The 4 Basic Principles for Ultra Cycling 101

Welcome to the world of pain called Ultra Cycling. But it doesn’t have to be. I’m writing this to those of you who may be venturing out on your first ever “long” bicycle ride. Over the coming year or so we will be doing many “ultra” rides and many of you are coming out for the first time. Per their request I am writing down some basic pointers for getting into ultra cycling. These are just some of what I would call the “intro” points that you should be aware of when first getting into ultra cycling. There of course much more advanced topics we can discuss later, but these basic principles will help a great deal in your new journey into the Ultra cycling world. For me, I learned some of them the hard way through lots of rough miles in preparation for Race Across the West (RAW). Others I learned form more experienced cyclists who were kind enough to share their tips and ideas. Ultra cycling racing tips, practice, and strategies will of course be different and require more in depth review. But these tips are priceless to the soul who is just venturing out on his or her first couple of ultra rides.

A long ride in the Ultra cycling world is something well over 100 miles. There is no set number of miles before a ride becomes an ultra ride, but generally the further past 100 you go the more it starts to feel like an ultra cycling ride. Lets get some of the basics discussed in this blog to make sure that you can minimize discomfort and pain. Note that I never said you won’t feel any discomfort or pain. Ultra cycling by its very implied definition is long, uncomfortable, and eventually painful. The magic which draws some of us to this sport of ultra cycling is in what lies beyond the discomfort and pain, what you discover when you endure longer than all of the pain. The beauty of it all is what you see in you and in others when you push past the point of pain and discomfort. When you get to the mindset of the pain simply doesn’t matter anymore. Not every ultra ride will take you to those extremes, however, that sense of accomplishment and the accompanying feeling that can only be likened to some sort of enlightenment of oneself is teased out even in shorter ultra rides.

Ok, enough of my soap box feelings on ultra cycling. Lets get to the nitty gritty of proper preparation for your first few ultra rides. Your first few ultra cycling events or group rides will likely be in the neighborhood of 150-200 miles. This is where your love of ultra cycling can be born or buried depending on your preparation. Your preparation will minimize the pain and discomfort you may feel.

1) Nutrition:

Think of a 10+ hour ride as nothing more than an all day buffet. I personally love this idea because I love food. I love to eat. If I could get paid all day to just try the best foods this world has to offer I would do it in a heart beat. Thus my love for cycling… I have to do something to lose weight! But seriously, you will likely burn anywhere form 200-600 calories an hour or more depending on your pace. This means your body will be slowly depleting itself every hour until it has nothing left to give. This is what we call “bonking”. You should literally be eating all day. What you eat depends on your stomach and what it can handle while exercising. Regardless of your food choice you should attempt to consume about 300 calories per hour. It is hard for your body to absorb any more than that anyways. I have tried a billion things out there. Unless you spent months adapting to high fat fuels and you can keep your HR absolutely and strictly aerobic then you best be consuming a ton of carbs – so stay away from starch only fuels or you will hit bonk town for sure! You’ll need high quality carbs and lots of them. The kind that absorb quickly and don’t cause any GI distress. In all my rides over the years I have settles on Carborocket. It is by far and hands down the best product on the market. With each serving sitting at 330 calories and 84 grams of super carbohydrates it feels like rocket fuel for the endurance athlete. Zero GI distress for me. It doesn’t mix thick and gooey so I can put 3-4 servings in one bottle (i.e. 3-4 hours of nutrition in one bottle). Love that stuff. For 200+ mile rides I will supplement this with some solid foods as well just for mental pleasure. But I limit this because I don’t want to be caught in the middle of nowhere having a bowl movement… Sticking to fluids means all I have to do is pee every once in a while.

Other cyclists pound GU, Shot Blocks, Hammer, and more. In my opinion all of those products fall far too short on the quality and performance of Carborocket. Plus, the salt pills required to keep from cramping (remember you will be losing a lot of sweat over 10+ hours) are all included already in the carborocket mix. It is really an all in one nutrition – hard to beat. I will also take a couple of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, a banana and coke. The caffeine and sugar in Coke are like a much needed shot in the arm – liquid gold…

Salt pills are essential if you don’t enough salt in your nutrition plan already. I usually use endurolytes Also, some good ole fashioned pickle juice is a life saver for leg cramps. I keep much of this in my SAG vehicle if I get lucky enough to have one. Otherwise I pack it in my jersey. There is a company that makes little shots of Pickle Juice in single servings. I love that product.

Excedrin. Yep. You will get sore. For me my neck and shoulders still get sore from my experience during Race Across the West (930 mile non stop race from Oceanside CA to Durango CO). Advil or ibuprofen is dangerous with the liver or kidneys (google it – lots of endurance athletes run into trouble here). Excedrin can relieve the pain a bit and not ruin your kidneys. PLUS it has caffeine. Caffeine is one of your best friends on an endurance ride.

Water. Water. Water. Drink lots. Your body will need it. try to get 1 to 1.5 20 ounce water bottles down every hour. If it is warmer and you are sweating more then you may need to bump this up to 2 per hour. You may not feel like doing this during the first couple of hours, but if you neglect to properly hydrate you will pay for it later in the day. Hydration is so very important. Shorter crit races for 45 minutes, or even 2-4 hour road races you can mismanage hydration and nutrition and get away with it. This is NOT true in endurance cycling. Every time you drink or eat something you are doing it for a benefit in a few hours. Likewise, nearly every time you bonk or begin to struggle you can trace it backwards a couple of hours to a mistake with your nutrition or hydration. This is why Nutrition is the first topic in this blog. It is hands down the most important issue.

2) Clothing:

Always and forever dependent on weather. Pay attention to the terrain and the weather. Often in ultra cycling you can transcend several climates all in one ride. Know this ahead of time and plan for it. The hours without the sun can be cooler than expected, especially if you are sweaty. Sometimes you may start out in a warm desert and ascend to a cold mountain top. Plan for it. Pack it. Be smart.

Shoes – good cycling shoes are important. Make sure they are not too tight. Feet tend to swell on longer rides. Make sure your cycling shoes can loosen.

Sunscreen. Yep, sunburns are common because of the sheer amount of hours you are out exposed in the sun. Also – make sure you pack some lip balm, chap stick, etc. because the sun and wind will wreak havoc on your lips all day.

BIBS. I highly recommend a good pair of bibs that are not too old and worn down. The longer you ride in a pair of bibs the more compressed the chamois pad gets and the less comfortable you will be. Invest into some very good bibs, your bottom area will be forever grateful. In some of my longer rides I have been known to wear 2 pairs of bibs and I have never regretted that decision! Along that note, use chamois cream or butt butter or something to lube yourself for these long rides and some to take with you and reapply later in the day. Some of them come in single dose packages that fit nicely in your jersey or saddlebag.

Jacket – I would certainly recommend a light windbreaker/rain style jacket. Weather changes so much and these are often required during the night hours. Particularly after a long sweaty day in the saddle and then the sun sets and you find yourself in the cool mountain weather.

Sun glasses. No brainer right? Yep. Don’t forget them and don’t forget some clear glasses for the dark hours.

3) Gear:

Bike. Make sure it is all tuned up and ready to roll to minimize any shifting problems or mechanical failures while out on your ultra ride. Long rides seem to have a nice way of highlighting any deficiencies in your bike and gear. Get them taken care of before your ride. Double check your bike chain and your cassette. These often wear down faster than any other part and are almost always the likely culprit of shifting issues. If you feel like you can’t seamlessly shift between gears or it jumps a  bit when you are trying to shift then your most likely issue is in the chain or the cassette or both. Of course, it could be anything so get your bike checked out and ready to roll.

FIT. Speaking of the bike, if you have not been professionally fit to your bike then I recommend it before any long ride. Long rides seem to highlight any deficiencies right? Yes. So if your fit is off then you will feel extra pain in places you probably don’t want to feel extra pain. It could be your knees, lower back, head neck and shoulders, hips, numb feet numb hands, and more. Most all of these issues can be avoided completely by riding the proper size bike for you and then of course being properly fitted to that bike. In my experience most bike shop owners and salesman really have no clue as what is really the proper size bike for you and the sell you what they have or what they think is “in the range” for you. They all assume that you can simply raise or lower the seat/handle bars and fix most any fit problems. Wrong. In fact they couldn’t be more wrong. Did you know that your frame size that fits properly for you can vary drastically based on manufacturer, and style of bike (i.e. TT bike vs Aero bike vs Gravel bike vs. Road Bike vs. MTN Bike, etc.)? Yep – get a professional fit. My favorite fit studio is Cyclologic. They routinely fit many pro cyclists from all over the world. Love their service and their reputation.

Lights. Almost all ultra rides start or end or go through night time conditions. Make sure your lights are fully charged and you have back ups if need be. Riding without lights is just stupid. I sincerely believe that riding during the day with lights should be mandatory. A bright blinking light can be the difference between a motorist seeing you and not seeing you. Be seen, not hit – is a motto I live by. Even my cycling clothing is obnoxiously (but tastefully cool) bright neon colors.

Drawstring style bag. Often as swag bags at events you are handed a drawstring bag of sorts. These are great because they crunch up so small and lightweight that you can simply keep it empty in your jersey pocket. Then, when you start shedding layers you can whip it out and place the extra layers in your drawstring bag and sling it over on your back. You won’t even feel it there. When the sunsets again you can put the layers back on and the bag back in your jersey pocket. Great idea for those long rides where you are in self support mode without a sag car to carry your stuff.

Ice Chest. If you are lucky enough to have a friend drive sag for you then I highly recommend an ice chest. Keep all of your drinks, food, etc in your ice chest. You’ll be so grateful you did. A nice cold drink during a long hot ride in the middle of nowhere is like a little slice of heaven.

Spare wheels. On ultra rides where you have a friend driving sag – don’t forget to throw in an extra wheel set if you have one. The last thing you want to do is terminate your ride early because of some pot hole or other hazard that wrecked your wheels and all of your training, prep, and volunteers have to call it quits now because you don’t have a replacement wheel. Along those same lines, pack lots of extra tubes, maybe a tire, CO2, and a pump. Again – if you have a friend driving sag then why not make sure you have all of this with you.

Tools. On my long sag supported rides I will also throw in my bike tool box. I have a decent set of bike tools for most any situation and they are always ready to go in a grab and go plastic tool box. I usually always throw that in as well. I may have only ended up using it once, but I was sure glad I had it!

4) Mental Prep:

Regardless of how sweet your bike is, or your gear, nutrition, clothing, or even your fitness, the most important part of any ultra ride is your mental preparation. I have given 3 days seminars on this topic alone and there is no way this short blurb in this blog will ever do it justice. However, I would be way out of line if I didn’t mention this as absolutely crucial to your ultra rides.

The most basic element in your mental preparation is realize that you as an individual are capable of at least 20x what you think you are capable of. If up to this point in your training you have only ever done 100 mile ride and you doubt whether you could do a 175 mile ride then you are fooling yourself. Of course you can. In fact you can likely do a 500 mile ride tomorrow if you had to. Start thinking much further down the road then what ever your goal is. When your mind starts to play tricks on you during the ride think of it as a training day and that you will someday do much more then what you are currently attempting and that you need to complete it as part of your training, even if you must then go a bit slower to make the miles. Think beyond your goal.

Visualize. Spend sometime quietly reflecting on your upcoming ride and visualize yourself completing it. Visualize yourself overcoming some negative situation (i.e windy conditions, fatigue, more climbing, etc.). Anticipate these in advance and spend sometime deciding now how you will react and then visualize yourself doing it. Visualization is a powerful technique that empowers you to accomplish what you aim for. And of course, you should be aiming high – like really really high.

A good friend of mine always told me to never make any decisions in the dark. In some of our long endurance activities from 100 mile ultra runs, Kokoro camp with the Navy Seals, training rides for RAW, or during RAW, all where you are required to endure all through night for days in a row without breaks… the best advice that has stuck with me is never make any decisions at night. If you feel like quitting then just wait until the sun comes again before you allow yourself to make that decision and you will feel a renewed sense of commitment and likely you will keep going. However, if you allow yourself to decide at night then you will always opt out. Wait for the sun to come up again and then reevaluate your decision and how you feel – you will probably push on.

Meditate. Yep, can’t do too much of this. It doesn’t have to be something like you see some monk doing in a movie (although kudos to you if you can do it that way!). Meditation is a powerful way to calm the mind and take control over negative thoughts. This is how you stay in control on long rides. Practice meditation techniques that work for you for prep leading up to your ride as well as techniques that work during your ride. You simply can’t meditate enough. Learn what works for you. For me simple breathing techniques are very effective. I personally love box breathing as taught to me by one of my Navy Seal mentors Mark Divine.

Conclusion:

There is simply much more out there we should discuss in greater detail. But as noted, this is a great little intro into ultra cycling and you will be better prepared for your first few ultra cycling adventures. In time we can discuss each of these topics in greater detail, but for now be mindful of your nutrition, clothing, gear, and mental preparation. These 4 basic principles will minimize your pain and discomfort during your ultra cycling adventures. Good luck, have fun, and I’ll see you out there on the road!

-Ben Dodge, Keep the rubber side down!

Bicycle crash and bicycle accident lawyer Ben Dodge

Ben-&-BikeA bicycle crash is not always an accident. If you, or someone you know were injured in a bicycle crash or accident caused by a road hazard or dangerous road condition, 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. Home based out of the great state of Arizona, Ben can still help cyclists in the entire United States. Ben also founded Bike Accident Attorneys Network, a national network of attorneys who focus on representing cyclists. Ben can find you help anywhere in the country.

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. Having competed in 8 Ironman triathlons, numerous local and national cycling races, and a successful finish in the Race Across the West, 2016, he really knows what it is like to ride and race a bike. The day he fell in love with his job was the day he devoted himself completely to bicycle accident cases.

Ben represents cyclists injured in bicycle accidents, at the police station, with insurance companies, and in the courts. He advocates for the rights of all cyclists, not just his clients. He teaches the police about bike laws and bike safety, he educates drivers about the rules of the road, and he trains cyclists and clubs to ride more safely.

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. 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, the Bicycle Lawyer today at 1.855.663.3922. Reach him by fax at 1.800.958.8902.

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

His main Arizona 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

Tucson Arizona office
One South Church Avenue, 12th Floor
Tucson, Arizona 85701

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 has founded a national network of independent bicycle lawyers that can assist in representation in all 50 states.

Selfies of Vehicle Driver Caught on Facebook Saves Legal Case!

Finally settled for full policy limits with an insurance carrier who for months has denied any and all liability. Said insurance company hit and nearly killed our client while riding his bicycle in his neighborhood. Our client, who was 13 years old at the time, was hurt so badly that he had multiple brain surgeries and extensive medical procedures done just to attempt to save his life over the course of about a year.

After months and months of treatment this young boy not only lives but has made a seemingly full recovery! He is literally an inspiration to me and to many others. His case on the other hand was complicated from the start. The insurance company quite predictably tried to blame the young boy for the accident and refused any liability even from the very beginning.

The mother had actually retained another law office prior to consulting with me as a member of the National Bike Accident Attorneys Network. I recall listening to her story of the frustration she encountered and the roadblocks set up immediately by the insurance carrier. I remember thinking to myself that this case was going to be difficult and that without a committed and experienced bicycle lawyer this family would likely be stuck with significant medical bills. I was right.

