Wednesday's City Council Transportation Committee | Photo by Alex Thmpson

City Councilman Bill Rosendahl submitted a motion endorsing the Cyclists' Bill of Rights today. The motion, which was co-presented by Councilmembers Garcetti and Greuel, and seconded by Councilmembers Reyes and Parks, was referred to the council's Transportation Committee. The date of the committee hearing on the item will be determined by the chair, Councilmember Greuel.

The Cyclists' Bill of Rights (.pdf) was developed by the Bike Writers Collective, a group of bicycle activists (disclosure: LAist contributor Stephen Box is a member) and first endorsed by the East Hollywood Neighborhood Council. It also picked up endorsements from the Silver Lake and Atwater Village Neighborhood Councils this past week.

Box introduced the Cyclists' Bill of Rights to the Transportation Committee on Wednesday saying "Our streets are the new 'public space' and our ability to share that space is one of our greatest opportunities for revitalizing and redefining our communities."

MOTION
As submitted by Councilman Bill Rosendahl

Throughout the City of Los Angeles, a growing population of cyclists is using our roadways, bike lanes, and bike paths.

Cyclists are a diverse and eclectic group. Cyclists are commuters concerned with skyrocketing gas prices. Cyclists are physical fitness enthusiasts, living and promoting a healthy lifestyle. Cyclists are recreational users, intent on happily enjoying the remarkable Southern California climate. Cyclists are sensitive and aware citizens of the world, intent on living a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly lifestyle.

Surviving as a cyclist in a car-obsessed culture can be a challenge, and often a hazard. Cycling activists have organized to raise consciousness, to promote sharing of the roads, and to affirm their rights. Cycling activists have written and adopted a "Cyclists' Bill of Rights," which promotes the following tenets:

1) Cyclists have the right to travel safely and free of fear.

2) Cyclists have the right to equal access to our public streets and to sufficient and significant road space.

3) Cyclists have the right to the full support of educated law enforcement.

4) Cyclists have the right to the full support of our judicial system and the right to expect that those who endanger, injure or kill cyclists be dealt with to the full extent of the law.

5) Cyclists have the right to routine accommodations in all roadway projects and improvements.

6) Cyclists have the right to urban and roadway planning, development and design that enable and support safe cycling.

7) Cyclists have the right to traffic signals, signage and maintenance standards that enable and support safe cycling.

8) Cyclists have the right to be actively engaged as a constituent group in the organization and administration of our communities.

9) Cyclists have the right to full access for themselves and their bicycles on all mass transit with no limitations.

10) Cyclists have the right to end-of-trip amenities that include safe and secure opportunities to park their bicycles.

11) Cyclists have the right to be secure in their persons and property, and be free from unreasonable search and seizure, as guaranteed by the 4th Amendment.

12) Cyclists have the right to peaceably assemble in the public space, as guaranteed by the 1st Amendment.

I THEREFORE MOVE that the City Council hereby affirms and supports efforts to promote improved conditions for cyclists, and encourages appreciation for the "Cyclists' Bill of Rights."

I FURTHER MOVE that the Department of Transportation, the Planning Department, the Department of Public Works, and the Los Angeles Bicycle Advisory Committee, in consultation with the City Attorney and the Police Department, be directed to report with recommendations on how to incorporate the principles enshrined in the "Cyclists' Bill of Rights" into the City of Los Angeles Bicycle Master Plan and other relevant documents and practices.