As a Whistler resident since 2001 and based on my personal experience with this same bike park - I can tell u that his lawsuit was baseless. It's clear to anyone with any common sense that a rider can get seriously hurt while riding in this park. All summer I see riders with various injuries, some less serious than others, coming from the bike park, to be treated at our local medical center. More than one rider has broken his back or has had to be transported by helicopter or ambulance to a larger hospital in Vancouver for a serious injury. Not only did he sign the wavier but their are signs all over the park saying "use at your own risk" etc.. He was also a 2nd yr medical student and was on the first aid patrol - he personally attended to people with spinal and head injuries. If anything this background made him _more_ aware of the risks then the average rider.
I feel bad for the guy but he knew the risks. We all do these sports because they are exciting and we love them but their are risks involved. I'm sorry he got hurt. It's unfair. This is a person who is angry about being paralyzed (who wouldn't be?) but that doesn't mean that the bike park is to blame. It sounds like he could use a therapist to help him come to terms with the accident. His life is changed forever but many disabled people lead very productive lives. I wish him the best.
June 25, 2017, 11:59 a.m. - Jennie Elliott
As a Whistler resident since 2001 and based on my personal experience with this same bike park - I can tell u that his lawsuit was baseless. It's clear to anyone with any common sense that a rider can get seriously hurt while riding in this park. All summer I see riders with various injuries, some less serious than others, coming from the bike park, to be treated at our local medical center. More than one rider has broken his back or has had to be transported by helicopter or ambulance to a larger hospital in Vancouver for a serious injury. Not only did he sign the wavier but their are signs all over the park saying "use at your own risk" etc.. He was also a 2nd yr medical student and was on the first aid patrol - he personally attended to people with spinal and head injuries. If anything this background made him _more_ aware of the risks then the average rider. I feel bad for the guy but he knew the risks. We all do these sports because they are exciting and we love them but their are risks involved. I'm sorry he got hurt. It's unfair. This is a person who is angry about being paralyzed (who wouldn't be?) but that doesn't mean that the bike park is to blame. It sounds like he could use a therapist to help him come to terms with the accident. His life is changed forever but many disabled people lead very productive lives. I wish him the best.