Support for LAist comes from
Audience-funded nonprofit news
Stay Connected
Audience-funded nonprofit news
Listen

Share This

This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.

This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.

News

Santa Monica Police Will Not Throw you in Jail if You Don't Have a Bicycle License, Says Official

With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today. 

santa-monica-bicycle-license2.jpg
Photo by alexbcthompson via Flickr
()


Photo by alexbcthompson via Flickr
Although Santa Monica's outdated bicycle license appears to directly contradict state law, officials recently have been promoting the city's bicycle licenses because of a rise in thefts in the Southbay. "We do try to get people to get licensed because it makes the return of stolen bikes easier," explained Don Patterson, the manager who oversees the division that issues bicycle licenses.

"Concurrent with that, we recognize we are a tourist city and if you ride your bike into Santa Monica... we're not going to just stop for not having a bicycle license and throw you in jail," Patterson continued.

Santa Monica's bicycle license law has been on the books since 1995 and states that "any person" riding on city streets is subject to the law. However, state law says cities that choose to require bicycle licenses may only apply it to residents.

Support for LAist comes from

After LAPD officers began using the Los Angeles' bicycle license law as a reason to detain cyclists in handcuffs earlier this year, it was struck down by the L.A. City Council because the spirit of the law was to aid in recovering stolen bicycles.

Bicycle bloggers worry that the law will used by Santa Monica police to stop any cyclist if the law isn't changed. Patterson said there has been no discussions in regards to updating the law.

The worst punishment for not having a license is up to six months in jail and/or up to $1,000 in fines. But according to the California Vehicle Code, a 1983-written limit for such a violation is up to $10.

To obtain a bicycle license (details here), you can call (310) 458-8745

Previously: Jail or up to a $1000 Fine for Not Having a Bicycle License in Santa Monica

At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.

But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.

We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.

Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.

Chip in now to fund your local journalism
A row of graphics payment types: Visa, MasterCard, Apple Pay and PayPal, and  below a lock with Secure Payment text to the right
(
LAist
)

Trending on LAist