Safety Commission Announces Recall of Niner Bike Frame Due to Welding Defect

Niner Bikes of North Hollywood, California and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced yesterday the recall of the company's "Jet 9" full suspension, aluminum mountain bike frame. "A welding deficiency can cause the bicycle frames to crack along the welds of the front triangle of the bicycle. This can cause the rider to lose control and crash," according to the Commission. If you own one of these bikes stop using it and contact Niner Bikes about replacement options. Click here to read the complete recall release.

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Bicycle Safety Video From 1950

I really like this bicycle safety video from 1950 because it emphasizes the bicycle as a vehicle, a means of transportation, not merely a toy. Despite the film's age all of the safety recommendations are timeless and applicable to today. The only thing I may add is a helmet for little Jane or Johnny. Thanks to the folks at Urban Velo for making me aware of this video.

Taxi and Bicyclist Collide In Chicago Loop, Driver Flees Scene

A Loop bicyclist was transported to Northwestern Memorial Hospital in serious-to-critical condition yesterday after a collision with a taxi, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. It is reported that the bicyclist collided with the cab when the driver halted to pick up a fare. The driver was later cited for leaving the scene of an accident.

From published accounts it is not clear how the accident occurred. From personal experience commuting by bicycle into the Loop, it is not uncommon for taxi operators to drive erratically when stopping to pick up a fare. It is unknown whether the injured cyclist had been closely following the taxi just prior to the accident. It is important not to jump to conclusions about how this accident took place. Hopefully, the bicyclist will make a full and speedy recovery.

What is clear is that under Illinois law, leaving the scene of an accident is a no-no. A driver of a vehicle must immediately stop his or her vehicle at the scene of an accident involving personal injury or death. 625 ILCS 5/11-401. Failure to do so may result in a felony conviction. 625 ILCS 5/11-401. The driver must also give his or her name, address, registration number and identify the vehicle's owner, and render aid to anyone injured in the accident. 625 ILCS 5/11-403.

Two Bicycle Recalls Announced

Yesterday the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced two bicycle recalls. First, several high-end Specialized mountain bikes are being recalled due to a shock absorber mount that can break causing a fall hazard to the rider. The recall applies to 2010 26" Epic and 26" Era Bicycles. Click here to view the complete recall release.

Second, chopper-style bicycles from Nirve Sports, Ltd. are being recalled due to dangerous stems than can crack and cause the rider to lose control. The recall applies to models called "Red Star", "Skulls" and "Cannibal". Click here to view the complete recall release.

Another Crazy Driver, Another Chicago Area Road Rage Incident

On Tuesday evening CBS 2 Chicago reported on a road rage incident in which a bicyclist, Tim Heath, was intentionally struck by a motorist near 2779 North Milwaukee Avenue in Chicago. Apparently, the two had gotten into an argument over lane space before the driver lost it and decided to run the biker down. He was lucky to avoid serious injury. Here is a link to the full story with video. At the end of the piece the reporter, Vince Gerasole, states that the police said that the woman agreed to turn herself in. It is unclear presently whether that has occurred and what charges she may face.

If precedent is any guide, the driver could face jail time. On Sunday I posted a story about a similar incident in which a driver intentionally struck a bicyclist in Naperville. In that matter, the driver reached a plea deal with prosecutors in which she pleaded guilty to felony aggravated battery in a public place. She was sentenced to 42 days in jail (but will serve only half that time for some reason). She is also to pay $3,252 in restitution to the bicyclist and $1,620 in fines and court costs. Let's hope that this most recent road rage incident is aggressively pursued by Chicago police and the Cook County States Attorney's Office. Hopefully CBS will also provide some follow up.

Crazy Old Woman Who Attempted To Run Down Young Bicyclist Is Headed To Jail

A 67 year old woman, Mary Rehm, who attempted to run down a teenage boy with her car as he rode his bicycle in Naperville last July is going to jail. The teenager was only unhurt thanks to his quick reflexes. He leaped from his bicycle just in time to avoid the collision which left his bicycle firmly impaled to the front of the crazy woman's vehicle. Hooray for luck and justice! Read more by clicking here. And here.