Posts Tagged ‘Boston’
Breakstone, White & Gluck and Project KidSafe Campaign Recognized for Bicycle Helmet Donations and Commitment to Safety at Massachusetts Safe Routes to School Awards Event
Massachusetts Safe Routes to School, the statewide program which teaches children how to walk and bike to school safely, honored 14 communities with awards at the State House this morning. Breakstone, White & Gluck and our Project KidSafe campaign were also recognized for donating children’s bicycle helmets to the program.
Attorney David White of Breakstone, White & Gluck attended the 2016 Massachusetts Safe Routes to School Awards and is shown here with Jana Linhart, a school outreach coordinator with Massachusetts Safe Routes.
Lt. Governor Karyn Polito was the keynote speaker at the 2016 Safe Routes to School Awards ceremony, which was held in the Grand Staircase Hall. Other speakers included: Scott Bosworth, the chief strategy officer for the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT); Michael Cahill, mayor of the City of Beverly and Diane Hanson, program director for Massachusetts Safe Routes to School.
Breakstone, White & Gluck has partnered with Massachusetts Safe Routes to School (Massachusetts Safe Routes) for the past two years, by donating bicycle helmets to children who need one and participate in the organization’s bicycle safety programs. In 2016, we donated 400 new bicycle helmets for children.
“We have already given away a third of the helmets this year. We are so thankful for their support,” said Nikki Tishler, of Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), while addressing the event. MassDOT manages the Safe Routes to School program.
Breakstone, White & Gluck has made these bicycle helmet donations as part of our Project KidSafe campaign, which we launched in 2013 with a goal of keeping children and families safe. We have since donated over 10,000 bicycle helmets to children across Massachusetts, with help from organizations such as Massachusetts Safe Routes, Boston Bikes’ Roll It Forward, Bikes Not Bombs, CYCLE Kids and many local bicycle committees, schools and police departments.
Our law firm wants to help promote bicycle safety in Massachusetts. Wearing a bicycle helmet is the most effective way for cyclists to protect themselves from a head injury and is especially important for children in case of a bicycle accident or fall. Still, many children and families do not wear one and we want to help make a difference.
Massachusetts Safe Routes has been making a difference and protecting children for 10 years. It was one of the first Safe Routes programs in the country and today, its programming reaches over 333,000 students. It works with 51 percent of schools in Massachusetts, has 740 partner schools and is active in 199 communities. In addition to educating students, it works with school resource police officers and organizes fun events such as bike rodeos. It has also started developing programs to help children walk and bike to school safely in the winter.
If you are a parent, you may be familiar with Safe Routes programming. If not, visit the website for a list of important safety tips: http://www.commute.com/safe-routes-to-school/resources.
The 2016 Massachusetts Safe Routes to Schools awards list:
Exemplary Program North Region
Lincoln Elementary School, WinchesterExemplary Program South Region
Joseph H. Gibbons Elementary School, StoughtonExemplary Program Central Region
Burbank Elementary School, BelmontExemplary Program West Region
Rebecca M. Johnson Elementary School, SpringfieldCommunity Collaboration
Milton Transportation & Traffic Sub-CommitteeMeasurable Impact
New Bedford Public SchoolsBiking All-Star
Leroy Wood School, FairhavenWalking All-Star
Letourneau Elementary School, Fall RiverWinter Walking and Biking
Marcella R. Kelly Full Service Community School, HolyokeRegional Superheros of the Year
Mass in Motion Coordinators, Lynn
The Supervisor of Health Services, Stoughton Public Schools
Newton Safe Routes to School Task Force Founder, Newton
Mass in Motion Coordinator, North Adams
Attorney Marc Breakstone Settles Motorcyclist Wrongful Death Case for Family for $3.5 Million
Attorney Marc Breakstone recently settled a wrongful death case for the family of a motorcyclist for $3.5 million. The case was settled in March 2016.
The motorcyclist was tragically killed by a waste disposal truck in West Bridgewater in 2013. The truck, which was being operated by a subcontractor, pulled out across the road in the path of the motorcyclist. The motorcyclist applied the brakes and laid down his motorcycle, attempting to avoid the collision and struck the defendant’s truck at less than 5 mph.
