Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
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.
Large Turnout Expected at City Bicycle Meeting Tonight after LAPD Incident in Hollywood
Photo by hyperbolation via LAist Featured Photos on Flickr
A controversial video that surfaced over the weekend showing a LAPD officer apparently trying to kick a bicyclist before police used force on the videographer has prompted cyclists to call for a large turnout at a monthly city meeting tonight. 53 people are already confirmed on Facebook to show up at the L.A. Bicycle Advisory Committee meeting in Hollywood. A group of cyclists from Bikeside LA were already planning to make a presention on their vision of the city's Backbone Bikeway Network, which happens to include Hollywood Boulevard where the video was shot.
"The Backbone is committed to connecting the community and it’s services to provide for and protect cyclist rights to the road," the Facebook event page states. "Education, as a component of the Backbone, is tasked to enhance the LAPD’s knowledge base and interaction with cyclists across the many communities within the City of Los Angeles."
Fueling the issue even more, an officer at LAPD's Hollywood Station apparently refused to take a report over the phone after Friday's incident. Advocate Stephen Box called the Watch Commander to report the alleged police abuse and was reportedly hung up on four times after the official wouldn't initiate an investigation, said Jeremy Grant on BikesideLA
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
