With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
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 .
WeHo to Allow Bicycle Riding on Sidewalks
Photo by HBuzacott via Flickr
Taking a note from a Los Angeles bicycle law, the city of West Hollywood has made the first steps to allow bicycles to legally ride on sidewalks, reports WeHo News . Currently, West Hollywood's law is consistent with LA County law stating that “a person shall not operate any bicycle… on any sidewalk or parkway except at a permanent or temporary driveway or at specific locations thereon where the commissioner finds that such locations are suitable for and has placed appropriate signs or markings, permitting such…riding.”
In Los Angeles, municipal code states that bicycles may ride on sidewalks as long as riders do not have a "willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property." The only sidewalk in the city where it is illegal to ride is on Ocean Front Walk in Venice.
Sponsored message
Back in West Hollywood, the issue came to City Council last year when complaints from the community came in regarding worries of cyclists hurting pedestrians, something that has been lightly enforced by Sheriff's Deputies and unreported when incidents do occur. But at a hearing, a slew of bicyclists, including Sheriff's bike patrol officers, warned that road cycling has been dangerous for them.
West Hollywood will be working more on its policy as Sheriff's maybe reinvigorate educational programs to drivers. Of course, many cyclists agree that the use of sharrows and other educational signage and campaigns about "sharing the road" is probably the best tool. Some believe sidewalk riding and bike lanes teach drivers that bicycles do not belong on the road, which goes against the California Vehicle Code that states "bicyclists have all the rights and responsibilities of vehicle drivers."
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
