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This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.

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In 'Worst Bike City In America,' Law Passed To Make Biking Safer Is Rarely Enforced

Commuter Topher Hendricks checks for traffic at the Sunset and Fountain intersection during his ten-mile ride to work. Hendricks has had many close calls at the intersection and says that he witness dangerous interactions between motorists and cyclists daily.
Topher Hendricks has had many close calls at the intersection of Sunset Blvd. and Fountain Ave. on his 10-mile commute.
(
Susanica Tam/For LAist
)

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In 'Worst Bike City In America,' Law Passed To Make Biking Safer Is Rarely Enforced
Radio feature exploring the impact of California's Three Feet For Safety Act.

Four years ago, California's Three Feet for Safety Act took effect.

In theory, at least, the act requires a driver passing a bicyclist to stay at least three feet away.

The law flew through the statehouse with strong support from bicyclists, cycling advocates, and politicians including former L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and now-State Sen. Steven Bradford. Bradford, at the time a member of the state assembly, deemed it "a powerful tool."

But in Southern California, the police haven't found much use for it. Since it passed, LAPD officers have written just 13 citations for violating the three feet law.

In Long Beach, police issued four citations during the law's first 1,475 days.

Read more on LAist.com: In 'Worst Bike City In America,' Law Passed To Make Biking Safer Is Rarely Enforced

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