SVBC is your best source for bicycling information in the Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties. Check this page to learn about interesting events, volunteering opportunities, and current issues facing bicyclists.

Crashed on Mt. Eden Road

I regularly ride around Stevens Creek Reservoir by taking Pierce Road to Mt. Eden Road which becomes Stevens Canyon Road. On Sunday December 20, 2009 at 1:00 PM I crashed at about 30 mph on a patch of gravel where the road has been repaired, just a few hundred yards down from the summit by the archery range. (Thank you to the cyclist and car driver who stopped and helped me with my wounds.) I'm dealing with a broken clavicle, scapula and some possible rotator cuff issues due to the accident. Has anyone else crashed here recently? I would like to know if I have a case against the County for improper road repair and I know my case, and anyone else's, would be stronger if there is more than a single "victim." I am unemployed and uninsured and I don't yet know what the medical expense total will be. Does anyone out there have advice on how I might go about attempting to find the County at least partially at fault and liable due to improper road repair on a road known to be popular with bicyclists? Any advice would be welcome. (I have an e-mail in to Len Tillem, but so far, no reply) Thanks. -Ken

Forums: 
Advocacy

ballard_bike234's picture

Ken,

Sorry to hear about your incident. Involved in similar event last August, however I stayed on my bike with only a fractured Mavic hoop. The mishap happened in Gilroy so I filed a incident report with the city after contacting traffic dept. Turns out the GUSD had an easement (in front of new Christopher High) so I was out of luck with a City reimbursement. The contractor or subcontractor's insurance will need to pay the claim. I would try to find the municipality responsible and pursue that. In the end, the roadway should be safe for all approved vehicles- including bicycles or indicate otherwise. However, safe is a evasive term ;-)