The motorcyclist continued to roll under the truck. The truck driver did not see him and ran the rear tires over his body, killing him.
The truck driver should never have been behind the wheel. The driver had a “Z” restriction on his license, which prohibited him for operating any vehicles that did not have a breathalyzer interlock on the ignition. The truck had no interlock and the driver was criminally charged.
About Attorney Marc Breakstone
Marc L. Breakstone has established a reputation as one of the top medical malpractice and personal injury lawyers in New England. His record-setting settlements and verdicts have earned him the distinction of being selected as one of the Top 100 Super Lawyers in New England and Top 100 Super Lawyers in Massachusetts. He has also been selected by his peers as one of the top medical malpractice plaintiff’s lawyers in the Super Lawyer balloting. In 2002, Attorney Breakstone was honored as one of ten “Lawyers of the Year” by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly. More on Marc Breakstone.
About Breakstone, White & Gluck
The Boston personal injury attorneys at Breakstone, White & Gluck have over 100 years combined experience handling motor vehicle accident cases resulting in serious personal injury or wrongful death. If you have been injured, it is important to learn your rights. For a free legal consultation, contact us at 800-379-1244 or 617-723-7676 or use our contact form.
Project KidSafe Update: Breakstone, White & Gluck Supports Ashland Farmers Market and Tewksbury Police
Our Project KidSafe campaign recently stopped in Ashland and Tewksbury, to donate bicycle helmets to kids at fun events geared toward safety.
On June 5th, the Tewksbury Police Department hosted its Annual Bike Safety Rodeo at Tewksbury Memorial High School. Children came out to ride despite some rain early in the morning. They circled the parking lot, ran an obstacle course and enjoyed time with other kids – and the Lowell Spinners mascot, Canaligator. Cyclists of all ages were offered free bicycle safety inspections.
Children who needed a new helmet were offered one from Breakstone, White & Gluck and the Project KidSafe campaign. Tewksbury police officers partnered with us on the donation and fit the helmets for the kids.
“Please thank the attorneys for us for helping to keep our community safe!” Tewksbury police wrote us.
The Tewksbury Police Department actively works to protect cyclists of all ages with an annual Helmet Reward program. If an officer spots you riding a bicycle and wearing a helmet, you may just win tickets to a Lowell Spinners game. Local businesses provide support for the initiative.
Wearing a bicycle helmet is required for riders 16 years old or younger in Massachusetts, but it is good practice for anyone riding a bicycle. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, wearing a bicycle helmet can reduce the risk for a serious head injury by 50 percent. Other studies have reported it offers even more protection.
On June 18th, the Ashland Farmers Market celebrated its 5th anniversary. Breakstone, White & Gluck donated 75 children’s bicycle helmets for the event. We thank students and members of the community who took time to distribute and fit helmets for the kids.
The Ashland Farmers Market is organized by volunteers, with a goal of providing local farmers and small businesses a venue to sell goods to the community. Visitors can get produce and food there, as well as nutrition tips and suggestions on environmentally friendly practices for home and commuting. The committee has made bicycle safety a priority and this is the third year we have donated bicycle helmets.
About Project KidSafe
Breakstone, White & Gluck has donated over 10,000 bicycle helmets to children in Massachusetts through our Project KidSafe campaign. We launched our campaign in 2013, with a simple goal: to help children ride safely and prevent head injuries. This year, we are proud to donate helmets to children at community events in Boston, Cambridge, Arlington, Somerville, Dedham, Worcester and other communities. We are also making donations to more than 10 local police departments.
Breakstone, White & Gluck Donates 300 Bicycle Helmets to Help Somerville Students Ride Safe
Attorney Marc Breakstone visited Somerville yesterday to help distribute new bicycle helmets to fifth-graders. But first he wanted to talk about their commitment to bicycle safety. “Is everyone ready to take a pledge?” he asked.
