By Cynthia Newton & Chris Thomas
If you have questions about your rights as a bicyclist in Oregon, come to a free Bike Legal Clinic in 2018.
The clinics are hosted by Thomas, Coon, Newton and Frost (TCNF) in partnership with the Street Trust. This tradition goes back to 1993, when attorney Ray Thomas hosted his first clinic, and is continued today by TCNF’s four bike trial lawyers: Ray Thomas, Jim Coon, Cynthia Newton and Chris Thomas, who will take turns presenting.
Cynthia Newton and Chris Thomas both live in northeast Portland and commute by bicycle to the TCNF office downtown. Cynthia will present at several 2018 clinics, including the July 10 clinic at Gladys Bikes for women cyclists.
Cynthia has defended the rights of injured Oregon cyclists in hundreds of cases since 2004, giving her abundant experience on the practical effect of Oregon law following a collision. She has written extensively on the application of Oregon insurance law to bicyclists and the danger to cyclists posed by commercial vehicles.
Although Chris Thomas is the most recent addition to the TCNF team of bike lawyers, he has been actively involved in the Portland bicycle community for over 15 years.
He has lived in, and commuted primarily by bicycle from northeast Portland, downtown, Beaverton and rural Washington County. He also competes as a Category 3 road cyclist. As a father to two young boys, most of his weekend riding currently involves pulling a kid trailer, which gives him a heightened sense of the importance of protected bike routes.
Each clinic attendee receives a free copy of Pedal Power: A Legal Guide for Oregon Bicyclists by Ray Thomas, which is a compilation of statutes and articles regarding Oregon bike law.
Clinic topics include taking the lane, riding on sidewalks, signaling, lighting, e-bikes, riding under the influence and more.
The 2018 clinic schedule includes:
- July 10 at 6 p.m. at Gladys Bikes (Women’s Bike Clinic), 2905 N.E. Alberta St.
- Aug. 14 at 6 p.m. at Outer Rim Bicycle Shop, 10625 N.E. Halsey St.
(Story reprinted with permission from Northeast Coalition of Neighborhoods newsletter, Hey Neighbor!)