FREEWHEELERS’ MINUTES for October 2, 2006

Dave Proctor led a 29 mile ride before the meeting.
27 members were present.
Andrew opened the meeting at Broncos Restaurant 352 E. Blackstock Rd.
Minutes from September 11 were approved.
Renewals for 2007 Membership have started.
Jim Treasure: Club did not make as much as planned on Mt. Mitchell
One bill left from Mt. Mitchell—Parkway bill
Still have outstanding checks for volunteer groups.
Membership:
We have 412 members
20 have renewed for 2007
Racing Arthur: I-95 at Beaufort 2000 per category Greenville next week
Bike Shops: No new news.
Jean Crow: Active Living
Old bikes for lending program—Spring St. behind PO.
We were asked to bring donations. They need 35 to 50 bikes. Whole bikes and components will be accepted. Road bikes and mountain bikes are needed. Donations are tax deductible. Don’t be embarrassed; they will take anything.
There will be a small fee to borrow bikes.
Paul: 30 people Friday 8:30 AM September 29, 2006. League of American Bicyclists
Spartanburg received Honorable Mention for Bicycle Friendly Community, the first city in SC to be recognized.
On the cusp of being Bicycle Friendly Community
We can go to the next level.
There are 4 or 5 more projects for bike lanes
Worked for 2 years for this.
22 -24 deputies from Clemson to Rock Hill came to Law Enforcement Training Work Shop on October 2, 2006
Passed out bookmarks to law enforcement.
Membership
Proposal to move membership fees to $20 for singles and $30 for family.
Effective December 1, 2006
The extra money to go for projects for a bicycle friendly community
The proposal was passed by a majority vote.
If members join before December 1 they can save $5.00.
Speaker: D. Peters Wilborn, Jr., an attorney who is a biker. He talked about laws dealing with cycling in SC. Here are a few of the topics he covered:
1. SC is 2nd to 8th in cycling fatalities in USA
2. In1998, when his brother was killed on bike in the West, his family asked him to help.
3. Question he would discuss with the board: How can the club be less open to litigation?
4. Most important point: Max out your UM (Uninsured Motorist) and UIM (Underinsured Motorist) part of your coverage.
Usually, those who hurt you are underinsured.
5. He is disturbed by bad advice he has seen on bike sites: One example. A biker crawled 1.5 miles to home from accident. The police said that he could not file an accident report because he left the site of the accident. Wrong.
6. Dog Attacks: Owners 100% liable.
Someone owns the dog. As a lawyer, Peter can get veterinary information, etc. File dog claims with the Animal Control.
7. Sue when needed.
8. People who buzz bikers can be sued.
Tell them that they will hear from your lawyer.
9. “If you have any questions or need assistance, please call me at 843-723-9804 or e-mail me at pwilborn@scbikelaw.com. Although my offices are in Charleston, I am available statewide to represent cyclists and cycling groups, and to talk about bicycle laws and safety.” His web site is http://www.scbikelaw.com/
10. Peter is compiling a list of bad drivers and their tag numbers to post on the internet.
80% of bike fatalities occur when cars do not yield for left turns.
11. Accident reports are not written in stone.
12. Bikers do ride under an Assumption of Risk Case. You probably cannot sue another biker or sue because you hit a rock in the road.
13. 80% of bike fatalities are caused when cars do not yield to left turns. Fatalities rarely result from cars overtaking bikes from behind.
14. Have ID and medical information on the bike. He mentioned that all riders should have paper and a pen/pencil to jot down information if in an accident.
15. Incident Report must be filed by an officer at the accident.
16. At present, SC Laws give enough room for representation by an attorney.
17. Can pursue cases as far back as 3 years.