I recently received a note from one of the nicest lawyers I have ever met, Elizabeth Bixler, an estate planning lawyer from Ithaca.

On stationery decorated with rolling bikes and the motto “tempus fugit” (time flies!) Elizabeth shared information about an important bicycling event she’s participating in – the Southern Tier AIDS Project Ride For Life on Sept. 11. It’s a 90-mile ride around Cayuga Lake to raise money for STAP programs.

I want to encourage everyone who reads this to support this great cause, and I’m spreading the word about her commitment to ride.

Here’s what Elizabeth shared:

“It is hard for me to believe that I am getting ready for my sixth 90-mile ride around the lake to raise money to fight AIDS. Do I like getting strong every summer to do it? Yes. Do I love the camaraderie of riding endless training miles with friends? Yes. But the primary reason I ride is to support the work done by the Southern Tier AIDS Project.”

STAP works locally and internationally to prevent the spread of AIDS and to help those who already have it. STAP has helped many people in the Southern Tier, but the program has also collaborated with Kenyan not-for-profit group to combat the AIDS epidemic in Africa.

I hope you will join me in sponsoring Elizabeth’s 90-mile ride around Cayuga Lake on Sept. 11. Donations to STAP are tax-deductible, so what do you have to lose?

Make a check payable to STAP and you can send it directly to: Elizabeth Bixler, 15 Waterview Circle, Ithaca, New York, 14850.

Would you like to ride yourself?

There’s still time to get involved – and you don’t have to take on a 90-mile ride if you’re not ready. There is a volunteer application on the STAP website, and information about a short ride option – 42 miles from Stewart Park in Ithaca to the Seneca Falls Community Center. Visit AIDSRideForLife.org for details.

Thanks for reading, ride safely, and lend your support to Elizabeth’s commitment for STAP, a very important group.

- Jim

_______________________________________

James B. Reed, Esq.
NY & PA Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Ziff Law Firm, LLP
303 William St., Elmira, NY 14901
Tel: (607) 733-8866
Fax: (607) 732-6062
Toll Free: 1-800-943-3529
Email: jreed@zifflaw.com
Web: www.zifflaw.com

Please visit the New York Injury Law Blog at www.NYInjuryLawBlog.com
E-mail me at FreeReports@zifflaw.com for two free books:
NY Car Accidents and NY Car Insurance Secrets YOU Need to Know.

The Finger Lakes Mountain Bike Club was a sponsor of the Celebrity Bike Race, May 3, 2010, on the Chemung River Trails.

The Elmira Star-Gazette just wrote a feature story about the new club, “Finger Lakes mountain bike club off to a great start” (the whole story is pasted below).

Membership is FREE. There are 37 members already – I’m sure with the exposure in the Star-Gazette, and with all the benefits and information the club has to offer, that number is going to grow quickly.

I’ve posted before about what a great area this is for bicyclists - “Like to Bike? Ithaca Web Site Offers Activities, Advocacy and Safety Information” , but the Finger Lakes Mountain Bike Club has a unique focus – they advocate putting to use all of the beautiful natural trails we have in the region – not just our winding roads!

There are trails along the Chemung River, the Catherine Valley Trail, the Finger Lakes National Forest, the Keuka Lake Outlet Trail… the list goes on.

The new club is certified by the National Mountain Bike Patrol.  Tom and Carol received training from the national group, and make safety advocacy the focus of the group.

As Tom says in the Star-Gazette story, “”The patrol is the eyes and ears of landowners. If we see trees down or anything dangerous, we report it. If anyone falls and gets hurt or has mechanical problems, we’re trained to help them out.”

To discover more about the great mountain biking opportunities in our area – and how to enjoy them safely, check out the club. To find out more about the Finger Lakes Mountain Bike Club or to become a member, call (607) 733-6798 or go online to www.fingerlakesmountainbikeclub.com.

Thanks for reading, and ride safely.

- Jim

_______________________________________

James B. Reed, Esq.
NY & PA Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Ziff Law Firm, LLP
303 William St., Elmira, NY 14901
Tel: (607) 733-8866
Fax: (607) 732-6062
Toll Free: 1-800-943-3529
Email: jreed@zifflaw.com
Web: www.zifflaw.com

Please visit the New York Injury Law Blog at www.NYInjuryLawBlog.com
E-mail me at FreeReports@zifflaw.com for two free books:
NY Car Accidents and NY Car Insurance Secrets YOU Need to Know.

