Bicycle Accidents, Crashes, and Collisions: Biomechanical, Engineering, and Legal Aspects, Second Edition

Editors: Jeffrey Broker, Ph.D. and Megan M. Hottman, J.D. ISBN 10: 1-936360-58-6 ISBN 13: 978-1-936360-58-1 Copyright Date Ed: August 24th, 2016 Pages: 384 pages Binding Information: Casebound Size: 8.5 ✕ 11 Inches (US) In the all new Bicycle Accidents, Crashes, and Collisions: Biomechanical, Engineering, and Legal Aspects, Second Edition you will learn about many different aspects of bicycle accidents, crashes, and collisions, and the legal issues surrounding them. The authors present a wealth of information including such topics as the physical and operating characteristics of bicycles, cyclist's rights and duties, accident types, insurance and liability issues and bicycle regulatory information, including the Uniform Vehicle Code and State Bicycle Statutes. The Second Edition is newly updated with expanded discussions, and now in a revised, two-column format. The book is divided into two parts for easy access to pertinent information. Part one discusses many of the physical and mental aspects of operating a bicycle. You will learn about topics such as the cycling setting, crash tests, bicycle types and designs, visual perception and response, equipment failure, biomechanics of cycling injuries, pitch-over cycling accidents, and cycling helmets. Part two covers the legal aspects of operating a bicycle and of liability, both of the cyclist and others such as pet and property owners. This section provides information on a wide variety of topics including releases or waivers of liability, common crash types including crashes involving dogs, product defects and liability, and cycling setting defects and liability. Bicycle regulatory information is also covered in greater detail in this section. If you are handling a bicycle accident, crash, or collision case, this book is a necessary addition to your library. Table of Contents Part I: Biomechanics and Engineering Aspects Introduction Chapter 1: Bicycle Types and Bicycle Anatomy Jeffrey Broker, Ph.D. and Sean Langlais, MS 1.1 Bicycles Types 1.2 Bicycle Anatomy Chapter 2: Bicycle Set Up Jeffrey Broker, Ph.D. 2.1 Saddle Height 2.2 Saddle Fore-Aft Position 2.3 Saddle Style and Tilt 2.4 Crank Length Determination 2.5 Handlebar Placement Endnotes Chapter 3: Bicycle Operating Characteristics Jeffrey Broker, Ph.D. 3.1 Balance and Steering A. Normal Riding – Balancing on a Bicycle B. Turning C. Emergency Steering D. Destabilizing Situations 1. Front wheel diversions 2. Side-swipe events 3. Steering geometry, stability, and high speed shimmy 3.2. Bicycle Propulsion A. Cycling Equation of Motion 1. Drive train losses 2. Rolling resistance 3. The power of climbing and descending 4. Inertial effects 5. Aerodynamics B. Pedal Forces C. Gearing and Cadence 3.3 Bicycle Braking A. CPSC Braking Requirements for Bicycle B. Limits of Braking and Pitch-Over Phenomenon 1. Braking on hills 2. Rear-wheel-only braking 3. Braking in wet conditions 4. Stopping distances and time C. General Guidelines for Braking D. Braking on Pavement, Roadways and Other Hard Surfaces E. Off-Road Braking F. A Final Comment on Brakes – Auxiliary Levers Endnotes Chapter 4: The Cycling Setting and Cyclist Behaviors Jeffrey Broker, Ph.D. and Sean Langlais, MS 4.1 Where Cyclists Ride 4.2 Cycling Statistics: Use Patterns and Categorizing Accidents 4.3 Cycling on the Road: Characteristics That Affect Bicycle Traffic Patterns A. Bicycles as Vehicles and Three “Special” Rules for Cyclists B. Where to Generally Ride on Roads, and What is “Practicable” C. Managing Parked Cars D. Intersections E. Gutters, Seams, Railroad Tracks, Grates, Cattle Guards and Sharp Edges 4.4 Staying Alive on the Roads versus Accident Causation Analysis Endnotes Chapter 5: Principles of Bicycle Accident Analysis Jeffrey Broker, Ph.D. 5.1 Identifying the Critical Questions and Issues 5.2 Comprehensive Fact Gathering: Assembling the Puzzle Pieces A. Accident Reporting B. Witness Accounts C. Physical Evidence 1. Evidence on the bicycle 2. Evidence on the clothing and protective equipment 3. On-board cycling computers and power meters D. Injury Profiles E. The Accident Scene 1. Use of video to