CALIFORNIA BICYCLE NEWS AND CYCLING SAFETY TIPS BLOG

Controversial Study Suggests Bicycle Helmets Put Cyclists at Risk

Posted on June 26, 2013 by Dudek Law Firm

A 2006 research study from the University of Bath in the United Kingdom shows that there may be some risks to cyclists riding with a helmet, which sounds counterintuitive. Dr. Ian Walker gathered data using a bicycle modified with a computer and an ultrasonic sensor to measure the distance of 2,500 motor vehicles attempting to pass the bicycle on a road. Dr. Walker tested the distance of cars attempting to pass a cyclist wearing a helmet as opposed to cyclist not wearing a helmet. On average, cyclists pass a motorist wearing a helmet almost 4 inches closer on average than helmetless riders. “This study shows that when drivers overtake a cyclist, the margin for error they leave is affected by the cyclist’s appearance,” said Dr. Walker, according to press release from the University of Bath. “By leaving the cyclist less room, drivers reduce the safety margin that cyclists need to…
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Cyclist Injured in Orange County Bicycle Accident

Posted on June 19, 2013 by Dudek Law Firm

A bicyclist was taken to a hospital after an accident in Buena Park on June 5, according to the Orange County Register. Police told reporters they believed the motorist struck one or two vehicles before hitting the cyclist. The cyclist, who was not identified, is expected to survive the injuries. The accident remains under investigation. The investigation should answer some of the many questions surrounding this incident. If, in fact, the driver hit at least one or two other vehicles before the cyclist, this could be an instance of drunk driving or distracted driving, and the driver can expect to face charges. Cyclists and motorists must always be cautious while driving, but there are steps that community leaders and legislators can take to prevent bicycle accidents, such as installing bike lanes on roads. According to statistics from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), about 25 percent of cyclists have roads…
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San Francisco Woman Injured in Bicycle Accident

Posted on June 12, 2013 by Dudek Law Firm

A San Francisco woman was taken to the hospital following a June 2 bicycle accident, according to the Marin Independent Journal. Hayley Melidonis, 39, lost control of her bicycle as she was attempting to apply the brakes while riding down a hill. “She came into that left hand curve, locked up her brakes, went out of control and crashed,” said California Highway Patrol spokesman Andrew Barclay. Melidonis was taken to Marin General Hospital. A thorough investigation of this accident should help to answer some of the questions that remain surrounding it. If you are involved in an accident such as this, it is important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible. Much of the evidence used in cases such as this is gathered in the first 24 hours following the accident. Try and record all the details you can following the accident—get the names of potential witnesses and…
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