Cyclists and motorists -- maybe we can get along

By now, many Angelenos have heard about the July 4 incident between a motorist and cyclists on Mandeville Canyon Road, in which a motorist allegedly braked suddenly in front of two cyclists, resulting in serious injury to the riders, requiring a hospital visit. The episode has polarized many riders and motorists who blame each other for unsafe behavior on not only Mandeville Canyon, but urban streets in general.

As the city and various bicycle organizations try to find better and safer ways for motorists and cyclists to share city streets, some groups are already being pro-active in the effort. A video on YouTube shows how cyclists and motorists should maneuver Mandeville Canyon, based on traffic laws and what’s taught in courses from the League of American Bicyclists, a Washington, D.C.-based national bicycle advocacy and education group.

The video covers safe bicycle lane positions, when and how to use arm signals, reminds cyclists to obey stop signs, and encourages cooperative behavior between cyclists and motorists. It was shot on Mandeville Canyon showing what transpired between cyclists and motorists in real time, with nothing staged or set up.

"The main point we’re trying to make is that there are certain standards of behavior, which promote safe passing maneuvers," says Daniel Gutierrez, a certified league instructor as well as policy chairman of Caltrans District 7 Bicycle Advisory Committee. "It’s really behavior that’s at the crux of this. If people behave well, it’s easy to get along."

It’s not a bad idea for all motorists and cyclists to review the video (and others), even if Mandeville Canyon isn’t a part of their regular route. It’s a terrific refresher of basics such as cyclists’ hand signals and safe passing tactics, and a reminder that it’s not worth risking an accident to shave a little time off your trip.

-- Jeannine Stein

Photo: Bizuayehu Tesfaye/Associated Press

Comments

[jelj]

You know, it's important for all of us to obey the road. That means, no riding on sidewalks , cyclists, to avoid traffic--it's illegal, and especially dangerous to very young and elderly pedestrians. Motorists need to watch the road, and be aware that bicycles, scootes, and motorcyles exist in LA--respect the bike lanes! All riders of two-wheeled vehicles (and 4-wheeled as well) need to pay attention to blindspots of cars and trucks. Tailgating, whether on a bike or in a car is a bad idea. Now, if the psychotic cycling gangs that like to go out in a large pack on Sunset and Glendale blvds late friday and saturday nights would get a clue and stop riding like jerks, we might all get along. blocking over one full lane of traffic, swerving out to make the other lane slow down and stay behind you all, is rude and illegal. Should the cars in front of you do the same?

[Ron]

Bikers terrorize hikers on single track "multi-use" trails, so it's interesting to see bikers get a taste of their own medicine. Too bad it's probably not the same bikers.

[SKD]

According to the Los Angeles Municipal code, LACM 56.15, riding a bicycle on the sidewalk is legal as long as you don't exhibit a "willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property." This law is in force throughout the City of Los Angeles and only "disallows the riding of bicycles on Ocean Front Walk in Venice."

So if you are a bicyclists and you need to ride on the sidewalk for any reason, and you aren't riding on the Ocean Front Walk in Venice, you are legally allowed to ride on the sidewalk.

Also according to California Vehicle Code, CVC 21200, "(a) Every person riding a bicycle upon a highway has all the rights and is subject to all the provisions applicable to the driver of a vehicle" A bicycle is allowed full use of the lane, just like a motor vehicle. Drivers need to be educated by the DMV that a bicycle is legally entitled to use the road and law enforcement should reiterate that fact with citations to drivers who disregard the law.

[Ingrid Peterson]

Why is it that all of these bike articles from the LA Times recently always draw out the most aggressive comments from people? Fear of change? Empowered because you get to be "anonymous" on the internet?

Does it occur to you that there are as many different kinds of cyclists as there are motorists?

That many people who cycle, also drive?

That motorists and cyclists both break the law with relative frequency, or at least fail to understand it (especially CVC 21202)?

Does it then also occur to you that bicycles and cars are different sorts of vehicles? But that somehow it *is* possible to share the road? Without resorting to assault or attempted murder?

That there are far more car crashes than bike crashes?

Has anyone looked out their window lately and noticed how much automobile congestion there is here in Los Angeles?

BICYCLES represent a solution to a number of problems and are in fact a viable mode of transportation.

Because I rode my bike to work this morning I helped reduce traffic, left a parking space free, saved my wallet from the gas man and got some good exercise.

And you want to *KILL* or *INJURE* me because of that?

Yipers.

[AviationMetalSmith]

I watched the video and I must say that is a really narrow stretch of road (Manndeville Canyon Road). I don't see how it could be widened without use of Eminant Domain laws.
The important thing is that motorists have to learn the hand signals. The basic hand signals are 'stop', 'left,' and 'right'. But it's also important to wait for the cyclist to wave your car by when it's safe to pass. The cyclist can see better if there is a car coming the other way.
I'm glad the video highlighted the hand signals. Motorists have got to learn the signals.