Bicycle ire from cyclists, motorists and pedestrians. And then there's cycling on the sidewalk...

This week's Health section article on cycling in the city touched a nerve with readers. Cyclists are menaces on the road, write some. Cars are menaces on the road, write others. And then--what about cyclists on sidewalks? They're a menace on the sidewalk, some readers write.

A few snippets (the ones without profanities) from our mail:

"Nowhere in your article did I see the following observation: 'Cyclists run red lights.' Often, I drive down Los Feliz Boulevard (in the vicinity of Griffith Park), and I will inevitably come across this hazardous behavior. Can they all just slow down and try to not beat the red light? Believe me, motorists will be grateful and lives will be saved!"

And: "I owned a Yamaha Vino scooter (like a Vespa) that was street legal to get around my little neighborhood of El Segundo. In September 2008 on a lazy Sunday afternoon, a car at a stop sign turned left in front of me while I was going straight with the right of way... It is not the two wheelers who are not careful when driving. Until automobile drivers get used to sharing the road with all two wheeled vehicles, it is not safe for the two wheeled drivers out there."

 "I now see bicyclists just launching themselves into intersections oblivious to what other traffic is doing, sometimes even oblivious to another cyclist traveling across their path. The other day, I even overheard a woman asking a police officer 'Is it true that bicycles have to stop at stop signs?' I almost fell off my balcony."

"Most of the folks I see riding their bikes are inconsiderate idiots. They run red lights, try to pass you up and in general are asking to get run over. Why can’t they ride in the park or better yet try the freeway…"

Several of the letters alluded to the issue of cyclists riding on sidewalks, which is permitted in Los Angeles, although not "with a willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property," according to the city's municipal code. Some examples:

"Please consider addressing the increasing problem of people riding bicycles on sidewalks, brought on, I suspect, by the installation of handicap ramps at most intersections. Because the curbs are no longer there to discourage bike-riding, sidewalks have now become de facto bike paths, no doubt making bike riders feel much safer but in effect making sidewalks more hazardous for pedestrians and even for the wheelchair-bound citizens that the ramps were intended to assist." 

"I have lived in Downtown Los Angeles for 37 years and, prior to retirement, walked to work (at the LA Times) for 34 years. I continue to walk downtown, but now I take my welfare, if not my life, in my hands to do so. Bicycles--particularly Bicycle Messengers--have become a severe danger to pedestrians on downtown sidewalks."

The issue of bicycles on sidewalks was one we failed to address in the article--and we should have. Some studies suggest that cycling on sidewalks is actually riskier than cycling on the road. Here's a summary of those data courtesy of Cornell University. From that report:

"The perception is that someone is safer riding on the sidewalk than on the road—and many motorists and even law enforcement officers repeat that message. The problem is that, as the numbers ... suggest, bicyclists are not safer on the sidewalk because they become almost invisible to the motorist. When a driver turns, either left or right, or into a driveway or alley, they are simply not looking for, or expecting to encounter, a bicyclist. And even if they do look and see a bicyclist they may still underestimate the speed a rider is traveling on the sidewalk--because it will likely be much faster than a pedestrian."

Please feel free to post your comments on that issue, or others raised by the article.

-- Rosie Mestel

Photo credit: Ken Kwok / Los Angeles Times

Comments

[Doug Hall]

I ride my bicycle in downtown LA and I can say for certain that cyclists, motorists, and pedestrians are equally idiotic in their behavior. The other night I was stopped by LAPD coming back from Ralphs. He said I ran a red light. I informed him that I made a left on a green light after waiting by the curb for traffic to clear the intersection, then I entered the intersection and made a left from the right lane. I do this because there's no future in sitting in the middle of an intersection on a bicycle. He then advised me to get lights for my bike, although my front beam was clearly on, and my rear light was flashing bright red. I pointed this out to him and he told me to "ride safe." I guess he didn't notice I wasn't wearing a helmet. LA is full of inconsiderate people who oftentimes happen to be morons as well.

