Arizona is home to thousands of cyclists, but may be friendly to few of them. Arizona is one of the last few states in the entire country that hasn’t passed either a distracted driving law (i.e. no texting, etc.) or a no harassment against cyclists law. Yet does this make us a non friendly or an anti-bike community?I think not, or at least not entirely…

Arizona is home to one of the largest cycling communities in the U.S. I believe that our weather permits cycling all year and apparently many other believe that as well. There are pro tour teams that come and train, pro mountain bikers and pro triathletes that all come here to Arizona to train during the winter months. Arizona is no stranger to cyclists. We also host a variety of national and local events/races right here in Arizona. So why don’t we have better cycling laws? How well does our state rank?

I am not certain of a good answer to the first question. Our legislators have some other plans in mind that I don’t currently understand, and perhaps advocacy in Arizona hasn’t been exactly unified yet. I aim to get on board and help resolve as many of the advocacy issues as possible.

In terms of our state ranking, the best tool we have available to us is the National League of American Bicyclists and their “Bicycle Friendly America Program.” Below is a compiled review of their ranking system and how Arizona stacks up, plus the additional bonus of one local city (my home town) Gilbert – who sadly, as of right now is only a “bronze” community. Much improvement is needed in Arizona:

LEAGUE OF AMERICAN BICYCLISTS DATA/RANKING

The League’s Bicycle Friendly America program provides a roadmap, hands-on assistance and recognition for states, communities, universities and businesses. The BFA℠ program is a tool for states, communities, business and universities to make bicycling a real transportation and recreation option for all people.

The BFA program is more than an assessment

1. It’s a study into the DNA making bicycling safe and more comfortable for all people
2. It’s the combined knowledge of hundreds of engineers, government officials and bicycle advocates.
3. It’s a toolkit of projects, policies, programs and plans designed to make biking better.
4. It’s a roadmap for improving conditions for bicycling and the direct assistance to make it happen.

The 5 E’s – or standards upon which the rankings are based:

1. Engineering: Creating safe and convenient places to ride and park
2. Education: Giving people of all ages and abilities the skills and confidence to ride
3. Encouragement: Creating a strong bike culture that welcomes and celebrates bicycling
4. Enforcement: Ensuring safe roads for all users
5. Evaluation & Planning: Planning for bicycling as a safe and viable transportation option

Arizona

#15 BICYCLE FRIENDLY State Rank

10 BICYCLE FRIENDLY Communities

14 BICYCLE FRIENDLY Businesses

3 BICYCLE FRIENDLY Universities

Arizona bicycle accident attorney Ben Dodge

If you, or someone you know were injured in a bicycle accident caused by road debris, hire a personal injury attorney who is experienced and has a successful track record. Ben dodge, a licensed bicycle accident lawyer in Arizona, has dedicated his entire firm to one purpose: representing cyclists. bicycle accident cases are the only cases bike accident attorneys, plc handles.

Ben dodge has represented and assisted bicycle accident victims across the entire united states. as an avid and competitive cyclist himself, mr. dodge currently participates in national and local cycling events all over the country. it isn’t uncommon to spot him in early morning hours out riding his bike. the day he fell in love with his job was the day he devoted himself completely to bicycle accident cases.

A consultation with experienced Arizona bicycle accident attorney ben dodge is free

In recent years there has been approximately 700 bicycle fatalities in the united states every single year. approximately 2,000 bicycle accidents are reported in arizona every year. approximately 30 fatal bicycle accidents are reported in arizona every year. bicycle fatalities are terrible and horrific tragedies that affect the lives of too many families and friends to count. understanding your rights and obligations as a cyclist can bring clarity to your specific accident situation. it will always be in your best interest to be represented by an attorney who knows the bicycle laws and has a successful track record of winning bicycle accident cases. the negotiation tactics and strategies of winning a case are extremely important but should always take a back row seat to the litigation experience and knowledge of court room rules, local, state, and federal rules of civil procedure that can have significant impact on your bicycle accident case. it is wise to be represented by someone well versed in bicycle accident law, local and state bicycle ordinances, rules, regulations, policies, and laws. you should hire someone very familiar with negligence and tort law, civil procedure, and the rules of evidence as they all relate specifically to bicycle accident cases.

Ben dodge always offers a complimentary in person consultation to all local cyclists and a complimentary phone consultation to any cyclist injured in a bike accident. typically the consultations are schedule from 30-60 minutes depending on the severity of the accident. you can expect to get answers to questions, clarity, information, and reassurance of your personal bike accident liability and potential for recovery. in your free consultation you can generally expect to discuss such topics as:

• your specific bike accident details, diagrams, and pictures from your perspective and then from the perspective of your bike accident attorney.
• the applicable local, state, and federal laws underlying your case.
• your cyclist’s rights, obligations, and any potential liability.
• the process, procedure (in and out of court), and the time frame required to conclude your case.
• the value of your case and what you might expect as compensation.

You can call Arizona bicycle lawyer Ben Dodge of bike accident attorneys, PLC at 1.855.663.3922 (855.one.ez.call). Mr. dodge’s staff is standing and ready to accept your call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every single day of the year. Ben will personally return your call within 24 hours. there is never an obligation for a complimentary consultation with Mr. dodge. his passion is in representing cyclists and his entire office stands ready to serve with kindness and patience.

Bike Accident Attorneys, PLC

Call Ben Dodge today at 1.855.663.3922. reach him by fax at 480.656.8334.

Mr. dodge can also be reached by email at ben@bikeaccidentattorneys.com

his main offices are located at:

Mesa Arizona (home base office)
4824 e. baseline rd., suite 124
mesa, arizona 85206

Phoenix Arizona office
2415 e. Camelback rd., suite 700
phoenix, Arizona 85016

Mr. dodge represents cyclists in the entire state of Arizona including but not limited to mesa, phoenix, tucson, yuma, gilbert, peoria, glendale, scottsdale, ahwatukee, tempe, chandler, prescott, sedona, flagstaff, surprise, kingman, page, lake havasu city, payson, goodyear, buckeye, queen creek, paradise valley, show low, winslow, maricopa, nogales, globe, avondale, cave creek, fountain hills, apache junction, carefree, wickenburg, pinetop-lakeside, strawberry, anthem, safford, and more. ben dodge is currently involved with bicycle accident cases all over the country and can assist in representation in all 50 states. he has helped cyclists in Nevada, New York, Texas, California, Washington, Colorado, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Pennsylvania, and Washington D.C.