HOUSTON -- A motorcyclist has sued METRO after he said he was injured by a high-occupancy vehicle lane gate, KPRC Local 2 reported Wednesday.

William Ethridge said he was riding his motorcycle on Interstate 45 in November 2007.

Ethridge said he took the I-45 South HOV lane exit near the Jefferson overpass in downtown Houston. As he was exiting, Ethridge said the gate came down on his head.

Ethridge said he was knocked off his motorcycle and left unconscious. He said he suffered several fractures.

METRO owns the gate arm. Ethridge claims the company ignored the dangers the arms posed for motorcyclists.

"I want it fixed," Ethridge said. "I want the correct gate -- one that will pick up a signal from a motorcycle."

METRO said speed may have contributed to the incident.

"If you follow the speed and directions posted on the HOV lanes, HOV lanes are safe," spokeswoman Raequel Roberts said. They're safe for motorcyclists. They're safe for vehicles."