A recent lawsuit claims that an event organized in July 2024 did not provide necessary accommodations for people with disabilities, raising concerns about accessibility at public gatherings. The complaint was filed by Carl Koch in the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan on April 15, 2026, naming Muskegon Bike Time, LLC and Michigan Nonprofit Motor Shows, Inc. as defendants.
According to the filing, the plaintiff states he has suffered from severe back pain, nerve damage, and a compressed disc for over fifteen years. He alleges these injuries have rendered him disabled under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), specifically noting that his condition substantially impairs his ability to walk and stand. The complaint describes how Koch is dependent on a cane at all times and requires pain medication three times daily.
The dispute centers around an event called Muskegon Bike Week held in July 2024. On July 20, 2024, Koch attended a concert associated with this event and observed what he describes as a lack of accommodations for individuals with disabilities. The complaint states: “Upon arrival, Plaintiff immediately noticed that there were no accommodations for handicap individuals.” Specifically, it alleges there were no chairs available for handicapped attendees during the concert and no accessible bathrooms provided at the venue.
Koch reports that after noticing these issues, he approached a Police Captain working at the concert to inquire about accessible seating and restrooms. According to the filing: “the Police Captain informed Plaintiff that there were no accommodations for handicap individuals.” The document further asserts that this officer had previously informed his supervisors about the need for such accommodations but was told his suggestions would not be implemented.
The lawsuit claims that by failing to provide seating or accessible restrooms or signage at its event, “Defendants’ set-up, operation, and execution of the event made it so it essentially barred access to people with disabilities in which their disability affects their ability to walk or stand.” It also contends that defendants failed to consider or accommodate disabled individuals who might attend their events.
The legal arguments presented include alleged violations of Title II of the ADA as well as Michigan’s Persons With Disabilities Civil Rights Act (PWDCRA). The complaint cites several sections of federal law requiring public accommodations not to discriminate against individuals on the basis of disability and obligating them to make reasonable modifications so those with disabilities can access goods and services. It also references state law guaranteeing “full and equal utilization of public accommodation… without discrimination because of a disability” as a civil right.
In addition to statutory claims under federal and state law, Koch asserts negligence on the part of both defendants. He argues they owed him a duty “to exercise reasonable care in the maintenance, preparation, and execution of the event” but breached this duty by failing to coordinate logistics so disabled people could safely attend.
As relief from the court, Koch requests compensatory damages for any losses incurred; non-economic damages related to physical pain, emotional trauma, loss of quality or enjoyment of life; declaratory relief requiring defendants’ current and future events be made handicap accessible; exemplary damages; interest; costs; attorney fees; and any other equitable relief deemed appropriate by the court at final judgment.
The attorneys representing Carl Koch are Connor B. Gallagher (P82104) from Carla D. Aikens P.L.C., located at 615 Griswold St., Ste. 709 in Detroit, Michigan. The case is identified as Case No. 1:26-cv-01232.
Source: 126cv01232_Carl_Koch_v_Misheggon_Bike_Complaint_Western_District_of_Michigan.pdf