We had a great conversation and she instantly agreed that our firm was a much better fit as all we handle are bicycle crash cases. We accepted the case and immediately went to work. After reviewing thousands of pages of documents provided to us by our client’s diligent mother it became clear that we were facing potential medical bills well over a million dollars and an insurance carrier that refused all liability. This was going to be a tough case with a high probability of my firm not getting paid a cent.

The policy limits in this case ended up being around $120K. Even if were to be successful in proving liability we had a massive medical bill issue as the liens alone were close to a million dollars. This is when as an attorney you have to be committed to your client more than to making a buck. Ask yourself as a client this important question: How committed is my lawyer? Will he/she do everything in his/her power to protect my interest or will they give up when it looks like they won’t make any money? If you even sort of hesitate with your answer then run away, and run away fast. Sadly, the personal injury side of the legal industry is full of greedy attorneys that only look for the quick buck or the big cases.

 

Obviously I am committed. I have been told many times that I am the most committed and determined person that most people will ever meet. Here is how this story goes condensed for your reading pleasure:

  • We rolled up our sleeves and went to work. Inviting the mother who already proved to be a valuable asset to help us dig up anything we could on the driver. We were all convinced that this girl driving the car was very distracted or she couldn’t have possibly hit our client.
  • Face Book SelfieWorking closely with the mother, we uncovered some damning photos posted on social media (Face Book) where this driver not only like taking selfies of herself in the car, but she may even have been addicted to “driving selfies”. She had posted hundreds of selfies while driving on her FB account. We downloaded every single one of them for use with her insurance carrier. Some of these pictures are posted here with her face blurred out to protect her identity (notice one of them even while she had her infant son in her car – yikes!).
  • Finally after proving liability sufficiently to the insurance carrier (the FB pictures proved to be most helpful) they agreed to settle at full policy limits. So far, no other firm was able to even get this far or was even willing to work this hard knowing that the medical bills far outweighed the settlement at 11:1. With over $1,000,000.00 in medical bills/liens and only $120,000.00 to spread around for our clients we rolled up our sleeves and went to work knowing that at the end of the day we would be lucky to get the medical bills even half paid for our clients and all this for free as there was not enough money to even pay a fee to our firm. That didn’t matter. We were committed to our clients regardless of our eventual payout.
  • After months of head banging negotiations we succeeded in getting $1,000,000.00+ in medical bills and liens waived and reduced to a total of about $35K! Our client was able to know that not only did he not have to worry about bills he could never pay, but now he had some money left over for a college fund. Awesome day.

Thank you Face Book. Thank you for making this case possible. 😉

Moral of the story: 1) Don’t post stupid pictures or comments on FB; and 2) if you ever get hurt in a bicycle crash make sure you find a bicycle lawyer more committed to you than to his/her own pocket book.

How committed is your attorney?

-Ben Dodge, Keep the rubber side down!

Bicycle crash and bicycle accident lawyer Ben Dodge

Ben-&-BikeA bicycle crash is not always an accident. If you, or someone you know were injured in a bicycle crash or accident caused by a road hazard or dangerous road condition, 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. Home based out of the great state of Arizona, Ben can still help cyclists in the entire United States. Ben also founded Bike Accident Attorneys Network, a national network of attorneys who focus on representing cyclists. Ben can find you help anywhere in the country.

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. Having competed in 8 Ironman triathlons, numerous local and national cycling races, and a successful finish in the Race Across the West, 2016, he really knows what it is like to ride and race a bike. The day he fell in love with his job was the day he devoted himself completely to bicycle accident cases.

Ben represents cyclists injured in bicycle accidents, at the police station, with insurance companies, and in the courts. He advocates for the rights of all cyclists, not just his clients. He teaches the police about bike laws and bike safety, he educates drivers about the rules of the road, and he trains cyclists and clubs to ride more safely.

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. 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, the Bicycle Lawyer today at 1.855.663.3922. Reach him by fax at 1.800.958.8902.

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

His main Arizona 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

Tucson Arizona office
One South Church Avenue, 12th Floor
Tucson, Arizona 85701

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 has founded a national network of independent bicycle lawyers that can assist in representation in all 50 states.

Landscape Trailers: Fatal to Cyclists

In Arizona landscape companies are literally on every street and every corner with their large trucks and tow behind trailers parked in bike lanes, in traffic lanes, on top of sidewalks and just about everywhere you can imagine.

There is little regard for the safety of cyclists when these companies park their trucks and trailers. In fact, there is little regard for their own equipment as they just haphazardly and lazily park where it is most convenient for their landscaping tasks. Its as if they don’t want to walk “too far” when exiting their truck and trailers to jump on their sit down powered mowers or to trim some trees/bushes. Their trucks and trailers are littered through the streets, bike lanes, and sidewalks of Arizona making it very dangerous for cyclists. Bicycle accidents and crashes involving landscape trailers are sadly a common occurrence in Arizona.

Occasionally it is a landscape trailer or landscape truck that drives into or over a cyclist while turning or parking. And other times it can be dangerously parked landscape truck and trailer that proves nearly impossible for a cyclist to avoid crashing into it.

Landscape TrailerRecently we just finished our representation of a dear family who fatally lost a loved one in a bike crash with a dangerously parked landscape trailer. Initially the landscape company denied all liability trying to blame the cyclist for running into a parked landscape trailer. They played the blame game saying that it must be the cyclist’s fault since the trailer was parked and not moving. Of course they were wrong. After about a year they began to realize that their employees shouldn’t have parked so recklessly and dangerously in the traffic and bike lane. They began to realize that if so parked they really ought to have placed some traffic cones out or at least turned on hazard lights to warn other traffic (including cyclists) that they were dangerously parked there. They began to realize that they force cyclists into dangerous and compromising positions with oncoming traffic.

This was a difficult and sensitive case but eventually the landscape company agreed to settle out of court. Our clients, the family of a loved cyclist in town, were finally able to start to put this nasty and fatal wreck behind them. Moving forward we are eager to help put in place safer traffic laws and regulations to help protect cyclists against such reckless and intentionally dangerous parking practices of landscape companies.

Our advice, be safe out there and be alert to landscape companies because they are not aware of you.

-Ben Dodge

Bicycle crash and bicycle accident lawyer Ben Dodge

Ben-&-BikeA bicycle crash is not always an accident. If you, or someone you know were injured in a bicycle crash or accident caused by a road hazard or dangerous road condition, 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. Home based out of the great state of Arizona, Ben can still help cyclists in the entire United States. Ben also founded Bike Accident Attorneys Network, a national network of attorneys who focus on representing cyclists. Ben can find you help anywhere in the country.

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. Having competed in 8 Ironman triathlons, numerous local and national cycling races, and a successful finish in the Race Across the West, 2016, he really knows what it is like to ride and race a bike. The day he fell in love with his job was the day he devoted himself completely to bicycle accident cases.

Ben represents cyclists injured in bicycle accidents, at the police station, with insurance companies, and in the courts. He advocates for the rights of all cyclists, not just his clients. He teaches the police about bike laws and bike safety, he educates drivers about the rules of the road, and he trains cyclists and clubs to ride more safely.

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. 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, the Bicycle Lawyer today at 1.855.663.3922. Reach him by fax at 1.800.958.8902.

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

His main Arizona 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

Tucson Arizona office
One South Church Avenue, 12th Floor
Tucson, Arizona 85701

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.

Know When to Walk Away – Saving a Failed Mediation

I was sitting in a conference room just a few days ago with my clients, a now grieving widow and her devastated daughter when the Mediator finally walks into the room to convey the insurance company’s offer for the fatal bicycle crash case we were fighting for. A local landscape company with a 1$ million dollar policy and liable for the death of a local cyclist has denied even making an offer to the surviving family to this point in the case. He opens by saying, “Do not be insulted, they are only willing to pay $12,000.00.”

Do not be insulted? Are you kidding me? My clients are in tears now. This negotiation has to change and it has to change right now. After hours of discussing the strengths and weaknesses, the evidence, expert witnesses, etc., in this case with the Mediator – this is their offer to our 1 Million dollar demand. $12k? That doesn’t even cover a decent funeral. The mediator was smart enough to mention that he felt they would pay at least 6 digits… probably between $100k-$150k, but that “they wanted to send a message that they will never pay anything near 1 million.”

My response was swift and simple. I knew they were going to play games. I knew they were simply sending a message. I knew immediately what to do, I wanted to send a message of my own. I wanted them to know that I don’t play games. The value of this case to my clients far exceeds any dollar amount. This family doesn’t need any money. They are pretty well off enough without the money. This case was a case in principle for them. They want to make a difference for future wrecks such as this one. To be truthful, my clients would have walked away from the case entirely if the landscape company had simply apologized for the bike wreck in the beginning. Instead, they attempted to cover it up and dismiss any wrong doing on their part.

With this in mind, my response was not difficult to formulate. I stood up and pushed away from the table stating simply: “You can tell them we will happily see them in court.” End of story. Not interested in wasting another minute or putting my clients, now in tears, through any more of the “games” so often associated with this process. My intention was simple and straight forward, settle for policy limits or take it to trial and risk the jury awarding something less or something far greater than 1 million. That message was received loud and clear. As we were leaving the mediator came rushing in and asked for a counter offer assuring me that the insurance company is indeed willing to pay 6 digits, maybe even up to $300k. This of course is a vast improvement from the $12K they initially offered, but fell far short of the real value of the case.

Sometimes You Fight Best by Walking Away
Sometimes You Fight… Sometimes You Fight by Walking Away

The mediator insisted that I give them a counter offer. Perfect, I now had another opportunity to “send a message” to these clowns. I thought for a moment, looked at my clients whose eyes seemed to be pleading for me to honor their belief in this case, then I said: “Sure, please tell the insurance company that we can accept a full and global settlement on all of my clients’ claims for $1 million dollars minus $12K. I believe that would be a 6 digit figure of $988,000.00.” Looking at me in disbelief, the mediator said they will never go for that. “I know,” I said. Returning to the room he said they denied that offer and that there is nothing more for us to do here today. Wishing us well he ushered us out with a great interest in following our case. He mentioned he will keep track of this one as it is very unique.

Looking back on this mediation it occurs to me that an effective attorney will know not only what is best for the case and for his clients in terms of the strengths and weaknesses of his/her case, but will also know how to manage the clients’ hopes, fears, and desires. In this case, it was predictable that the insurance company would low ball us. While I expected an opening offer around $200k, it was shocking to get such a low ball offer of only $12k! My clients were pissed. It became instantly clear that no settlement would be reached today. My focus then turned on gathering as much information about their position and tactics as possible while ALSO making sure they received a like manner and equally shocking response. This case is not so cut and dry – and I am not at liberty to discuss the case details yet, but it is safe to say that the case can go either really well for my clients or really poorly. They already know this. I have spoken at great lengths with them regarding the pros and cons. The insurance company has been attempting to beat us up for about a year now on this and has yet to even make an offer. They clearly expected us to give into the intimidation and fear tactics of their negotiation strategy and hoped we would accept a little something as opposed to the nothing they feel would get at trial. This is exactly why a shocking response to them was required. Walking away and forcing them into court is exactly what it took for them to go from $12k to $300k. Our shocking response was well received and yet it is only the beginning.

I’m confident that in this case we will do even better given more time with them, and more opportunities for evidence gathering and depositions, etc. The mediator had been doing this for 40+ years and didn’t even feel we had a case at first. (Which undoubtedly influenced the insurance company). But by the end he was changing his opinion and very intrigued by our position, to the point of asking permission to follow the case closely to see how it develops.

The point of the story is, that even if you don’t think you have a good bike crash case you should consult with our office and determine whether not you in fact have a case. The other point is, that sometimes you just have to know when to walk away from a bad negotiation to actually make it into a good negotiation and ultimately get what you and your clients want.

-Ben Dodge

Bicycle crash and bicycle accident lawyer Ben Dodge

Ben-&-BikeA bicycle crash is not always an accident. If you, or someone you know were injured in a bicycle crash or accident caused by a road hazard or dangerous road condition, 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. Home based out of the great state of Arizona, Ben can still help cyclists in the entire United States. Ben also founded Bike Accident Attorneys Network, a national network of attorneys who focus on representing cyclists. Ben can find you help anywhere in the country.

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. Having competed in 8 Ironman triathlons, numerous local and national cycling races, and a successful finish in the Race Across the West, 2016, he really knows what it is like to ride and race a bike. The day he fell in love with his job was the day he devoted himself completely to bicycle accident cases.

Ben represents cyclists injured in bicycle accidents, at the police station, with insurance companies, and in the courts. He advocates for the rights of all cyclists, not just his clients. He teaches the police about bike laws and bike safety, he educates drivers about the rules of the road, and he trains cyclists and clubs to ride more safely.

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. 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, the Bicycle Lawyer today at 1.855.663.3922. Reach him by fax at 1.800.958.8902.

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

His main Arizona 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

Tucson Arizona office
One South Church Avenue, 12th Floor
Tucson, Arizona 85701

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.

Cervelo S3 Demo – First Impressions

Recently I had the great opportunity to demo a brand new Cervelo S3. Thanks to a local bike shop, Two Wheel Jones Gilbert Store, I enjoyed about 2 hard rides on a Cervelo S3. And yes, I “enjoyed” the experience. I Seriously doubted if I would ever be a Cervelo fan… and then I rode the 2016 S3 with Ultegra Di2.

My friend and owner of the Gilbert location of Two Wheel Jones bike shop, Larry DeMik, swore by this bike. He and his whole staff believe they are some of the best bikes ever built. He offered a demo opportunity I couldn’t pass up. I always secretly and often overtly hated Cervelo. I haven’t been the biggest fan of their color scheme, and then of course there is the glaring issue of everyone seems to have one. I started my love affair with bicycles in the triathlon scene. It seemed like the overwhelming percentage of bikes at Ironman were Cervelo. Those who know me know that I march to the beat of my own drum. Riding a bike everyone else has is not high on “my favorite things to do” list. So over the years I just grew this subtle and sometimes not so subtle resentment and disgust against Cervelo. I know they make good bikes. But to me that wasn’t the issue, it was they look ugly to me and everyone, and I mean everyone seems to have one.

So in some disbelief with myself I agreed to ride a demo. I was intrigued to see what all the buzz was about. My first ride was on a Saturday morning group ride in preparation for our upcoming LOTOJA race. There was probably about 25 people out on this group ride. It was a lot of fun and I found myself happy as a clam to be among such good friends. The ride itself was hard for me. I am still recovering from some injuries I sustained during the Race Across the West and only recently been able to bike at all. With my resulting fitness in the toilet, the hot Arizona summer sun beating the life out of any cyclist, and my new weightless/dieting habits of late, I felt like I was riding on an empty tank. Just had nothing left to give that Saturday. My HR was out of control even in the draft. I knew I was doomed when I didn’t have any fuel on board and our supposed “aerobic” training ride went anaerobic in the first few minutes.

