ROAD RIGHTS. NO MORE BULLYING A New Type of Anti-Harassment Law Holds Aggressive Drivers Accountable for Their Behavior

Transcription

1 July 2013 ROAD RIGHTS Legal insights from a cycling attorney by Bob Mionske NO MORE BULLYING A New Type of Anti-Harassment Law Holds Aggressive Drivers Accountable for Their Behavior Although the roads belong to everybody, some motorists don't see it that way. Maybe you have had a run-in with a driver who threw something at you or tried to force you off the road. Such acts are illegal, but unless a police officer witnesses the crime, it is very difficult to bring a motorist to justice. That is starting to change. Last year, the city of Los Angeles passed an anti-harassment law the first of its kind in the nation that empowers cyclists in new ways. Lawmakers elsewhere are starting to take notice: In February, Berkeley, California, passed its own version of the law. Last fall, cyclists in Washington, D.C., fought for one as well, although it has not yet passed. Here's how the new type of legislation evens the playing field and why you should encourage your local and state representative to enact a similar law. DEFINES HARRASSMENT The law identifies specific types of behavior such as yelling, honking the horn, passing too close, swerving toward a cyclist, or throwing objects out the window that qualify as harrassment, so drivers can't argue that what they did wasn't really against the law. HELPS YOU SUE The new law makes it financially easier for cyclists to pursue justice in civil court. It specifies that you may sue for triple the actual damages or $1,000 or whichever is higher for each violation. You may also seek punitive damages. You still need to provide evidence, such as an eyewitness account, that the driver harassed you. But because it is a civil trial, you don't have to prove the driver's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. It is enough to prove that the driver probably harassed you. MAKES IT EASIER TO GET A LAWYER The law also allows cyclists to sue aggressive drivers for attorney's fees. This makes these cases more appealing to lawyers because they know there's a better chance they'll get paid for their work. Research and assistance by Rick Bernardi, J.D. Article from Bicycling Magazine, August 2012 Bob Mionske is a former Olympic cyclist and author of Bicycling and the Law

2 JULY WEEKNIGHT RIDES Participants are asked to provide their own cue/ride sheets unless otherwise noted. Directions, cue/ride sheets, and description may be found at All rides are listed on the Web at ct-amc.org/cycling/bikelistings.htm and include the specific link to the cue sheet. Weeknight Bike Rides Tuesday Manchester, CT** July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 (RC,TR,FL/RL CUE 12-22mph) Rides of miles, Connecticut, East of River, CT. The traditional Tuesday night ride series returns with routes of varying paces and distances. The ride goes over mild terrain past fields and farms in South Windsor, East Windsor and Ellington. Distances will increase as daylight hours get longer. Riders will join groups based on pace, each with its own leader. The faster groups will ride the longer distances. Directions: I-84 East to Exit 62, left at end of ramp, then left at third light onto Pleasant Valley Rd. Right into shopping center to Jo-Ann's. Park near the former Bugaboo Restaurant. From I-84 West, taken Exit 62, left onto Pleasant Valley Rd., then right into the shopping center. Possible dinner after the ride at a local restaurant chosen by participants Helmets are required. Lights and reflective wear are strongly recommended for safety reasons. L Judy Borrmann ( before 9 pm judyborrmann@yahoo.com) L Rick Merritt ( before 9pm, mascetti@aol.com) L Wayne Tursi ( Before 9pm, wtursisr@yahoo.com) L Ray Taksar ( Before 9pm, ray1bike@aol.com CL David Waldburger ( Before 9pm) CL Bob Dickinson ( Before 9pm) Note: Slower ride group for beginning or leisurely riders: If you want to join a Tuesday night ride (10 to 12 mph), meet at 5:45 for 6:00 PM start from Jo-Ann Fabric's. Call Bob Dickinson at number above to let him know you are coming. Weeknight Bike Rides Thursday Essex, CT** FOR ADVANCED CYCLISTS July 11, 18, 25 Essex, Connecticut, West of River, CT. (RC, HL, RL, 13-17mph) miles. Wheels spinning start 6pm prompt. Show-and-Go, several rides of various distances. Meet at old CPL at Essex Exit 3 off Route 9, next to Fire Station. No cue sheet, regroup, no one dropped. Rain cancels. NOTE: This ride is for advanced cyclists who can achieve the speed listed and do hills. L Finlay Ferguson ((860) before 9pm, finlayferguson@msn.com), L Beverly Medlin ((860) before 9pm, kayaker767@gmail.com), L Mark Henebry ((860) before 9pm, mhenebry@sbcglobal.net) Weeknight Bike Rides Thursday Essex, CT** MODERATE RIDE July 11, 18, 25 Essex, Connecticut, West of River, CT. (RC, FL/RL, 12-14mph) miles. Meet at 5:45 for prompt 6pm start. Meet at old CPL at Essex Exit 3 off Route 9, next to Fire Station. No cue sheet, regroup, no one dropped. Rain cancels. NOTE: This is a relaxed social ride at a moderate pace. L Wayne Chapman ( before 9 pm chapm@comcast.net) L Dan Johnson ( before 9 pm dan2000johnson@att.net)

