Brentwood doctor pleads not guilty to injuring cyclists

A Brentwood physician who allegedly injured two cyclists last summer by slamming on his car brakes in front of them on Mandeville Canyon Road pleaded not guilty today. Prosecutor Mary Stone alleges that Christopher Thomas Thompson hit his brakes after a confrontation with cyclists who were riding down the narrow road.

The resulting impact flung one cyclist through the car’s rear window and the other to the pavement. Thompson, 59, allegedly told police during the July 4 incident that he stopped his red Infinity sedan in front of the cyclists to “teach them a lesson.” The physician complained that cyclists frequently traveled the residential street in Brentwood and that he was “tired of them,” Los Angeles police Officer Robert Rodriguez testified during a preliminary hearing last month.

Thompson is charged with one felony count of reckless driving causing injury and two felony counts of battery with serious injury, two counts of causing “great bodily injury” to the cyclists while attempting to commit a felony and one count of mayhem for other severe injuries to one of the cyclists. He also faces one count of misdemeanor reckless driving causing injury in an incident with another cyclist on the same road in March.

Thompson and his attorney are expected to move to dismiss the case next month; a trial has been set for March 6.

-- Joanna Lin

Photo: Special to the Times

Comments

[James Sullivan]

My sympathies are with the doctor. Far too often I see pretentious idiots wearing tights who think they are Lance Armstrong riding bicycles recklessly. This incident is an excellent example. How fast does a bicyclist have to be moving to generate enough force to ram their head through the rear windshield of a car.? The fact of the matter is that these bicyclists were riding way too fast and were a hazard to everybody on that road. By their own admission when the doctor told them to ride single-file (AS REQUIRED BY LAW) they hurled profanities at him and made threats. I'll bet they were chasing the car and thought they could catch him at the bottom of the hill.

[Dee]

I live in the area and recently had to call 911 twice due to bicyclist's rude and dagerous behavior. While I cannot condone what Dr. Thompson did, I can understand why he was tired of them. He has to llive with them every day. They are arrogant, ride close to the middle of the right-hand lane on Sunset and won't move to let cars go on their way. They seem to want to teach us as lesson. They like to ride during rush hour when parents are trying to get their kids to school on time and others are trying to get to work. They appear to be daring drivers to hit them. When drivers honk or pull up and ask them to move over for everyone's safety, they release a stream of obscentities. Something needs to be done in this neighborhood because it is getting very dangerous and difficult to navigate the roads when cyclists are present and the cyclists are not showing courtesy nor are they behaving in good faith.

[jeanvaljean]

Some physician! Total discredit to his profession and a coward to boot.

[Mark]

I sure wouldn't want this guy to be MY doctor!

I hope he ends up bankrupt because of this. I don't want him to go to jail, though, because I don't want to have to pay for his room and board. He doesn't deserve any of my money or support.

[Sam]

I find this deeply disturbing. I can understand how a motorist would be annoyed with cyclists sharing their roads, but the truth is, there is just as much entitlement to the road for a cyclist, as for a motorist.

There is no excuse to maliciously cause injury to these cyclist, none

I don't doubt that unkind words were exchanged, and that the cyclist could have done a better job of diffusing the situation when they had discussed it before hand, but that this doctor has the audacity to plead not guilty to these crimes is shocking to me. What did you think was going to happen? You slammed on the breaks infront of cyclists? Don't doctors take hypocratic oaths or something?

It is unfortunate these two had to bear the brunt of the frustration caused by all bicyclists

[Gary Kavanagh]

If he some how manages to weasel his way out of this before a proper trial I can guarantee the growing cycling movement in Los Angeles will not take it laying down, there will be protests. This has been the case we've all been watching and hoping that justice might finally prevail against ruthless drivers who threaten cyclists lives. That fact that he is a doctor who took the Hippocratic oath and did not offer aid to the people he could have killed through his malice actions, makes this all the more damning.

[James]

Look up CVC 21202, cyclists are legally allowed FULL use of the right hand lane.

[foo]

James Sullivan: i really hope i dont become your neighbor the way you rationalize the behavior of the "good" doctor i'd be scared to live near you. You might off one of my kids for being too loud and playing outside

[Brian]

My sympathies are with the bicyclists. Far too often I see pretentious idiots in BMWs who think the road belongs only to cars. This incident is an excellent example. How quickly does a car have to slam on the brakes to generate enough force that a bicyclist would end up ramming his head through the rear windshield?

The fact of the matter is that doctor felt he owned the road and was a hazard to everybody on that road, whether in a car or on a bicycle. By his own admission to the police officer, the doctor told them he was going to "teach them a lesson". I'll bet he thought he was entitled to use violence toward the young men.

[shane]

James, since when can a bicycle compete with a car? The Dr was 'tired' of cyclist on 'his' road? So he attempts to kill them?!?! So if I'm tired of people walking across my street I should teach them a lesson and run them over too? Also, what law are you referring to that cyclist must ride single file? That is not a law.