[Sam Bishop]

I commute to work twice per week, 22 miles round-trip. The rules and traffic lights clearly favor cars. At some lights I have to wait for a car to trigger the light. So, in order to take a left, I often take a right U-turn and go straight as the current setup is not practical for bikes making a left. My speed reaches 30 mph at times, which many car drivers don't expect, so their timing is completely off and they attempt to cut in front when there is not enough time - kind of like someone exiting the highway from the second lane. Some car driver throw bottles and other trash at me or drop liquids as they religiously believe that only homeless people should bike and it's ok to assault them. Some car drivers attempt to pass only to find out that they can't because I bike right behind another car, so they squeeze me off by slowly pulling right. Many car drivers realize that by taking the bicycle I free traffic and pass bicycles carefully. Many people cannot believe that it is possible to commute this far by bicycle, they cannot imagine that a bicycle is used outside a park other than by little kids. I hope people understand that I too pay taxes to fix the road, I just don't damage it as much and don't pollute as much.

[gman]

As a former "Bike Czar" for a small city in western Nevada, I can tell you: there is no end to the vitriol between auto drivers and bicycle riders!

There is simply no safe place for a bicyclist when competing for road space against a 3000 lb. car.

Cheers.

[Kyle]

I am motorcycle-only in LA. In two years I've been hit three times by cars who didn't see me before turning left or opening a door in traffic. No hard feelings (although one of them was a hit and run whom I caught). I accept the dangers of riding for the benefits, and it's a blast. Car drivers benefit from those who ride bicycles and motorcycles. They have more parking and less pollution and congestion. My hats are off to bicycle riders especially, who among other things leave the roads more open to the rest of us. Coming from Portland, a very walkable and bikable city, LA has a long way to go--just keep an open mind willya.

[Chris Sharp]

As a life-long rider and competitive cyclist, I am often amazed by the vast numbers of drivers who have no idea that bikes are actually allowed (legally) to ride on roads! Living in Los Angeles, I was hit a number of times by cars, and my girlfriend at the time was nearly killed on her ride home from work on a 12' wide bike lane on Beverly Glen. I managed to bury six friends in eight years due to things ranging from cel-phones on Sunset to "roach-coach" drivers on PCH. I have lived in many cities and towns in the United States, and for as many cyclists (tax paying citizens) as there are here, a huge number of them would love to ride to work each day, relieving that two hour drive time for ten miles on the 405. With not a single viable option, many are forced to drive when riding would be faster. Please break out the old DMV handbook and read it again, especially the part that focuses on "sharing the road."

Chris Sharp
Team Owner/Director; Backbone Adventure Cycling
www.backboneracing.com

[Steve H]

As with many quality of life issues, Los Angeles is significantly behind other major cities in bikes-as-an-alternative lifestyle and mode of transportation. Being behind the times in these issues is another sign of lack of compentency of the mayor's office and the LA City Council.

Having moved from Los Angeles to a city that is extremely bike-friendly, has terrific urban and suburban bike trails, and
a street system that utilizes bike lanes. Los Angeles' problems and resentments between cyclists and motorists is largely due to lack of city political and planning leadership.

Villaraigosa and Garcetti are disasters.

[James P]

I love my bicycle, but there's just no way I'd ride it on the street. All it would take is one person in a car looking away for a second, and I'd be road kill.

I see bicycle riders on Los Feliz every morning on my way to work, and on Franklin every evening on my way home, and I think they must be nuts. It's one thing to insist you're right, but quite another to be right and bleeding on the pavement. One person last week had a baby trailer on his bike, for God's sake, on Franklin!

I ride on the sidewalk, but I walk it across most intersections, in the crosswalks. It's a hassle, but I like living. As for the pedestrians, I just say, "riding by on your left" instead of surprising them, and they seem OK with that.

[Hilary]

Once, when riding in the bike lane, I was hit by a van pulling into street parking. Thankfully the van was going slow enough that I was not injured. How the driver, who had just past me, could not notice my presence is ridiculous.