3 JULY MONDAY AND WEEKEND RIDES Mon., Jul. 1. Watch Hill Wanderings, N. Stonington, Connecticut, East of River, CT. (SO, FL/HL, Cue, mph) 38.6 miles. Prompt 10:00 AM start. Meet at I-95 Exit 93 CPL (Rt 216) at the CT/RI state line. Interesting ride along Connecticut-Rhode Island border including Watch Hill Lighthouse and Misquamicut State Beach. Rain Cancels. L Dick Ruddock (best time to call: before 9 p.m.) rhiker2000@aol.com Related websites: Watch Hill Wanderings Cue Sheet and Watch Hill Wanderings Map Sun Jul. 7. Berkshire Byways Twin Loops, Canaan N. Stonington, Connecticut, East of River, CT. (RC, FL/RL, Cue, mph) 37.2 miles. Meet at 8:45 a.m. for a 9:00 a.m. start. A very scenic countryside ride through the farmlands and valleys of the southern Berkshires with a loop to the Twin Lakes. There are two short sections of dirt road but easily traversed on a road bike. Start from Stop and Shop parking lot, 11 East Main Street, North Canaan, Conn. Park at the west end near the gas station on Rt. 44 in Canaan, east of junction with Rt. 7. Rain cancels. L Richard Cable (best time to call: before 9 p.m.) r.cable@sbcglobal.net L Joe Thomas (best time to call: before 9 p.m.) thomasj73@sbcglobal.net Related websites: Berkshire Byways Twin Lakes cue sheet map and GPX file Mon., Jul. 8. Carol 's Simsbury Ride #3, Simsbury RC FL/RL,CUE,RG,10-12 mph) 30.1 miles. Prompt 10:00AM start. This is a pleasant and interesting ride through Simsbury and Granby, passing by sections of the McLean Game Refuge, riding along portions of the Farmington Valley Greenway with views of the expansive Imperial Nurseries, and a stop at the International Skating Center of Connecticut. There is a suggested lunch stop at Granbrook Park, which is located along Salmon Brook and a great ice cream stop at Tulmeadow Farms near the end of the ride. (Continued to next column) Mon., Jul. 8. Carol 's Simsbury Ride #3, Simsbury RC FL/RL,CUE,RG,10-12 mph) (Continued) Meet at: Simsbury Commons (shopping plaza) on Rt. 167 at intersection of Route 44 and 167 (Bushy Hill Rd.) in Simsbury. From Route 44 in Simsbury, turn onto Route 167 north; go to the 2nd traffic light (last entrance to the plaza) and go immediately right in plaza to park behind (former) Border's Books. Helmets required. Rain cancels. If weather is doubtful, leader by 7:30 morning of the ride. L Joy Himmelfarb (joyhimmelfarb@comcast.net) Related websites: Carol's Simsbury Ride #3 Sat., Jul. 13. Falls Village to Ashley Falls, Tanglewood Ride, Falls Village SO, RL,RG, CUE mph) 30 miles Meet at 10:00 to ride at 10:15am from Housatonic Valley Regional High School, 246 Warren Turnpike, Falls Village, CT. Route 8N to Route 4W to Route 128 to Route 7N. Continue for 5 miles and turn left at the light onto Warren Turnpike, then left again into the school. Peaceful ride through rolling countryside in Northwestern Connecticut and Southwestern Massachusetts. Enjoy concert and shared supper at Tanglewood after the ride. Concert tickets are $20 and may be purchased at the gate. This route is not on CT Bike Routes, but the leaders will have plenty of cue sheet copies. L Mike Ceruzzi (best time to call: Before 9 PM) mceruzzi@snet.net L Franca Giuliano (best time to call: before 9 p.m.) mgclock@yahoo.com Sat., Jul. 13. Roundabout Falls Village, Connecticut, West of River, CT. (RC, RG, FL/RL, Cue, mph) 30 miles. Meet for prompt 10:00AM start. Scenic ride in Berkshires of Conn & Mass on lightly travelled roads. Bring or buy lunch. From southern CT, take Route 7 north, past West Cornwall. Just after Route 112 goes left to Lime Rock, turn left at traffic light on to Warren Turnpike, then immediate left into the parking lot of Housatonic Valley Regional High school in Falls Village CT. From central CT, take Route 44 west to Canaan, then south on Route 7 to Falls Village. L Mike Ceruzzi,, (best time to call: Before 9 PM) mceruzzi@snet.net