[JJ]

Just stay out of the way and no one gets hurt.

[mel]

There are idiot bicyclists, just as there are idiot drivers.

That said, to assault someone with a deadly weapon, which is what a car is, just as a gun, is a big-time felony, or should be. Slow drivers or bad drivers, like cyclists, do not deserve death or maiming because they impede or insult. This is not the wild west or the hood.

And cyclists, of which I am one, must ABSOLUTELY grow up AN AWFUL LOT. Riding a bike does not earn immunity from courteous or considerate behavior.

[Jason]

Cyclists have every right to be on the road that cars do. If a cyclist feels that it is safest to "take a lane" they may do so. This is a simple fact based on CA state law.

Claiming that cyclists are pretentious or reckless for exercising their right to ride is complete nonsense and really only goes to show the arrogance and self importance of the drivers making such statements. Yes, cyclists are also required to stop at stop signs and follow traffic regulations. But by the same token, they are legally allowed to ride on Sunset and during rush hour.

What Dr. Thompson is simply reprehensible. He intentionally caused terrible injury and attempted to do so on a separate occasion. He should be punished severely because there is absolutely no excuse for what he did.

[Ty]

I understand completly the Dr's frustration. What he did was just totality unjustified. Everyone loses in this case. If the city or county can't put a spearate bike lane in this hazzardious area. They need to post no bike riding. More people will be killed if not. People that ride here are just plain stupid and are risking thier lives to make a point.

[angle]

I would like to remind a few of the posters here that it is not acceptable in our society to hurt people who you judge to be violating traffic laws, or because you perceive them to be arrogant or dressed in odd clothing.

I am curious as to why the doctor was not charged with assault with a deadly weapon.

[Art Marriott, Seattle]

At the very least these two cyclists were being obnoxious, which in a legal sense probably works against the motorist because it would established motive. On the other hand, a public thoroughfare is provided for people to get from Point A to Point B, not as a venue to indulge in ego masturbation by irritating or threatening others. That this goes on all the time and everywhere is a sad statement on human nature.

If these two were tailgating a car on brakeless racing bikes (which seem for some incomprehensible reason to be increasing popular for street use), that's another story. They're idiots.

[Pablito]

I hope the court system teaches the doctor a lesson. What a shameful, petty, harmful thing for someone to do. Especially someone sworn to the Hippocratic Oath!

[Sarah]

I agree with the others. The cyclists are arrogant and ride very dangerously. They ride way too fast and hog the road. Mandeville Canyon is very narrow and windy, plus there is no sidewalk. Often I will see nannies and housekeepers walking along the side of the road, (some even with strollers), and they are often at risk of being hit by a cyclist! I've also witnessed aggression from the cyclists- banging on cars and swearing at people. Something really should be done!

[areyoukiddingme]

The ignorance and extreme selfishness of James Sullivan and Dee are shameful. I hope that when you see your kids, nieces or nephews riding their bikes on the street with drivers like you and the Doctor, that you will change your outlook. Think about a raging motorist punishing your loved ones for delaying them 30 seconds. It will be different when your loved one is bleeding on the pavement you selfish ignorant people.

[RakDaddy]

Your canyon. Everybody's streets.

[Shaun Mason]

I ride my bicycle often in Hollywood, obey traffic laws, and have never sworn at anyone while on my bike, unless it was under my breath. I've never flipped anyone off, or not done my best to stay out of the way of cars, especially when they exhibit signs of impatience (which are very easy to detect) often going on the sidewalk to yield my legal, but not prudent, right of way. Yet every time I ride I get honked at, sworn at, flipped off, or endangered by a road rage maneuver, usually the driver cuts their car in front of me quickly at a dangerously close distance. No one has slammed on their brakes yet, but it's probably only a matter of time.

All Los Angeles citizens need to think about bicycles, and cyclists and drivers alilke need to modify our behaviour. We can't ride a bike in defiance of traffic laws (not stopping at signs and signals for instance) and then expect drivers to treat us as equals. Disobeying traffic laws sends the message, intended or not, that we're above the law.

Drivers need to remember that a few moments of patience toward a cyclist can save a life, and might make that cyclist take measures to get out of the way if they are treated with courtesy.

Road rage against cyclists is illegal and dangerous and should be punished accordingly, but swearing at cars and blocking them when they honk at you is only inviting the worst behavior. These cyclists were not guiltless by any stretch, but they didn't deserve to be physically harmed either.

Both sides must change their attitudes for the city to be a safe place to bicycle, and with fuel going the way it has, there are only going to be more bicycles in the future. My hope is that the change happens before contentiousness from both sides leads to death.

