Ken A. Rosskopf
The Dean of Georgia Bicycle Law 1939 - 2025
A Pioneer in Bicycle Safety Law
For over two decades, Ken Rosskopf dedicated his legal career to protecting the rights of cyclists throughout Georgia. Known as "the dean" of Atlanta bicycle law, Ken's passion for cycling safety extended far beyond the courtroom, touching the lives of countless individuals and shaping the landscape of bicycle advocacy in our state.
Ken was more than just an attorney who happened to represent cyclists—he was a daily rider who understood firsthand the vulnerabilities and challenges that cyclists face on Georgia's roads. This personal experience informed every case he took, every training session he conducted, and every piece of advocacy work he pursued, bringing both legal expertise and authentic empathy to his practice.
Ken's tragic passing on August 23, 2025, following a bicycle crash near his Decatur home, represents an immeasurable loss to the cycling community, the legal profession, and all who knew him.
His Enduring Legacy
Legal Pioneer
Ken authored "Representing Injured Bicyclists" for the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association and contributed to "The Georgia Law Enforcement Pocket Guide" and "Georgia Bike Sense," establishing foundational resources for bicycle law in Georgia.
National Leader
Co-founder of the national association of bicycle lawyers and bicycle accident reconstruction engineers, Ken helped establish the framework for bicycle law practice across the United States.
Community Innovator
Founded Decatur Yellow Bikes, Inc., a pioneering community bicycle program that recycled over 750 bicycles for free community use, serving as a model for bike-sharing programs nationwide.
Educator & Advocate
Conducted countless training sessions for law enforcement officers throughout Georgia, helping them understand bicycle laws and cyclists' rights, fundamentally improving police-cyclist relations.
Champion Cyclist
An international-level masters road bike racer, National Champion, and State Champion who understood the challenges cyclists face from personal experience on Georgia's roads.
A Friend
A first-time encounter with Ken at a bike ride, or at a race, or at his favorite bike & coffee shop meant making a new friend. The cyclists he represented often became life-long friends and he was known for his kindness and warmth.
Career Milestones
1960s
Education
Earned B.A. in Economics and J.D. in Law at the University of Southern California, establishing the foundation for his legal career.
1970-1980
Early Practice
Practiced law in California and the U.S. Virgin Islands before moving to Georgia, gaining diverse legal experience that would inform his specialized practice.
1986
Georgia Practice Begins
Established his legal practice in Georgia, beginning what would become a groundbreaking career in bicycle law and personal injury representation.
1990s
Bicycle Law Specialization
Developed expertise in bicycle law, becoming one of the first attorneys in Georgia to specialize in representing injured cyclists and establishing precedents in the field.
2000s
National Recognition
Co-founded national association of bicycle lawyers, authored authoritative guides, and became recognized as "the dean" of bicycle law in Atlanta and Georgia.
2000s
Partnership with Bruce Hagen
Joined forces with trial attorney Bruce Hagen, expanding Hagen Rosskopf's capacity to serve injured cyclists throughout Georgia.
2010s
Law Enforcement Training
Conducted extensive training programs for police departments across Georgia, improving understanding of cyclists' rights.
2016
Bike Law Georgia
Joined Bike Law USA, a national network of bicycle crash lawyers who share a common approach to the law and to helping cyclists. Along with his law partner, Bruce Hagen they started Bike Law GA.
Continuing His Mission
Ken's legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched, the laws he helped shape, and through every cyclist he advocated for throughout his career. At Hagen Rosskopf, we remain committed to the principles Ken championed: protecting the rights of injured cyclists, educating the community about bicycle safety, and fighting for justice on behalf of those who have been harmed.
Ken's vision of safer roads for all users continues to guide our work. We honor his memory by maintaining the same level of dedication, compassion, and expertise he brought to every case, every training session, and every interaction with the cycling community.