One year ago, Congress defunded public media. Now that we're 100% community funded, please become a sustaining member or increase your existing membership today.
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.
Santa Monica Police Will Not Throw you in Jail if You Don't Have a Bicycle License, Says Official
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Although Santa Monica's outdated bicycle license appears to directly contradict state law, officials recently have been promoting the city's bicycle licenses because of a rise in thefts in the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.
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.
Sponsored message
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
One year ago, Congress voted to defund public media, eliminating a critical $1.7 million from our budget every year going forward. But they couldn’t silence us, and we’re not going anywhere. LAist is now 100% community funded and that means we’re taking our future into our own hands and turning to you to keep local reporting strong.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
