Police officers say they have closed their investigation into the case of a biker Susanna Schick, who says that she was hit by a car while she was cycling down Spring Street in a crash that left her hospitalized.
LAPD Closes Investigation Into Susanna Schick Biking Crash
Van Strikes Couple on Group Ride through Lancaster, Leaving One Man in Critical Condition
Last night, a couple from Valencia was struck by a van on an evening ride through Lancaster organized by a local bike shop.
The couple came into harm's way, according to the Los Angeles Times, while they were on a bike ride with about 20 other people.
Do You Think L.A. Is Bike Friendly?
Inquiring minds want to know! A survey set up by Bikeside LA wants to know, and if you've got a few minutes, they'd like your input.
Los Angeles County Bicycle Coaltion Wins Big With $7k Donation Honoring Wolfpack Hustle's Carmageddon Triumph
Bicycling not only serves as a form of exercise, eco-friendly transportation and camaraderie, it can also score big bucks for pedaling enthusiasts.
Cyclists Vs. Jet Blue: BUR to LGB Carmageddon Race
Something so "only in L.A." became something "only on Twitter" that could go down as one of the most brilliant spins on Carmageddon yet: Wolfpack Hustle, a local cyclists' group, has challenged JetBlue to a race. The riders, on the ground. JetBlue, in the skies. The journey, Burbank to Long Beach.
Man Arrested for Using Car as 'deadly weapon' Against Cyclists on Angeles Crest Highway
Motorists suffering from "road rage" have surely taken their aggressions out on cyclists with whom they're meant to share the road in the past, and with consequences. Sierra Madre Patch offers details about a new case of driver versus cyclists leading to the motorist's arrest on "suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon," with the weapon being the man's Nissan Xterra.
Extra, Extra
In tonight's Extra, Extra, LA cops and live porn at work, we say good-bye to a couple of Bruins, Hybrid drivers aren't so special anymore, and who is Paris Hilton's new biggest fan? Plus: Keep up with us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter: @LAist @LAistFood @LAistSports.
Bike On, LA: Hot Spots to Check Out During CicLAvia
If you've ever wondered what a car-free Los Angeles might look like, you could soon get your answer. Sunday, April 10, 2011 marks the second annual CicLAvia, an event during which streets are blocked off to cars so that bikes, runners, walkers and all others (except...well...drivers) can get out and enjoy the sunshine safely.
LAPD Takes First Steps to Train Officers on Bicycle Laws
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.
Tweets of the Day: Villaraigosa & Robinson on Driver Behavior Towards Cyclists
Is this a true change in standpoint from our leadership? The beginning of a culture shift? Today, the L.A. Department of Transportation General Manager, Rita Robinson, aka MobilityMaven on Twitter, tweeted a warning to drivers: "Drivers - plz watch the road- be aware of cyclists. LADOT wrking w/LAPD & cyclists on road conditions/safety. Educ of drivers is crucial." Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa then retweeted it and followed it up with this: "I'm directing @MobilityMaven to work with the LAPD, LADOT and the cycling community to make our streets safe for cyclists."
Cyclists Take on No Riding Rule at Festival in Griffith Park
Bicycle activist Stephen Box made good on his annual tradition last Friday, taking a group of cyclists to the LADWP Festival of Lights in Griffith Park on a car-only night. He calls it the Festival of Rights because he contends that state law, with a few exceptions such as most freeways, allows bicycles to use any roadway a vehicle can. Somehow, the city of Los Angeles' has found the exception, but when Box challenges officials, he gets the runaround:
LAPD Apparently Tackled Cyclists While Riding in the Street
We've heard about the LAPD doing this before--one LAist writer witnessed something like this last year in Hollywood--and here it is again from last Friday night, via Damien Newton at Streetsblog: ... things got ugly when Los Angeles Critical Mass breezed onto Los Angeles Street and ran into an LAPD Squad Car facing against traffic with its lights flashing. According to eye witnesses, the two officers tackled cyclists...
Midnight Movie: Jared Leto's New Video Features LA and Midnight Ridazz Bikers
Jared Leto and hundreds of Midnight Ridazz bikers take over the streets of LA in the new 30 Seconds to Mars video, "Kings + Queens". We like watching as they head over the Sixth Street Bridge, through the Second Street Tunnel, around Hollywood and Highland, and finally hit the edge of the Santa Monica Pier as the Ridazz show off LA's unique and growing bike culture. We think it's pretty cool that they name each rider at the end too!
'Road Rage' Doctor Found Guilty for Attacking Cyclists
Remember last year when Dr. Christopher Thompson slammed on his breaks on Mandeville Canyon Road so bicyclists he apparently was annoyed with would crash into him? He was found guilty by a jury on all seven counts this afternoon. "Thompson was accused of assault with a deadly weapon, reckless driving causing specified bodily injury, battery with serious bodily injury and mayhem," among other charges relating to two incidents, one of them being the July 4th, 2008 incident, according to VeloNews. Last week, the LA Times looked into the case, saying "bike riders see the case as a test of the system's support for their rights." Looks like the system was on their side this time. Congrats!