Cervelo S3 TWJ
Cervelo S3 and the Bike Accident Attorneys Truck

Notwithstanding the personal setbacks that can make or break a ride, I was struck by this S3. The most prominent feature of the bike in my mind that Saturday was the electric shifting. Whoa! It was shifting like a hot knife through butter with extreme surgical precision. It was a difference I could immediately feel and fall in love with. I had never tried electronic shifting before. Every bike I had owned was mechanical with traditional cables, etc. Sadly, I have never experienced so much joy and satisfaction in shifting before this experience and I can confidently say I will never be satisfied with anything but electronic shifting in the future. I have heard the new SRAM eTap is pretty impressive… so far I have only tried Di2 and it was amazing.

I eventually abandoned the group ride and rode home solo trying to keep my HR under better control. In these moments I began to feel other aspects of the bike that I couldn’t notice before since I was so enamored by the Di2. The S3 is supposed to be a stiff and aero race bike with some level of comfort above and beyond it’s older and faster brother the Cervelo S5. According to studies, the S3 is only 4 watts slower in wind tunnel testing than the S5 and yet it offers more comfort. 4 watts? That is definitely a small enough number that the average cyclist can’t even tell a difference. To be honest, I didn’t notice the comfort part of the S3. It is a stiff and fast aero bike. Comfort is not really what a bike like the S3 is known for. I can imagine the S5 comparing out on the speed side of things as equally fast and more uncomfortable… Just a guess – I have not tried an S5 yet.

On Monday morning I took it out again for the last time. I did about a 40 mile ride with some hard interval work mixed in. Towards the end of the ride my coach had instructed me to do some seated sprinting drills. This is where I felt this bike excel. Even hurt, fat and out of shape I was able to keep up or beat other cyclists on the ride that day. This bike was undoubtedly fast. It was then that I realized Cervelo isn’t all that bad. 😉 But seriously, the first ride I felt horrible and was more enthralled with the Di2 than anything else. On the second ride I paid closer attention to the bike itself and what it could or couldn’t do. The S3 is definitely not your best climbing bike – although it can climb as good as you can pedal it; but rather the S3 is designed for speed work. It is a fast bike. It gets up to speed and stays up to speed seemingly easily. When combined with the Di2 you end up with a flawlessly shifting race machine. I admit, I must eat some crow here. The S3 was a great bike and a very fun bike to ride.

Not sure I would recommend a bike like this for long distance ultra cycling. But for the casual or semi enthusiastic cyclist who wants to be fast over shorter distances, this bike is likely one of the better bikes you can get for the money. I believe they are between $5k-$6k out the door at MSRP with Ultegra Di2. That is pretty impressive.

I will say this though, if I ever own a Cervelo, it will likely be the S3. But before it comes to my house that thing needs to be painted in a high vis or fluorescent yellow. The plain blakc with red accents is the only color that bike comes in and I am definitely into the bright neon colors. Overall, great bike! Two Thumbs up for sure. Thanks Larry and Two Wheel Jones Gilbert for the opportunity to demo an amazing bike.

Cervelo site/link to the S3 with product description and specs/details: https://www.cervelo.com/en/road/s-series/s3

Arizona bicycle crash and bicycle accident lawyer Ben Dodge

Ben-&-BikeA bicycle crash is not always an accident. If you, or someone you know were injured in a bicycle crash or accident caused by a road hazard or dangerous road condition, 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. Home based out of the great state of Arizona, Ben can still help cyclists in the entire United States. Ben also founded Bike Accident Attorneys Network, a national network of attorneys who focus on representing cyclists. Ben can find you help anywhere in the country.

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. Having competed in 8 Ironman triathlons, numerous local and national cycling races, and a successful finish in the Race Across the West, 2016, he really knows what it is like to ride and race a bike. The day he fell in love with his job was the day he devoted himself completely to bicycle accident cases.

Ben represents cyclists injured in bicycle accidents, at the police station, with insurance companies, and in the courts. He advocates for the rights of all cyclists, not just his clients. He teaches the police about bike laws and bike safety, he educates drivers about the rules of the road, and he trains cyclists and clubs to ride more safely.

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. 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, the Bicycle Lawyer today at 1.855.663.3922. Reach him by fax at 1.800.958.8902.

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

His main Arizona 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

Tucson Arizona office
One South Church Avenue, 12th Floor
Tucson, Arizona 85701

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.

What is the Proper Cycling Cadence?

Everyone who knows me knows I am by no stretch of the imagination good at cycling. However, I do love it and have been around the block a time or two. I have loved riding and racing bicycles for several years now and have a wall of race numbers, jerseys, and medals to show some of my experience. This background leads those newer cyclists I come across to to ask questions. I love answering questions as it causes me to think about it and really come up with as good an answer as I am capable of. Typically asking a pro cyclist or even better a pro cycling coach is the approach I would take…

I have had quite a few questions lately about cadence and why its so important or what is the optimal cadence. In fact, my dad has recently picked up cycling and has gone so far as to start racing a bit. He has signed up with my team to race LOTOJA this year. He is excited to say the say the least. It was a recent conversation with him that led me to write an email to him and our team about cadence. Thought I’d share it here:

“In today’s LOTOJA training we did some leg speed/cadence drills to increase our leg speed and make some muscle memory and neurological connections to our leg speed. Let me first say that I really don’t know much here. As most of you already know, I am just a fan of cycling and a guy who likes to ride my bike. I am not – nor will I ever be a pro cyclist or a coach. I do enjoy however learning from the various articles, websites, and coaches I have had over the years. So here is a cadence 101 in a nutshell (for more advanced cadence topics you’ll have to hit google). As an aside, I believe watching cadence and heart rate is one of the most important things to be mindful of when riding/training/racing. I have a power meter and I love everything I learn form that. However, the best money a cyclist can invest is in a good cadence sensor and HR monitor. Power meters are great – but you can train amazingly without one.

 

Ben Dodge Bicycle Lawyer
Ben Dodge Bicycle Lawyer

What is cadence? Cadence = leg speed. Your speed on your bike is equal to the amount of force applied to the pedals multiplied by the amount of revolutions in a given time you can pedal. Thus, in a simple way – the faster you can pedal the faster you can go (gearing of course being very important to this equation).

So what then is the most optimal cadence? That depends. It depends on whether you are climbing, sprinting, descending, etc. Mostly, it depends on you. Wait, what? It depends on me? Yep. There has been some recent research that suggests the most efficient cadence is self selected based on how you feel. However, most of us are too rookie to figure that out. Most pros still rely on coaches to tell them what cadence to pedal at any given time in a race. For most cyclists the optimal cadence is around 88-92 RPM. My coach, Anna, also tells me this. Of course when I climb its understandable for that cadence to drop and she expects a cadence of 75 or higher.

What makes cadence so optimal? Why should I focus on cadence was a cyclist when I ride, train, or race? The answer is awesome. When you are pedaling at a slower rate, i.e. a lower cadence, then you are using more of your muscular system and leg strength to move the pedals. Muscle strength doesn’t last that long and you can end up feeling the burn inside of an hour or less at times. Not sure about that? Go try it out – get on your bike and find a decent hill. Shift into a hard gear and pedal at about 50 RPMs and then see how long before your legs give out. Now try it again another day but shift into an easier gear and spin up the hill at a faster cadence. When doing this you end up using less of your muscular strength and more of your cardio vascular strength. Why should we put more strain on our cardio system rather than our muscular system? Our cardiovascular strength is only limited by it’s capacity not what it has done already. It merely needs oxygen that it then takes and disseminates to all of the muscles. Every ridden hard and taxed your cardio system where you are out of breath, then in a few minutes or hours you are ready to go again? Yep, we all have. Yet, go to the gym and do 200 squats and you’ll be hurting for days in your legs. Every time you try to sit down you will wince in pain.

The point here is that you can be a much more efficient cyclist infinitely capable of more by using your cardio vascular system more than your leg strength. Of course there is need for both! Just be wise by not taxing your legs more than necessary. Be mindful of your cadence and you can go faster longer. In the mean time, build up your cardio capacity (i.e. your aerobic and anaerobic systems) when you ride. Train smart, not just hard. Combining the strength from both your muscular and cardio systems is what makes you a winner.

Hope that helped some of you new to cycling and cadence. Have fun. Train smart. Be safe.

-Ben”

Given how cheap cadence sensors are they ought to be a part of every cyclists’ investment. There truly is no greater data/number to keep track of for the price outside of heart rate. get one and watch your cycling efficiency improve.

Arizona bicycle crash and bicycle accident lawyer Ben Dodge

Ben-&-BikeA bicycle crash is not always an accident. If you, or someone you know were injured in a bicycle crash or accident caused by a road hazard or dangerous road condition, 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. Home based out of the great state of Arizona, Ben can still help cyclists in the entire United States. Ben also founded Bike Accident Attorneys Network, a national network of attorneys who focus on representing cyclists. Ben can find you help anywhere in the country.

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. Having competed in 8 Ironman triathlons, numerous local and national cycling races, and a successful finish in the Race Across the West, 2016, he really knows what it is like to ride and race a bike. The day he fell in love with his job was the day he devoted himself completely to bicycle accident cases.

Ben represents cyclists injured in bicycle accidents, at the police station, with insurance companies, and in the courts. He advocates for the rights of all cyclists, not just his clients. He teaches the police about bike laws and bike safety, he educates drivers about the rules of the road, and he trains cyclists and clubs to ride more safely.

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. 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, the Bicycle Lawyer today at 1.855.663.3922. Reach him by fax at 1.800.958.8902.

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

His main Arizona 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

Tucson Arizona office
One South Church Avenue, 12th Floor
Tucson, Arizona 85701

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.

Ben Dodge Interview on Mental Toughness and the Race Across the West

Podcast ImageJoe Fairless is an up and coming real estate super star. He hosts the longest running daily national podcast, it’s titled Best Real Estate Investing Advice Ever. With well over a million downloads already, his show is among the highest rated investing podcasts in iTunes. Some previous guests have included Barbara Corcoran from Shark Tank, Dean Graziosi a NY Times best selling author, Robert Kiyosaki the author of Rich Dad, Poor Dad, and others. While focusing on real estate investing he inspires his listeners throughout the country with a variety of skills and topics that can help any professional achieve more. Recently Joe and I were introduced through a mutual friend who shared with him my experience of the Race Across the West. I was interviewed on his Skill-set Sunday episode for mental toughness, determination, and persistence. Qualities that he and I find helpful in a professional atmosphere. Fun little interview and I appreciated the opportunity to share a tiny bit of my story.

Podcast Interview of Ben Dodge on Mental Toughness & the Race Across the West by Joe Fairless

 

Link to the Joe Fairless website with audio podcast link and interview info: Race Across the West | Mental Toughness Interview with Ben Dodge by Joe Fairless

Arizona bicycle crash and bicycle accident lawyer Ben Dodge

Ben-&-BikeA bicycle crash is not always an accident. If you, or someone you know were injured in a bicycle crash or accident caused by a road hazard or dangerous road condition, 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. Home based out of the great state of Arizona, Ben can still help cyclists in the entire United States. Ben also founded Bike Accident Attorneys Network, a national network of attorneys who focus on representing cyclists. Ben can find you help anywhere in the country.

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.

Ben represents cyclists injured in bicycle accidents, at the police station, with insurance companies, and in the courts. He advocates for the rights of all cyclists, not just his clients. He teaches the police about bike laws and bike safety, he educates drivers about the rules of the road, and he trains cyclists and clubs to ride more safely.

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. 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, the Bicycle Lawyer today at 1.855.663.3922. Reach him by fax at 1.800.958.8902.

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

His main Arizona 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

Tucson Arizona office
One South Church Avenue, 12th Floor
Tucson, Arizona 85701

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.

How to get out of a Cycling Slump

Ever have one of those days when you’re riding along in the group ride and you silently pray for more red lights? Or you’re silent expression for a flat tire (a safe flat) so the group has to stop. Yep, me too. In fact, I had one of those days today. So what do you do when you feel like you might be in a cycling slump? Read on…

Having just successfully finished the epic and ridiculously challenging Race Across the West (RAW), my body and maybe part of my heart, is screaming at me to stay in bed and take another day off. RAW was 930.4 grueling but beautiful miles of nearly non stop bike racing. Completing it in approximately 86 hours and with much difficulty, I welcomed a break. The start of this race was at the famous Oceanside pier in CA. The time trial style start was on Tuesday afternoon at about 12pm and cyclists were sent off every 60 seconds. I believe I started around 12:30-ish. It wasn’t until Saturday morning around 2-3am I finally arrived in Durango CO. Finishing RAW meant taking nominal rest breaks for a few minutes here or there and staying on the bike for the duration of the event. The cut off time was 92 hours if you wanted to be counted as an official finisher. It was a wild adventure. Unforgettable to say the least and impacted my life forever.

Completing something challenging can “take it out” of you, so “they” say. “They” – whoever they are – are absolutely right! The longer and harder you train for something the more it demanding it can be. Demanding on your time, your job, your family, your body! The price we pay as athletes, professionals, ultra cyclists, basically whatever you want to excel at – can certainly deplete your operating capital. What do I mean by capital? I mean your literal ability to operate effectively and happily. Both your tangible and intangible capital can be over drawn or so heavily taxed that you find yourself in what many modern philosopher types call a slump.

The infamous SLUMP can be found in your cycling, your relationships, your employment, and really just about anywhere you overdraw your bank account of operating capital. You can hit your slump in the days, weeks, or months of dedicated hard work prior to your main event; or it can creep in the immediate days and weeks following your event.

In my case, I had trained for months and months for RAW. I knew that only a handful or two of cyclists finish this race every year. I wanted to be numbered among the few that have completed it. The months of training took a toll. I often woke up between 3am-4am to squeeze the training miles in before the work day started. My focus on RAW was intense and solidly based in my personal aspirations of finishing. I was persistent, dedicated, and determined beyond an average goal. This was once in a life time for me. This was a bucket list experience. I vowed to do whatever it takes to finish, whatever it takes. So in these training months I paid a price. I made daily deposits into my bank account of me ever increasing my mental toughness for this challenge but also making daily withdrawals of my personal operating capital.

Eventually the race was over (race recap coming soon in separate blog post) and the reality of the price I had paid set in. My personal operating capital was depleted, and maybe even overdrawn. My emotional (one of the intangible forms of capital) capital was bouncing from high to low back to high and then low again. On one hand I was ecstatic that I actually finished RAW. I was one of the few that had toughed it out and made it. On the other hand, my physical injuries and damage (a tangible form of capital) sustained from the race taxed my positive outlook. The physical price I had paid, and 6 weeks later I am still paying, was severe and something I had not quite anticipated.

DSC_0566
Ben Dodge during Race Across the West in Monument Valley.

During the race I had developed some significant pulmonary edema and it intensified to where my breathing was so restricted I felt claustrophobic for the first time in my life. I began seeing spots and could hardly gasp a single breath. The intensity of the lack of air came at about 600 miles. But long before that I started paying a much steeper price. The very first night I had started violently throwing up. I mean puking so hard my esophagus declared war on me. Later with the pulmonary edema and the mucus hacking I had wretched so violently in the days leading up to this that I began hacking up blood and my breathing was very very off. In fact, in the couple of days after the race I had passed out 3 times in the shower with complete loss of control over my body. I still remember how scary that felt as each of those episodes crept up and I was defenseless. For the 10 days immediately following the race it hurt to even swallow water. The ER doctors thought I had wretched so badly that I tore my esophagus. Luckily it wasn’t torn, but severely inflamed. Additionally, I lost feeling in my hands after the first 30 hours or so. The rest of the race I couldn’t hardly zip up a zipper let alone grip anything very well. I ended up just resting my hands on the handlebars and hoped for the best. 6 weeks later my hands are still very numb and I have no feeling in my pinky and ring fingers in each of my hands. I can’t even open up a bottle of water at the house without some help from my spouse.

