VanMeveren Law Group April 2019
Foundations 970
SOUTH 2038 Caribou Drive, Suite 101 Fort Collins, CO 80525
OLD TOWN 123 North College Ave., Suite 112 Fort Collins, CO 80524
APRIL 2019
Why Are Our Roads So Dangerous for Bicyclists?
Y ou would think that, with improvements in road safety and bike helmets, we would see fewer bicyclist fatalities on our roads compared to a decade ago. However, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports say otherwise, because more cyclists are dying now than before. Here are a few numbers from 2006 to 2015: • In 2006, 772 cyclists died in traffic accidents across the country, and that number jumped to 818 in 2015. Comparing 2006 to 2015, 6 percent more cyclists died in car crashes. • Bicycle injuries have also increased over the years, with 44,000 injured in 2006 compared to 45,000 injured in 2015. That’s a 2.3 percent increase in injuries over this time frame. Is the increase in deaths simply because there are more people riding bicycles? Despite these long-range statistics, there was a 3 percent decrease in fatalities from 2013 to 2014. Also, analysts are not certain whether the increase in bicycle deaths is because the roads are more dangerous or because more people are now riding bikes. Since 1994, the U.S. Department of Transportation has pursued a policy to double the distance traveled by cyclists and pedestrians in the U.S., while at the same time reducing the number of pedestrian and cyclist injuries by 10 percent. Unfortunately, we have yet to achieve this goal as a nation. With more Colorado cyclists commuting to work, it’s vital that our state doubles down its efforts to keep these people safe. Municipalities need to resolve risky road conditions, and motorists need to pay attention to the road instead of their cellphones. Cyclists need to learn the rules of the road and need to utilize helmets, reflective gear, and lights on their bikes. Cyclists injured by dangerous road conditions and negligent drivers may also want to hold the parties financially responsible for their injuries in court. Serious bicycling accidents don’t just happen on the open road either. Another major concern is “dooring accidents,” which are often caused by a lack of awareness. Dooring accidents happen when a passenger or driver in a parked vehicle opens their door without looking to see if the way is clear. • The National Safety Council (NSC) reports that cyclist injuries and deaths cost the nation approximately $4 billion annually.
If a bicyclist happens to be passing at an inopportune moment, hitting an open door could result in catastrophic and potentially fatal injuries. Regardless of whether the door simply clips the cyclist or causes the cyclist to ride directly into it, you can imagine how terrible an incident like this can be.
Automobile drivers and passengers may be financially liable following a dooring accident, but it’s certainly better to just avoid these accidents in the first place. Here’s what safety- conscious bicyclists can do to prevent getting doored. Give parked cars plenty of clearance. If you’re riding along the side of the road where parked vehicles are present, you should always put three to four feet of space between yourself and the parked vehicles. If it’s impossible to leave this kind of room, then you should get off your bike and walk until the way is clear, or enter the roadway and ride in traffic as if you’re a car. Both of these options are better than putting your life at risk. Scan for heads. Cyclists should also scan ahead to see if there are any occupants in the parked vehicles along the road. If a head can be seen, that person might soon be getting out of the vehicle without warning, so make sure you give that vehicle a lot of space. Even if you can’t see any heads, be careful because a shorter person might not be visible on the other side of the seat.
Sometimes there’s nothing a bicyclist can do to prevent a dooring accident. If you were hurt like this, make sure you understand your options with regard to pursuing financial
restitution in court. That said, as more cyclists hit the roads this spring, we need to all do our due diligence by keeping our eyes on the road and following safe driving and cycling practices. We need to do what we can to avoid adding to more unfortunate statistics.
–Bryan VanMeveren
970-495-9741 • 1
“My experience with VanMeveren Law roup has been smooth, professional, and positive. I cannot speak highly enough of everyone in the office! I was hesitant to contact a lawyer because I was afraid of the process and not sure what to expect, and I never saw myself as the type of person to need a lawyer. My attorney (Karl Hager) was phenomenal! He took care of everything, genuinely cared about my well-being, and worked closely with me to ensure that the process was stress-free. The attorneys at this law firm operate with integrity, which is Our Clients Say It Best
‘The Sultan of Swat! The King of Crash! The Colossus of Clout! The Great Bambino!’
