Do We Need More Laws to Regulate Bikes?

Since my post on Chicago's Bicycle Safety Ordinance I have received a number of comments to the effect of, "What about the cyclists who disobey laws? How about passing some laws to deal with rogue cyclists?" To be clear, I have no interest in voicing the opinions of motorists here, rather I think it is important to understand why Chicago, of all places, has such a "problem" with rogue cyclists.

For the rest of this post, please see:
http://lawyerjimfreeman.com/blog/2008/08/26/do-we-need-more-laws-regulate-bikes

The Headlight Sting...

Last week you may have heard about CPD ticketing cyclists for headlight violations. I, for one, am glad to hear it.

For the rest of this post, please see:
http://lawyerjimfreeman.com/blog/2008/08/25/headlight-sting

The Growing Frequency of Hit and Run Crashes.

Recently there has been an explosion in the number of hit and run cases coming through my office. I have always maintained that cyclists are especially vulnerable to hit and run drivers because as cyclists we are intrinsically susceptible to be injured by cars, and we often lack proper insurance coverage to pay for the aftermath. Flight is a cowardly and selfish act that cannot be tolerated, and I intend to use every instrument at my disposal to see that hit and run drivers are punished and their victims compensated.

For the rest of this post, please see:
http://lawyerjimfreeman.com/blog/2008/08/19/growing-frequency-hit-and-run-crashes

Irritation With Cyclists is Creeping into Juries.

Strategies Regarding Public Irritation With Bicyclists.

Ray Thomas , a Portland bike lawyer, wrote the above article, which presents a good viewpoint on a growing trend in bicycle cases, juror bias against cyclists. Our bad reputation for being lawless, reckless and downright rude is growing quickly as throngs of inexperienced cyclists take to the street as the price of fuel rises. In the above article, Ray points out that a growing number of cyclists are losing cases that should be won. Ray attributes this growing trend to juror bias against cyclists.

For the rest of this post, please see:
http://lawyerjimfreeman.com/blog/2008/08/12/irritation-cyclists-creeping-juries

Traffic Laws Apply to Bicyclists.

The law is clear, bicyclists are expected to adhere to traffic laws. If you do not you endanger yourself and others. Sure, the danger posed by a cyclist is somewhat less imposing than that of a car, but it isn't as if cyclists can't injure pedestrians or motorists. I have personally seen cases where cyclists were sued after they injured pedestrians.

For the rest of this post, please see:
http://lawyerjimfreeman.com/blog/2008/08/03/traffic-laws-apply-bicyclists