LA is a driver's city. There are far more driver's running red lights, driving at reckless speeds, and endangering lives, than a few foolish cyclists. Stupid actions by cyclists puts (mainly) themselves at harm. Stupid actions by drivers puts EVERYONE around them at harm.

[Joe]

Cyclists get on my nerves. I'm walking on a sidewalk (you know, where pedestrians are supposed to walk) and some idiot on a bike comes racing down the street and expects ME to step out onto the street so he can pass! I'm like, this is a sidewalk, man. And I really hate those people with bikes on the train. I'm trying to get off at the next stop, and all these jerks are crowding the door with their bikes. And if you're gonna put your bike on the train, please secure it properly! I'm sitting down and some guy's bike crashes down on my leg, and he looks at me like I'm crazy. C'mon! Cyclists have no manners.

[Adam]

LA drivers suck.

[Paul Peterson]

The City of LA needs to step up and acknowledge that people need traffic calming and good bicycle infrastructure. Near perfect weather, and everyone in LA has to drive a car. So sad. If you live within 7 miles of work and it's relatively flat, there should be no reason why the average Angeleno has to drive a car to work.

[John Cork]

Understanding the rage against cyclists is important to understanding the disaster that Los Angeles has become. It is depressing to read people horrified that someone would bike across LA. I do it all the time. I cycled 23 miles today to the dentist and back. I was on Hyperion, Beverly, La Cienega, Little Santa Monica and other busy streets. Advice to cyclists:
I do not ride on the sidewalk because that is where you get hit - or hit others. Car drivers have a very hard time seeing you as they pull out when the sidewalk crosses a driveway, or when the driver is pulling into a drive. It is safer on the street. It is also safer to ride more in the street in many circumstances - "take your lane" is what they will tell you in bike safety classes. Why? Drivers do not want to hit you, and if you ride too far over to the edge, they will *think* they can squeeze past when they can't. Also, you don't want to be riding too close to the doors of parked cars. One will open sometime and a cyclist needs to be far enough away from it. Other safety tips: You can't have too much reflective / flashing stuff on you and your bike. You want drivers to see you, so be bright! Any car that looks like it might do anything unexpected - do everything you can to make eye-contact with the driver! Wave, signal and try to let drivers know what you are doing. If you see some idiot on the mobile phone behind the wheel - get out of their way. They are the most dangerous thing on the road. They are criminals and they might as well have a loaded gun in their hands.
To all drivers: We are the people. We have allowed cars to take over the city. That time is coming to a close. We need walkable neighborhoods, schools that kids can and do cycle to and we need to end our sad love affair with the car. Don't get angry when you see a cyclist. It is their city, too. Join them. Take a ride. It feels good. It is good for you. It is good for the city. Be safe. Be courteous. Don't talk or text while you drive.
Thank you.

[Jonathan Taylor]

The antipathy between riders and drivers seems to come from impatience and lack of consideration. I lived in LA for 17 years, successfully negotiating sidewalks and roads on a bike without incident and then moved to Germany, where bicycling is very actively encouraged- there are bike lanes on the sidewalk in which bikers have the right of way. Signs at intersections, applicable to all but aimed more at the safety of children, read: " Care" and
" Consideration". Good advice when considering the unfair advantage several tons of metal have over the fragile human body, Meat vs. Metal has only one winner.
The vast majority of LA drivers display real consideration for pedestrians, we all just need to extend the same courtesy to bikers and the bikers in turn have to take human nature into account by not provoking the occasional fool in charge of a deadly weapon.

[kristin]

I ride my bicycle to work regularly in a suburb of LA. To me, the worst problem are the distracted drivers--particularly those talking on cell phones. Cyclists who run stop signs or red lights are also problematic. Cyclists should ride as if they operating a car. Drivers should be cognizant of the fact that cyclists have a right to the road. We do not intend to be banished to the sidewalks. Besides, sidewalks are far more dangerous with doors, pedestrians listening to iPods or talking away on cell phones, or dogs on leashes.