Click the video to watch:
For the third year, Breakstone, White & Gluck was pleased to donate 300 bicycle helmets to fifth graders in Somerville schools who completed the CYCLE Kids curriculum, which teaches bicycle riding and safety. Attorney Breakstone visited with about 60 students at the Dr. Albert F. Argenziano School at Lincoln Park and helped hand out the new bicycle helmets and certificates of completion for the CYCLE Kids training program.
Breakstone, White & Gluck is committed to helping children ride bicycles safely. Since 2013, we have donated over 10,000 bicycle helmets as part of our Project KidSafe campaign. Every year has brought a donation in Somerville, which actively promotes bicycle safety for children, through the schools, dedicated school resource officers and community organizations which promote safety events.
Our goal is simple: to encourage children to wear helmets and prevent head injuries in falls and bicycle accidents. Massachusetts law requires cyclists who are 16 years old and younger to wear bicycle helmets, though it is recommended for cyclists of all ages.
CYCLE Kids is a Cambridge non-profit organization which provides bicycle safety and nutrition curriculum for schools across the country. Locally, Cambridge and Somerville schools teach the curriculum in physical education classes.
Attorney Marc Breakstone with the fifth-graders from the Dr. Albert F. Argenziano School in Somerville.
The Somerville fifth graders who completed the CYCLE Kids curriculum learned how to ride a bicycle, safety skills such as wearing a helmet and using hand signals and nutrition fundamentals. Students are also encouraged to share their experience – and any fears they have – through essay writing.
“It can be scary for the kids who don’t know how to ride,” physical education Kris Savage said. “It is a brave thing for them to ride in front of their peers.”
Breakstone, White & Gluck coordinated the donation with CYCLE Kids, Somerville Public Schools and Somerville Police Officer Marianne Manfra. Attorney Breakstone, Officer Manfra and Kris Savage, physical education teacher at the Argenziano School, handed out the new Project KidSafe bike helmets to the children.
This year, we learned one of the fifth-graders who received a new bicycle helmet had taken his own steps for bike safety for his school and classmates. Caleb Piehl won the Saris National Bicycle Poster Contest last fall. As part of his prize, he won a trip to the National Bike Summit in Washington D.C. in March, a new Scwhinn bicycle, safety gear and a great prize for the school: a new 20-rack bicycle parking system that can track users’ mileage.
About Breakstone, White & Gluck
Breakstone, White & Gluck is a Boston personal injury law firm which is committed to the safety of all bicyclists in Massachusetts. We have over 100 years combined experience representing bicyclists injured by the negligence of others. If you, or a member of your family, has been injured in a bicycle incident, please feel free to contact us for a free legal consultation at 800-379-1244 or 617-723-7676 or use our contact form. Thank you and RIDE SAFE!
Attorney Marc Breakstone Provides Legal Commentary in Boston Globe Article on Former Student’s Negligence Lawsuit Against Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Attorney Marc Breakstone commented as a legal expert in a Boston Globe article this week on Worcester Polytechnical Institute’s (WPI) response to a negligence lawsuit, brought by a former student who was raped while studying abroad. The college responded that the student was partially responsible.
“It’s a strategy that, frankly, often backfires in trial because the jury gets incensed,” Attorney Breakstone said.
This is a comparative negligence argument. This is traditionally an argument defense lawyers try and make for slip-and-fall cases or other accidents. In these cases, juries are left to assign a percentage of blame on the defendant and the plaintiff. In this case, Attorney Breakstone called the use, “repugnant.”
According to The Boston Globe, the student was raped in Puerto Rico, by a security guard who worked at the apartment building where students lived. The security guard was a convicted felon at the time. He has since been convicted for her rape and is now serving a 20-year prison sentence.
The student and her parents have sued WPI, alleging the school failed to properly ensure the apartment building was safe for students. The lawsuit was filed against WPI and several administrators and seeks unspecified damages from the college, including legal costs.
In response, WPI’s attorneys have asserted the victim was partially responsible because she ignored the information and training provided by the college, as well as her own common sense, and she drank excessively that night and followed the security guard onto the roof, where the crime occurred.
