Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
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.
LAPD Takes First Steps to Train Officers on Bicycle Laws
Photo by alexbcthompson via LAist Featured Photos on Flickr
()
Photo by alexbcthompson via LAist Featured Photos on Flickr
Bicycle activism in Los Angeles made a giant step last month when LAPD Chief Charlie Beck met with cyclists, vowing to better protect them and train officers on cyclist rights. Part of his plan was assigning Assistant Chief Earl Paysinger to oversee the move along with the creation of Bicycle Task Force, which has met three times already.
Effective immediately is the enforcement of California Vehicle Codes pertaining to cyclists, according to an operations notice obtained by the The L.A. County Bicycle Coalition (LACBC). "Because cyclists are among the most vulnerable users of the roadway and are more likely to suffer injuries in a collision, they need to be recognized as legitimate users of the roadways," Paysinger wrote in the notice to officers. "Cyclists also deserve law enforcement personnel who are familiar with the laws that apply to both motorists and cyclists who engage in activists that endanger cyclists and the general public."
The notice listed various laws pertaining to cyclists, including 21200 (a)--"every person riding a bicycle upon a highway has all the rights and is subject to all the provisions applicable to the driver of a vehicle"--and 21202 (a)--"The 'Bike to the Right' provision does not require cyclists to travel in the 'door zone.'"
Support for LAist comes from
It's a two-way street, however. Other laws listed indicated enforcement of issues drivers often complain about, such as cyclists running stop signs and traveling on the wrong side of the road. The full operations notice and laws can be read here (pdf).
Other issues discussed at the meeting were divisions assigned to collisions and a public safety campaign, noted LACBC.
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The union representing the restaurant's workers announced Tuesday that The Pantry will welcome back patrons Thursday after suddenly shutting down six months ago. -
If approved, the more than 62-acre project would include 50 housing lots and a marina less than a mile from Jackie and Shadow's famous nest overlooking the lake.
-
The U.S. Supreme Court lifted limits on immigration sweeps in Southern California, overturning a lower court ruling that prohibited agents from stopping people based on their appearance.
-
Censorship has long been controversial. But lately, the issue of who does and doesn’t have the right to restrict kids’ access to books has been heating up across the country in the so-called culture wars.
-
With less to prove than LA, the city is becoming a center of impressive culinary creativity.
-
Nearly 470 sections of guardrailing were stolen in the last fiscal year in L.A. and Ventura counties.
Best of LAist