pixel

Blog Post

I Wanted To Express My Sympathy & Condolences To The Families And Friends Of Those Tragically Killed On Saturday

Craig Small • May 16, 2022

I express my sympathy and condolences to the families and friends of those tragically killed on Saturday. The community at large is hurting. The shooting was another extreme example of racial hatred that must be appreciated and recognized as such.

This is obviously an extreme and deranged example of hate. We must recognize it for the destructive and devastating effect that it has on our way of life. Our community is made up of many threads that are intertwined. The threads have the potential to make our life a better place to live. Yet, when a thread is twisted or cut, it weakens the safe and comfortable fabric that keeps us warm and secure.

While personal opinions on varying issues are a part of the society that we have built, those opinions that serve to denigrate other races, insult unfamiliar cultures, criticize legitimate religious beliefs, or attack those based on their national origin, sexual orientation, or gender - require careful thought.

Words matter. It’s not just about being politically correct. It is about recognizing that the way you phrase your words or opinions, may in fact come from a place of hate or ignorance.
If so, see it before you say it.

Recently I heard someone say - after passing an unkempt property with long grass and weeds - “foreigners’ don’t take care of their property.” It simply isn’t a fair criticism of where the owner may have come from because, for example, many property owners, no matter their nationality, creed, color, or gender, Caucasian-American or otherwise, may also fail at the same thing. It’s simply a baseless attack on a culture or a group of people who have nothing to do with that particular complaint.

We know that attacking others based on race or religion is cruel. So why does it keep happening over and over again? Those with weak minds and no soul are the triggers for tragedy. Let’s have less hatred, less prejudice, and more soul.

In Memoriam:
Aaron Salter, 55
Pamela Pritchett, 55
Ruth Whitfield, 86
Andre Mackneil, 53
Heyward Patterson, 67
Roberta Drury, 32
Geraldine Talley, 62
Katherine Massey, 72
Celestine Chaney, 65
Margus Morrison, 52

Bicycle Safety and Fun in Numbers
March 30, 2024
Bicycling can be intimidating. Whether on trails or in the city, try group biking. It has advantages: it may be safer than riding solo, it’s an opportunity to network, and see the sights around Western New York.
March 30, 2024
If you’re looking to connect with other bicyclists, shops, or even leave with a new ride, check out Western New York’s bike swaps. The next annual event will be held on Sunday, April 7 th at Resurgence Brewing Company on Chicago Street . The Swap is the best place to buy gently used parts, sell parts or bikes you may not use anymore, or even just talk bikes with fellow riders. This family-friendly event begins at noon and goes until 4pm. It’s a great place to keep up on current bike safety tips, trail recommendations, and bike maintenance. Check out the WNY Mountain Biking Association page for more information on buying and selling bicycles and parts at the event. If you have unused bicycles or parts you wish to donate, the association will take them after the event has ended. Their page also posts the biggest and best bicycle meet-ups and trail riding groups. It’s an easy way to make cycling friends and ride in numbers on trails and around the city. See our blog about upcoming group rides for more information.
October 10, 2023
Small Law Firm is a personal injury law firm serving Buffalo, NY. Click here to learn more about the things you need to know for your accident case.
May 2, 2023
A cool article in the Wall Street Journal last week triggered this quick blog. We all know that bicyclists have a few necessities. Some are for safety and some even required by New York law. Did you know that a “bike bell” is required by the New York VTL §1236? If you need one, look at the Spurcycle Bell, at Spurcycle.com, or at Amazon.com, for $32 and up. A helmet is required for those through age 14, according the VTL 1238(5), unless otherwise required by the locality you are in. See, giro.com, for a Giro Register, designed with an extra internal liner which can minimize the amount of rotational forces your head experiences in a crash. There are, of course, many options in this category. But we recommend them for all riders no matter the age. Along with each of the items in this blog, The Wall Street Journal also recommended a bike helmet mirror that is kind of cool looking and very adjustable. See, Safe Zone Helmet Mirror — Efficient Velo Tools (EVT) . (WSJ, 4/1/23, Off Duty, D15) Bike locks are worthwhile, too, if you worry about your bike being stolen from the local bike rack. So, for a really good lock, try The Kryptonite New-U New York, sold at REI.com. It’s very sturdy and a solid deterrent to taking your bike. But, if you want a “bike alarm” and want to track your bike if it is stolen, see, US.Knog.com, for the “Knog Scout”. This is a bike alarm and finder. Of course, there are many bike products on-line and in the bike stores similar to these. Find what you need and bike safely!
A Paraplegic on Skis
March 23, 2023
Last Friday, with the assistance of The Lounsbury Adaptive Ski Program at Holiday Valley, I made a positive difference in someone’s life.
February 28, 2023
Small Law Knows Bike Shops!
February 11, 2023
If you are looking for a winter activity but skiing and snowboarding isn’t for you, snowshoeing and Cross Country skiing are a great winter alternatives. No matter your skill level, experience all that WNY has to offer in the colder months and at one of the abundance of places the region has to offer.
By lemaster September 12, 2022
Cross in the Park
By lemaster August 25, 2022
The bicycle accident lawyers at The Small Law Firm have collected the top ten rules of bike riding. We assist clients in the Niagara Falls, NY region.
By lemaster August 9, 2022
The Buffalo Triathlon Club is alive and well. This past Thursday night, twenty riders embarked on a 16- mile time trial from Tonawanda Creek in North Amherst. Riders were released and sprinted to the finish. The time trial is a part of the triathlon training for these triathletes - male and female between the ages of 25 and 65. The training bikes being used by the athletes vary. A few ride hybrid style bikes; some are on traditional road bikes; and others are riding high-end carbon fiber triathlon racing bikes with built in aero bars in a forward leaning position. Wheel sets vary from deep dish rims to fully covered wheels. The helmets vary, too. Some Star Trek looking and some that you’d see on most riders. All wear moisture wicking bike shirts, some sleeveless and some not. And the shorts are form fitting - all the purpose of reducing wind resistance and improving comfort. It’s a conglomeration of athletes who all love the sport, training, and camaraderie. Small Law hosted dinner, Small Talk on New York Bike Law, and giveaways to a few lucky winners. Small Law can be reached at www.BuffaloBicycleAtty.com or via instagram at @smallawbba.
More Posts
Share by: