The Southern Tier Bicycle Club is gearing up its new bike-sharing program.

My hat is off to the Southern Tier Bicycle League for its efforts in creating a free bike-sharing program in Watkins Glen and Chemung County.

This is a super program that will help those of us in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of the Southern Tier get out on the roads to enjoying biking.

Here is a news report on the bicycle-sharing program:

Bike Share Program Urges Neighbors to Get Out on Two Wheels

Reported by: Jenelle Tortorella

WETM-TV

Elmira, N.Y. – One Chemung County group is working to get you off the couch and out exploring your neighborhood.

The Southern Tier Bicycle League unveiled a new bicycle share program. It makes bikes available to neighbors and visitors in the Southern Tier for free.

The Southern Tier Bicycle League has opened a bike share in the City of Elmira. With four adult bikes and five children’s bikes, the program gives neighbors and visitors the chance to ride through the Southern Tier, free of charge.

“It’s cheaper, you’re using less gas, and you’re able to get out and enjoy yourself,” said Kent Goben, the Southern Tier Bicycle League President.

This is the second bike share to come to the Southern Tier; the League opened the first one at the Village Marina in Watkins Glen last fall. There are two adult bikes and four children’s bikes there.

The bike pool provides two wheels to anyone who is interested, all you need to do is sign out a bike, buckle up your helmet, and return the bicycle by dark.

The creators of the bike pool said this service isn’t just a way to encourage you to get out and about, but it provides visitors to the area an alternative way to explore the Southern Tier.

“We have transients come in by boat and their only means of getting downtown to check out what we have to offer is by foot,” said Village Marina General Manager Mike Schamel. “There are a lot of nice places to visit near here like Watkins Glen, and the Catherine Trail. That’s a long way to walk by foot, but if you had a bike, you could check [those places] out.”

“I’ll advertise [the bike share] on my website and Facebook, that we have the ability to give our guests free bikes to use to go through the Historic District. Many people come to this area just for that reason; this way, they can stop and look at the houses and really enjoy it,” said Butch Monroe, the owner of the Painted Lady in Elmira.

The business owners said having the bike share is an extra incentive they can offer their customers.

The program is a first come, first serve basis, but you can reserve the bikes ahead of time.

If you’re interested, you can call 607-733-6798 for the Elmira bike share, and 607-546-8505 for the Watkins Glen bike share.

To learn more about the Southern Tier Bicycle League, click here.

The site includes some great information, including a local schedule of events, safety information and many great links. Check it out!

….

The app iWrecked has been called the original auto accident app for the iPhone.

OK, if you’re thinking “Why would I want an accident app?” I can tell you.

IWrecked is an invaluable tool for recording essential details after a crash. It’s absolutely FREE and from my perspective(s) – as a personal injury lawyer, an avid bicyclist and bike accident attorney and an everyday driver – this app is something everybody with an iPhone (or one of the new iPod Touch w/cameras) should have.

I’m using this app on my own iPhone and I thought it would be a good idea to spread the word on the NY Injury Law Blog and the NY Bike Accident Blog. I heard about this app via The Chicago Bicycle Advocate by Brendan Kevenides (“Cool iPhone App Can Help Bicyclists After A Crash”).

Basically, iWrecked can help in two ways – recording information about an accident and getting help after an accident. According to the description by iWrecked makers Vurgood Applications, the app is a resource for recording everything you need to after a wreck.

“Take unlimited photos of the damage and accident scene….generate a detailed, professional-looking PDF accident report with images, which you can send directly from the app to your insurance company.”

Wow, that’s two sentences describing would be a tremendous hassle without iWrecked to prompt you to get the information you need, then sort and store it, and make a report. Here are some more features:

• detailed accident log and history
• unlimited photos from the device camera or imported from photo library
• a PDF accident report with images to preview and send
• listings of nearby taxi and/or towing companies to assist you
• emergency numbers (911) with the press of a button
• unlimited vehicle information and photos in a log
• speed-dial call buttons to set for the insurance company, other driver and more

You can see a video of iWrecked in action on in this post (embedded above). Check it out.

No bicyclist expects to be in an accident, yet accidents happen every day. Why not be prepared – especially since it’s FREE!

Thanks for reading,

Jim

______________________________________
James B. Reed
NY & PA Bike Accident Lawyer
Ziff Law Firm, LLP
Mailto: jreed@zifflaw.com
Office: (607)733-8866
Toll-Free: 800-ZIFFLAW (943-3529)
Web: www.zifflaw.com
Blogs: NYInjuryLawBlog.com and NYBikeAccidentBlog.com

Mountain biking is a fantastic activity for kids – it’s exciting, active, contributes to an appreciation of nature, and we can only hope! an ongoing interest in bicycling.

An upcoming local event presents the perfect opportunity to introduce children to the sport: Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day, 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 2 at Pirozzolo Park, by the Elmira Town Hall. For about 2 and a half hours, children will learn about mountain biking safety from experienced riders and then take a fun ride along the Chemung River.

The event is sponsored by the Finger Lakes Mountain Bike Club, and the Friends of the Chemung River Watershed.

The event was created by the International Mountain Biking Association to not only pass on a love of bicycling to a new generation, but to honor the memory of young mountain biker Jack Doub. The teenager from North Carolina was very passionate about the sport but tragically, he passed away in 2002. This event, now at the sixth annual mark, is one of the ways the IMBA encourages kids to have the same passion for the sport of mountain biking as young Jack did.

Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day stresses safety while the kids have a great time. Kids will learn about responsible riding habits, equipment, and good manners on the Chemung River Trails they’ll be riding.

Parents are welcome to join in, but chaperones and trail guides will be with the children at all times. After the ride, refreshments will be served at Pirozzolo Park while the kids and guides get to recap the experience.

What kids need to participate in Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day:

• An off-road capable bicycle
• A water bottle to get rehydrated along the way.
• A waiver signed by all participants and parents before the ride.
• A helmet. Helmets are mandatory to participate in this event.

If you don’t have a helmet, the Finger Lakes Mountain Bike Club may have one for you or your child to use. Just contact the club to find out.

Let me recap the details:

Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day
10 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 2
Pirozzolo Park, West Elmira Town Hall, 1208 W. Water St. Elmira, NY 14905

Bring a bike, Wear a helmet, and grab a water bottle.

Use this link to download an IMBA Take a Kid Mountain Biking registration form.

Thanks for reading, ride safely – and teach your kids to ride safely too!

- Jim

_________________________________

James B. Reed

NY & PA Bike Accident Lawyer

Ziff Law Firm, LLP

Mailto: jreed@zifflaw.com

Office: (607)733-8866

Toll-Free: 800-ZIFFLAW (943-3529)

Web: www.zifflaw.com

Blogs: NYInjuryLawBlog.com and

NYBikeAccidentBlog.com

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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