VanMeveren Law Group's online newsletter for October 2017
Foundations 9 7 0
October 2017
Riding the Road
Like many people in our community, I love riding my bike on the roads and trails surrounding Fort Collins. We live in a unique part of Colorado, defined by incredible terrain suited for every kind of cyclist, from the casual cyclist or the commuter to the athlete. As both an attorney and cycling enthusiast, I can’t stress the importance of bike safety enough.
For one, having the proper equipment for your ride is a must. This includes a helmet, safety glasses, gloves, reflectors, and a form of identification. Each of these items serves an important purpose in protecting you when you’re on the road. Take the helmet, for instance. When you’re traveling down the road on a bike, you can easily reach speeds of 10 to 20 miles per hour. On the open road, cyclists regularly surpass these speeds. At a glance, these numbers don’t seem high, but when there is nothing but air between you and the road, even accidents at low speeds can be devastating. When your head is not properly protected, an accident can result in serious brain injury, spinal cord injury, and, in some cases, death. You may be traveling at 15 miles per hour, but if you come to an abrupt stop and lose control of your bike, the force behind the coming impact will not feel like 15 miles per hour. It will be significantly more. Helmets are designed to absorb that impact, protecting the precious cargo underneath. It’s also important to note that if you are in an accident while wearing a helmet — and that helmet took some damage — you need to get a new helmet. It’s good to think of helmets as “one-time use.” Once it’s absorbed an impact, it can no longer give you the same protection as a new helmet.
where you are riding and how long you expect to be gone. This is especially important if you are riding alone. That way, they’ll know when you’ll be back, and should anything happen, they can easily find you. While out and about, do what you can to stay in the flow of traffic and maintain a stable position in the bike lane. If the bike lane is in poor condition or doesn’t exist, you can take the lane. This is why it’s so important to have reflectors and a light source on your bike (and on your person). You want to be as visible as possible to motorists. Greater visibility means motorists have a higher chance of seeing you and responding to your position on the road. Additionally, always obey the traffic laws. The stop sign applies to cyclists just as much as it applies to motorists. The same can be said of other designated traffic signals such as traffic lights and yield signs. When you are at an intersection or on approach, let everyone else on the road know what you intend to do. If you plan on turning, give the corresponding arm signal and be in the appropriate lane. As part of your signal of intent, try to make eye contact with nearby motorists. When you make eye contact, this tells you those motorists are aware of you and your next move. The more you can do to communicate with other people on the road, the safer you will be.
vanmeverenlawgroup) where we have posted a video with these and more bike safety tips. You can even download a free copy of my bike law book at vanmeverenlaw.com/Bicycle-Accidents. With these resources at your disposal, you’ll be safer than ever as you enjoy biking our beautiful roads and trails this fall.
When you are ready to head out for a ride, don’t forget to tell someone. Let family members or friends know
For more information about bike safety, I invite you to visit our Facebook page (facebook.com/
–Bryan VanMeveren
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Do Kids’ Menus Do More Harm Than Good?
Why? During his “Alton Brown Live!” tour, he explained that it comes down to control. By giving kids the option of the children’s menu, you relinquish culinary control to your kids. The next time you go out as a family or you make a delicious meal at home, they are more likely to demand “their” food. This is a habit a child can quickly adopt — and a habit that’s tough to break. Kids are picky eaters because, as parents and adults, we let them be picky eaters. We perpetuate bad habits. But it doesn’t have to be this way. In a Mom.me article, Dr. Cara Natterson suggests kids eat what the rest of the family eats. For instance, let them indulge in the appetizer menu, then build up to the entrée menu and let them share and sample your food. Encourage culinary exploration. When you encourage your kids to avoid the children’s menu, you give them an opportunity to expand their flavor horizons. More importantly, it helps them make healthier choices that aren’t loaded with fat and empty carbs. Make going out to dinner a learning experience, and before you know it, the phrase “kids’ menu” will have disappeared from your family’s vocabulary.
