see:
Nearly 1 Million Trek Bikes Recalled After Rider Was Paralyzed


Perhaps one suggestion is to use a skewer like the DT RWS setup (and pretty much all Thru-Axles). These do not fold in like the QR type which is causing much concern.

Or just understand how to use a QR lever. The problem that lead to the recall is that the lever can go into the disc when it is completely open.

Apparently, the crashes resulted from people not closing the QR lever.

^^^^^ THIS!

If it weren't for the "lawyer tabs" on the fork, the wheel probably would have just fallen out. So we are just trying to fix stupid at this point.

I'll file this one right up there with McDonalds having to put a warning that their coffee is hot and we should all use caution.

My QR lever lives on the side of the fork opposite the disc break, I mean brake. So that no bike or body parts break. Assuming I remember to keep it securely closed. Which is the key operating principle.

We don't have disc brakes on our tandem.
They are ugly things!

Mike

Didn't one of the comedians on the Blue Collar Comedy Tour say, "...you can't fix stupid..."? I always adjust the skewers such that, when I close the levers, it's nearly against the fork blade in front and the chainstay out back.

Yes, it is sort of like sticking your finger in a blender to un-stick something at the bottom. Duh.

Anyway, IMO a normal QR is not the best mechanism to lock in a front disc wheel regardless of how long you may have survived so far.

I'm curious.
IYO, what is the best mechanism to lock in a front disc wheel and still be able to easily remove the front wheel for transport in a vehicle?

Best mechanism (and pretty fool proof) is the Thru-Axle.

If you have a QR type fork, then choose a really good QR with high clamping force. The DT RWS (or similar is a very good option).

Zinn discussed this over a decade ago:
Technical Q&A with Lennard Zinn - Funky Disco Drop-out

That is going to be a huge settlement. A quick Google check reveals another exercise equipment product defect quadriplegia case was $66 million, but was whittled down. Trek's revenue is estimated at $900 million.

Edit, another example:

Here's a drunk rendered quadriplegic by a single vehicle crash that sued the establishments that served him alcohol, whose settlement was $6.6 million.

A cyclist just riding along will be a many times more sympathetic plaintiff, Trek's liability much more distinct, and its pockets deeper.

The cost of the legal settlement will just get added into the price of bikes, along with costs for the new idiot-proof designs, buyer orientation training programs, mandatory bicycle shop employee training programs administered by someone making the new mandatory minimum wage because people just aren't smart enough to survive in the urban jungle without the nanny state.

Of course, this just makes me wonder why all cars haven't been recalled. Lord knows, idiots get behind the wheel who don't know how those things work and kill people all the time. Oh that's right, Trek doesn't pay lobbyists millions to shape laws in their favor. What was I thinking.

A few lawyers have ruined this country, a country that was made great by being a nation of laws. How ironic.

The number of road disc brake issues is pretty deep when you look at the number of various mfrs bikes and components involved... not just Trek.

Disc Brakes on Road Bikes

Scary stuff. And the trial attorneys will likely have mechanical engineers on retainer.

How about when some lawyers decide the whole design and concept of a bicycle is flawed is unsafe! Then you won't be able to produce, buy, or ride one. Guess that will make some people happy.

The irritating thing is that this happened because some idiot didn't know how to use a quick release and couldn't be bothered to read the instructions. Sadly this is endemic, my daily bike/train commute has turned up numerous examples of front wheels installed every which way but right, plus the fixie with fork installed backwards.
As as aside, "lawyer tabs" are actually essential with disk brake and forward angled dropouts since the braking torque rotates the axle forward.