Below is the article from the Elmira Star-Gazette newspaper regarding this club.

“Finger Lakes mountain bike club off to a great start”

By Jeff Murray •jdmurray@gannett.com • July 28, 2010, 6:50 pm

When Tom Trifoso of Elmira decided to rekindle his interest in biking after a 21-year absence, he had no idea it would lead to a fast-growing club that is now certified to help other bicyclists handle emergencies.

But that’s exactly what happened when Trifoso and fellow bike enthusiast Carol Worden started the Finger Lakes Mountain Bike Club in December.

In less than a year, the club has attracted 37 members, has a website and recently received training and certification from the National Mountain Bike Patrol.

“It’s a spinoff of the National Ski Patrol. What Carol and I had to do is be First Aid and CPR certified,” Trifoso said.

“The patrol is the eyes and ears of landowners. If we see trees down or anything dangerous, we report it. If anyone falls and gets hurt or has mechanical problems, we’re trained to help them out.”

Trifoso took additional classes and is certified to train others to become part of the bike patrol.

There are about 60 National Mountain Bike Patrol groups in the United States and only two or three in New York, Trifoso said.

A big part of the club’s mission is safety education.

“We do take beginners. There are a lot of adults and children that don’t wear helmets,” Worden said.

Trifoso is close friends with Jim Pfiffer, director of the Friends of the Chemung River Watershed. He’s also fond of riding on some of the trails along the river, so it made sense to set up the club as an affiliate of the friends group.

The fledgling club is looking for more members and it doesn’t matter if they are advanced bicyclists, Trifoso said. Mainly they want people who are willing to get their hands dirty and help develop new trails or improve existing ones.

Membership is free.

“We’re not a bunch of kids bombing down a mountain. There’s a lot more to off-road riding,” Trifoso said. “We have the Catharine Valley Trail, Keuka Trail, a lot of trails that are really relaxing and fun to ride on.

“This is for all skill levels. We really want to focus on kids, getting them out here so they can see the benefits of getting out in nature and getting off the road.”

Image from Discovery News

I am also old enough to remember the old Bell helmet ads from the 1970′s: “If your head isn’t worth $60, then you don’t need our helmet.”

Even with current costs for helmets well over $100, my feeling is that a good helmet is worth every penny.

It’s also important to remember that helmets don’t last forever. You should perform periodic inspection of your helmet to make sure it is still safe, and always discard a helmet after a crash.

The foam in a high-tech new helmet – instead of your head – is designed to absorb the impact  in a crash.

What many people don’t realize is that a helmet should be discarded after any strong impact – even if it doesn’t show visible signs of damage. Hairline cracks or a fracture in the foam render the helmet much less useful as head protection.

A German company came up with a great solution to let bicyclists know when it’s time to replace a helmet. As reported on the Chicago Bicycle Advocate Blog in the post “New Bicycle Helmet Smart/Stinky,” a German company has come up with a helmet that stinks like Limburger cheese after it’s cracked.

The foam contains microcapsules of stinky oil that are released if the helmet takes enough of a knock.

CrunchGear had a quote from a scientist with the project:

“Cyclists often replace their helmets unnecessarily after dropping them on the ground, because they cannot tell whether they are damaged or not,” Dr. Christof Koplin, a research scientist at theFraunhofer Institute for Mechanics of Materials IWM, said. “The capsules eliminate this problem. If cracks form, smelly substances are released.”

What a smart idea. People hang on to all kinds of stuff, but not stinky stuff. Let alone something to wear on your head!

I’ll close with classic tips from the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute:

When Should I Replace My Helmet?

Did you crash while wearing it?

Replace!

Did you drop it hard enough to crack the foam?

Replace.

Is it from the 1970′s?

Replace.

Is the outside just foam or cloth instead of plastic?

Replace.

Does it lack a CPSC, ASTM or Snell sticker?

Replace.

Can you not adjust it to fit correctly?

Replace!!

I hope this convinces you to check out your own bicycle helmet for its condition and quality.

Sure it costs money to replace a bicycle helmet or invest in one that is really going to protect you well. But you’ve only got one head, so THAT is priceless.

Thanks for reading and RIDE SAFELY,
Jim
_______________________________________

James B. Reed, Esq.
NY & PA Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Ziff Law Firm, LLP
303 William St., Elmira, NY 14901
Tel: (607) 733-8866
Fax: (607) 732-6062
Toll Free: 1-800-943-3529
Email: jreed@zifflaw.com
Web: www.zifflaw.com

Please visit the New York Injury Law Blog at www.NYInjuryLawBlog.com
E-mail me at FreeReports@zifflaw.com for two free books:
“NY Car Accidents” and “NY Car Insurance Secrets YOU Need to Know.”