The Legend of Babe Ruth
extremely important to me, and they handled everything from my medical bills to my overall well-being. Mr. Hager was always willing to answer any questions I had, even if they weren’t recommend this firm to anyone who might need representation following an accident. I was scared to make the call, but I am so happy I did. Thank you, VanMeveren Law Group.” –Courtney Petros directly related to my case. I would
On April 27, 1947 , the New York Yankees hosted the first Babe Ruth Day to honor the ailing baseball star, who had terminal throat cancer. As he rose to give a speech for the 58,339 fans in the stadium, Ruth’s condition caused him to have a coughing fit. With the thunderous cheers from the stands encouraging him to continue, he lovingly spoke to the thousands of people who had followed his career from his early years as a free-spirited Baltimore school kid to the world-renowned baseball legend he became. Even legends have to start somewhere, and Ruth began his baseball career in the minor league Baltimore Orioles, where his teammates gave him the nickname “Babe.” He was soon acquired by the Boston Red Sox, and he helped them win the World Series in 1916 and 1918. The following year, he was traded to the Yankees. His popularity in the Big Apple allowed the Yankees to move from a shared ballpark to one of their own in the Bronx, which was aptly known as “The House That Ruth Built.” Even through the 1919 World Series gambling debacle, which cast doubt over the sport’s future, the fans’ attention was still centered on the Sultan of Swat and what he would do next. The New York Times reported that as “home runs began to scale off his bat in droves, crowds jammed ballparks in every city in which he appeared.” All those home runs resulted in his record-breaking year in 1927, when he hit 60 over-the-fence home runs in a single season. While his home run record was eventually broken in 1961, the continued celebration of Babe Ruth Day keeps his love for the game and unmatched ability alive. To quote the classic baseball film “The Sandlot,” “Heroes get remembered, but legends never die.” In the Great Bambino’s case, the legend of his baseball career has survived for over a century and will continue to do so for decades to come.
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Clayton Jenkins Studio During a wedding, a good photographer blends right in. They weave through crowds of guests with ease. They capture moments no one else thought to capture. They get the staged moments, the candid moments, and everything in between. Capturing every moment — every memory — is the true art of a photographer. Clayton Jenkins Studio, established by Clayton Jenkins, is a boutique photography studio here in Fort Collins. Clayton is all about capturing every moment and memory, from weddings to high school portraits to families to babies. There’s always a moment that means something to someone, and Clayton is there to capture it. As wedding and graduation season approach, a lot of people are on the hunt for a photographer. Clayton has earned our recommendation! You can see samples of his work on his website at ClaytonJenkins.com. There you’ll find wedding, family, senior, and commercial examples. If you’re looking for a photographer for your next event, you can’t go wrong with Clayton.
A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words
Clayton Jenkins Studio 1939 Jessup Drive Suite 140 Fort Collins, CO 80525 970-372-5611 ClaytonJenkins.com SUDOKU
Roasted Radishes With Radish Greens
Radishes start showing up in droves during the spring and summer months, but all too often we only eat the bulbs raw on salads and discard the greens. This recipes bucks both of those trends, with the radishes being roasted alongside their green tops.
Ingredients:
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3 bunches radishes with greens attached
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Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons unsalted butter 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
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2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Directions:
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Heat oven to 500 F. While heating, trim radishes and wash greens. Pat both dry using a paper towel. In a large ovenproof skillet, heat oil over high heat until shimmering. Season radishes with salt and pepper, add to skillet, and cook until lightly browned, about 2 minutes. Transfer entire skillet to oven
rack and roast for 15 minutes. Once removed from oven, return skillet to stove. Over medium heat, stir in butter and add greens. Cook until they are wilted, about 2 minutes. Finish with lemon juice and additional salt if desired. Serve immediately.
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Solution.
970-495-9741 • 3
2038 Caribou Drive, Suite 101 Fort Collins, CO 80525 970-495-9741 www.VanMeverenLaw.com
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INSIDE This Issue
Why Are Roads So Dangerous for Bicyclists? Page 1
April 27 Is National Babe Ruth Day!
What Some People Are Saying About Us Page 2
A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words
Roasted Radishes With Radish Greens Page 3 3 Things to Do This Month Around Fort Collins Page 4
Celebrate the Great Outdoors in April Celebrate the Great Outdoors in April Celebrate our planet and conservation with Earth Day in Fort Collins. The free event features information booths and displays mixed with arts and crafts, live music, local food, and a beer garden. It’s a blend of education and entertainment for everyone in the family. The event runs between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. and the event holders ask patrons to bring a nonperishable item for donation to the Food Bank for Larimer County. You can see all the details of Earth Day Fort Collins at SustainableLivingAssociation.org/events/earth-day- fort-collins. Loveland Classic 5K & 10K Saturday, April 20 The Lakes at Centerra The Loveland Classic is back for another year! Choose your race (there’s also a kids’ 1-mile race), and enjoy the scenic vistas around the lakes. All three races are on both paved bike paths and kept dirt trails, and the start and finish is located at 2725 Rocky Mountain Avenue near the University of Northern Colorado Loveland Center at Centerra. It’s a great way to spend the Easter weekend! For more info, visit LovelandClassic.com . Saturday, April 20 Civic Center Park
The Little Mermaid Saturday, April 27 & Sunday, April 28 The Lincoln Center
Dive beneath the waves for an unforgettable tale. The Canyon Concert Ballet brings Hans Christian Anderson’s classic story to life at the Lincoln Center. While many of us have seen the animated classic, there is much more to this story. Take in the music, the color, and the choreography in this performance that’s delighted people of all ages. For times and tickets, see LCtix.com/little-mermaid .
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