Bicycle Anti-Harassment Ordinance Pedals Into Passage
The Bicyclist Anti-Harassment Ordinance passed with a unanimous 12-0 vote at City Council today, as reported by the LADOT Bike Blog.
Prohibited activities towards bicyclists, per the ordinance, include physical assault or attempted physical assault, threats of physical injury, intentional distraction and forceful removal from street, among others.
Violators of this law "shall be liable for treble the actual damages with regard to each and every such violation, or $1,000, whichever is greater, and shall be liable for reasonable attorneys' fees and costs of litigation. In addition, a jury or court may award punitive damages where warranted."
The official language of the ordinance is viewable online.
Eleven speakers presented at today's meeting, and only one opposed the ordinance. Council Members Koretz, Rosendahl, LaBonge, Garcetti, Reyes, and Cardenas spoke in favor of the ordinance, touching upon crucial points, which the blog highlights in its second update today.
This landmark passage renders Los Angeles a national leader of bicyclist rights.