About Attorney Marc Breakstone
He has been recognized as a Top 100 New England Super Lawyer, a Top 100 Massachusetts Super Lawyer and a Massachusetts Super Lawyer in Plaintiff’s Medical Malpractice. He regularly provides legal commentary to the media on complex cases involving negligence, medical malpractice and transportation.
About Breakstone, White & Gluck
The Boston personal injury attorneys at Breakstone, White & Gluck have over 100 years combined experience handling motor vehicle accident cases resulting in serious personal injury or wrongful death. If you have been injured, it is important to learn your rights. For a free legal consultation, contact us at 800-379-1244 or 617-723-7676 or use our contact form.
Breakstone, White & Gluck Donates Children’s Bicycle Helmets for Lexington Bike Walk ‘n Bus Week
Cyclists of all ages came out strong for Lexington’s Bike Walk ‘n Bus Week in May. Breakstone, White & Gluck was pleased to donate bicycle helmets to children who needed one at events such as the Bike Smart Class for fourth- and fifth-graders and the Bike Art Contest. With each helmet given, children and parents were shown how to properly fit them on their own.
We are also happy to see these two little cyclists stopped by for a Project KidSafe helmet. Thanks ArtsOffRoad Lexington for sending along the photos.
Photos courtesy: ArtsOffRoad Lexington.
Bike Walk ‘n Bus Week was held from May 14-22 and coincided with Bay State Bike Week. While the rest of the state celebrated cycling, Lexington focused on bicycling, walking and encouraging use of alternate transportation, such as buses.
The organizers were the Lexington Bicycle Advisory Committee, Greenways Corridor and Massachusetts Safe Routes to School. Events included breakfasts, bike rides, a bike parade and bike maintenance workshops.
There are two active committees representing cyclists in Lexington: the Lexington Bicycle Advisory Committee and the Friends of Lexington Bikeways, which coordinated the bicycle helmet donation from Breakstone, White & Gluck. Because of their work and the strong local interest in cycling, Lexington was named a bronze level Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Cyclists in 2015.
Breakstone, White & Gluck donated 140 bicycle helmets in Lexington this Spring. It is the third year we have made a donation and it is nice to see the community’s interest. In addition to Bike Walk ‘n Bus Walk Week, Lexington Police gave out bike helmets at Discovery Day on May 28th and showed children and families how to properly fit them.
Breakstone, White & Gluck donated the bicycle helmets as part of our Project KidSafe campaign. Since 2013, we have donated more than 10,000 bicycle helmets to help children prevent head injuries and ride their bicycles safely.
Read about our past events and donations here.
Breakstone, White & Gluck Donates Over 300 Children’s Bicycle Helmets in Westborough, Lexington and Dorchester
These are the days when children just want to be outdoors, riding their bikes. We want them to enjoy the experience and always, always wear a bicycle helmet.
Breakstone, White & Gluck recently made bicycle helmet donations in Westborough, Lexington and Dorchester as part of our Project KidSafe campaign. We are committed to protecting young cyclists and are now in the fourth year of our campaign. Along the way, we have donated over 10,000 bicycle helmets to children who need one, with support from community groups, bicycle safety organizations, police departments and schools which organize bike helmet giveaways.
Wearing a properly fitted bicycle helmet is the best way for cyclists to protect themselves against head injuries from falls and bicycle accidents. Under the law, anyone who is 16 years of age or younger in Massachusetts is required to wear one while riding.
Westborough Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee
Attorney David White and Bruce Tretter, Westborough Selectman and Chair of the Westborough Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, with fellow committee members Ellen Gugel and Glenn McLeod, at Spring Festival in Westborough on May 7, 2016.
We recently partnered with the Westborough Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee for a third year and distributed nearly 200 bicycle helmets over two weekends.
On April 30th, 120 children’s bicycle helmets were distributed to families at the Boroughs Family Branch of the YMCA of Central Massachusetts. The giveaway was part of Healthy Kids Day. On May 7th, Attorney David White joined committee members and together distributed about 80 helmets at the Spring Festival, a three-day event sponsored by the Rotary Club of Westborough.
