Issues of Bicyclists & Leashed Dogs a Concern in San Jose After Death of Woman
A 62 year old San Jose resident, Beverly Head, was killed when she became entangled in a leash while walking a trail. A bicyclist was riding while pulling a dog on a leash when the victim became tangled in it, causing her to fall and strike her head on the pavement. She died the next day after being taken to the hospital. San Jose authorities are now trying to determine how best to handle bicycle riders who ride with leased dogs.
Freak accidents like this one raise concerns about the laws of governing the safety of San Jose trails, and councilwoman Nancy Pyle held a meeting to gather ideas and suggestions from the general public on effective ways these risks could be avoided. The victims husband wants the city to reconsider current laws and feels that the ones in place are not sufficient. In fact, Bob Head feels that bicyclists who pull dogs should be banned from pathways. Currently, dog owners must keep their dogs on a leash up to 20 feet long, and are to keep control of their dogs at all times.
Walkers use the trails often, and bicyclists pulling small dogs that are forced to run to keep up put walkers at risk of accidents similar to his wife’s. San Jose’s Animal Care and Services are trying to determine how other cities in California have dealt with issues similar to this one, which is unique in nature. Other cities have not experienced tragic accidents like this one, so no significant ideas have resulted thus far.
To this point, a ban on bicyclists riding with their pets has not been suggested by most of the people in San Jose. Most do believe that dog owners should keep better control of their dogs, and that existing leash laws should be strengthened. Other people have the opinion that small dogs should not be tied up to bicycles to begin with, and that anyone that violates this rule should be fined. Opponents of a ban feel that accidents like the one that killed Head can happen even if a dog is simply being walked on a leash. Some feel that having paths that are separated, one being for walkers and the other for bicyclists, would solve the problem but so far all are just suggestions. San Jose bicycle accident lawyers feel that it is important to insure the safety of everyone, without stepping on the rights of bicyclists.
The Reeves Law Group has offices across California, and is dedicated to representing personal injury victims, including victims of bicycle accidents. Please contact our San Jose personal injury attorneys for a free consultation at (800) 644-8000.