Cyclists flock to the Litchfield Hills from early spring through late autumn to experience some of the most scenic and rewarding routes Connecticut has to offer. Winding country lanes, challenging topography, and beautiful historic backdrops make our region a premier cycling destination.
However, these idyllic routes come with real dangers. Narrow back roads, sudden blind curves, and changing road conditions mean that safety must remain a shared responsibility between motorists and cyclists.
A Loss That Drives Our Commitment to Safety
At Cramer & Anderson, our advocacy for cycling safety is not just professional—it is deeply personal.
In March 2016, we lost a cherished colleague, friend, and brilliant legal advocate, Partner David P. Burke, in a tragic cycling accident. An avid and highly experienced cyclist, he was riding near Bantam Lake on Route 209 in Morris when his front tire struck a pothole, throwing him into a guardrail.
David’s loss left an unfillable void in our firm and the community. It also served as a stark reminder of how quickly a ride can turn catastrophic due to infrastructure hazards or a lack of roadside margins.
Continuing the Tradition: Riding to Remember David
To ensure his legacy is never forgotten and to keep the conversation about cycling safety at the forefront, our firm continues to actively support regional cycling events.
On June 27, two of Cramer & Anderson’s dedicated senior staff members—Jeremy Ruman (legal assistant to Partner Art Weinshank) and Denice Hull (our New Milford office administrator)—will once again lace up their cycling shoes for the Ride the State event.
Sponsored by the firm, Jeremy and Denice will be taking on the 67-mile ride from New Haven to Hartford, pedaling each mile to honor and remember David Burke.
Organized by the nonprofit East Coast Greenway Alliance, the ride raises funds to close critical trail gaps and create safer, protected spaces for cyclists.
The “3 Feet – It’s the Law” Initiative
As another way of honoring David Burke’s legacy, Cramer & Anderson engaged in a 2017 safety initiative, led by Partner John Tower, that placed “3 Feet – It’s the Law” cycling safety signs along roadsides in Morris, New Milford, and Danbury.
Under Connecticut law, drivers are required to grant a safe buffer zone of at least three feet of clearance when overtaking a cyclist on the road. The firm funded and donated the high-visibility, reflective yellow roadside warning signs in part because many motorists remain unaware of this life-saving requirement.
Crucial Safety Strategies for the Summer Season
Whether you are behind the wheel or on a bike saddle this season, keeping these essential practices in mind can prevent avoidable tragedies:
- For Drivers: Always slow down when approaching a cyclist, expect the unexpected on winding curves, and wait to pass until you can safely provide the legal three-foot buffer.
- For Cyclists: Ride defensively, wear highly visible clothing, use front and rear lights even during daylight hours, and remain vigilant about road hazards like loose gravel or sudden potholes.
When Tragedy Strikes, Our Personal Injury Team is Here
Despite taking every precaution, devastating accidents still happen. When a cyclist is injured due to a driver’s negligence, distracted driving, or poorly maintained municipal or state infrastructure, the physical, emotional, and financial toll can be overwhelming.
A cycling injury claim in Connecticut is rarely a straightforward insurance matter. Whether an accident is caused by a distracted driver who claims they didn’t see a cyclist or a sudden road hazard like a severe pothole, these cases involve unique legal rules, strict short-term filing deadlines, and aggressive insurance tactics designed to shift blame onto the rider.
Navigating the aftermath of a crash is overwhelming enough without trying to decipher complex traffic and municipal laws. That is why you shouldn’t handle it alone. By bringing in our Personal Injury team early, you can focus entirely on physical recovery for yourself or a loved one while we manage the legal complexities, gather critical evidence, and protect your rights from day one—as Partner Randy DiBelladid in securing a $1 million settlement for the estate of a cyclist who died as the result of an accident on Route 109 in New Milford.
Reach out directly to Partner Ryan Henry or Partner Chris Sochacki to connect with our highly experienced injury law team by calling (860) 355-2631, using our contact form, or emailing rhenry@crameranderson.com or csochacki@cramer-anderson.com.
We will fiercely protect your rights and fight to secure the compensation you deserve.
About Cramer & Anderson
Cramer & Anderson provides sophisticated legal services, close to home, with regional offices in New Milford, Litchfield, Danbury, and Ridgefield. For more information, see the firm’s website or call the flagship office in New Milford at (860) 355-2631.