Share the road, and treat everyone the way you want to be treated.

[Berliner]

I ride my bike and the bus to the UCLA every day. I am located in Mar Vista and I just cannot afford a car and the parking at the UCLA. Even if I could, I don't see why I should get stuck in traffic every day.
I am originally from Berlin and my daily route in LA is as safe as my route in Berlin ( a very bicycle friendly city with bicycle paths everywhere). However, I guess my route in LA is safe only because I avoid to ride reckless on the main roads and ride instead through quit neighbourhoods on the sidewalk.

[danceralamode]

I love all these comments about how cyclists run stop signs, red lights, etc. How about people who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones?I ride to work everyday and EVERY single motorist I pass breaks the law. They stop in the middle of the intersection instead of the white line at the stop sign: NEWS FLASH that constitutes running a stop sign! And that's when you almost hit the bicyclist that got here 20 seconds before you and is now pulling through the intersection or has a through street. Cars pull into crosswalks before stopping while there are pedestrians in them, also illegal! They disobey the right of way, and much, much more. My point is until you can tell me you've never broken a traffic law, shut the hell up and share the road. Everyone has the attitude of "the road is for ME, get out of MY way!" The road is for all of us. We all need to slow down, and appreciate the value of each other's lives and realize those little corners we cut can cost someone else their life. Let's all share the road and just be considerate, folks. Is that SO much to ask?

[Susan Shemin]

I do a commute in West LA on Santa Monica Blvd. to Century City. The mornings are difficult because of the bicycles being on a street where there's no bike path, and no lane for parking. There's one guy in particular, all dressed up in a "cool" bike outfit, who my car has to go around, and then he uses the crosswalk to cross when the light is red, and then I have to go around him again. And this happens 3 or 4 times until I'm beyond him -- but he usually catches up, and then where I turn, there he is in the crosswalk and I have to wait for him to bike cross before I turn! There's well marked bike lane parallel on Ohio Street, but he insists on using Santa Monica. I'm all for bicycles, but traffic is horrible on Santa Monica Blvd., and the bicyclists need to stay in the designated bike lanes on side roads with less traffic! Let's see, 2 or 3 bikes versus hundreds, perhaps thousands, of cars -- is there any question??

[David Ballantyne]

Holland is a country that made the decision to consider cycling as a priority decades ago. So, they put in cycle lanes and paths and made it illegal to hit a cyclist with a car for any reason. The result, almost everyone has a bike and rides it, and the number of cycling incidents is one of the lowest in the world. Until L.A prioritizes lanes, paths and litigation against car/cycle incidents, there will continue to be problems and fatalities for cyclists and crowded sidewalks for pedestrians.

[Paul Callaway]

I think all vehicle operators, that includes bicyclists, motorcyclists, and auto drivers, should have a healthy respect for each other and a bit of common courtesy as well. I have been riding a bike to work for 15 years now and in the first few years I had some minor problems with cars, but now I ride most often as if I am auto, and only use the sidewalk if there is no other safer alternative. When I am forced to do that I yield to pedestrians and watch out at crossings. I believe we need more dedicated bicycling facilities to make this an alternative people can use to live a more fossil fuel free lifestyle.

[former student]

I was walking my bike across the street in a crosswalk and a truck driver ran the red light. He stopped about 6 inches from me as I scrambled to move, and I injured my leg doing so. A witness called the cops who took a report but did not cite him for running the light and did not ask for proof of insurance. I paid for a police report but was unable to do anything with it - the phone no and address were wrong and no insurance! I should sue LAPD but I am happy to be alive!

