Cycling

At an event you either like attending or one that you are in some way responsible for organizing, suggest to those organizing the event, those working with you, and/or assign a member of the organizing committee to connect with local bike shops and organizations to have a bike valet. Bike valets are the brain child of some brilliant cyclist somewhere and we have no idea who to give credit to, but the idea and implementation is just genius. Event goers are not only willing to attend that special occasion because they won't fear getting their bike stolen, but more people will get on their bikes to attend because it is fun, good for the environment, good for their health, and best of all, they don't have to sit in traffic, pay for parking, pay for gas, or inhale all of the disgusting fumes from auto exhausts.
Just to review, the benefits of bike valet: (not in any particular order)
1.More people attend your event
2.Improve general health of population in your community
3.Bikes don't get stolen
4.Improve general health of local environment
5.Less gas consumed, needed, wasted, and produced (errr, maybe not produced?)
6.More people will have fun because they arrived less cranky and healthier
7.No more looking for parking
8.No more paying for parking
9.No more paying for gas to sit in traffic and look for parking
10.All the money saved translates into more enjoyment at event because the pinch is off the pocket
11.Less fumes
12.Less cars on road
13.One less car = one less car accident
14.Event organizers hold event again next week, month or year because this event was such a smashing success.

The Ride of Silence
On May 21, 2008 at 7 PM all over North America and hopefully across the Planet Earth, cyclists will take to the roads in a silent procession to honor cyclists who have been killed or injured while cycling on public roadways.
The ride began in Dallas, Texas following the death of endurance cyclist Larry Schwartz was killed when hit by a rear view mirror of a passing bus. This is a free, average paced (12 mph) silent ride. If there is not an organized ride in your area, organize today!

California Government Code Sections 830-835 and the Texas Tort Claims Act/Texas Government Code, §402.021 define a dangerous condition generally as a condition of property that creates a substantial (as distinguished from a minor, trivial or insignificant) risk of injury when such property or adjacent property is used with due care in a manner in which it is reasonably foreseeable that it will be used. When a public entity has notice of a dangerous condition, unreasonable failure to protect pedestrians, cyclists, or motorists from that dangerous condition creates a liability on the part of the public entity.
Austin and The Bay Area are pitted with potholes and jagged edged depressions that are traps for the unsuspecting bike rider(s) and/or pedestrian(s) alike. In either city, Austin or San Francisco, by calling 3-1-1 you can report a pothole. Also, The San Francisco Bicycle Coalition as well as the East Bay Bicycle Coalition (working as partners with the respective cities) have taken matters into their own hands (literally) giving notice of these dangers to the public entity by either spray painting the dangerous areas for the City to fix, or providing a place on their website to put the city on notice of the dangerous condition. So, feel free to put a little spray paint graffiti next to your favorite pot hole and immediately report the hole to the city via 3-1-1.
If you see a pot hole or become victim to one, please report it to the proper city either through the 3-1-1 or the SFBC or EBBC's online reporting page. You may save another bicyclist or pedestrian severe injury. If you have been injured as a result of one of these dangerous conditions, contact our office so we can help you with your government claim and compensation for your personal injuries.

Time for the Monterey Sea Otter Classic. April 17-20, 2008, in Monterey is one of the largest and most amazing annual bike events of the year and it happens in our own back yard. If you are a competitive rider you already know about all the events. If you are an enthusiast, you probably know too. For all of you out there just getting started or wanting to know more, here is what goes on.
At the Laguna Seca Raceway, trails are trodden, downhillers are dropping, velo racers are flying, and amateurs and recreational riders are given a chance to exercise their bikes and dip into the best the cycling community has to offer riders in terms of events, bikes, parts, and information. This event is for everyone. BMX, downhillers, MTB, and road riders. Bring the family, you can even take your kids on the recreational MTB and road rides. Make reservations for a hotel earlier than now, they may all be sold out. This event is HUGE, fun, and it is a chance to be an observer and participant.

Get out of traffic and get on your bike in Monterey at the Sea Otter Classic.

There are simply no words for this horrible cycling incident. We wish the very best to the friends and families of these cyclists, the Roaring Mouse Cycle shop, and the other team members of the Roaring Mouse Cycling Team.

On March 9, 2008 three cyclists were trianing in Cupertino when a Sheriff fell asleep in his cruiser while driving, crossed over his side of the highway, the median, and then without so much as a skidmark, ran over and killed world competition tri-athlete Kristy Gough, age 31 and Matt Peterson, age 29. A third cyclist, was critically injured and since has filed a government claim to bring a later law suit.

A later shocking event took place when the irresponsible writings followed this event by San Francisco Chronicle Staff Writer, Erin McCormick titling her article, Bicyclists blamed twice as often as car drivers was published.

The title itself is enough to make one crawl out of their skin when written on the heals and in response to such a tragic event where clearly not a cyclist could be blamed for the idiocy and unconscious (literally) acts of an irresponsibe Sheriff and negligent Sheriff's department. The Chronicle writer contacted many recently injured cyclists from the Bay Area however, she was only willing to publish their comments if they had negative things to say about cycling or would vow to never ride again, seriously!

For the families and loved ones of these giant athletes and in celebration of their memory and for the love of their sport- peace be with you.

For more information on bicycling safety visit : http://www.cyclistlaw.com