Bicyclists' Rights Anti-Harassment Ordinance Pedals Into Town
A draft ordinance was released by the City Attorney's office this week that aims to protect bicyclists from being harassed simply for being bicyclists. Pending council approval, the ordinance will allow harassed, assaulted, threatened or intentionally distracted bicyclists to bring suit against a driver in civil court, reports LADOT Bike Blog.
The motion to draft the anti-harassment legislation was originally introduced by Council Member Bill Rosendahl, notes LADOT Bike Blog. The pending ordinance "creates a civil cause of action for bicyclists who are harassed because of their staus as bicyclists, and provides for an award of treble damages in an amount not less than $1000, attorneys' fees and punitive damages." Three cheers for public documents. Have a read here.