“Now, therefore, I, John S. Tonello, Mayor of the City of Elmira, do hereby proclaim May 2010 as BIKE MONTH in the City of Elmira and encourage all Elmirans to recognize the importance of bicycle safety and be more aware of cyclists on our streets.”

That’s it – the kicker to a recent proclamation by Elmira mayor John Tonello making May officially Bike Month in our area. I think it’s fantastic to have the value of bicycling officially announced – though of course for avid bike nuts like me and the members of the Finger Lakes Mountain Bike Club, Big Horn Velo, Bike & Walk Ithaca and the Southern Tier Bicycle League, any month it’s warm enough to ride is Bike Month!

As an Elmira Bicycle Accident Lawyer, I’m always concerned about issues of bicycling safety. Mayor Tonello mentioned in the proclamation (text included below) that the intent of Bike Month was to educate the general public about the importance and the prevalence of bicycling.

The Twin Tiers is practically a world-wide draw for great cycling. Finger Lakes Wine Country has some fantastic roads and views – just look at the popularity of the annual Bon Ton Roulet! There are great roads to ride around the most popular of the Finger Lakes – Seneca Lake, Canandaigua Lake, Keuka and Cayuga lakes. Bicyclists abound in cities such as Ithaca, Corning and the town of Big Flats. If you don’t visit the area because of the cycling opportunities, you must be tempted to ride because you live here!

Here’s the text of the proclamation naming May Bike Month in Elmira:

Whereas, for more than a century, the bicycle has been an important part of the lives of most Americans; and

Whereas, today millions of Americans engage in bicycling because it is a viable and environmentally sound form of transportation, an excellent way to stay fit, and provides quality family recreation; and

Whereas the education of cyclists and motorists as to the proper and safe operation of bicycles is important to ensure the safety and comfort of all; and

Whereas the Finger Lakes Mountain Bike Club and The Southern Tier Bicycle League are promoting  greater public awareness of bicycle operation and safety education in an effort to reduce accidents, injuries and fatalities,

Now, therefore, I, John S. Tonello, Mayor of the City of Elmira, do hereby proclaim May 2010 as BIKE MONTH in the City of Elmira and encourage all Elmirans to recognize the importance of bicycle safety and be more aware of cyclists on our streets.

Thanks for reading and RIDE SAFELY,

Jim
_______________________________________
James B. Reed, Esq.
NY & PA Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Ziff Law Firm, LLP
303 William St., Elmira, NY 14901
Tel: (607) 733-8866
Fax: (607) 732-6062
Toll Free: 1-800-943-3529
Email: jreed@zifflaw.com
Web: www.zifflaw.com

Please visit the New York Injury Law Blog at www.NYInjuryLawBlog.com

E-mail me at FreeReports@zifflaw.com for two free books:

NY Car Accidents and NY Car Insurance Secrets YOU Need to Know.

I just came across a great resource for area cyclists: Bike & Walk Ithaca, a website and group. Right here in the Twin Tiers, we have an active and well-informed bicycling community. According to the site’s About section, it’s a combined effort by and for area people who are interested in non-motor-powered mobility. The site advocates safe and fun bicycling and walking as a means of transportation, exercise, and recreation.

Some of the useful and interesting information you can find at Bike & Walk Ithaca:

• The site has a section devoted to Ithaca’s Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Council (BPAC), and includes minutes from that group’s meetings.

• An event section lists upcoming activities of interest to bicyclists, including the Walk/Bike NY Symposium, June 7 and 8 in Hauppauge, NY. The symposium will bring together bicyclists, including the New York Bicycling Coalition, with and government agencies and other groups involved with biycling, from the State Department of Health and the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee, to the Safe Routes to School National Partnership.

• There are a number of safety articles and helpful information, from cold-weather riding tips, to how to adjust your bicycling helmet. One of my favorites is a very useful feature, “Cycling Hazards,” an Ithaca-area map that shows where road conditions are dangerous for cyclists. Riders can leave comments to have the map updated as new hazards are encountered. It’s vital information for any local bicyclist to know.

• You can join the Bike Gang, an e-mail list, to receive information about events and issues concerning bicyclists and pedestrians in the area.

