Koskoff, Koskoff & Bieder Donates $100,000 to Bike Walk Connecticut

For Immediate Release

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West Hartford, Conn. (Jan. 28, 2016) – Koskoff, Koskoff & Bieder, a nationally known law firm with offices in Bridgeport, New Haven and Danbury, has made a $100,000 donation to Bike Walk Connecticut in recognition of the work of Sean Alexander and Colleen Kelly Alexander. The Alexanders were elected to the board of Bike Walk Connecticut in 2015.

Attorney William Bloss, a litigator with Koskoff, Koskoff & Bieder, hails Colleen and Sean Alexander for being “effective advocates for bike safety for years.  Their focus and deeply personal perspective on this vital issue should cause all of us to pay close attention.  We’re inspired by their work and dedication, and we’re pleased to support it and the work of Bike Walk Connecticut.”

“We are exceedingly grateful to Koskoff, Koskoff & Bieder for this gift,” said Bike Walk Connecticut Executive Director, Kelly Kennedy.  “What’s extra special about this donation is that the firm’s generosity is matched by its deep understanding of how important it is for Connecticut to be a better, safer, place to bike and walk. This gift will help us amplify our Share the Road campaign to urge drivers, cyclists and pedestrians to follow the rules of the road.”

Colleen Kelly Alexander’s connection to cycling started early.  Her father got her on a bike when she was two.  As a child she loved spending time at her dad’s bike shop.  She became a successful triathlete, overcoming two serious medical challenges. Then, on October 8, 2011 on a routine bike commute home from work, Colleen was run over by a 30-ton freight truck. Colleen was following the rules of the road that day, but the truck was not. The truck didn’t stop at a stop sign and ran over Colleen, ripping open her abdomen, breaking her pelvis and legs, severely damaging her leg muscles, and tearing off massive amounts of skin. Colleen was resuscitated twice, needed 78 units of blood, and was in a coma for five weeks. The truck driver got a ticket for not stopping at the stop sign.

Miraculously, Colleen survived and has gone on to run more than 50 races and compete in 30 triathlons, including four half Ironman events. Since her trauma, Colleen has become a sought-after public speaker on gratitude and leading a purpose-driven life. 

Noting that cycling has always been a part of her life, Colleen says “It is an honor to be on the board of directors for Bike Walk Connecticut.”   About the aftermath of her trauma, Colleen continues, “We are so grateful that Bill Bloss represented our case with such integrity, passion, and conviction.  And he continues to support us and our cause!  By this substantial donation, it's clear how much Bill and Koskoff, Koskoff & Bieder care about making Connecticut's streets safer for cyclists and pedestrians. This donation is a testament that we are a human community.  When we work together for the good of everyone, we can create incredible change. I am alive to be a change maker, and I am committed to helping Connecticut become a safer place to bike and walk.”

Colleen’s husband, Sean Alexander, a competitive triathlete himself, explains, “While Colleen was in a coma, I looked for just the right firm to represent us.  Bill Bloss was the right pick.  His support for us, our work, and what we stand for has been unwavering.  My wife was brought back to life, but other people are being lost daily on our roads.  We all should be able to live in a safe, bicycle and pedestrian friendly community.  Together, we can make Connecticut a safer place to bike and walk and save lives.”

About Bike Walk Connecticut:  Bike Walk CT is a not-for-profit organization that works to change the culture of transportation and make Connecticut a better place to bike and walk. Bike Walk CT advocates at the state government level for laws, policies and funding that support active transportation.  Bike Walk CT relies on individual and business members, sponsors, donors, and volunteers to carry out its mission. www.bikewalkct.org.

About Koskoff, Koskoff &Bieder:  With offices in Bridgeport, New Haven and Danbury, the law firm of Koskoff, Koskoff & Bieder is known nationally for achieving record verdicts for people who suffer serious personal injuries or economic harm from medical malpractice, violation of their civil or constitutional rights, dangerous products, negligence, drunk drivers, corporate or governmental abuse and commercial misconduct. www.koskoff.com.

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