Personally I think integrating bikes into the transportation infrastructure through wider right side lanes, no parking where there isn’t enough room, cyclist friendly signal loop detectors, and strict enforcement of traffic laws for all users is the way to go. I think Class I bikeways are about the most dangerous place to ride a bike. Class II bike lanes are slightly better but they reinforce drivers’ perception that bikes don’t belong on the street unless there is a special facility for them. Also if lightly used the motorists feel resentment.

Reading about Russ’ ticket and the communication opened with the Chief, I am going to write a letter to the LB Police Chief committing to following the law when riding my bike and asking them to commit to treating cyclists as legitimate users of the roads.

I’ve been trying- it’s hard to stop at all the stop signs in my neighborhood when I’m late for work and there’s not a car in sight.

Jim

Two weeks ago, I was riding the bike lane on Broadway with construction, and the construction guys had carved a bike path and a car path with the cones. Now, I’ll admit, this is only one incident, and maybe I’m looking at the situation with a positive slant, but it is getting at least a little better.

On a side note, I rode a critical mass in Santa Monica, but with red lights being run, three separate groups, and basically little or no rules of the road being followed, the cyclists have some work to do themselves.

I totally agree with the bike path issues. It’s very difficult to ride when walkers, dogs, strollers, and any other sort of non-bike traffic invades the BIKE path.

Cars are an issue everywhere, but I have had a few “good” car drivers in Santa Monica.

It’s not all roses, but it’s not all bad either. I agree with the LAist comment, cooper instead of bronze.

It’s important that police enforce these rules, or people will. I for one ride with my 15 clipped on my keychain, hanging off my belt loop; waiting to take out side mirrors of the ignorant and disrespectful. If the city won’t ticket them, a 75-150$ mirror replacement should help them to recognize the next time they are encroaching on personal space. Anyone beeping excessively, cursing, swerving towards or passing then cutting me off immediately after to turn is subject to enforcement.

I let a lot of people slide too, for being mindless, so I’m not on a vendetta; even though those people likely need the wakup call the most there are more crucial targets out there with angry agendas.

I realize this is not the optimal solution and only breeds more conflict. However, if those authorized to raise and support awareness aren’t doing such, I won’t leave my life and personal health in the hands of anyone else. And I’m certainly not getting off my bike.

I’m sending a letter to the League asking for comment on this, and then I’m gonna get all angry on them.

I haven’t belonged to LAB since the old days when they were known as the League of American Wheelmen — I still have the sticker on my old bike — before they realized that name excluded a large percentage of their membership. But I’m planning to contact them to see if local riders are included in the decision process, or if there’s some mechanism for feedback. I don’t want take away Santa Monica’s or Long Beach’s awards, but they should be strongly encouraged to make changes in order to keep them.

And you’re right, educating law enforcement is a key step to maintaining our right to ride. I think we need to work with some group — possibly the LACBC — to put together a training program for law enforcement on exactly what is both safe and legal for riders.