Screenshot 2016-08-02 16.55.24That wasn’t the worst part. I actually lost complete control of my neck muscles right outside of Tuba City Arizona. I had zero ability to hold my head up any longer. This was extremely painful. My faithful crew devised a way to prop my head up with a rolled up blanket jammed under my chin held in place with some medical gauze tied behind my head. This allowed me to continue pedaling and eventually allowed me to finish the race. I rode with this pain for approximately 400+ miles and another 45+ hours. 6 weeks later I still have trouble holding my head for long and I have consistent and daily neck pain. I often go around town or to work with a neck brace. What is my point? My point here is that I paid a heavy and very tangible price. The physical operating capital was very overdrawn. My bank account of me had been depleted, had been overdrawn. I found myself in a cycling slump.

My cycling slump crept up on me. At first I felt (and still feel) justified in my need and desire to stay off the bike to recover. I have many more races on my calendar this year and I need(ed) to recover before I started riding again or I could risk further damage or even prolong my recovery. So with some reasonable feelings of contentment I stayed away from my bike. After all, I had just finished RAW and felt like I deserved a break. It didn’t take long to notice my eating habits grew grossly out of control. My desire to ride had diminished. My ability to ride had vanished thanks to my overdrawn physical capital account. Eventually I noticed something scary… I was in a slump. “How did this happen” I asked myself. I thought for sure that something like this only happened to other people, not to me. I was wrong.

For me, I just decided to ride and keep riding until I rode right out of my slump. My slump was in the form of not riding, so it made sense to me that I should start riding again to correct it. Other slumps may be in the form of riding too much, so perhaps taking a break would help. Other slumps may manifest as a plateau in your training or cycling goals so maybe the solution is to ramp up your intensity and dedication. I have been through many forms of cycling slumps and the proposed solutions seemed to work for me. I would welcome any comments or ideas on your slumps and how you got out. I bet we all hit different cycling slumps, and the more years we ride the more versions of these slumps we will encounter.

Today I couldn’t hardly keep up with the group.It had been 6 weeks since I went on a “real” ride. My fitness is gone. My neck still hurts. And it even rained on us a bit out there. So what, I loved it. I loved being back out there. I loved the group of friends I was riding with. So even though I was breathing like I had never ridden a bike, I was so happy to be out there again. I was secretly hoping for every red light and maybe even for a flat tire because I am so out of shape… but at the end of the day I rode right out my “cycling slump.”

Arizona bicycle crash and bicycle accident lawyer Ben Dodge

Ben-&-BikeA bicycle crash is not always an accident. If you, or someone you know were injured in a bicycle crash or accident caused by a road hazard or dangerous road condition, 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. Home based out of the great state of Arizona, Ben can still help cyclists in the entire United States. Ben also founded Bike Accident Attorneys Network, a national network of attorneys who focus on representing cyclists. Ben can find you help anywhere in the country.

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.

Ben represents cyclists injured in bicycle accidents, at the police station, with insurance companies, and in the courts. He advocates for the rights of all cyclists, not just his clients. He teaches the police about bike laws and bike safety, he educates drivers about the rules of the road, and he trains cyclists and clubs to ride more safely.

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. 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, the Bicycle Lawyer today at 1.855.663.3922. Reach him by fax at 1.800.958.8902.

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

His main Arizona 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

Tucson Arizona office
One South Church Avenue, 12th Floor
Tucson, Arizona 85701

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.

Crack in the Road: Cyclist? Sorry We Only Pay For Motorists to Have Safe Roads.

Crack in the road
Dangerous Crack in the Road “Not Worth Fixing for Cyclists” According to ADOT

Crack in the Road Bicycle Crash

I just ended a telephone call with an adjuster for the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) regarding a bicycle crash my client suffered from a road that was poorly maintained. In fact, this road wasn’t maintained at all. Guess what he told me – as if I was surprised to even hear it: “The cyclist is at fault and should have seen the crack or at the very least been able to handle riding on a road with cracks since we don’t maintain these roads for cyclists. We maintain them for cars. If your cyclist has a problem with the road conditions then he should ride somewhere else.” WHOA! Not really surprised by this anti-cyclist approach to the problem, but still disturbed at his response I dug in and pressed for more of his ridiculous explanations. He went on: “Most of the funding we get is only for motorists. I can’t go around and pay out money to make cyclists whole every time they fall down because of a crack in the road. There are cracks all over and the cars seem to go over them just fine.” It’s as if he was declaring war on cyclists stating if a car can go over the crack so should we, or we should just avoid them by riding around on roads that don’t have cracks.

We have all been riding along a shoulder and have encountered some pretty nasty cracks or broken up sections of road. Most times we somehow navigate those dangerous road conditions with some luck and avoid terrible wrecks. But sometimes, there is nothing we can do and the giant crack in the road appears out of nowhere and instantly we are going head over heels in a full on tumbling session with a now mangled bike and several broken bones. Sometimes road conditions, traffic, road debris, can all appear very suddenly and force us to cross over a dangerous crack with little choice on our part as cyclists. In those moments we find ourselves holding our breaths and praying we survive. Cracks in the road can cause severe physical injury to a cyclist. They are not always avoidable or even seen until its far too late. Worse, many of the cracks seem to only exist in the shoulder area where cyclists are expected” to ride.

ADOT logo squareDangerous road conditions for cyclists may not be so dangerous for motorists. However, until ADOT sees that poor road maintenance can lead to more dollars spent on cyclists injuries than on the road maintenance itself then they will continue to ignore the problem or blame the cyclists for it. It’s always about the money. Yes, its always about the money. The ADOT adjuster informed me that he wouldn’t mind fixing the roads if someone paid for it but he definitely minds paying for cyclists who wreck because of the roads – blaming the cyclists for riding on the roads in the first place.

In my client’s case we didn’t take no for an answer. It was a relatively small case with not very many medical bills in injuries. Yet he and I are very aware of the problem here in Arizona with ADOT and took the case for the principle of it to bring more awareness to the poor road conditions that exist throughout the state for cyclists. After originally denying liability they have finally succumbed to  pay for all of his medical bills, replace his bicycle, and pay some money into his own pocket for pain and suffering. I doubt the road will be fixed and I’m guessing another cyclist may fall victim to this same road hazard someday. I’m also convinced that ADOT would have spent significantly less on fixing the road than paying out on my client’s claim. How many more of these crack in the road cases will it take before they start paving better roads and better road maintenance? I intend on helping pave the way case by case until we see results.

Arizona bicycle accident lawyer Ben Dodge

Ben-&-BikeIf you, or someone you know were injured in a bicycle accident caused by a road hazard or dangerous road condition, 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. Home based out of the great state of Arizona, Ben can still help cyclists in the entire United States.

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.

Ben represents cyclists injured in bicycle accidents, at the police station, with insurance companies, and in the courts. He advocates for the rights of all cyclists, not just his clients. He teaches the police about bike laws and bike safety, he educates drivers about the rules of the road, and he trains cyclists and clubs to ride more safely.

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. 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, the Bicycle Lawyer today at 1.855.663.3922. Reach him by fax at 1.800.958.8902.

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

His main Arizona 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

Tucson Arizona office
One South Church Avenue, 12th Floor
Tucson, Arizona 85701

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.

 

Everything A Cyclist Should Know About Medical Liens in a Bicycle Crash Case

Medical Liens in Your Bicycle Crash Case

Have you ever been asked whether or not you want the good or the bad news first? Often when it comes down to medical liens in your bicycle accident case there is only bad news and worse news with the occasional AWESOME news!

Lets break it down with some very basic info and examples. But first, every cyclist should know the bad news, the worse news, and the awesome news:

  1. Bad News: In general you will be dealing with multiple types of liens resulting from your bicycle accident case. Each type of lien has different rules and an experienced bicycle lawyer can help navigate this for you.
  2. Worse News: Valid liens must be paid prior to you or your attorney getting paid. If there are NO liens then you may be held responsible for paying the medical bills on your own.
  3. Awesome News: Some liens can be invalidated and therefore do not get paid. Typically all liens can be negotiated to lower amounts with an experienced bicycle lawyer.

Injured Cyclist Hypothetical Fact Pattern: So a cyclist is hit by a car and gets injured pretty badly. The cyclist is transported to the hospital via ambulance (or helicopter, etc.). The hospital treats the cyclist in the ER and then moves them upstairs for a few days where multiple surgeries take place. Upon discharge from the hospital the cyclist appropriately seeks treatment with his/her own doctors for chiropractic care, massages, physical therapy, and maybe even additional/follow up surgical procedures. Finally the treatment is done and your bicycle lawyer settled your case with the insurance company. What happens next?

Identify the Liens

Lets identify the liens in your case. If you are on Medicare then “congratulations” your liens are a difficult mess and must be handled carefully. There are lots of specific rules here that we won’t get into in order to keep things simple. Let me say this, Medicare has a special priority lien on a federal level. The good news is that they pay small contracted amounts to the medical providers and in Arizona the balance of that bill is off the table for collection and payment! In other words, there is no “balance billing” allowed and an experienced bicycle lawyer can get your Medicare lien reduced even further and the balance of your bill wiped away. The good news here is that when Medicare is involved they are typically the only lien holder (so long as they are the ones paying for all of the medical treatment).

If you are not on Medicare then you will be dealing with other types of liens. Of course, the transportation service (i.e. ambulance or helicopter, etc.) may have a lien as well. Some ambulance companies don’t lien at all, while others do. Either way lets break it down a bit further.

Starting with the hospitals and the doctors. A.R.S. 33-931 makes the business of liens in Arizona a statutory affair. 33-931 basically declares that any and all persons or companies providing medical treatment to you as an injured cyclist is entitled to place a lien on the proceeds of your settlement. Further, the lien granted by 33-931 extends to all claims of liability except health insurance and Underinsured or Uninsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM proceeds). So lets assume that the driver who hit you only has $15,000 of insurance coverage. As lame as that sounds that is actually a common issue in Arizona. But your medical bills are $175,000 ($100K in Hospital and Ambulance services + $75k in all other doctors) – all $175,000 has liens. You were smart and bought UM/UIM coverage under your automobile policy (And yes, UM/UIM auto insurance covers you on your bicycle so long as you are hit by a car!). Your UM/UIM is $250,000.

Is the Medical Lien Perfected?

The basic gist in this pretend scenario is that your bills of $175,000 may only be paid out of the $15,000 thanks to A.R.S. 33-931 and may not tap into the $250,000 UM/UIM. There are some notable exceptions, and of course the statutory reimbursement rights of medical providers just can’t be that easy. Lets review some of the rules pertaining to when medical liens are valid or invalid.

  1. The lien must be perfected or it is invalid. A.R.S. 33-932
    1. Among MANY other requirements (i.e. specific names, dates, amounts, etc.) there is a strict 30 day rule. The medical provider must record it’s lien within 30 days of providing the last treatment to you as the injured cyclist.
    2. Hospital & Ambulance Service Exception: the 30 day rule is waived and altered for hospitals and ambulances. They merely have to record the lien 30 days prior to the case settlement date or judgment payment date. A.R.S. 33-932(D).
  2. R.S. 33-931 & 33-932 Only applies to medical care providers and not to injured cyclist’s own health insurance, Medicare, or AHCCCS, etc. Health insurance liens are entirely different.

Medical LiensPerfecting a lien in AZ is tricky business. Lets get back to our story and highlight a few facts to better explain how this lien could go several ways. So now you have your settlement totaling $265K ($15K from the driver + $250K from your own UM/UIM insurance coverage). The hospital and ambulance liens are $100K and the other doctors are $75K. Lets assume that all of your medical providers strictly complied with the lien requirements and timely perfected their liens. In this example all $175K is only subject to the $15K with no balance billing to the UM/UIM. And any amounts wherein a lien was not timely filed would be subtracted from the $175 and declared invalid by your experienced bicycle lawyer.

Do I have to Reimburse my Health Insurance Because of a Subrogation Lien?

More common is the fact that your own health insurance is notified by the medical provider (and in some cases by you) that you are seeking treatment. This is a wise idea so that the Medical providers to bill you directly for the services they provide. Remember that lien or no lien you are responsible for paying for the medical services you receive. A lien simply makes a portion of those funds mandatory to pay before you get paid when the case settles.

If and when your health insurance pays the hospital for its services, there will be a balance created between the medical provider’s (hospital, doctor, etc.) bill/lien and the amount your health insurance actually paid. Your health insurance is entitled to reimbursement for the monies it paid out on your behalf when a 3rd party (i.e. the driver) is responsible for the bike crash. This is called a subrogation lien. Unlike the other liens we discussed so far, a subrogation lien can collect from the UM/UIM portion of the proceeds!

Subrogation liens are also tricky business as they are typically federal in nature and fall under the ERISA statutes. ERISA sec 502(a)(3)(b) grants a civil enforcement action – a.k.a. a reimbursement action for payment on medical services by your health insurance. There are a ton of complicated ERISA issues your attorney must understand before dealing with an ERISA lien including such things as whether or not the plan was self funded, etc. These variables may invalidate the subrogation lien your health insurance is claiming.

So in our little story if the $175K in liens totaled approximately $125K in subrogation liens (just a hypothetical) then your settlement of $265K can be tapped for the full amount of $175K since the subrogation liens apply to UM/UIM proceeds. Of course, an experience bicycle lawyer will negotiate those liens down for you and not just blindly pay them out. That way there is always more money for you the client – which goes right in your pocket. That is the awesome news!

If there are no valid subrogation liens, or your insurance company has not notified you and/or your attorney of a lien then you may cautiously proceed with settlement disbursement with appropriate waivers in place so long as you and your attorney understand the risks. If you or your attorney decide to inform your health insurance company that the treatment sought was due to a bicycle accident where a 3rd party (the at fault driver) is responsible for paying then you may open yourself up to adding a subrogation lien when arguably there may not have been one that existed until you notified them. Many attorneys advise their clients to proceed with notification of settlement to their health insurance company so as to not risk a lawsuit later to collect on an ERISA reimbursement (i.e. Subrogation lien).

What Do I Do if I Get Medical Bills in the Mail? How Will My Bills be Paid Until My Case Settles?

