Bicycle Expert Advises On Dangerous Bicycle Path Design

Case Overview

This case involves a bicycle accident on an area of the Chicago lakefront. Along the waterfront on the south side of Chicago there is a stepped retaining wall that was built to prevent erosion and flooding. It was designed so that it could be traversed on foot as well as on bicycle and has been in use for a number of years. The bike path is on the top of the third step (9 feet above the ground and in order for someone to reach the ground there is a descending ramp that reaches the ground after three 180 degree turns. The plaintiff was riding her bike in the evening when the path that she was riding on abruptly ended when she came upon the first 180 degree turn. Since there was no sign and no lighting she fell from the 9 foot elevation and broke her back. She is now a quadriplegic and is suing the city of Chicago for failing to provide a safe multiuse pathway.

Questions to the Engineering expert and their responses

Have you designed and built multi-use pathways for bicycles and pedestrians?

I have extensive experience with bike paths and multi-use pathways. I have consulted on and engineered a number of bike paths and I am very familiar with the specifications and codes.

About the expert

This qualified expert has 30 years of experience in structural, civil and architectural engineering projects including the design and safety of public access areas like parking lots, multi-use pathways, and buildings. He earned a BS in Civil Engineering from Pennsylvania State University, a MS in Engineering Science from Pennsylvania State University, and is a certified professional engineer. He has investigated over 4000 structures for deficiencies, code violations or substandard construction practices, and has recently co-authored a book on injuries sustained in public areas. He is currently a consulting engineer at a major private engineering group.

E-000436

Specialties:

Engineering