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LAPD Drops Tickets for Cyclists Riding Without a 'Bicycle License'
Alex Thompson in handcuffs for not having a bicycle license | Photo by GarySe7en via Flickr
On Saturday night, two cyclists were given tickets for not having a city of Los Angeles bicycle license, something that has not existed since January when Chief William Bratton and the City Council shot them down. One of those cyclists, who was put in handcuffs for 20 minutes over the incident, went to the police commission to discuss what happened. After his public comment, the department's Inspector General met with him and the next thing we know, the tickets are dropped.
Captain Davis, Commanding Officer for the Wilshire Area released a statement to City Watch: "With regards to the citations for no Bike License, the "No License" section has been canceled. And, in the spirit of the law the entire citation for the two violators will be canceled. The policy for the moratorium on bike licenses has been discussed with my command. This is a lesson learned, your cooperation and understanding on this matter is appreciated."
Cyclists still are wondering why on a Saturday night, police are enforcing arbitrary laws, some that don't even exist when they should be going after the higher priority issues, such as other neighborhood calls or the bad apples in the cycling group.
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