represent the cyclist’s (or motorist’s) perspective F. Supporting Technical Analyses 5.3 Summary of Bicycle Accident Investigation Principles Chapter 6: Pitch-Over Cycling Accidents Jeffrey Broker, Ph.D. 6.1 Pitch-Over Accidents Defined and Described 6.2 Pitch-Over Thresholds and Factors A. Pitch-Overs Influenced by Bicycle type and Rider Posture B. Minimum Speed to Pitch-Over C. Braking Limits Prior to Pitch-Over D. Reduced Braking Capability on Hills 6.3 Rider Biomechanics During the Pitch-Over Sequence A. Rider Vaulting and Surface Contact B. Modified Rider Vaulting Trajectory—The Surprise Pitch-Over C. Modified Rider Vaulting Trajectory—Vaulting Over a Collapsing Bicycle 6.4 Bicycle Damage Resulting from Pitch-Over Accidents A. Classic Pitch-overs without Structural Failure B. Pitch-Overs Involving Structural Failure 6.5 Conclusions and Final Comments Endnotes Chapter 7: Crash Tests Involving Bicycles and Motor Vehicles Jerry Eubanks, Jeff Broker, and Rusty Haight 7.1 Test Methods 7.2 Test Results A. Video and Film Documentation 1. Initial contact and wrap characteristics 2. Airborne trajectories 3. Motor vehicle damage 4. Bicycle damage profiles 7.3 Using Pedestrian Throw Formulae to Analyze Bicyclist/Motor Vehicle Collisions A. Throw Formulae B. Application of the Formulae to Cyclist/Motor Vehicle Collisions 7.3 Conclusion Endnotes Chapter 8: Cycling Injuries: Biomechanics, Frequency and Form Jeffrey Broker, Ph.D. 8.1 Introduction to Cycling Injuries 8.2 Injury Defined 8.3 Anatomical Planes and Directions 8.4 Acute versus Chronic Injuries 8.5 Specific Tissues Involved in Injury A. Injuries to the Skin B. Injuries to Bone and Cartilage C. Injuries to Muscle, Tendon, and Ligament D. Injuries to Joints E. Injuries to Nerves 8.6 Injury Profiles in Cycling A. Epidemiology B. Injury Mechanisms in Specific Cycling Accidents Endnotes Chapter 9: Cycling Helmets and Their Role In Preventing Injuries Sean Langlais, MS & Jeffrey P. Broker, Ph.D. Introduction 9.1 Injury Rates, Fatality Rates, and Helmet Use Amongst Cyclists A. Injury Frequency B. Fatalities C. Cyclist Helmet Use 9.2 Cycling Helmet History 9.3 Basic Helmet Design 9.4 Helmet Performance A. Force and Acceleration Reduction B. Calculating Risk of Head Injury C. Secondary Helmet Protection/Performance D. Impact Locations E. Performance of Cheap vs. Expensive Helmets 9.5 Helmet Standards A. A Brief History of Helmet Standards B. Standards Testing C. CPSC Testing Process 9.6 Helmet Fit and User Inspection A. Helmet Fit B. Helmet Replacement Recommendations 9.7 Helmet Effectiveness and Use 9.8 New Helmet Designs A. Multi-Directional Impact Protection System (MIPS) B. Koroyd Technology C. Hövding 9.9 Helmet Opposition 9.10 Helmets and the Accident Investigator 9.11 Conclusion Endnotes Chapter 10: Visual Behavior As Related to Bicycle Riders Dr. Bernard S. Abrams and Dr. Leslie Weintraub 10.1 Introduction 10.2 Methodology 10.3 Driver Visual Needs 10.4 Visual Perception Related To Driving 10.5 Human Factors of Warning Devices 10.6 Why Traffic Control Devices For Bicyclists? Resources Appendix A Detection and Recognition of Bicyclist Clothes at Night Chapter 11: Safety Standards and Regulations in the Bicycle Industry David A. Mitchell, P.E. 11.1 Regulations versus Standards A. History B. The Differences Between Regulations and Standards 11.2 The United States versus the World A. United States Influence in the World B. World Influence in the United States 11.3 Conclusions Endnotes Chapter 12: Bicycle Materials and Failure Mechanisms David A. Mitchell, P.E. 12.1 History of Frame Materials 12.2 Modern Bicycle Design A. Typical Types of Bicycles and Their Uses B. Market Position Within Types and Uses of Bicycles 12.3 Modern Materials of Frame Construction A. Steel B. Aluminum C. Titanium D. Composite Materials E. Comparison of Materials 12.4 Modern Methods of Frame Manufacture A. Brazing B. Welding C. Adhesive Bonding D. Composite Frame Building 12.5 Modern Materials of Component Manufacture 12.6 Failure Modes in Modern Designs A. Mechanical Overload B. Stress Concentration and Surface Defects C. Fatigue D. Corrosion 12.7 Failure Analysis Techniques A. Visual Examination B. Dimensional Measurement C. Material Identification