Discovery Day in Lexington
Over Memorial Day, Lexington held its 37th Annual Discovery Day, a chance for residents to enjoy music, food and learn about local businesses and town government. Families also had the opportunity to learn about bicycle safety at the Lexington Police Department tent. Police officers gave away 100 of our Project KidSafe bicycle helmets to children, while also showing them and their parents how to properly fit the helmets.
This was the third year Breakstone, White & Gluck has donated children’s bicycle helmets in the Lexington community. The donations have been arranged by the Friends of the Lexington Bikeways.
UP Academy Dorchester
The UP Academy Dorchester wanted to start a conversation with middle school students about bicycle safety. To help, Breakstone, White & Gluck recently donated bicycle helmets and provided safety literature. The UP Education Network is a non-profit management organization which works to turnaround low-performing schools. It operates three tuition-free schools in Boston and two in Lawrence, serving 2,600 of the state’s historically underserved students. A new academy will open in Springfield next Fall.
The UP Education Network was founded in 2010, the year Massachusetts passed education reform to re-start low performing schools. Once a school district, city or state identifies a school needs a restart, the UP Education Network can take on full management for the school. The academies operate inside – not independent of – school districts.
About Breakstone, White & Gluck
Breakstone, White & Gluck is a Boston personal injury law firm which is committed to the safety of all bicyclists in Massachusetts. We have over 100 years combined experience representing bicyclists injured by the negligence of others. If you, or a member of your family, has been injured in a bicycle incident, please feel free to contact us for a free legal consultation at 800-379-1244 or 617-723-7676 or use our contact form. Thank you and RIDE SAFE!
Attorney Ronald Gluck Files Wrongful Death Lawsuit Against Truck Driver and Company in Cyclist’s Death
The family of Dr. Anita Kurmann, who was tragically hit and killed by a truck last summer in Back Bay, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the truck driver and the trucking company. Attorney Ronald E. Gluck of Breakstone, White & Gluck filed the lawsuit on behalf of the family in Suffolk Superior Court. The Boston Globe reported on the case on May 19, 2016.
Read The Boston Globe article, “Family of cyclist killed in Back Bay last year sues truck driver.”
Bay State Bike Week 2016: Have Fun and Be Safe
Welcome back cyclists! Bay State Bike Week is here and many of you are commuting to work for competition, attending commuter breakfasts, and participating in events to make this work week pass a little faster. The goals are to help protect the environment, reduce traffic congestion, get a little exercise, and have fun with other cyclists.
Attorney David White and Marc Breakstone on Boston City Hall Plaza with our Project KidSafe tent and Project KidSafe helmets during Bay State Bike Week 2015. The event was Bike Friday and it was organized by Boston Bikes.
Breakstone, White & Gluck is pleased to participate as well. On Friday morning, we will join cyclists at the Bike to Work Day event on Boston City Hall Plaza. If you attend, please stop by our Project KidSafe tent and say hello to some of our lawyers! Boston Bikes is organizing the event.
Have fun and, as always, ride safely. Here are a few bicycling safety resources from our lawyers, MassBike, the Boston Cyclists Union, and other organizations:
Massachusetts Bicyclists’ Rights and Responsibilities
Our checklist of rights and responsibilities for bicyclists and motorists. Read more.
Wear a Bicycle Helmet
To help protect children and families, Breakstone, White & Gluck donates children’s bicycle helmets through our Project KidSafe campaign. Over four years, we have given away over 10,000 brand-new helmets to children who need one. Along the way, we often meet parents who want their children to be fitted for a helmet but do not have one of their own.
Every cyclist needs a bicycle helmet to protect themselves from a head injury in a crash. Bay State Bike Week is a good time check your existing helmet to see if it needs to be replaced. If it is worn or cracked, it is time for a new one! Learn how to properly fit a helmet. Here is a video with instruction:
“Shifting Gears: Bicyclists & Public Safety”
This 11-minute video was produced by MassBike, in partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the Boston Police Department. The video was developed to provide police officers instruction on the laws for cyclists and motorists. But it is a good resource for any cyclist or driver.