[Brandon]

Susan Shemin,
We need to discourage driving cars and encourage riding bicycles. So, they need to make more bicycle paths and when there's no designated bike path, bicycle has a right to occupy full lane (usually the right most lane if safe and practical). Bicycle should not have inconvenience of having to go around to where there's bike path. If you think bicycle is blocking your path, you can easily find another route. That's just 2 more minutes of driving in comfortable car seat.
I commute 20 miles round trip. Sometimes by car, sometime by bicycle. I ride bicycle when weather is good (not cold and foggy in 5AM). Reading some drivers' comments about cyclists scare the s*** out of me. All their comments do is encourage me to drive my 4000lb, 16mpg, 320HP sports sedan to work. So, there you have, by making me drive, you get more pollution, more congestion, higher oil price, and scarier to you (because I drive like what RWD sports sedan is meant to be driven).

[Eric O'Connell]

I appreciate the fear that a bicyclist inspires in some drivers. I never understood it until I was in the car with a driver who was upset at a cyclist "in the way." The anxiousness of this was actually fear of HITTING the cyclist–possibly a comment on her own confidence in driving.
However, she slowed, and went around giving plenty of room to the cyclist, and especially to herself.
This little vignette viewed from outside the car would have looked like this: Nice driver slows, and takes a few extra SECONDS to move safely around a cyclist.
Wouldn't it be nice if drivers did this more often regardless of how they feel about a cyclist? Is that cyclist (one here and one there, compared to how many cars in YOUR way) really going to change your life if you have to (god forbid!) slow down and move around him/her? I think a driver can make up the 30-seconds they just "lost" between the next set of red lights.
And, as a cyclist and driver: I'll see you at the next red light, Mr. Speedy.

[Brooke Olson]

I ride my biked to work almost every day. Although I only live 3 miles away from my work, it can sometimes be a very hazardous trip!

There are many rods in Los Angeles that are wide enough to have a safe bike lane. For example, Lincoln Blvd on the westside would benefit greatly from a bike lane running north and south. I know several coworkers who would be willing to ride their bikes from Santa Monica to Playa del Rey if there was a viable bike lane (the beach path is too windy and dark in the winter months to safely ride).

I agree with other comments that city leadership has failed miserably in developing safe bike ways and other means for public transportation. I cringe every time I see road work being done, knowing that extra time will not be spent to put in a bike lane or even a sidewalk for pedestrians!

[Bill-Iowa City]

I lived in Southern California from 1981 to 1994, and bicycle commuted from various cities in the South Bay to my job in El Segundo.

There were "some" bicycle commuters at that time, but a mere handful at best, as probably less than 10 bicycle commuters in a corporation that employed tens of thousands.

Depending upon the time of the year, or day, I used 4 or 5 different routes. Almost none down PCH. And I felt pretty safe.

In 1994, I moved to the midwest and continue to bicycle commute in Iowa City, year round.

Inevitably, articles such as these appear in websites and newspapers around the country, and it's always the same argument back and forth.

When I ride, I obey all traffic laws. Stop lights, stop signs, one way streets, etc. On the few times I do ride on the sidewalk, I slow down to walk speed when passing.

In short, I take it upon myself to be a one man advocate for bicycle use in traffic.

With that, I still get abuse from cars. Right turns in front of me after passing. Motorists coming to stop signs and looking at me, RIGHT IN THE EYE, and then pulling in front of me. Cars running stop lights, seconds after yellow turns to red. Cell phones...don't even get me started.

With that, in a University town, there are students who BLATANTLY disobey almost every traffic law in the books.

I'm not sure WHAT can be done, but SOMETHING has to be done. It is disheartening to see and read about Copenhagen and Amsterdam to see the bicycle "culture" that exists that and how well it integrates with traffic. From everything I've read, it wasn't always like this.

With our reliance on petroleum, it is only a matter of time before prices for gasoline again rise, and with that more and more bicyclists.

Again, SOMETHING has to be done.

[RichDavid]

When you ride a bike in LA you take your life in your hands. People in cars are not polite to each other let alone to bike riders. The park, LA River, sidewalks, bike paths are the only safe places to ride in LA. People in SUV's are the worst. Huge vehicles with blacked-out windows are death machines. I have already been hit,broken hand, in the park, by someone parked at the curb who just pulled out in front of me and don't forget the a-holes who just throw open the doors on their cars without looking.