4 JULY MONDAY AND WEEKEND RIDES Sat., Jul. 13. Route 7 Roundabout, Tanglewood Ride, Falls Village, Connecticut, West of River, CT (RC, RL, RG, Cue, 13-14mph) 38 or 56 miles. Meet at 10:00 am to ride at 10:15am from Housatonic Valley Regional High School, 246 Warren Turnpike, Falls Village, CT. Route 8N to Route 4W to Route 128 to Route 7N. Continue for 5 miles and turn left at the light on Warren Turnpike, and left again into the school. Scenic tour of Northwestern Connecticut and Southwestern Massachusetts along rolling country roads. The option of 38 or 56 miles comes at mile 37 of the route, so cyclists can make a last-minute decision about how far they are riding. Attend a Tanglewood concert after the ride with a shared supper on the lawn. Ticket prices are $20 and may be purchased at the gate. L Michael Guilano (best time to call: before 9 p.m.) mgclock@yahoo.com Mon., Jul. 15. Gran-bury Go-around (revised), Simsbury, (SO, RL, CUE, mph) 34.2 miles Meet for 10:00AM start at International Skating Center, 1375 Hopmeadow St., junction of Routes 10 & 202 in Simsbury. Scenic ride around Simsbury and Granby with one short killer hill after McLean Game Refuge. The ride visits the magnificent Granby Oak, it passes the McLean Game Refuge, travels on both paved and unpaved sections of rail trail, and visits Stratton Brook State Park. Please print cue sheet from CT Bike Routes website using the link listed below. L Thomas Mann (best time to call: Before 9:00PM) tomandnance@netzero.net, L Nancy Mann Related Websites: Gran-bury Go-around (Revised) Cue Sheet Gran-bury Go-around (Revised) map.sat.. Jul. 13. Tanglewood Concert and Shared Supper, Lenox, Massachusetts, Berkshires, MA Following the activity of your choice, join fellow AMC members on the lawn at Tanglewood for a shared supper and concert. This event is specifically tied to the "Route 7 Roundabout" and "Falls Village to Ashley Falls" bicycle rides, which are being hosted by the Conn. chapter, but anyone is welcome to attend. We'll gather on the lawn behind Section 15, left of center to the rear of The Shed (the name of the concert hall at Tanglewood) at 6:30pm. This will give us a view of the orchestra as they perform. Bring food to share and a beverage for yourself. Gate to Tanglewood opens at 6:00pm. and we should be on the lawn by 6:30 p.m. For GPS, use West Hawthorne Road, Lenox, MA, as destination. Route 7N through Great Barrington, MA. Turn left onto Route 102 for 1.8 miles, then right on Route 183N. Travel 3.9 miles, then turn right on West Hawthorne Road. Parking area will be on the right. Walk across street to Lion's Gate to buy $21 lawn tickets. The 8:30 p.m. concert will feature The 8:30 p.m. concert will feature Bernstein's West Side Story. David Newman will conduct the Boston Symphony Orchestra. For complete details, visit the Tanglewood website. L Michael Guilano, (best time to call: before 9 p.m.) mgclock@yahoo.com L Franca Giulano (best time to call: before 9 p.m.) mgclock@yahoo.com Mon., Jul. 29. From Forest to Sea, Chester, Connecticut, West of River, CT (SO, RL, CUE, mph) 32.6 miles Prompt 10:00 AM start. Meet at Rt. 9 Exit 6 CPL (RT 148) in Chester. Rain Cancels. This ride is over mostly rolling terrain with lots of flat riding down close to Long Island Sound. Early in the ride there is a visit to Pataconk Lake in the Cockaponsett State Forest. A forest service road (rough pavement but passable with road bikes) is used to return to civilization and a stop off at Chester Airport. L Dick Ruddock (best time to call: before 9 p.m.) rhiker2000@aol.com Note: Please see website write-up for more details. Related Websites: From the Forest to the Sea Cue Sheet and From the Forest to the Sea Map

