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LA Considers Road Rules to Protect Cyclists
It's not always easy being a cyclist in LA
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Biker by a green bicycle traffic light
Objects thrown from cars, verbal abuse and close calls with vehicles -- those are just some of the hazards for cyclists on LA's roads.
Then there's the case of an emergency room doctor who deliberately slammed on his brakes in front of the the cyclists, injuring two of them. The doctor was sentenced three weeks ago to prison.
On the heels of that court case, the city is looking into an ordinance that would protect LA's bicyclists. City attorneys were directed to review the feasability of such an ordinance.
"We will have an ordinance that will protect bicyclists and we will do it right so that it isn't challenged -- that is my pledge," said Councilman Bill Rosendahl, who chairs the council's Transportation Committee.
Some of the prohibited actions that Rosendahl mentioned:
- Throwing a projectile in the direction of a bicyclist
- Threatening bicyclists verbally or by using a vehicle to injure, frighten or disrupt their ride
- Deliberately passing within three feet of a bicyclist
- Knowingly engaging in conduct that creates a risk of physical injury or death to a bicyclist
Ted Rogers, who writes "Biking in LA," shared his perspective as a cyclist.
"I've been honked at, yelled at, told to get off the road, had objects thrown at me," Rogers said. "I've been buzzed by cars passing too close; been forced off the road; had doors opened into me; and been intentionally hit by a car in a road rage incident.
"We cannot survive on the streets of Los Angeles without your protection."
LA Streets blog also has been following the issue.
One of the centerpieces of Rosendahl's bicycle agenda has been the creation and drafting of an ordinance banning the harassment of cyclists. Given that the California Vehicle Code dominates laws regarding local roads, there is question about how much the city can do on top of state protections.
Rosendahl said Los Angeles Police Department Chief Charlie Beck will be testifying about the issue before his committee in late February. He said the City Attorney's Office should make recommendations for an ordinance in March.