Surprisingly this happens often. Your choices are actually quite simple, perhaps not comfortable, but simple. You should understand first that the at fault driver’s insurance company could careless if you are getting billed by your doctors and hospitals. They will not pay these bills during your treatment and will only maybe pay them after your done seeing ALL of your doctors. So what happens to the bills you keep getting in the mean time? Just as in any other billing or collection effort, sadly you are initially responsible for handling your medical bills. Your options are:

  1. Pay them your self. Retain all receipts and submit them to your attorney who will argue for reimbursement of these expenses on your behalf as part of your case. This is unrealistic for most clients.
  2. Submit them to your health insurance and have them cover your expenses. This of course may result in a subrogation lien, but at least you are not initially out of pocket. Keep track of all your co-pays and deductibles as you are entitled to reimbursement of those expenses and costs as well.
  3. Contract with doctors who will work on a lien basis for you. In other words, the personal injury industry is well established and there are medical providers who see patients and hold off on their billing until your case settles. They then they get paid out of the proceeds of your settlement based on their liens they put in place. And, as is typical, their liens will most likely be negotiated.
  4. Apply for a loan against your projected personal injury settlement which you can then use for payment of your medical expenses. I have serious reservations about this option as the case is rarely so easy to determine value. Worse, your loan comes at a cost of interest, fess, etc. that these industry specific injury loan companies love to charge. Most often the loans are not easy to get either.
  5. Do nothing and go into collections. Bill collectors begin calling, and doing their thing. Eventually when you receive your settlement proceeds you can begin paying them.

Medical Liens in Your Bicycle Accident Case Conclusion

In conclusion, liens are a tricky business and best handled by an experienced bicycle lawyer. You may end up with Medicare liens, Medical Provider liens, subrogation liens, lien perfection and timing issues, and more. Be sure that the liens are fully dealt with prior to accepting any money in your case from your attorney. Insist that you see proof of payment and a balance sheet showing the total funds disbursed and to whom. Liens can bring bad news, worse news, and sometimes awesome news!

Arizona based bicycle accident lawyer Ben Dodge

Ben-&-BikeIf 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. Home based out of the great state of Arizona, Ben can still help cyclists in the entire United States.

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.

Ben represents cyclists injured in bicycle accidents, at the police station, with insurance companies, and in the courts. He advocates for the rights of all cyclists, not just his clients. He teaches the police about bike laws and bike safety, he educates drivers about the rules of the road, and he trains cyclists and clubs to ride more safely.

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. 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, the Bicycle Lawyer today at 1.855.663.3922. Reach him by fax at 1.800.958.8902.

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

His main Arizona 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

Tucson Arizona office
One South Church Avenue, 12th Floor
Tucson, Arizona 85701

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.

Legal EPO | What Every Cyclist Should Know About The Controversial Performance Boost.

What are the 3 most controversial letters in cycling? Without a doubt you can ask Lance Armstrong or his haters and get the same answer: EPO. Many in the cycling world want to credit Armstrong’s seven Tour de France titles to his blood doping habit and scandal with EPO. At the risk of sounding like I support Lance Armstrong in his decision to dope (which I can never do; doping is absolutely ridiculous) I truly feel like even if he wasn’t doping he would likely have still won those seven titles.

But what’s worse is that new research released hints that use of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO – a.k.a. blood doping, EPO, etc.) in elite cyclists such as Armstrong isn’t likely to increase performance any ways. A new study published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology conducted by some Dutch scientists confirms that EPO use among elite athletes has very little effect in performance if any effect at all.

So what does EPO do exactly? rHuEPO became an endurance athlete’s drug of choice after it was shown to increase red blood cell mass and exercise capacity in patients suffering from anemia from chronic kidney disease. This resulting boost to the oxygen uptake (VO2max) could help performance in endurance athletes.

Why is it likely that it didn’t help Lance Armstrong? The math concept behind EPO is plain enough: increased oxygen in your muscles = improved performance. Simply because an elite athlete is at a fitness level very different than that of a patient suffering with anemia from chronic kidney disease. Elite athletes already have such a high VO2max that EPO can only effect a small change in oxygen uptake therefore having a little effect on performance. It would be like trying to warm a bucket of cold water by adding a single drop of hot water.

The Dutch scientists found that the VO2max in elite athletes was already 50%-100% higher than those in normal healthy young people. Also, VO2max in elite athletes plateaus while performance continues to improve through other factors such as muscle capillary density muscle metabolic adaptations, efficient biomechanics, and more. So any increase in VO2max was of negligible performance gain.

DopingWhat’s worse? In fact, the Dutch found that using EPO carried significant and harmful side effects that could negatively effect an elite athlete’s performance such as Hypertension, Clots, and Inflammation. It would appear based on this research that elite athletes should shy away from EPO as the risks far outweigh any performance gain they can hope to achieve.

So what about those of us who are not elite like Lance Armstrong? The Dutch authors note that moderately trained athletes can improve performance through a variety of factors, including a boost to VO2max. So for those of you who are average cyclists and want to get faster EPO may work very well for you.

Wait, but I thought EPO was illegal? It is. Doping is definitely illegal. There are legal EPO style of supplements that can help boost your cycling performance. One my personal favorites is beet juice. That is right. Nitrate free beets are natures very own EPO drug! A study showed that cyclists drinking a half liter of beetroot juice prior to cycling exercise made them 3% faster and increased their power output as well as their ratio of power output to oxygen expenditure. Great news except beet juice can taste awful or the amount of beets you have to have on hand to take it daily can be crazy expensive. Fortunately there are many products on the market that have concentrated forms of beet juice, or beet juice powder. I personally like BeetElite carried in some local bicycle shops or widely available online.

Even more controversial is the new supplement out in the market called EPO-BOOST®. Meant to be taken daily and intentionally derived from the controversial cycling drug lingo “EPO”, this supplement claims to increase your naturally occurring EPO by 90% compared to their own study with a placebo group. A quick Google search of the product and you will see many athletes taking it and swearing by it. It is heavily marketed in the various cycling magazines and circles. All ingredients are in strict compliance with WADA, UCI, IOC, and NCAA rules thereby allowing athletes to pass drug testing.

Of course, the potency of this legal product EPO-BOOST® must inevitably be less than the illegal Lance Armstrong blood doping sort used in the Tour de France. And yet the same risks involved with EPO use are surely present as well as the same analysis for elite athletes.

I’m left to conclude that:

  1. Lance Armstrong would likely have won seven titles anyways.
  2. Illegal EPO use is not worth the risks for the marginal and very questionable performance gains.
  3. And finally, that for those of us who are not as elite as Lance Armstrong our performance can most certainly be improved in lots of ways that don’t include want-a-be EPO products but focus instead on disciplined training and eating habits. But for the heck of it we may actually see a boost in our performance from Beet Juice or products like EPO-BOOST®.

Arizona based bicycle accident lawyer Ben Dodge

Ben-&-BikeIf 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. Home based out of the great state of Arizona, Ben can still help cyclists in the entire United States.

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.

Ben represents cyclists injured in bicycle accidents, at the police station, with insurance companies, and in the courts. He advocates for the rights of all cyclists, not just his clients. He teaches the police about bike laws and bike safety, he educates drivers about the rules of the road, and he trains cyclists and clubs to ride more safely.

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. 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, the Arizona Bicycle Lawyer today at 1.855.663.3922. Reach him by fax at 1.800.958.8902.

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

His main Arizona 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

Tucson Arizona office
One South Church Avenue, 12th Floor
Tucson, Arizona 85701

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.

Texting While Driving is MORE Dangerous than Drinking & Driving

Did you know that according to the National Safety Council, texting while driving causes 1.6 million accidents per year?! And just think, that is only the accidents where someone actually reported texting. What about all of those accidents where a driver was distracted but never admits to texting? I’d guess that it would easily be double or more if accurately reported. Additionally, the Harvard Center for Risk Analysis Study found that 330,000 people were reported to be injured due to an accident involving a driver who was texting. And nearly 25% of all car accidents are caused by texting and driving. This is becoming a huge problem. I know I have to consciously think about not texting and driving. It literally takes restraint and self discipline. I often find myself in my truck driving down the road and I realize that in the quiet moments of driving I suddenly remember a ton of things I should be doing, people I should be following up with, etc. and the desire to shoot out a quick text is almost always present. It is simply not worth it. Lets all try and be less distracted, more focused, and more aware of bicycles while we are driving.

A cool info graphic with some pretty potent statistics about driving while texting; also nick named driving while intexticated, was published in 2012 by Kristin Marino. I loved it enough to republish it here with permission. I love how she states that once we understand how risky this behavior is we will realize that an OMG or LOL is never worth the risk while driving.

DWI: Driving While Intexticated
Originally published by and Courtesy of: http://www.onlineschools.com

Arizona based bicycle accident lawyer Ben Dodge

Ben-&-BikeIf 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. Home based out of the great state of Arizona, Ben can still help cyclists in the entire United States.

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.

Ben Dodge is a proud member of Bike Law. Bike Law is a national network of elite like minded bicycle accident attorneys founded in 1998. In concert with the mission of Bike Law, Ben represents cyclists injured in bicycle accidents, at the police station, with insurance companies, and in the courts. He advocates for the rights of all cyclists, not just his clients. He teaches the police about bike laws and bike safety, he educates drivers about the rules of the road, and he trains cyclists and clubs to ride more safely.

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. 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, the Arizona Bicycle Lawyer today at 1.855.663.3922. Reach him by fax at 1.800.958.8902.

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

His main Arizona 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

Tucson Arizona office
One South Church Avenue, 12th Floor
Tucson, Arizona 85701

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.

Funny James Corden Bike Lane Video & “Rich Old White Ladies”

Bicycle lanes are one of the incredibly important areas of the law that provides safety to cyclists. Many cyclists and concerned citizens are actively involved in their cities to try and get more bike lanes approved. Yet, in the city of Coronado there is a public group that went to town hall to fight the addition of more bike lanes. As if that is not a shame in and of it self, check out their reasons why more bike lanes in the city are bad. Then check out the comedian James Corden from the Late Late Show who does a great job of pointing out how absurd it is!

Their reasons:

  1. “We are covering Coronado with paint stripe pollution.”
  2. “The graffiti on the streets does not help our property values.” She seriously called bike lanes graffiti.
  3. “It brings to mind a visual cacophany that looks like, if you look there long enough, that it can induce a dizzying type of vertigo.” WOW! That is a mouthful. By the way a cacophany is: a harsh, discordant mixture of sounds.
  4. “For me its very similar to personally taking all three of my daughters to a tattoo parlor and having them completely body tattooed.” WHAT?! Hilarious.
  5. And from the mayor: “What the public wants they should get.”

The comedian points out that these people are trying to make a HUGE problem out of something that is really pretty absurd. He calls them “rich old white ladies.” Makes me wonder how much time they have if they can come together and try and argue that bike lanes are as offensive as tattoos, or are making people dizzy when you look at them, or are no better than graffiti, etc. That is just crazy.

Although a hilarious stand up act, it does highlight the problem we often face when trying to get new bicycle legislation. Alas, for your viewing pleasure:

 

Arizona based bicycle accident lawyer Ben Dodge

Ben-&-BikeIf 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. Home based out of the great state of Arizona, Ben can still help cyclists in the entire United States.

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.

Ben Dodge is a proud member of Bike Law. Bike Law is a national network of elite like minded bicycle accident attorneys founded in 1998. In concert with the mission of Bike Law, Ben represents cyclists injured in bicycle accidents, at the police station, with insurance companies, and in the courts. He advocates for the rights of all cyclists, not just his clients. He teaches the police about bike laws and bike safety, he educates drivers about the rules of the road, and he trains cyclists and clubs to ride more safely.

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. 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, the Arizona Bicycle Lawyer today at 1.855.663.3922. Reach him by fax at 1.800.958.8902.

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

His main Arizona 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

Tucson Arizona office
One South Church Avenue, 12th Floor
Tucson, Arizona 85701

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.

Bicycle Insurance – Why You Shouldn’t Leave Home Without It!

Ride Smart. Ride Safe. Ride Insured.

So you own a car worth $5,000 or more and that puppy is insured for sure. You own a bicycle for $2,500 or more (in most cases a lot more!), and you realize that you may even spend more time on your bike than you do driving your car. You realize that you might actually be at more risk and in more danger riding your bicycle than you are driving your car. Yet you don’t have bicycle insurance! This just doesn’t make any sense. There are over 2,000 reported bicycle accidents per year in just Arizona! Yes, that is reported accidents that involve a motor vehicle. What happens when you crash your bike – and there is no car involved, or the car drove off, or the driver doesn’t carry any/enough insurance? Who will pay to replace or repair it? Who will pay your medical bills? What happens if your bicycle is stolen? Who will pay for your new bike then? What about roadside assistance on your long rides? Who will pay for that? EXACTLY my point – bicycle insurance should be a must have for every cyclist and would cover you in all of these circumstances. Typically the cost of the insurance is cheap and can be just a couple hundred dollars per year!

Bicycle Race Accident

There are lots of bicycle wrecks each year that do not involve an at fault driver. There are lots of bicycle thefts each year as well. The accident can even be your fault and potentially you may still be covered. Most of us ride bicycles that worth well over $5,000; especially when you add nice wheels, shoes, helmet, lights, a Garmin computer, clothing, etc. Why the heck wouldn’t you want that insured in case of theft or accident? I know I would. I have all of my bikes insured and have actually had to use the policy as well. So glad I had the insurance when my bike was stolen!

Imagine that one day your riding along with your friends on a little group ride and you are enjoying every second of it when suddenly a cyclist in front of you or beside you decides to swerve to avoid a pot hole, or some road debris (or really anything you can imagine) and you wreck. You end up in the hospital and your bike is totaled. IF YOU HAD BIKE INSURANCE you wouldn’t have to worry about buying that new bike or even having to pay for all or any of your medical expenses. Imagine you go down in a criterium race or any other event including a MTB race or road race, or even a triathlon. With insurance your bike and your medical bills would be covered. How about a stolen bike or even a bike damaged during transportation to and from an event/ride? Again, your bicycle insurance would cover it.

There three major bicycle insurance companies doing business in the U.S. They are Velosurance, Big Ring Insurance, and Spoke Insurance. All three of them offer virtually the same style of coverage plans and options. Velosurance is underwritten by Markel and is therefore my personal top choice. Markel is a very large, well respected, and “A” rated insurance company in the U.S. I feel more secure knowing their long history and happily endorse them.

Here is a typical bicycle insurance coverage summary (this one from Velosurance):

Policy Coverage Home Owner Policy Renters Policy
Insured at Full Value Possibly Possibly Yes
Crash Damage No No Yes
Theft Coverage Limited Limited Yes
Theft Away From Home Possibly Possibly Yes
Vehicle Contact No No Yes
Personal Liability Possibly Possibly Yes
Replacement Bike Rental No No Yes
Event Fee Return No No Yes
Cycling Apparel Insured No No Yes
Medical Payments Possibly Possibly Yes
Racing Coverage No No Yes
Electric Assist Bicycles No No Yes
Bicycle Airline Shipping Coverage No No Yes

Here is a summary from Spoke insurance:

Bicycle Policy Coverage SPOKE Homeowners Renters Auto
Theft – From Home ✓ ✓ ✓ X
Theft – Away From Home ✓ ✓ ✓ X
Damage ✓ X X X
Liability ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Motor Vehicle Contact Protection ✓ X X ✓
Uninsured Motorist ✓ X X ✓
Hit and Run ✓ X X ✓
Medical Payments ✓ X X ✓
Racing Coverage ✓ X X X
Rental Reimbursement ✓ X X X
Accessories ✓ ✓ ✓ X
Roadside Assistance ✓ X X X
Free Partner Tow ✓ X X X
Electric Bicycles ✓ X X X
No Loss Renewal Discount ✓ X X X

Both coverage summaries are pretty identical and very typical. I recommend getting quotes from each of the companies and then comparing value, client experience, etc. to help make your final decision. At the end of the day the best advice I could give you is: buy as much insurance as you can afford! UIM/UM coverage on your auto policy along with an umbrella should ABSOLUTELY be a must. Bicycle insurance a no brainer. Again, buy as much as you can afford. It only takes one wreck to change your life for ever. Riding smart and safe while out on your bike would definitely include riding with insurance in my opinion.