Long Beach Launches Bicycle Sharrows with a 'Green Lane'
Last week Long Beach did something that, by all appearances, no other city has ever done: they painted sharrows--a common practice to educate motorists that bicyclists get to legally share the road--with a five-foot green lane--a new and inventive way to grab everyone's attention and help cyclists stay out of the door zone.
LAPD Questioned About Treatment of Cyclists
After being no-shows at last week’s Transportation Committee meeting, LAPD appeared before councilmembers and cyclists yesterday, only to be met by harsh criticism for their “distinct bias towards bicyclists” and their response to a hit-and-run accident in late April in which a Hummer sideswiped a rider in downtown L.A. At the meeting, cyclists were “deeply disappointed” and scoffed at the conflicting details police gave regarding the incident.
Once Again, City Transit Panal to Talk Bicycle Issues
For the fourth time in recent months, the City Council's Transportation Committee tomorrow will take on a handful of bicycle issues continued on from last week's meeting. Consultants from Alta Planning are slated to speak about the bicycle plan, which has recently become an unpopular subject with many cyclists. The LAPD will also be present to talk about their relationship with the bicycling community. Also on the dock is the continuing look at reviving a version of the defunct bicycle licensing program, which many believe should be left to the private sector.
City Panel Explores the Idea of Banning Bicycle Sidewalk Riding
Bicyclists quickly shot down the city’s idea of possibly making it illegal to ride on sidewalks. During the Transportation Committee meeting last Wednesday, advocates said changing the vehicular code won’t ensure that all cyclists will be aware of the law. Instead, the city should develop safety education programs to inform casual or less experienced riders of the dangers posed by cycling on sidewalks.
Tour of California: Lance Armstrong Crashes, Teammate Takes Lead
The Tour of California exemplified the state's beauty yesterday, running 116 miles from Sausalito to Santa Cruz over the Golden Gate Bridge, along the ocean (close enough for waves to spray riders) and through redwood tree lined arteries. "This was certainly a great showcase for two iconic locations in the state of California," said Andrew Messick, president, AEG Sports, referring to the bridge and the finish line in Santa Cruz, both which are firsts for the race.
Road Rage Dr. Who Attacked Cyclists Pleads 'Not Guilty'
Dr. Christopher Thomas Thompson pleaded not guilty today to charges following a July 4th incident where he slammed on his breaks causing one cyclist's face to partially smash through the back window and sending another one rolling on the ground.
Thompson told police, before he was arrested, he wanted to teach the cyclists a lesson. Mandeville Canyon in Brentwood is a popular but narrow hillside road for groups of cyclists.
Mandeville Canyon Road Rage Case Moves Forward
Dr. Thompson, the emergency room physician who stands accused of the Mandeville Canyon road rage incident that left two cyclists seriously injured, appeared in Los Angeles Superior Court yesterday for his preliminary hearing and it did not go well for him.
City Council Approves Bicycle Bill of Rights
The city today officially adopted the Cyclists' Bicycle Bill of Rights, a twelve-point document affirming the rights that cyclists already have, but don't necessarily receive from government in addition to other basic rights that will help the city become more sustainable.
Bicylists Plan Civil Disobedience at Griffith Park Tonight
It's been an issue for some years now. The LADWP Festival of Lights--a holiday light show where people in cars drive slowly along Crystal Springs Dr. in Griffith Park viewing the displays--has been car-oriented since the beginning.
Video of the Day: 37 Bicyclists Detained by 14 LAPD Squad Cars Over Alleged Shoplifting Call
The text of this video may be slightly over the top, but it brings up some great questions. Why were 37 cyclists detained last Saturday night after a manager at the CVS on Ventura Blvd. in Sherman Oaks allegedly called about a cyclist looking fellow shoplifting, but with little description other than that. When police arrived, they detained and searched people of all ages, race, height and gender.
SaMo Police Spent $3K on Critical Mass Operations
For over a year, Critical Mass and the Santa Monica Police Department have been at odds and last month at their monthly ride, an unusual amount of officers monitored the ride of approximately 150 cyclists. A total of 16 officers were assigned to the ride costing the city $3,067.88, according to documents obtained by LAist in a public records request. Nine citations were written for various violations such as not having a headlight.
Los Angeles vs. Santa Monica - A Contrast in Law Enforcement Priorities
This past Saturday night, the Los Angeles Police Department set up a Sobriety Check Point on Hollywood Boulevard between Gower and Bronson and staffed the effort with officers from the local Hollywood Station as well as a couple of dozen officers from West Traffic Division.
Drivers, Cyclists, Pedestrians: Keeping the Conversation Alive
The LA Times has certainly taken the Mandeville Canyon story and run with it. But that's a good thing, it's a conversation that has been needed for a long time and to see the city's largest media outlet take it head on is a good sign for positive results. Here's some of the latest, which leads today's online California section:
Rosendahl: 'A New Attitude & New Culture of Road-Sharing'
Although we nagged on Councilman Bill Rosendahl this morning, we had a candid chat with his office this morning afterwards. Things were overlooked and last night's meeting was not meant to be a secret, even if it was closed, they said.
Councilman Rosendahl: From Champion to Weasel
Councilman Bill Rosendahl played to the cycling community last week when he announced that he was convening a Community Forum to address issues raised in the aftermath of the Mandeville Canyon "road rage" incident of July 4th.