5 UPCOMING WEEKEND TRIPS BIKING ON THE CAPE, MASSACHUSETTS CAPE COD, MA AUGUST 15-18, 2013 Aug Biking on the Cape, Massachusetts, Cape Cod, MA. Bike amongst the dunes, thru small quaint Cape towns, relax on the porch watching the waves rolling in. ($95.00 member/ non-member) includes 3 breakfasts and 2 dinners. Ride on roads & bike trails. Intermediate riders who can maintain mph on rolling hills. Send check for total cost along with name, , phone to registrar. L Terry Bludeau (terrybb@msn.com), CL Susan Wallen (swallenster@gmail.com), R Terry Bludeau (2 Hearthstone Dr., Simsbury, CT 06424, terrybb@msn.com) THANK YOU TO RIDE LEADERS! Thank you to the following ride leaders for their efforts in leading rides during the month of June. - Rick Merritt. Wayne Tursi, and Judy Borrmann for leading Tuesday night rides. Finlay and Mary Ferguson, Mark and Leslie Henebry, Wayne Chapman, and Dan Johnson for leading Thursday night rides. All Monday morning ride leaders who led a ride. All Saturday and Sunday ride leaders who led a ride. If you have a favorite ride and it does not make the AMCyclist Newsletter, you can submit via the short notice list. If you are submitting a ride, submit it to the ride coordinator, JoAnn Hewett. Instructions are on the bicycling tab on the website, UPPER CONNECTICUT RIVER VALLEY BIKING FAIRLEE, VERMONT GREEN MOUNTAINS, VERMONT SEPTEMBER 13-15, 2013 Sep Upper Connecticut River Valley Biking, Fairlee, VT., Vermont, Green Mountains, VT. Road bike through the Upper Connecticut River Valley in Vermont and New Hampshire along gently rolling country roads. Rides have optional lengths from 20 to 65 miles. New for this year: We have added rides to Hanover/ Dartmouth which will include riding along a long and lovely stretch of the CT River. We are also making some revisions to the original rides to add some different views and of course ice cream stops. Optional Friday ride on the drive up to Fairlee. Stay at the Hulbert Outdoor Center (Web site: on beautiful Lake Morey in 3 and 4 bedroom cabins, 2 per room. Bed linens and towel provided. Cost ($ per person) includes 2 nights lodging, 2 full breakfasts, Saturday evening dinner and socials. Send name, postal & addresses, phone no. & full payment check payable to registrar below. L Finlay Ferguson (finlayferguson@msn.com), L Mark Henebry (mhenebry@sbcglobal.net), R Finlay Ferguson (46 Mitchel Terrace, Ivoryton, CT 06442, before 9 pm, finlayferguson@msn.com) Terri Pappagallo, AMCyclist Newsletter Editor

6 Appalachian Mountain Club Connecticut Chapter 32 Highland Ave. Redding, CT Abbreviation Legend ADV Advanced Ride CPL Commuter Parking Lot CUE Cue Sheet Provided FL Flat Terrain HI/HL Hilly Terrain L/CL Leader/Co-Leader MB/MTN Mountain Bike RC Recreational ride RG Regroup during ride RL/RO Rolling terrain SASE Self-Addressed Stamp Envelope SO Social Ride SW Sweep stays with slower riders TR Training Bicycle Committee 2013 Rick Merritt, Committee Chair Susan Grant, Committee Co-Chair Tom Ebersold, Short Notice/ Coordinator JoAnn Hewett, Ride Coordinator Terri Pappagallo, Newsletter Editor Web Site For post-publication updates, check the Bicycling calendar on-line at: click on the Bicycling button. Short Notice Rides To subscribe to ct-amc.bicycling, the notification of upcoming rides that don t make the deadlines for AMC Outdoors and AMC Cyclist, go to the website, type your address in the box of upcoming rides by and click on join now. You will receive a confirmation message from Yahoo. Follow the instructions in the message to confirm that you want to join the list..