The links to the three insurance companies are here:

velosurance logo

spoke-logo-sml

big ring logo

Arizona based bicycle accident lawyer Ben Dodge

Ben-&-BikeIf 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. Home based out of the great state of Arizona, Ben can still help cyclists in the entire United States.

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.

Ben Dodge is a proud member of Bike Law. Bike Law is a national network of elite like minded bicycle accident attorneys founded in 1998. In concert with the mission of Bike Law, Ben represents cyclists injured in bicycle accidents, at the police station, with insurance companies, and in the courts. He advocates for the rights of all cyclists, not just his clients. He teaches the police about bike laws and bike safety, he educates drivers about the rules of the road, and he trains cyclists and clubs to ride more safely.

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. 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, the Arizona Bicycle Lawyer today at 1.855.663.3922. Reach him by fax at 1.800.958.8902.

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

His main Arizona 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

Tucson Arizona office
One South Church Avenue, 12th Floor
Tucson, Arizona 85701

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.

How to Avoid and Treat Saddle Sores: The Love Nugget

It wasn’t until we were on our way back home from this 135 mile ride that I realized what I had so idiotically forgotten… chamois cream! How on earth could I forget such a basic ingredient to success for a long hot ride in the Arizona summer? A few of my friends and teammates are training for the longest single day USA Cycling sanctioned race in America. It is called LOTOJA. It is a 200+ mile race from Logan Utah to Jackson Wyoming and is literally in just a few weeks (September). This means that the bulk of our training rides are done in the Arizona summer heat. It’s fine by me, I hate the cold. I’d rather sweat than freeze to death. I am by far a desert rat and have come to love it. With this climate however, “hot spots” in your chamois or your feet, or anywhere else for that matter, become a common problem. Yet, saddle sores are something we can absolutely prevent and/or quickly treat.

My alarm went off at 1:55am Saturday morning. It felt like I haven’t even slept. Stumbling around the room trying to avoid waking up my wife and kids, I finally grab my bibs, heart rate monitor, jersey, socks, and cycling cap. Surely “I’m not forgetting anything” I thought as I have done these long training rides hundreds of times before. I quickly eat a bit for breakfast, grab my frozen water bottles I had prepared from the night before and head out to meet my crazy friends who were joining me on this ride. The ride was about 70 miles out to Globe Arizona from Gilbert Arizona, and then we would turn around and bike back. After all, we have a 200+ mile race in a few weeks we have been training for (LOTOJA).

The Globe training ride was truly epic with beautiful mountains, wild flowers, and very good climbing opportunities that presented exciting descents! We made great time and all felt pretty good. The only reason we started so early is because it is so dang hot here in August in Arizona that an early start time for a long ride in the summer is simply mandatory. Plus, we all have families and we need to be back home for Saturday soccer practice, etc. While we were cycling back home it suddenly came to me: “I forgot chamois cream”. Why did it suddenly come to me? Because I developed a saddle sore the size, depth, and hardness of a freaking golf ball! In fact, it was so giant that my cycling buddies nick named it “The Love Nugget.” Every pedal stroke began to hurt something fierce. I kept telling myself that I was the biggest idiot out there for not using chamois cream on a long ride; especially when the bibs and jersey I had chosen to wear was brand new. Seriously? What am I, some sort of rookie all of the sudden? This is BASIC CYCLING 101 and I had failed in a big way. Rookie mistake. I felt like a total idiot. It led me to think about my teammates and all the other cyclists who bike day in and day out here in Arizona. I wondered how many of them get saddle sores? How many are experienced cyclists vs. newbies? I started asking around. This is what I learned on how to avoid and how to treat a saddle sore:

How to Avoid and How to Treat Saddle Sores (Love Nuggets)

  1. It Just Happens. First and foremost it just happens sometimes to the best of us regardless of the techniques used below to avoid them. You should know that even the bravest and most experienced professional cyclists get saddle sores. Sometimes they just happen because we ride that often and treating them immediately is absolutely the most important thing you can do.
  2. Bike Fit: A proper and professional bike fit will go a long way in preventing saddle sores. Often cyclists who have been cycling a long time feel they can just eye ball a fit for their friends and call it good. Even just 1 millimeter off in saddle height, saddle angle, saddle forward and rearward positioning, or reach, stack height, etc. can all DRAMATICALLY affect your comfort level, power output and YES your proneness to getting a saddle sore. See a professional AND an experienced bike fitter for a proper fit of your bike. This is by far the most important 1st step in preventing saddle sores. A bike fit is not just for the pros, it is for everyone who wants to prevent lower back pain, shoulder pain, numbness and tingling in the hands and feet, and of course: saddle sores.
  3. Sitz Bones
    Sitz Bones

    Correct Saddle: Make sure you have the correct saddle. Every one of us has a different physiological makeup of how we sit, and pedal. The best saddle on earth for me is likely not the best saddle for you. It is probable that you and I have different rear ends and pedal styles. One of the most common issues with uncomfortable saddles and/or saddle sores is that of our sitz bones. The sitz bones are the bones that actually rest and make contact on the saddle. The size and spacing of the sitz bones are unique to each of us. Men and women differ greatly in this area as well. Many saddles for women are made specifically based on the difference in sitz bones from that of male cyclists. You should try out as many different saddles as possible until you find one that works for your unique physiological make up in sitz bones and pedal stroke. With the massive variety in saddles you can imagine that the slight variations amongst the many manufacturers can have a huge impact for you. Try them out. Get a feel for what feels good and works best for you. Make sure to ride on the saddle for a while to determine if it really works for you. There are some bicycle shops that are offering a sort of saddle rotation service so you can demo different saddles for weeks at a time. These shops usually require a small deposit then you have access to all of their saddles until you find one that you like. Here in Arizona I am aware of a local bike shop offering such a service: Two Wheel Jones at the Gilbert location.

  4. Chamois Cream: Some say that suing chamois cream is not necessary if you have the proper saddle and are appropriately and professional fit to your bike. I tend to agree with those folks. However, as I just experienced, when riding long distances in the extreme heat with a brand new pair of bibs – chamois cream would have been a great idea and could have made the difference for me when breaking in the new chamois in these bibs. Chamois cream reduces the amount of friction you experience from pedaling and sitting on the saddle. Many cyclists I know use chamois cream every ride and not just on hot or long days. There is little question that reducing the friction will also reduce your chances of a saddle sore. So err on the side of caution and lube up! I like DZ Nutz. Caution: if you already have a saddle sore, apply copious amounts of chamois cream may ease the pain and discomfort of the ride – but may also increase the infection of an open sore. Be careful.
  5. Keep Clean: Pretty disgusting when you realize that a saddle sore is really just a bacteria sort of issue from skin irritation, etc. They end up looking like zits essentially that you can pop. Or they become abscesses that need to be lanced and drained. Saddle sores will always be formed in those areas in contact with your seat. This is not a good time to post any pictures! Saddle sores are disgusting and are located in very sensitive and painful areas. One way to prevent and treat them is to keep clean! There is no reason to finish a ride and then hang out in your cycling shorts/bibs. Get that nasty chamois off! The sweat and grime that is going on in there is not helping prevent, reduce or treat your saddles sores. Especially for you female cyclists, my coach is a U.S. Women’s Pro cyclist and she often says that the worst thing you can do is stay in your chamois; with all of that yeast and heat and sweat and grime “it’s like your baking bread down there and a french roll is just going to pop out any second!” She cracks me up, and is an excellent coach – I think she knows what she is saying and I will leave it at that for your female cyclists.  Enough said. Stay clean, get out of that nasty chamois and get washed off. There is no reason or “cool factor” to hang out in your bibs. Gross.
  6. Wear Proper Clothing: Not wearing the proper attire while cycling will almost assuredly guarantee you a saddle sore. Can you imagine for 1 second a cyclist strolling down in some cut off Levis? I wouldn’t wish that on my worst enemy. Some folks may balk or poke fun at all the Lycra we wear, but the breathe-ability of the fabrics, the fact that cycling shorts/bibs have chamois pads, etc. are all designed for lots of reasons. One of which is to provide maximum comfort and reduce saddle sores. P.s. NEVER wear dirty cycling shorts. Dirty apparel is especially ripe for causing bacterial infection and saddle sores. Also, it is just socially irresponsible if in a group ride: stinky.
  7. Change Position: Often if you feel a saddle sore coming on it is already too late. However, a cyclist can reduce the risk of saddle sores by manipulating his/her position on the bike. Try standing up every couple of minutes for just a few short seconds. Try shifting your seated position a bit to be more forward and then more rearward on the saddle. These techniques can help if you are riding with a saddle sore and can also help prevent getting one. Also, they shake the legs out a bit and allow you as a cyclist to burden other parts of your pedal stroke for a moment and provide relief to your fatigued legs.
  8. TREATING a Saddle Sore:
    1. Rule #1 is rest it and treat it immediately! Do not continue riding or ignore the saddle sore as they definitely get worse. A few days off now is better than a few weeks off later because you kept riding. Get off the bike and rest that Love Nugget.
    2. Dr. Matt Woods
      Dr. Matt Woods

      Rule #2 is medicate it. The saddle sore itself is an inflamed and possible infected skin abrasion. Medicate it. There are lots of over the counter medications that cyclist have claimed over the years have helped because of their local anesthetic, local antiseptic, local anti-microbial, counter irritant, and swelling reduction properties. Try out these saddle sore remedies: Noxema, Vagisil (yes for men too), Preparation H (again , not for hemorrhoids but to reduce swelling and shrink the saddle sore), Tea Tree oil, Acne Gel/Cream (something that is 10% or more benzoyl peroxide). If the saddle sore is getting too far out of control then see your doctor or even better a dermatologist who can prescribe a round of antibiotics and/or provide a cortisone shot to the infected area. With a 200+ mile race in just 1.5 weeks I went and saw my dear friend Dr. Matt Woods of Desert Sky Dermatology and Surgical Center. He happens to me on my racing team, a great cyclist and a stand up doctor. He took a quick look at it and provided a simple cortisone shot right in the heart of the beast. The next morning the “Love Nugget” was officially 3/4 the size the day before. That was worth all of the gold in California! I couldn’t say enough good about that experience, because just that morning I had been on a ride where literally every pedal stroke was a stroke of pain.

I would be remiss if I didn’t point out that any distraction to us as a cyclist is a possible factor in causing a bicycle crash. Make sure to take care of your saddle sores, and take the necessary steps to prevent them so you can ride distraction free. I can tell you that recently I have hated every pedal stroke and grimaced in pain far too often from my saddle sore.

-Best regards,

Ben Dodge, the Bicycle Lawyer

 

Arizona bicycle accident lawyer Ben Dodge

Ben-&-BikeIf 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.

Ben Dodge is a proud member of Bike Law. Bike Law is a national network of elite like minded bicycle accident attorneys founded in 1998. In concert with the mission of Bike Law, Ben represents cyclists injured in bicycle accidents, at the police station, with insurance companies, and in the courts. He advocates for the rights of all cyclists, not just his clients. He teaches the police about bike laws and bike safety, he educates drivers about the rules of the road, and he trains cyclists and clubs to ride more safely.

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. 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, the Arizona Bicycle Lawyer today at 1.855.663.3922. Reach him by fax at 1.800.958.8902.

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

His main Arizona 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

Tucson Arizona office
One South Church Avenue, 12th Floor
Tucson, Arizona 85701

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.

Ben L. Dodge

The Unwritten Rules of Cycling Etiquette on the Group Ride

Bike RaceRiding your bike in a group is both a privilege and a burden of responsibility. While sometimes “accidents just happen,” there are many other times where they can be, and should have been, avoided. I will not rant today about the horrors I have seen on some group rides lately (even though I am sure that my ranting is deserved), instead I’ll write about the unwritten rules of the road and the cycling etiquette of a group ride. This may serve as a reminder to those of us who have been pedaling for years now as well as an introduction to cycling etiquette for those of us who may be new to the sport. Cycling is a team sport. Even if you never race your bicycle or compete on a team you are generally safer riding your bicycle with a group of friends. A small cluster of cyclists is simply easier to see than a solo cyclist. Also, cycling has become a sort of brotherhood or club these days and while pedaling down the road you often get waived at or simple hand gestures by other cyclists passing opposite the road to you. Why is that? It’s because cycling is getting “cool” and those of us who are out there want to acknowledge each other when we ride by. Cycling is a team thing. You will eventually ride your bike with someone else – it’s almost unavoidable.

So, no matter your experience level and years (or even just a few weeks) in the saddle – let’s review the basics of cycling etiquette so we can all ride safer and happier. Riding your bike in a group requires some thick skin. There is always a risk of course, but more importantly you should be called out for making any of these cycling etiquette mistakes. If you get called out, don’t be offended. Learn from it, fix it, and pedal on. We have all been there before…

Rule #1: Be predictable

There is almost nothing more irritating and dangerous than an erratic cyclist. This holds true for the solo cyclist as well. Be predictable in EVERYTHING you do. Riding smooth and with predictability is key to a safer and more enjoyable ride. Whether it be changing hand positions, making a turn, standing up out of the saddle, passing on the left, pulling through to lead the group, etc., be predictable. There is no room or reason for an erratic cyclist to try and squeeze into a position in the peloton where there isn’t room or where another rider wouldn’t even think you should be. There is never a reason to just randomly and without apparent reason shoot off the front in a full on sprint just to show how fast you can pedal your bike. Group rides are not for racing. With the advent of Strava, there are cyclists who literally just jump out of a group in a dead sprint for just a 1/4 mile or so to try and beat a PR or KOM. Without warning the group, you put everyone at risk when you shoot through the middle of the peloton to break out on the side somewhere to just sprint your brains out for a few meters. There is really no point and you end up putting others at risk. I am the first to recognize the value of sprints, and even better group sprints for records or speed training etc. However, these are announced in advance and should never just surprise the group. Remember that predictability is key to a smooth and safe ride – it doesn’t mean you have to ride slow. Ride smarter. Be predictable.

