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.
City Council Puts Forth 'Cyclists' Bill of Rights' Motion
()
Wednesday's City Council Transportation Committee | Photo by Alex Thmpson
City Councilman Bill Rosendahl submitted a motion endorsing the Cyclists' Bill of Rights today. The motion, which was co-presented by Councilmembers Garcetti and Greuel, and seconded by Councilmembers Reyes and Parks, was referred to the council's Transportation Committee. The date of the committee hearing on the item will be determined by the chair, Councilmember Greuel.
The Cyclists' Bill of Rights (.pdf) was developed by the Bike Writers Collective, a group of bicycle activists (disclosure: LAist contributor Stephen Box is a member) and first endorsed by the East Hollywood Neighborhood Council. It also picked up endorsements from the Silver Lake and Atwater Village Neighborhood Councils this past week.
Support for LAist comes from
Box introduced the Cyclists' Bill of Rights to the Transportation Committee on Wednesday saying "Our streets are the new 'public space' and our ability to share that space is one of our greatest opportunities for revitalizing and redefining our communities."
MOTION
As submitted by Councilman Bill Rosendahl
Throughout the City of Los Angeles, a growing population of cyclists is using our roadways, bike lanes, and bike paths.
Cyclists are a diverse and eclectic group. Cyclists are commuters concerned with skyrocketing gas prices. Cyclists are physical fitness enthusiasts, living and promoting a healthy lifestyle. Cyclists are recreational users, intent on happily enjoying the remarkable Southern California climate. Cyclists are sensitive and aware citizens of the world, intent on living a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly lifestyle.
Surviving as a cyclist in a car-obsessed culture can be a challenge, and often a hazard. Cycling activists have organized to raise consciousness, to promote sharing of the roads, and to affirm their rights. Cycling activists have written and adopted a "Cyclists' Bill of Rights," which promotes the following tenets:
1) Cyclists have the right to travel safely and free of fear. 2) Cyclists have the right to equal access to our public streets and to sufficient and significant road space.
3) Cyclists have the right to the full support of educated law enforcement.
4) Cyclists have the right to the full support of our judicial system and the right to expect that those who endanger, injure or kill cyclists be dealt with to the full extent of the law.
5) Cyclists have the right to routine accommodations in all roadway projects and improvements.
6) Cyclists have the right to urban and roadway planning, development and design that enable and support safe cycling.
7) Cyclists have the right to traffic signals, signage and maintenance standards that enable and support safe cycling.
8) Cyclists have the right to be actively engaged as a constituent group in the organization and administration of our communities.
9) Cyclists have the right to full access for themselves and their bicycles on all mass transit with no limitations.
10) Cyclists have the right to end-of-trip amenities that include safe and secure opportunities to park their bicycles.
11) Cyclists have the right to be secure in their persons and property, and be free from unreasonable search and seizure, as guaranteed by the 4th Amendment.
12) Cyclists have the right to peaceably assemble in the public space, as guaranteed by the 1st Amendment.
It is in the best interests of the City of Los Angeles to respect and affirm the rights of all people - cyclists, motorists, and pedestrians.I THEREFORE MOVE that the City Council hereby affirms and supports efforts to promote improved conditions for cyclists, and encourages appreciation for the "Cyclists' Bill of Rights."
I FURTHER MOVE that the Department of Transportation, the Planning Department, the Department of Public Works, and the Los Angeles Bicycle Advisory Committee, in consultation with the City Attorney and the Police Department, be directed to report with recommendations on how to incorporate the principles enshrined in the "Cyclists' Bill of Rights" into the City of Los Angeles Bicycle Master Plan and other relevant documents and practices.
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