Atlanta resident John Lamb was 40 years old and recently engaged when, in February 2006, the bicycle he was riding became entangled in loose utility wires near the corner of Peachtree and Peachtree Battle roads.

The injuries Lamb received in the accident cost him his life. He died after five days from a head injury.

Paula Grad (ENLARGE)

Monroe Drive at fire station

Sally Flocks (ENLARGE)

Peachtree near 10th Street

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On a drizzly Saturday in late March, Lamb's brother, three sisters, and the woman he was to marry joined other volunteers to honor his memory by taking part in the John Lamb Utility Wire Hunt.

Thirty-five volunteer teams participated in the weeklong event sponsored by the pedestrian advocacy group PEDS. They combed Atlanta's major pedestrian arteries and took pictures of more than 225 sites where loose or detached wires or cables lie across or block sidewalks. Cash prizes were offered to those finding the greatest number of hazardous sites.

PEDS President and CEO Sally Flocks said the event was a success, with additional sites still being reported.

"I think the event really opened up people's eyes to a problem many aren't even aware of," Flocks said. "These sites are a real hazard for the elderly, those with disabilities or sight impairment, and even everyday pedestrians and cyclists."

Some of the most offending sites include places where long lengths of loose cable are spooled across the sidewalk and abandoned houses where detached cables have been left behind after service was discontinued.

Volunteer Chester Perry of Midtown took home the $200 first prize for finding 28 loose wire sites.

"Whoever's supposed to take care of these things is obviously not doing their job," Perry said.

Flocks now wants to meet with the city's public works department and representatives from Georgia Power, Comcast and other utilities to present her group's findings and discuss how things can be improved.

"In addition to getting the documented locations cleaned up," she said, "there needs to be a commitment to finding and fixing future sites, and that means proactive inspection by the city."

Another improvement Flocks wants is labeling wires and cables so responsible parties can be identified. She says most wires are unlabeled, making it impossible to know who to call about a loose wire.

Atlanta Department of Public Works spokeswoman Tenee Hawkins said the department's Office of Transportation monitors rights of way.

"We appreciate any information that PEDS or other organizations or individuals may provide," she said, "and will schedule a meeting with PEDS at their earliest convenience."

Lamb's brother Don, who lives in Hampton, believes some good can come from John Lamb's death.

"It's all about accountability," he said. "If we can get the utilities and city to take a more proactive approach to finding and fixing these dangerous sites, John will not have died in vain."

If you know of a site where loose or detached wires create a hazard for pedestrians, contact PEDS at 404-522-3666 or www.peds.org.