The work contained in this exhibit is the by-product of an attempt to merge the two aspects 
in my life that I derive the greatest fulfillment from: Art and Bicycles.  Where and whenever
possible, the raw materials for these pieces were obtained in the form of "obtainium" from
the vast spectrum known as BICYCLES and related medium.  This includes tubing, fasteners, 
decorative accents and raw materials for casting / fabrication. The majority of objects 
were broken or worn out but in few cases new products were used in order to create the work 
before you.  Please keep this in mind while viewing the exhibit and remember: 

SHARE THE ROAD

I got lucky and now you know.          	296



INSPIRATION:

On February 19, 1996, at the intersection of Lochraven Boulevard and Putty Hill Avenue in 
Parkville, Maryland, a taxi cab operating under the business name of Jimmy's Cab Company, 
failed to yield the right of way to on-coming traffic while he was making a left turn.  At 
the same time as he failed to yield the right of way, I was passing through the intersection
on my bicycle.  Because of his inappropriate action and bad judgment, he left me no possible 
alternative except to collide with the taxicab.  I struck the right front quarter panel and 
wheel well of the Chevrolet Caprice Wagon.  This collision forced me to catapult forward 
twisting in the air.  With tremendous force I impacted the front windshield and eventually 
was thrown back to the ground.  Laying on the asphalt in extreme pain the, Emergency Medical 
Technicians determined that I sustained injuries too severe to move via land, and therefore, 
they called for a Medivac jetcopter to transport me to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma 
Unit in down town Baltimore. Upon arrival at the trauma unit, shock trauma personnel stripped 
me of my clothing and subjected to numerous tests, which gave no conclusive information aside 
from an excessive amount of blood in my abdomen.  Through immediate exploratory surgery they 
isolated my major internal damages.  The impact had broken numerous ribs in my back that in 
turn punctured my left lung, ruptured my spleen, and bruised and tore my liver.  In addition, 
they discovered torn cartilage in my knees and right hand fingers along with multiple contusions 
and soft tissue damage. I spent a total of ten days in the Trauma unit under the constant watch
of Doctors, Nurses and Specialists.  Once released and due to my condition I, spent eight weeks 
under the constant care of my family.  Recovery was a process that continues to this day three
years after the incident. 

Additional factors, which compound this whole ordeal, included the Maryland State Law concerning
insurance requirements, the insurance companies involved, and the bureaucratic red tape which 
society has allowed.  These factors combined with the accident recovery process have all 
tremendously influenced this art proposal and forced me to bring this incident to the world in 
this manor. The purpose of this art piece is to bring attention to one specific injustice which,  
hopefully, will transcend into the realm of the lives of my viewers.  My situation is set in 
time, but by bringing this into view, I may be able to prevent a similar sequence from occurring
to someone else in the future.  Through my interpretations and understanding of the events that 
I have endured, the viewer will for a brief period of time be transported into my reality. I 
intend for the viewer to take away from this experience a renewed awareness of the lethal nature 
of an automobile, the necessity for a driver to be fully aware while behind the wheel and the 
need for bicycle safety, e.g. clothing, helmets, lights, and reflectors.  I would also like to 
demonstrate that there can be a voice even when overwhelming force silence that voice.