and legendary careers of Hall of Famers, including filmmaker Bruce Brown, director of the 1970 film "On Any Sunday."

Those in Las Vegas for the ceremonies were also able to visit the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Dave Mungenast Memorial Concours d'Elegance bike exhibit. This amazing show gives attendees a chance to see some of the finest restored bikes and famed motorcycles.

" 'We're a community that embraces the past, honors the men and women who have brought us to the present, and races ahead to an exciting future -- largely unknown to us now -- and we do it all with a zest for life that is second to none,' " Mr. King noted.

What a great way to honor and celebrate the joy of the ride.

Truck Driver Kills Four Bikers & Gets 26 Years

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 10:20:14 -0500

In 2010, a terrible accident occurred in Arizona in which a dump truck driver failed to stop at a traffic light and killed four bikers and injured five others. That man was found by a jury to be guilty of manslaughter for the deaths of these riders. He will now serve a prison sentence of 26 years. The families of the victims have been through a great deal and as an Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyer, I know this is a very difficult process of grief and sadness.

The prosecution presented evidence that the driver tested positive for methamphetamine. The bikers were waiting at a light in North Phoenix, Arizona and were hit as the trucker plowed through the intersection. It appears that the riders could have done nothing to avoid being hit, and were essentially "sitting ducks" in this horrific crash.

Under Georgia law, specifically the Official Code of Georgia Annotated section 40-6-393 (a), "[a]ny person who, without malice aforethought, causes the death of another person ... commits the offense of homicide by vehicle in the first degree and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than three years nor more than 15 years." Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol and/or driving recklessly would fall under this provision. In the Arizona case, the truck driver engaged in both of these.

In past years, many organizations, including Georgia and the federal government have worked towards improving rider safety. Riders are aware that when other drivers are driving under the influence of alcohol (or other substances as happened here) and speeding bikers are at greater danger.

We also know that wearing a helmet can save a rider's life. But what can be done when you are sitting in an intersection, abiding by the traffic laws and waiting for a traffic light? That is a nearly impossible situation in which to protect yourself when on a bike.

One of the most common accidents with other drivers is that in which the other vehicle pulls directly across the path of the bike, either because the driver did not see the biker or because of substance abuse, speed or distance. Share the road campaigns have helped in the effort to make drivers more aware of the need to watch for other types of vehicles or bicycles.

Making sure that drivers understand the dangers for them and the motorcyclist (especially at intersections), driver training courses, driver handbooks or manuals and licensing tests, can help. But in the moment, when drivers are in a hurry, even a sober driver can fail to yield or engage in other poor driving that puts the rider at risk. The driver who hit and killed the four innocent bike riders, will have many years in prison to think about the ways he could have avoided the accident, avoided driving under the influence and avoided his own nightmare.

Young Pastor Mourned After Cycling Accident

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 11:39:01 -0500

A recent tragedy underscores the need for drivers to share the road with bikes and motorcycles. Last week, a young Texas father who started as a music pastor in his hometown church, and later became a worship pastor, was hit and killed while riding his bicycle on U.S. 41. What should have been a wonderful holiday weekend for his family, was instead full of sorrow and sadness. In my work as an Atlanta bicycle accident lawyer, I have represented those injured on motorcycles and bicycles by drivers who did not share the road.

Although we don't know what happened in this accident, we know the outcome. One young man has lost his life. Our hearts go out to his family and his community.

The young pastor was cycling in the afternoon in good weather. He was near Red Top Mountain when a charter bus hit and killed him. He had ridden on this route many times before as an avid cyclist.

The Bartow County Fire Department is reported by the Atlanta-Journal Constitution to have said that the young man "was wearing a helmet, but he was critically injured." He was taken to WellStar Kennestone Hospital in Marietta and passed away there.

He was devoted to his wife and his three young children. He and his wife were both involved in music and are loved by their community. His father, also a pastor, said that in the wake of this tragedy, the family was experiencing" 'intense grief, beyond comprehension.' " Their faith is helping them through their grief. The church community is mourning along with this young man's family.

We don't yet have much more information on how this accident occurred. Sadly, it serves as a terrible reminder that keeping our eyes on the road and sharing it for all using it, whether motor vehicles, pedestrians, bicyclists or motorcyclists, is important for our health and happiness. Too often we read about the consequences of failing to do so, which apparently happened in this tragic cycling accident.

If you are interested in learning more about Share the Road efforts, please visit the Georgia Bikes website. There you find out about the efforts of this organization and join it as well.

Bikes and the Danger of Guardrails

Sun, 11 Nov 2012 19:48:03 -0500

In late September, a motorcyclist was killed after crashing into a guardrail on Interstate 95 in northern Camden County, Georgia. The crash happened after a pickup truck had just overturned. This occurred because the pick up truck had the misfortune of blowing out a tire. Having represented motorcycle riders and their families as an Atlanta motorcycle crash lawyer, it is often the case that circumstances on the road -- such as the tire blowout and the overturning of the truck -- end up causing a rider's injury or death.

