Effective Today: City of L.A.'s Bicyclist Anti-Harassment Ordinance

Photo by Gary Rides Bikes via the LAist Featured Photos pool

Bicycles and bicyclists rejoice. Effective today, the City of L.A.'s Bicyclist Anti-Harassment Ordinance will help keep cyclists safe behind handlebars.

The ordinance passed on July 20 with a 12-0 vote at City Council.

Prohibiting the following activities towards bicyclists, the ordinance also states that violators will be held liable for damages, attorney's fees and costs of litigation: physical assault or attempted physical assault, threats of physical injury, intentional distraction and forceful removal from street, among others.

A landmark passage, the ordinance has been in the works for years.

Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition (LACBC) tweeted this morning, "The City of LA's Bicyclist Anti-Harassment Ordinance is in effect as of today! Happy Labor Day!" They are clearly (and rightfully) excited.

Ride and drive safe, L.A.

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By Lauren Lloyd in News on September 5, 2011 11:00 AM

Comments [rss]

Joe DeLory

The law will make us safer only if the driving public is made aware of it, and the police/courts enforce it. I do see it being useful as another arrow in the quiver for penalties after such harrassment incidents. It will not absolve us of the need to drive our bikes defensively, I have seen how LA drivers obey the existing laws (I have also seen a lot of"Bozos on Bikes" who have no regard for the law either)