Rule #2: Never Overlap Wheels & No “Half Wheeling” on the Front

Overlapping Wheels: Surprisingly this happens all of the time. It is likely one of the leading causes of accidents in group rides. Again, this is about being predictable – NEVER roll up next to someone with your front wheel overlapping their rear wheel. This is called overlapping wheels. When you overlap wheels you remove any room for minor adjustments or corrections by the cyclist in front of you. The cyclist in front of you probably has no idea that you are even there and this even more dangerous. A group ride can often “breathe” a bit with some fluctuations in speed or even an expanded width as your neighboring cyclists move over just a bit to avoid something in the road etc. This is all normal and causes the peloton to expand, speed up, and slow down all with ripple effects. If you are half wheeling someone and they move just a bit then your wheels will collide and the chances of a wreck are almost certain! I have nearly been hit hundreds of times by cars that didn’t see me, or were distracted by their cell phones etc. – BUT I SWEAR if I get injured because some idiot was half wheeling me I would be more angry at them than I ever have been at motorist. There is no excuse or reason for half wheeling. Stop it. “Half Wheeling” is also a no no and should not be confused with overlapping wheels. Half Wheeling occurs when you are pulling on the front in a group ride where everyone is two by two down the line, and you don’t hold a steady pace. When one of the two cyclists up front speeds up just a bit – about a half a wheel – faster than the cyclist next to him then the other counters and goes back and forth ever increasing the speed and breaking the group to where people drop off the back. Don’t be that guy that half wheels in an ego competition upfront, or who half wheels because you lack the steadiness of pace and pedal stroke. No half wheeling.

Rule #3: Communicate, Communicate, and Communicate Some More

Call out hazards in the road by pointing them out. Yelling rarely is effective in a group ride as anyone 2-3 cyclists behind you can’t hear what you said and will then divert their focus to frantically scanning the road to see whatever it is you were yelling about. Point out the hazard with hand signals and do it quickly and in advance. Also, announce yourself. If you are coming in the line or wanting to pass some of the cyclists in the group then announce yourself with something like: “On your left.” Knowing someone is coming up is always better than being surprised. Remember predictability? There is no reason to be a jerk and yell out “on your left” like some drill sergeant on a mission to find a new KOM or PR. Whenever announcing yourself, you should say it clearly and nicely. Announce when you are standing up out of the saddle! Most cyclists don’t know how to properly stand up out of the saddle and that the initial action will often result in your bike being “thrown back” a bit. In a group ride that can cause a wreck in the draft or panic and brake slamming. Remember predictability? That’s right; announce everything you are doing when it affects the cyclists near you – but no yelling. This doesn’t mean that you need to announce the fact that you are eating a GU. But it does mean that you should indicate by hand signal and sometimes also by voice when you are slowing down, accelerating, standing, stopping, etc. The silent cyclist is an unpredictable and erratic cyclist. Communicate in your group. When solo – communicate to the cars around via hand signals. You can’t really ever communicate to much, but you certainly can too little.

Rule #4: Obey Traffic Rules

This comes down to predictability as well. If there is a red light and you slow down but then decide to stand up and sprint through it you are putting the rest of the group at risk. Besides the fact that if you get hurt or injured in a bike wreck that your possible recovery will be minimal if at all, you are helping support the bias against cyclists that almost every motorist feels. Obey the law. We certainly expect the cars around us to obey the traffic laws so we don’t get hurt. We also expect you to obey the traffic laws when you are riding in a group. In some circumstances it may be appropriate to slow down and then roll through a traffic signal or stop sign in very rural areas where your carbon fiber bikes will never trigger the sensor, and the time of the day is such that there is literally no traffic. In such cases, remember rule #3 – Communicate. Make sure you determine the safety of such a decision and then communicate it to the group. Be safe, and approach with caution.

Rule #5: Pulling On The Front

Peeling off the Front
Peeling off the Front

Not every one of us can ride a bike like Chris Froome. Don’t pass the group to get in the front only to slow down because you are out of gas. Know your own limits. Don’t get mixed up in some “sprint finish” only to slam on your brakes because you don’t know how to make a tight turn well. Stay in the back if that is where your capabilities put you. We have all been there and there are many days where that is still where we each sit. Pushing yourself too hard to the point where you flail about to and fro like a fish out of water is not safe either. There is much to be said about taking your turn in the wind, and doing your part to pull the group. Most of us firmly believe that you should always take your turn in the wind, even if it is a short turn. It helps you feel like a part of the group. However, be sure to keep it brief or skip it all together until you are recovered and rested enough to safely be up front. Being at the front bears a special kind of responsibility. The cyclist(s) at the front bear the burden of pace setting, determining traffic safety at upcoming intersections, calling out road hazards, and much more. In a way, the safety of the entire group rests on the shoulders of whoever is up at the front. It does little good to be so fatigued or to put your head down in a full on sprint and ignore this responsibility. Be alert and attentive at the front, or move to the back. When moving to the back you should check behind you to make sure that you are not being half wheeled. Then proceed safely out of the way announcing to the cyclist behind you by hand signals or voice that you are moving to the back. Never stop pedaling when finished pulling as it creates an accordion effect throughout the entire peloton. Keep a steady pressure on the pedals and slowly move over. Don’t stop pedaling when moving to the back as you may not be able to slip into the draft again and you could get caught watching the group ride off into the sunrise without you. Don’t wait to move off the front until you have absolutely nothing left in the tank. You should stop pulling and move to the back while you still have a little left so you don’t get dropped. When taking a turn pulling on the front, DON’T drop the hammer immediately. Pull through steady. Keep the pace where it was for a few meters before increasing your speed. When at the front you should constantly check behind you to see if the group is still in your draft. If you pulled through too quickly then you will be off the front as a soloist and an idiot that just left the group behind.

Rule #6: Gaps

There should be no gaps in a group ride. If you see a gap ride up and fill it. When filling a gap don’t be “that guy” who speeds up and then has to slam on his brakes just to prevent riding up into the back wheel of the rider ahead. Fill the gaps smoothly. Just ride up in a steady and controlled manner. Remember predictability? No need to be a surge sort of rider constantly sprinting and braking. This puts everyone around you at risk not to mention that it drains your energy almost faster than anything else.

Rule #7: Drafting

Drafting is one of the greatest pleasures in the cycling world. It is also one of the most dangerous. First and foremost, don’t draft off a stranger – it’s just rude and a little creepy. If you are on a solo ride and you come across another cyclist or two, or even a group, don’t roll up on them and start drafting without first talking to them and asking if you can tag along. No one likes a creeper or a group ride crasher. In the groups I ride with we always have the mentality of the more the merrier, but even then if a stranger just rolls up without saying anything to us and just drafts the whole time we all get creeped out. Also, don’t only draft. In other words, don’t be that cyclist that only ever drafts. No one likes the one or two riders in a group that mooch off of everyone else. Take your turn in the wind. If you are strong enough to draft off of fast cyclists then you are strong enough to pull – even if it is just for a short while. Know your limits, yeah I know we said that before – but take your turn in the wind. It’s not a welfare ride. The guys up front are working hard – you should too.

More on drafting – do not fixate or stare at the rear wheel of the cyclist you are drafting off of. Yes, you should pay close attention to the speed, and movements of who you are drafting off of. But you shouldn’t pay so much attention that you lost all connectivity with the road conditions, the movements of the group around you, etc. Don’t draft so closely that you have no room to move or that you have to slam on your brakes every few seconds because of speed changes. Give the cyclist in front of you enough courtesy room that you don’t cause a wreck because of your careless drafting skills. If you are a triathlete on a TT bike (p.s. I love these cyclists, I too started out as a triathlete once upon a time) then you have an extra duty of care. Your TT bike is not really set up for drafting and you will find yourself often popping in and out of a draft to control speed as opposed to using brakes, etc. You will most likely cause other cyclists around you an extra bit of anxiety. Be cautious and aware of the fact that your bike is simply more dangerous in a group draft than a road bike is. No need to be offended, it is what it is. But maybe you triathletes should consider giving yourself a little extra room while drafting and maybe even hanging out in the very back or the very front.

Rule #8: Climbing & Descending

Climbing: Don’t be the guy who slows down to stand up. Ever have that happen to you? You know what I mean, you are spinning right up a hill and all of the sudden the sudden the guy in front of you decides to stand up (probably didn’t communicate it – a clear violation of rule #3) and when he does his bike is thrown back and you find yourself ditching out to the left or right as quickly as you can to not hit him. When climbing and the need to stand up out of the saddle arises, announce it by saying: “Standing,” then shift 2 gears into a lower cadence while applying steady pressure on the pedals (this helps avoid abrupt changes in speed) – then you can stand up without throwing your bike backwards. Also, don’t swerve or rock your bike so much during your climbing that you take out all the other cyclists near you. Climbing out of the saddle doesn’t require flailing, just a good rhythm. Descending: Pick your line and hold it! Besides the danger of stopping pedaling while in front, pick a line and hold it. Know your abilities. Do not attempt to pass someone a descent in a tight turn. Group rides are not stages in the TDF – pass with care. When in a turn, pick a line and hold it. Never slam on your brakes while on a descent without checking to see how close your neighboring cyclists are behind you. Drafting on a descent is a great deal of fun, and you can reach extremely fast speeds – but you should always hold your line and be mindful of everyone and everything around you. Be careful when you turn your head to look to one side or the other, as you can drift in that direction and take out another cyclist. Of course this should go without saying, but strictly follow rule #2 (Never Half Wheel) while descending.

Rule #9: The Snot Rocket & Gas

It happens. Just peel off to the side for any sort of fluid release. Any and all fluid releases should be done off to the side of the peloton and never in the middle of your riding buddies. This goes for snot rockets, spit, urine, and even those nasty expulsions of air. Passing gas on a while riding your bike just happens out there. It’s almost as guaranteed as the sun coming up every day. If you have particularly bad gas, peel off to the side and drift to the back. Return to your position when you’re confident you won’t be choking the rest of the peloton with your aroma.

Rule #10: Moving Around In a Group

Be predictable. Be steady and smooth. There is no reason to go all herky jerky with sudden movements or accelerations. Don’t just swerve over and accelerate, you could end up taking out part of the group. Be consistent. Slow and steady movements inside the peloton is the safest bet for everyone involved. Pick your line and gradually move towards it allowing everyone around you time and space to react. I have nearly been run off the road on group rides because someone thought they had to hurry up and accelerate around a slower rider just to try and catch the “break away” sprinter(s). Don’t let your ego and carelessness get you mixed up in a wreck. Be steady, predictable, and gradually move in the direction you wish to go when riding in a group. Most unwritten group riding rules mention that there should not be any space between bikes but a few centimeters between handlebars. And that all group rides should be two abreast with handlebar to handlebar. I recognize that there is a lot of sense to this style and that bike handling skills play a huge role in the comfort level of cyclists participating in such a group ride. Further, when this rule is followed there aren’t riders coming up in the middle of 2 cyclists filling up a space that shouldn’t be there anyways.

Rule #11: Never Show Crack

This should go without saying, but don’t show up on a group ride with bibs or cycling shorts so thin or low cut that your crack is exposed to everyone behind you. Really? This is NEVER ok. Enough said.

Rule #12: No Earbuds

This will strike anger in the hearts of many readers… but lets be honest, how can you really hear what is going on around you in the peloton when your ear is plugged with music blasting in it. You put yourself and everyone else around you at risk. You will have a harder time hearing traffic, movements of the bikes in the peloton, etc. And worse, everyone hates it when they roll up next to you and start chatting and only to have to repeat everything because you had your ear bud(s) in. One of the greatest aspects of the sport cycling is the nature of the group ride and the social side of training. You completely remove this when you wear ear buds. But more importantly you put everyone at risk as your hearing (no matter how low the volume is) is obviously impaired to some degree. In any USAC sanctioned race, Ironman Triathlon, and other competition of note earbuds are strictly prohibited and you can be disqualified for using them. Why? Because they are unsafe and unnecessary. Don’t be that guy with ear buds. Is your cycling ability really that dependent on the beat of the music you’re listening to? Just pedal, with as few distractions as possible.

————–

If you violate these and other rules of your local group then you may have been chastised by the group leader or a concerned cyclist. Don’t be offended by this chastisement, just roll with it. It’s how we all learn and develop together into better, safer, and even faster cyclists. I still remember once when I was new to the sport an older cyclist ripped me a new one because I stopped pedaling in the group and coasted too much while I was drafting. This free spinning sounds cool when you have a nice set of wheels, but it causes hesitation and concern for the cyclist directly behind you. He yelled at me and for a long time I thought he was the biggest jerk I had met. After giving it some thought I realized that he was right and that if I could pedal more steadily and smoothly then not only was I better cyclist, but I would not throw the group into a constant accordion effect with my free spinning.

Don’t be “that guy” that breaks these rules and puts yourself and others around you in harm’s way. And don’t be “that guy” that comes off as a jerk when chastising others. DO take the opportunity to teach others the rules of cycling etiquette and DO call people out for these mistakes – just do it with a friendly tone and in a teaching moment.

 

-Best regards,

Ben Dodge, the Bike Lawyer

 

Arizona bicycle accident lawyer Ben Dodge

Ben-&-BikeIf 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.

Ben Dodge is a proud member of Bike Law. Bike Law is a national network of elite like minded bicycle accident attorneys founded in 1998. In concert with the mission of Bike Law, Ben represents cyclists injured in bicycle accidents, at the police station, with insurance companies, and in the courts. He advocates for the rights of all cyclists, not just his clients. He teaches the police about bike laws and bike safety, he educates drivers about the rules of the road, and he trains cyclists and clubs to ride more safely.

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. 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, the Arizona Bicycle Lawyer today at 1.855.663.3922. Reach him by fax at 1.800.958.8902.

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

His main Arizona 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

Tucson Arizona office
One South Church Avenue, 12th Floor
Tucson, Arizona 85701

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.

Dear Cyclist, the driver gets away with 55% of the time.

Dear Cyclist,

I am writing this blog to you so I can help reassure you that your fears and concerns for you rights as a cyclist are absolutely true. I wish I had better news for you. I wish I could tell you that everything will be OK and that the statistics are on your side. Sadly, I can only confirm your suspicions and aggravate your anxiety.

In Arizona we have wonderful weather that allows you to rid your bike all year long. Sure the winter is “cold” but not that cold compared to other snow laden destinations. Sure the summer is hot, but we can hydrate and jump in our pool after a long ride. So why not ride your bike all the time? I think I know why you are a little scared that you could be falsely accused of breaking the laws.

Like you, one of my worst fears is getting in a wreck with a car. Unfortunately this happens quite a bit in Arizona. I’m lucky enough to help many of the cyclists that live here. I have learned from reviewing the public records, collision summary reports, Arizona bicycle laws, and police reports that if you do get in a wreck with a car you have a shockingly high chance of being the one found at fault. I know how bad this may sound and worse how much it can affect your bike accident case and what the insurance companies will be willing (if at all) to settle for.

Lets look at the disturbing facts together. The at fault or who was found NOT to be in violation is what concerns me the most. Here are some scary figures for you from the great city of Phoenix as of 2013:

-482 Reported Bicycle Crashes
-412 of those crashes reported injuries
-10 of those bicycle wrecks were fatal

Who is at fault? Lets look based on the police reports and citations issued:

-No Violation issued to Cyclist: 27%! This means that 73% of the time when you are hit by a car you will be found in the wrong as having violated some traffic code.
-No Violation issued to Motorist: 55%! This means that only 45% of the time the driver will be found at fault.

Seems unbelievable and unfair doesn’t it? This begs that we look a little further.

