Oklahoma Mountain Biking Club Sued by Injured Rider
January 30th, 2006 by Tim GrahlAn injured mountain biker is suing the non-profit Oklahoma Earthbike Fellowship (OEF) claiming the biking club failed to properly maintain a trail bridge. The case appears to be a classic example of the type of lawsuit feared by land managers and mountain biking organizations worldwide.
In September, 2004 60-year old Jerry Reese sustained a severe spine injury when he fell off the side of a wooden bridge while mountain biking on the popular Bluff Creek Trail near Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. At the time of the accident, a deck board on the bridge was broken, but remained loosely in place. Reese alleges the broken board caused him to lose control of his bike and fall into a dry creek bed. The OEF built the bridge and had an informal agreement with Oklahoma City to perform regular volunteer maintenance on the trail. The case has a trial date of March 4, 2006.





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I found your article about the Oklahoma Mountain Biking club Sued by Injured Rider. I am somewhat confused about the title on the link “Read the whole disgusting article”. Did this mean you were disgusted that the biker was suing over his severe injuries or because the bridge had not been maintained?
it’s disgusting that he is suing. thats all anyone ever does. can he not just accept responsability for his accident. you ride the trails, you take the risks.
I guess he could, but let’s talk safety. When you are riding on a trail that is a sponsored trail and you come upon a bridge, do you assume it is ok to cross or do you walk it first. If you are on a trail that is not maintained, you would assume that all should be inspected before crossing. This trail is on city property specifically designed for walkers and riders.
If you were riding on the street and a car hit you from behind and your back was broken. Would you sue? Sure you would! You expect safety on the streets.