Sadly, in this accident, the rider could not maintain control of his bike and ended up crashing into the guardrail just as the pick up truck had ... he was killed.

Riders know that guardrails can be very dangerous for bike riders. When riders collide with a stationary object like a guardrail, severe injuries and death can occur. In fact, the statistics for fatalities when riders hit guardrails are dismal. Many fatalities for riders involve guardrail collisions. Research indicates that motorcycle crashes that involve a rider hitting a guardrail have a much higher fatality rate than motorcycle crashes in general.

A study from Virginia Tech notes that "from 2000-2005, the number of car occupants who were fatally injured in guardrail collisions declined by 31% from 251 to 171 deaths. In contrast, the number of motorcyclists fatally-injured in guardrail crashes increased by 73% from 129 to 224 fatalities during the same time period." Even with a helmet, bikers can be killed hitting a guardrail and bikers are 80 times more likely to be killed than car occupants when hitting a guardrail.

The type of guardrail on our roads may need to change before these statistics improve. Steel guardrails that are seen across America are very dangerous for bikers -- they can have sharp edges and are narrow. But the expense involved in changing these guardrails is too great to realistically accomplish this across the country.

The effort instead has been to educate riders on how to safely manage the roads and circumstances they can face. This includes the use of approved helmets that can protect you when you ride, riding sober and knowing your bike after training on it.

On the Rise: Another Fatal Motorcycle Crash in DeKalb

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 07:56:10 -0500

Very early on Sunday morning a tragedy unfolded on Interstate 285 in DeKalb. A biker was killed after he lost control of his bike. According to reports, the scene was terrible. After many years as an Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyer, I know that single bike accidents are frequent and dangerous. But all motorcycle accidents are increasing, in Georgia and throughout the country.

There is a great deal we don't know yet about how this fatal DeKalb motorcycle crash occurred or the biker's identity. The accident was so serious, the interstate was closed for several hours after the crash.

Just last month, the Atlanta area saw several other fatal motorcycle accidents. One involved a biker that was simply stopped in a lane of traffic. That rider was struck on Beaver Ruin Road near Interstate-85 when another vehicle hit him.

Another biker passed away last month in DeKalb County in an intersection hit-and-run. These fatal motorcycle accidents demonstrate what is being seen across the country, riders are in more danger than ever before while riding the cycles they love.

Still a third in Gwinnett County took the life of a young rider who was from Buford. We posted about this tragic loss earlier this month.

We have posted in the past about the Virginia Tech naturalistic study being done to determine the cause of single bike accidents and other important information about how riders actually ride. This effort is concentrated in four cities around the country, Orlando, Phoenix, Blacksburg and Irvine.

Unfortunately, motorcycle injuries and fatalities are increasing in the United States. About 42,000 fatalities occur on America's roads every year and 10% of those are motorcycle riders. This is twice what it was only a decade ago. The study is intended to determine the factors that contribute to this crash rate, and to seek ways to decrease these fatalities.

Riders have been recruited to participate in this study which requires a camera being installed on the study participants' bikes. The data is collected over a 12 month period and participants are compensated for their involvement in the study. The data that is being captured will be used to design and construct safer bikes and roads.

Acclaimed Buford High Alum Loses His Life After Gwinnett Motorcycle Crash

Thu, 04 Oct 2012 09:22:47 -0500

Late last month, a former football player and star of his alma mater team at Buford High School was in a very serious motorcycle accident on Georgia 20 in Gwinnett County. He sustained serious injuries and has been fighting for his life since the accident. As a Gwinnett motorcycle accident lawyer, I share the sorrow of the entire community as we mourn the loss of this young man who passed away today.

Mr. Devin Durden who was only 21 years of age, has played football for the Air Force Academy. As reported by the Atlanta-Journal Constitution he had undergone surgeries at the Gwinnett Medical Center after severing his spine and sustaining other injuries in the crash. During his struggle, reports state that he was on a respirator, was taken off it but then contracted pneumonia and was put back on the respirator.

The accident is one that sadly, we have seen many times when bikes collide with vehicles. In the tragic accident, Mr. Durden was traveling on Georgia 20 when an SUV apparently pulled out in front of his bike close to Gravel Springs Road. He was thrown off his bike and sustained the injuries that ultimately ended his life.

A family friend broke the news of this young man's passing. All hearts are broken who knew him and those of us who did not are filled with sadness. According to the family spokesperson, he had such severe and complex injuries, he was not able to survive them. The family is known for their dedication to youth and sports as his father is the head girls basketball coach at Buford High.

Please join with me in prayers for his family as they grieve this tragic loss. There is no greater pain than the loss of a child. This young man was a fine person from a fine family. I have worked with many families in situations like this and as a motorcycle injury lawyer, I take on the tasks that are difficult for them to bear when the loss is so profound.

But it is never easy to mend the broken hearts of parents dealing with such a loss and we share the pain of this loss with this family and all others who are dealing with the illness or injury of a child or young person.