LAist: Rampart Police Demonstrate need for Bicyclist Bill of Rights!

Enci

Wed, 06 Feb 2008 16:34:09 -0800

What a bizarre video. And why does the driver wear a helmet inside the car? I would like to see videos where drivers are educated about how to drive and behave around cyclist and pedestrians. After all, they are the ones who can kill!

ubrayj02

Wed, 06 Feb 2008 14:27:36 -0800

I know where that cops got his idea from: http://www.lacity.org/ita/flash/lacityview35clips/Laws_of_Physics.rm He got them from the LADOT's award winning advertisement for reckless automobile driving.

Enci

Wed, 06 Feb 2008 12:09:10 -0800

There is a common misunderstanding about cyclists riding in tandem. There is no CVC prohibition against cyclists riding in tandem. In fact cyclists share the lane with automobiles, motorcycles and even other bicycles legally and in compliance with the law. (Pasadena's attempt to restrict this basic right failed) As for the "impeding traffic" application, in this case there were two lanes plus a left turn pocket with light traffic on the approach to a red light. One can't impede traffic if there is an alternate lane. Would it be too much to ask the faster traffic to use the #1 lane? Or in this case would it be too much to ask the faster traffic to...ah...slow down on the approach to a red light?

delara

Wed, 06 Feb 2008 11:35:31 -0800

Hmmm, I find it interesting that the police officer apparently felt the need to lecture the riders on the difference in weights between a car and a cyclist. As if that denotes some kind of importance. I would say that the least heavy equals the most important wouldn't you? As a cyclist I'm surrounded by clothing and a helmet. A driver is surrounded by metal. Who's more at risk? Although I do agree that riding tandem does in fact impede traffic, at least they were making themselves visible on the road, a factor that I am constantly aware of while cycling at night. I am a very conscientious cyclist who obeys every law of the road in order to stay safe. However, if I have to ride in the street a bit more to make sure that a driver sees my lights, then so be it. After all, I'm only protected by a fleece.