Specific topics covered in the video include bicyclists’ right to use the road, dooring, safe passing, yielding to bicyclists on turns, parking in bike lanes, bicyclists’ compliance with rules of the road, hand signals, yielding to pedestrians, lights at night, wrong-way bicycling, and crash investigation.
What Every Massachusetts Bicyclist Needs to Know About Car Insurance
While we hope cyclists are never injured, it can make all the difference in the world to understand how your auto insurance policy works. Many cyclists do not realize this, but you can purchase extra coverage on your auto insurance to protect yourself if you are injured on a bicycle. This is important because there may be times when a driver does not have adequate insurance and you need to rely on your own coverage. Read more.
Facts About Cycling in Massachusetts
We answer questions about lights, hand signals, parking and more. Read more.
Trucks vs. Bikes
The Boston Cyclists Union has published this sheet to educate cyclists on the dangers they face when approached by some large trucks. Please read the sheet so you understand some of the risks.
According to Volpe National Transportation Systems Center, nearly half of all bicyclists and more than one-quarter of pedestrians killed in large truck crashes first impact the side of a truck. When a truck has high clearance, a cyclist can fall in the space between the front and rear wheels.
Mandated sideguard on large trucks have reduced cyclist deaths by 61 percent and serious injuries by 13 percent, according to a Transport for London study.
In October 2014, the City of Boston passed an ordinance, requiring truck sideguards, convex mirrors, blind spot awareness decals for city contracted trucks and tractor-trailers of a certain weight. Many trucks do not have to comply with the law, but this may change in the future. Legislation has been proposed to require truck sideguards statewide.
About Breakstone, White & Gluck
Breakstone, White & Gluck is a Boston personal injury law firm which is committed to the safety of all bicyclists in Massachusetts. We have over 100 years combined experience representing bicyclists injured by the negligence of others. If you, or a member of your family, has been injured in a bicycle incident, please feel free to contact us for a free legal consultation at 800-379-1244 or 617-723-7676 or use our contact form. Thank you and RIDE SAFE!
Breakstone, White & Gluck Donates Children’s Bicycle Helmets to Boston School and Cambridge Medical Clinic
As part of our Project KidSafe campaign, Breakstone, White & Gluck recently made two donations to help children in Boston and Cambridge ride their bicycles safely.
Windsor Street Care Center
Breakstone, White & Gluck was pleased to donate 100 bicycle helmets to the Windsor Street Care Center in Cambridge. This is the second year we have partnered with the center. Doctors and staff give the helmets to children who need one, while also showing parents and older children how to properly fit the helmets themselves.
Haynes Early Education Center
Breakstone, White & Gluck was also pleased to donate 75 bicycle helmets for the Healthy Families Event at Haynes Early Education Center, which is part of the Boston public school system. The school, which is located in Roxbury, serves children in kindergarten and grade 1. The Healthy Families Event was held in late March to provide families with safety information before the Spring cycling season.
The Importance of Bicycle Helmets
Breakstone, White & Gluck cares about the safety of cyclists. Since 2013, our law firm has donated over 10,000 bicycle helmets to children in eastern Massachusetts through our Project KidSafe campaign.
Our goal is to encourage children to wear bicycle helmets starting early. Wearing a bicycle helmet is a simple and effective way to protect a cyclist from a head injury. But the key is the helmet must be in good condition and properly fit. Parents also play a critical role, by wearing a bicycle helmet to set a good example for their children.
Massachusetts law requires any person 16 years old or younger riding a bicycle to wear a helmet. By wearing a helmet, cyclists can reduce their chance for head injury by 50 percent, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Other studies have found bicycle helmets have an even greater impact in protecting children from falls or bicycle accidents.
About Breakstone, White & Gluck
Breakstone, White & Gluck is a Boston personal injury law firm which is committed to the safety of all bicyclists in Massachusetts. We have over 100 years combined experience representing bicyclists injured by the negligence of others. If you, or a member of your family, has been injured in a bicycle incident, please feel free to contact us for a free legal consultation at 800-379-1244 or 617-723-7676 or use our contact form. Thank you and RIDE SAFE!