D. Mechanical Properties E. Metallographic Examination F. Fracture Surface Analysis G. Techniques in Non-Metallic Materials 12.8 Failure Avoidance 12.9 Conclusion Endnotes Part II: Legal Aspects Introduction Chapter 13: Cyclist’s Rights and Duties Paul F. Hill and Megan M. Hottman 13.1 Maintaining a Proper Lookout 13.2 Right to Use the Road, Choice of Route, and Assumption of the Risk 13.3 Riding as Near to the Right as Practicable 13.4 Two Abreast or Single File 13.5 Riding Double, Tandems, and Imputed Negligence 13.6 Equipment Requirements: Helmet Laws 13.7 Equipment Requirements: Lights and Reflectors 13.8 Equipment Requirements: Bell or Horn 13.9 Riding Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs Endnotes Chapter 14: Intersection Accidents Paul F. Hill and Megan M. Hottman 14.1 Scope 14.2 Failure of Bicycle to Trip Signal 14.3 Driver Turning Left 14.4 Driver Passing or Meeting and Turning Right 14.5 Intersections with no Traffic Signs or Signals 14.6 Intersections with Stop Signs 14.7 Intersection with Traffic Signals 14.8 Cyclist Making Left Turn 14.9 Cyclist on Favored Street 14.10 Cyclist on Disfavored Street 14.11 Cyclist Entering or Crossing Roadway at Other than Intersection 14.12 Cyclist and Motor Vehicle Meeting, Including Wrong Way Cyclist 14.13 Projecting Loads and Mirrors 14.14 Driver Opening Door into Path of Cyclist (a.k.a “dooring”) 14.15 Motor Vehicle Backing 14.16 Cyclist on Sidewalk, Crosswalk, Bicycle Lane or Path Endnotes Chapter 15: Cyclist in Collision with Bicycle or Pedestrian Paul F. Hill and Megan M. Hottman 15.1 Scope 15.2 Bicycle-Bicycle Collisions 15.3 Bicycle-Pedestrian Collisions Endnotes Chapter 16: Accidents Caused by Dogs Paul F. Hill and Megan M. Hottman 16.1 Background 16.2 Common Law and Statutes 16.3 Cases 16.4 Points to Remember Endnotes Chapter 17: Accidents Caused by Defects in Street, Highway, Sidewalk, Path, Private Property, or Recreational Land Paul F. Hill and Megan M. Hottman 17.1 Scope 17.2 Alaska 17.3 Arizona 17.4 Arkansas 17.5 California 17.6 Colorado 17.7 Connecticut 17.8 District of Columbia 17.9 Florida 17.10 Georgia 17.11 Illinois 17.12 Indiana 17.13 Iowa 17.14 Louisiana 17.15 Massachusetts 17.16 Michigan 17.17 Minnesota 17.18 Missouri 17.19 Montana 17.20 Nebraska 17.21 New Jersey 17.22 New Mexico 17.23 New York 17.24 Ohio 17.25 Oklahoma 17.26 Pennsylvania 17.27 Puerto Rico 17.28 Rhode Island 17.29 South Dakota 17.30 Tennessee 17.31 Texas 17.32 Utah 17.33 Vermont 17.34 Virginia 17.35 Washington 17.36 West Virginia 17.37 Wisconsin Endnotes Chapter 18: Products Liability Paul F. Hill and Megan M. Hottman 18.1 Introduction 18.2 Brakes 18.3 Helmets 18.4 Grates 18.5 Frame and Fork 18.6 Toe Clips and Pedals 18.7 Lights and Reflectors 18.8 Negligent Assembly or Maintenance 18.9 Wheel Retention 18.10 Other Product Liability Cases Endnotes Chapter 19: Insurance Considerations Paul F. Hill and Megan M. Hottman 19.1 Introduction 19.2 “Through Being Hit By” and “Physical Contact” Construed 19.3 Uninsured/Underinsured and Hit-and-Run Coverage 19.4 No-Fault Automobile Insurance 19.5 Homeowners/Renters Personal Liability Coverage 19.6 Other Insurance Cases Endnotes Chapter 20: Signed Releases of Liability (Waivers) Paul F. Hill and Megan M. Hottman 20.1 Introduction 20.2 Cases 20.3 Concluding Remarks Endnotes Chapter 21: The Uniform Vehicle Code and State Bicycle Statutes Paul F. Hill and Megan M. Hottman 21.1 Introduction 21.2 Selected Uniform Vehicle Code Bicycle Provisions (2000 version) 21.3 Synopsis of State Statutes Endnotes Chapter 22: Other Interesting Cycling-Law Topics Megan M. Hottman 22.1 Introduction 22.2 Cycling Computers, GPS data, and Strava 22.3 Prohibition of bikes in certain areas, and Critical Mass Rides 22.4 Sanctioned versus Unsanctioned Bike Races 22.5 Ride Leaders’ Responsibilities Endnotes Chapter 23: Regulatory Standards Ross D. Petty 23.1 Introduction 23.2 Historical Overview of Bicycle Safety Standards 23.3 General Product Safety Requirements 23.4 Handlebars and Steering System 23.5 Brakes 23.6 Audible Warning Devices 23.7 Nighttime Equipment 23.8 Bicycle Helmet Safety Standards 23.9 Other CPSC Bicycle-related Activity 23.10 Bicycle Advertising Safety Requirements Endnotes About the Authors Index