BIKE LANE CHANGE - 17th ST Bridge - Atlantic Station - UPDATE

Just a followup to my post concerning the 17th Street bridge and the bike lane.

1) I have been told that the DOT has blacked out the lane in question on the bridge - I will confirm that on Friday when I ride through.

2) As you know, I was ticketed for "failure to maintain my lane." and had a court date today August 6th. The judge dismissed the charges against me and the driver of the vehicle stating, "that this was a matter for the civil courts to decide, not the criminal court." So at least I did not get any points against my record.

3) I am currently in contact with an attorney to file suit / claim against the Georgia DOT for the accident and thier failure to properly make and remove the old bike lane. Will see what happen there. I just want my doctor bills paid and the cost of my new bike reimbursed.

I am abit upset that the DOT is removing the bike lane section in question. So know the bike lanes ends about 1/2 block from the intersections. Where is the cyclist supposed to go from there?

Thanks to all the kind words of support and advice I have received from fellow members. Also got a number of folks commenting on the Fox5 news story. I actually downloaded the flash file and converted to iPod for my court appearance. Never had to use it.. oh well.

Keep on cycling..

John Tackett