What were the actions of the motorists? Cyclists? Fortunately we know. 35% of the time the motorist was going straight. Yep, a whopping 35% of the time a motorist simply was going straight and hit a cyclist. 53% of the time a motorist was either turning right or left. 12% of the time the motorist was doing some “other” thing or it was “unknown” as to what the driver was doing. Lets break this down a bit further. 482 bicycle crashes and in 216.9 of them the driver was found to be in some sort of violation (failed to yield – 16%; unknown -10%; inattention – 8%; other – 7%; speed to fast – 2%; disregarded signal – 2%). How is that a driver can be turning right or left in 255.46 (53%) of the 482 accidents and yet in only 216.9 total accidents they are found to be at fault? How is that the “Failed to Yield” or “Inattention” stats of a combined total of 24% of the violation collisions only account for 115.68 of the bicycle collisions? When in 35% of the collisions (168.7 wrecks) the driver was actually going straight and yet drivers were only cited for inattention 38.56 cases? This is really messed up.

Actions of Bicycles
Actions of Bicycles
Actions of Drivers
Actions of Drivers

It gets worse – of the 482 bike wrecks reported in Phoenix in 2013; 347 times the cyclist was simply going straight. The cyclist wasn’t turning left, right, or even crossing the street. 347 times the cyclist was going straight and somehow the driver gets cited for inattention 38.56 times. I don’t know about you, but I am definitely not ok with these facts. This is a bit disturbing. There are a ton of very helpful and interesting statistics that even break this down further. I don’t want to bore all of you with the details in this little blog; so here is a link to the 2013 report I was referencing. Check it out and email me with questions. I am happy to discuss Arizona bike law all day long.

My advice to you: be safe out there! Be kind to the police who are investigating your accident as they will likely get it wrong and we will need them to not form a negative opinion about you or your wreck. And finally, don’t give up riding your bike! Driving a car is not a right, but a privilege that can be revoked anytime. Whereas riding your bike is so much more. There are more and more of us out there riding side by side with you. These numbers will get better in time. We must all take responsibility in our individual worlds to make cycling a safer sport, recreational pastime, and means of transpiration.

Sincerely your friend and fellow cyclist,

Ben Dodge

 

 

Arizona bicycle accident lawyer Ben Dodge

Ben-&-BikeIf 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.

Ben Dodge is a proud member of Bike Law. Bike Law is a national network of elite like minded bicycle accident attorneys founded in 1998. In concert with the mission of Bike Law, Ben represents cyclists injured in bicycle accidents, at the police station, with insurance companies, and in the courts. He advocates for the rights of all cyclists, not just his clients. He teaches the police about bike laws and bike safety, he educates drivers about the rules of the road, and he trains cyclists and clubs to ride more safely.

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, the Arizona Bicycle Lawyer today at 1.855.663.3922. Reach him by fax at 1.800.958.8902.

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

His main Arizona 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

Tucson Arizona office
One South Church Avenue, 12th Floor
Tucson, Arizona 85701

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.

Is it legal to ride my bike on the sidewalk?

By far one of the most frequently asked questions I get asked is: Is it legal to ride my bike on the sidewalk? The answer is is both simple and complicated. Don’t you hate that? Aren’t lawyers famous for not giving straight answers? Jeez. Here is the short and simple answer: Yes it is legal in Arizona to ride your bike on a sidewalk, sometimes, well it depends on what city you are in and if it is specifically prohibited by sign or statute. See what I mean? Its both simple and complicated.

To understand how this really works it is important to remember that under the Arizona Revised Statutes, cyclists operating on the roadway or shoulder must follow the same rules that apply to drivers (see A.R.S. 28-812). Yet, sidewalks ARE NOT part of the roadway or shoulder according to our statutes (see A.R.S. 28-601). And even further, drivers of motor vehicles are expressly forbidden from driving on sidewalks (see A.R.S. 28-904). That is the sum total of State Statutes on the topic. In short, there is no Arizona state law that prohibits or even mentions cycling on sidewalks.

HOLD ON – we are not done yet. Even though there is not a state law that prohibits cycling on a sidewalk, it can still be illegal. “How is that possible?” you ask… Our Arizona Revised Statutes specifically grant local municipalities to further regulate the operation of bicycles (see A.R.S. 28-627). “Oh come on!” you may be thinking… and “how am I supposed to know each little city’s local rules?” That is right. It is sort of a bum deal for the cyclist who rides in a metropolitan area such as Maricopa county which is literally covered by 24 cities and towns which in large part all connect. And to make it worse this doesn’t even account for the towns and cities that are in Pinal county that also border and connect to many of the cities in Maricopa county. It is very possible for a cyclist to go for a ride and cross through 4-10 different cities. And in each case they will have their own unique laws. Whats even more problematic, is that the local law enforcement is often mistaken about the local laws and will issue citations in error against the cyclist.

“Real Life” example – a cyclist in the east valley goes for a standard 25-40 mile ride with some friends starting in Gilbert Arizona. The small group rides through sections of Gilbert and up into Mesa Arizona briefly passing through the ASU area of Tempe Arizona before returning back home through Mesa and then into Arizona. Classic route and often traveled. While in Gilbert the cyclist may ride on the sidewalk so long as there isn’t a sign prohibiting it and may even ride in any direction he/she chooses on the sidewalk. When entering Mesa it is very different. In Mesa you may ride your bike on any sidewalk EXCEPT if a sign is posted prohibiting. The main difference is that the City Traffic Engineer is the only one authorized to erect the signs and only in a specific geographic area labeled the Pedestrian Overlay Area (or POA). Thus, when in Mesa Arizona have at on the sidewalks unless you enter the boundaries of the POA at which point you need to be on the lookout for any signs prohibiting the operation of bicycles on the sidewalks. Its good to know this section of Mesa to avoid any unnecessary citations. Then when headed to Tempe Arizona a cyclist may ride on the sidewalk so long as a sign is not erected which bans sidewalk riding – BUT the cyclist may only ride in the direction of traffic when riding on the sidewalk. Then this same cyclist (now firmly accustomed to the Maricopa county “sign” rules of the various local municipalities) drives down to Tucson to hit up Mt. Lemon or ride/race in the national famous El Tour de Tucson. The cyclist leaves his or her hotel and notices no signage prohibiting sidewalk riding, he/she rides via the sidewalk for a short stretch to get to the start of the route and gets immediately busted by the local cops. Why? Because Tucson simply and absolutely prohibits sidewalk riding UNLESS a sign expressly permits it (see Tucson Municipal code section 5-2). Tucson Arizona – backwards from the rest of the state. It gets confusing right? Yes. Best to know and understand every local community’s rules for operating a bicycle if you wish to avoid a citation, or more importantly to avoid any liability when a car hits you and the officer ends up citing you as the cyclist! When a cyclist is cited, even improperly, the insurance companies adamantly deny paying out any coverage for the accidents. It is an incredible process to get citations reversed or dismissed, police reports edited or amended, and insurance adjustors to change their opinion when they think the cyclist is at fault.

City of Mesa Arizona Pedestrian Overlay Area (POA) Map
City of Mesa Arizona Pedestrian Overlay Area (POA) Map

How about the even bigger issue that some of you may be asking yourself: “Why wold you ride on the sidewalk anyways?” Great question! I highly recommend that you avoid riding on the sidewalk all together. You are actually far safer to ride in the street with the cars than on the sidewalk! In a 2010 bicycle collision summary report published by the City of Phoenix, it appears that in approximately 70% of the bicycle collisions the cyclist was riding on the sidewalk just before the collision. There have not been these same reports as widely published or produced since 2010. Yet the data seems to remain the same – riding on the sidewalk is far more dangerous than riding appropriately in the streets.

For now, lets just be safe out there on our bikes. Lets be extra cautious as we approach sidewalks, intersections, etc. When deciding to ride on the sidewalk in Arizona I would consult the local municipal codes first to ensure that you are not violating there laws. In Maricopa county you can almost rest easy to know that it is allowed unless there is a sign prohibiting it (with some exceptions of course). Be sure to travel in the right direction and not against the flow of traffic.

Arizona bicycle accident lawyer Ben Dodge

Ben-&-BikeIf 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.

Ben Dodge is a proud member of Bike Law. Bike Law is a national network of elite like minded bicycle accident attorneys founded in 1998. In concert with the mission of Bike Law, Ben represents cyclists injured in bicycle accidents, at the police station, with insurance companies, and in the courts. He advocates for the rights of all cyclists, not just his clients. He teaches the police about bike laws and bike safety, he educates drivers about the rules of the road, and he trains cyclists and clubs to ride more safely.

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, the Arizona Bicycle Lawyer today at 1.855.663.3922. Reach him by fax at 1.800.958.8902.

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

His main Arizona 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

Tucson Arizona office
One South Church Avenue, 12th Floor
Tucson, Arizona 85701

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.

Pagosa Springs Colorado – One of the BEST Summer Cycling Destinations

IMG_0198You know you might have an addiction to cycling when you go on vacation and pack more cycling gear than actual clothes, more bikes than swimsuits, and more cycling magazines that you have meaning to read than there are hours in the day. I knew my little family of 3 was unique when we loaded up our mini van to head to Colorado for a week long vacation and we brought 7 bicycles with us, I don’t even know how many cycling magazines, and only 3 swimsuits. My little family consists of my wife, my son, and myself. “How is that possible?” is a thought that must have passed through the minds of everyone we sped past on the highway driving from Arizona to Colorado. I’ll tell you what, when you love to ride your bike as much as we do then you bring your bike(s) with you when you travel. I had that mini van crammed to the limits with three bikes inside, and four more on a hitch bike rack in the rear. We had our mountain bikes, road bikes, grandma’s bike, and my son’s bike. It was quite a sight. It was probably the first time I realized that we might have an addiction to cycling.

IMG_0066
Arizona Bicycle Lawyer Ben Dodge

Pagosa Springs Colorado is famous for their natural hot springs. Many claim that these mineral springs are somehow magically healing. I’m not in a position to doubt them as we enjoyed the springs 6 out of 7 nights we stayed there and I admit I feel much better after having sat in them… but that could just be that we finally took some time relax. In any event, this town is famous for hot springs, surely you would pack all sorts of swim gear. Well, we packed all sorts of cycling gear and a ton of bicycles. Why? Because we love to ride our bikes, and Pagosa Springs Colorado also boasts some impressive scenery where your breath can literally be taken away by the beauty. We didn’t want to miss a single experience. We rode our bikes on the road, in the mountains, through the cattle ranches and farms, and all over town. Everywhere we went we had a bike experience that left a lasting impression.

I doubt that you can ride much here in the winter, but the summer is awesome! I made it a point to stop by a local bike shop to get the “lay of the land” so to speak as to where the great rides were and what to avoid. It is a very good idea to check in with the locals before heading out because there may be some construction to avoid or some notoriously wild and dangerous routes to avoid. I stopped by Pagosa Mountain Sports, and was treated with welcoming kindness. It was a cool little shop and was really well stocked for a small town. They had an extreme amount of very relevant local info on some nearby trails and even the roads I should avoid when I headed out on my road bike. They had just finished building some new mountain bike trails a couple of days prior to me arriving and were very eager to share the route with me. The trail was awesome! Had I not stopped by I would never have known about the new trails and the epic views from the top that these trails were a part of. I must say if you ever head to Pagosa Springs, stop by Pagosa Mountain Sports and say hello – they really know their stuff.

Next time you pass through or near Colorado in the summertime, hit up Pagosa Springs and check out all of the fantastic biking in their nearby Rocky mountains. Oh, and don’t forget to check out their hot springs too – because you should have packed at least one swim suit…

Arizona bicycle accident lawyer Ben Dodge

Ben-&-BikeIf 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.

Ben Dodge is a proud member of Bike Law. Bike Law is a national network of elite like minded bicycle accident attorneys founded in 1998. In concert with the mission of Bike Law, Ben represents cyclists injured in bicycle accidents, at the police station, with insurance companies, and in the courts. He advocates for the rights of all cyclists, not just his clients. He teaches the police about bike laws and bike safety, he educates drivers about the rules of the road, and he trains cyclists and clubs to ride more safely.

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, the Arizona Bicycle Lawyer today at 1.855.663.3922. Reach him by fax at 1.800.958.8902.

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

His main Arizona 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

Tucson Arizona office
One South Church Avenue, 12th Floor
Tucson, Arizona 85701

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.

Thank You Bike

In the last few weeks I have competed in several endurance races including the El Tour de Mesa – a classic tour race in Arizona, my first Criterium race (El Tour Criterium State Championships), Ironman St. George 70.3, and just a couple of days ago I set a PR at Ironman Texas 140.6. I have to say that this last one was incredible and one of my more memorable races. The heat and humidity was unbearable, but the wind is what finally did us all in. Houston Texas is crazy hot, crazy humid, and yes it can be very windy! The thing I learned the most through all of this is: I love my bike. I love to bike. Thank you bike.

Pack Pull

While I will always have a love for triathlons, and especially Ironman, I feel my heart trending more and more towards the feel of two pedals and the road/dirt pathways. Running has never really been my thing. Believe me; I have tried all sorts of running from the 8 full Ironman races, Countless Ironman 70.3s, various marathons, 10Ks, 6Ks, and even a few ultra distance marathons with 50+ miles of running. Its just at the end of the day what makes my heart tick is not the pounding of the pavement but rather the enchanting roll an aero bike and the smooth pedal stroke that almost hypnotically puts me in a state of peace. I love to bike. I love to bike and respect those who love to run. My good friend recently finished an epic endurance run across the entire length of Puerto Rico. It was 183 miles and it took him over 40 hours of straight running. He finished 4th over all and by all means is a hero in my book. What a stud. He just loves to run. I know of no one who loves running more than my friend.

At the end of the day I hope we all find something that allows us to detach from our cell phone and digital word a bit and takes out into the natural world. I hope we find something that will push us to exert such efforts as to develop pride and strong character in our achievements. Something that will introduce us to the peace and tranquility of inner discovery. I hope we will learn to appreciate those difficult moments; those windy and rainy days, so we can recognize and love the good moments. My bike is what has reconnected me to something bigger than myself. My bike has taken me (and I have taken it) to extremes. It has been on my bike in the early morning hours that I have been lucky enough to see amazing sunrises and meet wonderful people. My bike has allowed me to be healthier and skinnier. My bike has brought me countless experiences and memories which have helped shape me into a better person. I hope you all get an opportunity to enjoy similar things. Whether it be running, rowing, boating, swimming, horse back riding, etc. – I hope you all find something that introduces you to our natural world. If you don’t have anything, may I suggest a bike? It is awesome.

Thank you bike.

Arizona bicycle accident lawyer Ben Dodge

Ben-&-BikeIf 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.

Ben Dodge is a proud member of Bike Law. Bike Law is a national network of elite like minded bicycle accident attorneys founded in 1998. In concert with the mission of Bike Law, Ben represents cyclists injured in bicycle accidents, at the police station, with insurance companies, and in the courts. He advocates for the rights of all cyclists, not just his clients. He teaches the police about bike laws and bike safety, he educates drivers about the rules of the road, and he trains cyclists and clubs to ride more safely.

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, the Arizona Bicycle Lawyer today at 1.855.663.3922. Reach him by fax at 1.800.958.8902.

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

His main Arizona 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

Tucson Arizona office
One South Church Avenue, 12th Floor
Tucson, Arizona 85701

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.

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