I found the site extremely informative and really wanted to give them a plug here on the NY Bike Accident Blog. Check out Bike & Walk Ithaca for yourself. It’s well worth it. They welcome new input as well – just e-mail info@bikeithaca.org or get involved on their Discussion page if you’re looking for more information or have suggestions for the site.

Check our their About page to see what they are all about. Lots of useful stuff on the site!

Thanks for reading and RIDE SAFELY,

Jim
_______________________________________
James B. Reed, Esq.
NY & PA Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Ziff Law Firm, LLP
303 William St., Elmira, NY 14901
Tel: (607) 733-8866
Fax: (607) 732-6062
Toll Free: 1-800-943-3529
Email: jreed@zifflaw.com
Web: www.zifflaw.com
Please visit the New York Injury Law Blog at www.NYInjuryLawBlog.com
E-mail me at FreeReports@zifflaw.com for two free books:
NY Car Accidents and NY Car Insurance Secrets YOU Need to Know.

I recently heard about a wonderful charity effort to help an 11-year-old boy get the unique recumbent trike he needs.

Gideon Cornfield was born with without fully-formed arms. He does have a thumb and forefinger on his left side and he has strong legs and a will to cycle – his parents, Doug and Jackie Cornfield report that he wore out his first 3-wheeled vehicle.

Now, his parents, the Southern Tier Bicycle League and The Bicycle Man bicycle shop are teaming up and asking for help to buy Gideon a KMX Cyclone recumbent bike. I think it is a fantastic effort, and the Ziff Law Firm has already donated $100 to the cause. The Bicycle Man has pledge to match the first $200 raised, as well – so if you act fast, your donation can go a long way toward getting Gideon this bike.

The Cyclone is designed for kids ages 9 to 13, and it’s meant to be cool and fast. With a few adaptations to the bike, Gideon will have a great time with this bike and it’s sure to mean a lot to his parents.

If you need any more incentive – just know that the STBL is a 501 C 3 charity. Your donations will be fully tax deductible to the full extent of the law.

So help Gideon get a bike! You can make your check payable to Southern Tier Bicycle League and mail to:

Gideon’s Bike
c/o Ron & Rebecca Burt
10 Katie Lane
Painted Post, NY 14870

Thanks for reading and RIDE SAFELY,

Jim
_______________________________________
James B. Reed, Esq.
NY & PA Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Ziff Law Firm, LLP
303 William St., Elmira, NY 14901
Tel: (607) 733-8866
Fax: (607) 732-6062
Toll Free: 1-800-943-3529
Email: jreed@zifflaw.com
Web: www.zifflaw.com

Please visit the New York Injury Law Blog at www.NYInjuryLawBlog.com
E-mail me at FreeReports@zifflaw.com for two free books:
NY Car Accidents and NY Car Insurance Secrets YOU Need to Know.

Coming and going, these bicycle jerseys really make a statement!

I just saw these great cycling shirts at www.sharethedamnroad.com. They bluntly but humorously express the need (and legal obligation!) for motorists to share the road with cyclists.

Some of the sayings on the backs of these jerseys:

• Don’t Honk at Me!
• Share the Damn Road!
• Infinite MPG (Miles Per Gallon)
• 3 Feet (with an arrow)
  
• Slow Down!

and my favorite:

• Don’t Run Me Over!

On the front of each shirt …

“Thanks!” in inverted text, so that it can be read in a rear-view mirror.

The jerseys are made by Canari. They cost about $60. Share the Damn Road is a really interesting, witty bike advocacy site. It was founded by Phil Gaimon, who describes himself as a professional cyclist for the Kenda-Gear Grinders Pro Cycling Team, a coach, and a freelance writer.

Phil says he always makes an effort during training rides to educate any rude drivers he catches up with at a red light. Improving motorist courtesy one driver at a time – that’s Phil’s mission, and he says he aims to do it with a “slightly confrontational” method.

Thanks for reading and RIDE SAFELY,

Jim
_______________________________________
James B. Reed, Esq.
NY & PA Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Ziff Law Firm, LLP
303 William St., Elmira, NY 14901
Tel: (607) 733-8866
Fax: (607) 732-6062
Toll Free: 1-800-943-3529
Email: jreed@zifflaw.com
Web: www.zifflaw.com

Please visit the New York Injury Law Blog at www.NYInjuryLawBlog.com
E-mail me at FreeReports@zifflaw.com for two free books:
NY Car Accidents and NY Car Insurance Secrets YOU Need to Know.

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