Kids can be picky eaters. This is a fact recognized by parents and restaurants alike — hence the classic children’s menu featured at many restaurants around the country. These menus are virtually identical: chicken tenders, mac and cheese, grilled cheese, french fries, and so on. Kids’ menus are loaded with fried foods and cheap carbs. Some parents love the kids’ menu. It makes deciding on food easier. Or, at least, that’s what we tell ourselves. Kids’ menus are populated with foods practically every kid loves. But they have a dark side.
Aside from poor nutrition, the kids’ menu changes the family dynamic.
In an interview with Eater.com, television chef and host Alton Brown (who you may know from Good Eats, Iron Chef America , and Cutthroat Kitchen ) said, “Never, ever, ever, ever, ever let your kid eat from the children’s menu at restaurants and never, ever, ever make your kid special food to allow them to avoid whatever the family is eating.”
Testimonial:
I was struck by a car while riding my bike home fromwork. There was no question who was at fault and what needed to be done, but the driver’s insurance company completely stonewalled me, as if doing so would make me just go away. Trying to deal with the conniving claims adjustors was honestly worse than the months of rehab I had to go through to get back on my feet. Fortunately, Bryan, Matt, and Katie were even more dogged than they were! With the team handling all the legal headaches for me, I was able to focus on what was really important: getting healthy again. In the end, our side’s resolve won out, and we walked away with a settlement that everyone but the underwriters was pretty happy with.
-R. Benjamin
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The Triathlete’s Dream
With Cheese
This vegetarian meal comes together in less than 15 minutes. It’s the perfect way to avoid takeout on a busy weeknight. Ingredients
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4 medium poblano chilies, halved and seeded 1 (16-ounce) can fat-free refried beans 1 (8.8-ounce) pouch microwaveable cooked long-grain rice
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½ cup picante sauce
1 cup (4 ounces) pre-shredded reduced-fat 4-cheese Mexican blend Chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
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Directions
1. Place chili halves, cut sides up, on a round microwave-safe plate. Cover with wax paper; microwave on high 3 minutes. 2. While chilies cook, combine beans, rice, and picante sauce in a medium bowl, stirring well. Spoon bean mixture into chili halves. Cover with
wax paper; microwave on high 2 minutes. 3. Uncover chilies, sprinkle each half with 2 tablespoons cheese, and microwave on high 1–2 minutes or until cheese melts. Sprinkle with cilantro, if desired.
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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
Inside
RELEASE YOUR INNER ZOMBIE in Fort Collins
The French Nest Open-Air Market Saturday, October 14
Old Town Halloween Zombie Fest Saturday, October 21 Downtown Fort Collins 19 Old Town Square Fort Collins, CO 80524 Ready to scare your way through downtown? Now in its seventh year, the Halloween Zombie Fest is a celebration of all things ghoulish. Dress up in your best zombie attire, or simply come down to watch the frightening antics. Younger zombies can participate in the Kidz Krawl, which runs between 2 and 6 p.m., while the older crowd can take part in the Zombie Crawl, set for 5 to 9:34 p.m. For more information about the fest, be sure to check OldTownZombie.com.
Tiny Tot Halloween Tuesday, October 31 Downtown Fort Collins 19 Old Town Square Fort Collins, CO 80524
Civic Center Park 225 LaPorte Ave Fort Collins, CO 80521
It’s time for the last French Nest market of the year. Every third Saturday through October, Civic Center Park plays host to a number of vendors. Find something with vintage flair, a must-have antique, or something handcrafted. Browse the vendors while sipping on some coffee, hot chocolate, or cider. More information can be found at thefrenchnestmarket.com.
Have kids who are age 7 and under? If so, you won’t want to miss Tiny Tot Halloween. It’s a fun, safe, and free event just for kids. Dress up and head downtown, where you and the kids can follow the provided map, going from business to business, collecting all sorts of delicious treats. The event begins at 10 a.m. at Old Town Square Plaza, where kids can pick up a free trick-or-treat bag.
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