CALIFORNIA BICYCLE NEWS AND CYCLING SAFETY TIPS BLOG

Bicycle Accidents Lead to Several Recalls

A bicycle recall is underway for Civia Cycle after a cyclist sustained a spinal cord injury. According to an investigation by the U.S. Consumer Protection Safety Commission (CPSC), the Civia-brand Hyland bicycles had faulty aluminum fenders that could bend or break, sending the cyclist into a fall. About 1,000 bicycles have been recalled. Bicycle manufacturer Trek has issued a recall after a bicycle accident left a cyclist a quadriplegic. An additional bicycle accident resulted in a cyclist sustaining facial injuries. According to the CPSC, an open quick release lever on the bicycle can cause the front wheel to stop or separate completely. The recall applies to all Trek bicycles made between the years of 2000 and 2015. What Are The Consequences of Failing to Report a Defective Product? When companies fail to notify consumer protection agencies of defective products, it can lead to heavy fines. Companies must notify the CPSC…
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San Diego Hosts Breast Cancer Awareness Cycling Event

San Diego’s strong cycling community regularly hosts events that fundraise for noble causes – for wounded veterans, blind cyclists and individuals with specific disabilities. Staying true to that tradition, a 30 to 90 mile bicycle ride took place last weekend to raise money for breast cancer. By offering three routes with varying distances, the event allowed both inexperienced and experienced cyclists to participate. The event was named “The Boob Ride”, and the founders have firsthand experience battling breast cancer. While the event was geared towards fundraising for research and charities, it is also about raising awareness for what breast cancer survivors and their families go through. Since the cycling event was founded in 2010, it has been very successful, raising $15,000 for breast cancer charities. The Boob Ride also offered prizes for participants. For participants who completed the 90-mile course, they won a “yellow bra plaque”. Prizes for the event…
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Can Bicycle Helmets Protect Cyclists Against Concussions?

Concussions are among the most common injuries cyclists sustain during bicycle accidents. While helmets are very effective at preventing more serious traumatic brain injuries, they cannot always prevent concussions. Concussions happen when the brain bounces and twists inside of the skull due to the force of an impact, something bicycle helmets have a difficult time preventing. In a 2013 report by the National Research Council and Institute of Medicine, it was found that current helmet designs do not effectively reduce the risk of sports-related concussions. In fact, there has been a 67 percent increase in bicycle accident related concussions from 1997 to 2011. One study by the American Association of Neurological Surgeons found that cycling accounts for more concussions than any other sport. According to the study, bicycle accidents caused 86,000 concussions in 2009. Football has been in the news lately due to a very high rate of concussions among…
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