[Sean]

The road is for CARS, not bikes. These idiots think they can slow down our roads just because they wear tights that say USPS on it. And why wouldn't you want this man as your doctor? He could be the best doctor in the world and because he proved a good point you people say you wouldn't want him as your doctor? Real smart... You'd rather go to an inferior doctor than go to a better doctor because he made a point to some bikers. Well I'm smart and I would want to go to the best doctor possible regardless of their personal life. Would you price shop or dig into a doctor's personal life for brain surgery? They why would you not want to visit this doctor for a personal issue.?!

[Brett Wolmarans]

There is something odd about the first two comments, very strange how overtly defensive they are and supportive of the perp. I think they may have been placed prehaps under the suggestion of his legal team.

[Nico]

As a regular bike rider of Mandeville Canyon Road, I would like to express my appreciation to those residence of the area that are kind and calm enough to wait for a safe moment to pass as my friends and I ride through their neighborhood. 99% of residents pass safely and continue on their way with nary a worry of being delayed for 0 to 30 seconds because they were momentarily stuck behind a biker. I have never met a biker that felt that they had "a lesson to teach drivers" as a previous commenter alluded. Every biker knows that there is no way that a biker will ever win in a matchup with a car. Mandeville Canyon is a draw for bikers precisely because there is little road traffic which means, ideally, fewer close calls with aggressive drivers. If he is guilty, Christopher Thompson deserves the harshest punishment under the law because there are two recorded incidents where he has allegedly exhibited road rage toward bikers.

[Andy]

In order for one of the cyclist to go through the rear window of the doctor's car, wouldn't the cyclist have to be traveling at a very high speed? Speed limits apply to all - cyclists, cars, motorcycles, etc.

Can an inference be made that the cyclist was traveling at a too high of a speed that to be considered safe for this small road? Imagine if it was not a cyclist but a person on a motorbike. Would that make a difference? What if was driving a car that rear-end the doctor's car?

[Andy]

Does CVC 21202 address narrow roads where there are no designated bike lanes?

[Stefan]

Mr. Sullivan, you have to be kidding. Do you refer to golfers as Tiger Woods wannabees? Runners as Carl Lewis imitators? This means you get to try to kill them? I get very tired of skaters and walkers being all over the bike path. Even to the extent that I can no longer safely ride them. Does this mean that I get to assault them? You, sir, disgust me!

[Chuck]

No matter what anyone's opinion is on bicyclists and their road presence/behavior on the road it was not the doctor's responsibility to "teach them a lesson" which could have cost someone their life. His comments to police explaining what he did should hopefully seal his fate in a court of law.

[Walter Bishop]

ARE YOU KIDDING ME? I can't believe that 1) this guy should be allowed to even plead not guilty; & 2) that some of you would actually condone or feel any sympathy for his actions.

I am not condoning the prior actions of the cyclists. Yes we have all been on the road with that arrogant guy or group in tights who take up the road and gives you the dirtiest look ever (on a nice day) if you say something to them. However they are entitled to the road just as we are in cars. Some of you don't realize that bicycle safety manuals actually says that when in dangerous situations (like a NARROW ROAD) that it is safer to just take up the entire lane. As much as I hate being stuck behind a bike, that does not give me justification to do the rider any harm.

I mountain bike and occasionally have to ride the road to get to the trail head, and until you have done it, then you will never understand what it feels like to have a vehicle approach you from behind that you can't see. You are only hoping and praying that they are paying attention.

As for the good doctor, he took an oath to save lives. His license should be revoked. He told the cops that he was teaching them a lesson by speeding in front of them on a descent and slamming on his brakes. It is a miracle that neither one was killed.

Just because you are bigger and stronger than a kid, does that give you the right to beat the crap out them when they make you mad? NO! Same thing applies here. You can not justify his actions just because the riders shouting profanities. Yeah what they did was wrong, but they didn't deserve this.

[Debi]

Knowing Chris Thompson, I am sure he did not mean any harm to the cyclists. Their riding patterns and habits are dangerous not only to themselves, but to others as well. I'm sure there are many people who can see themselves in his place in this situation. We all need to look at this from every side.

[Jaclyn]

Wow, to all of you who think this is acceptable behavior:

A cyclist can in fact take up the entire road if they so choose. They are equal to a car by law on any road with the exception of a a highway.

Most cyclists stay to the side as a courtesy and a safety precaution.

By the way, please don't criticize cyclists for going fast or running red lights, when you do the same thing in a ton-plus of steel.

[Human Being, yeah, one of us]

Hey Dee and James (the first two to post on this thread),

We all agree that bicyclists and drivers need to be more respectful, sure. But you both need to get on a bike and just try riding the streets of LA for yourself.

And also read up on CA driving codes while you're at it because you both haven't a clue what you're talking about.

Respectfully,
Another Human Being

[rick]

fact: the cyclists are two middle aged part time athletes - not two wheeled rebels dressed in spandex.

fact: the good doctor sped around the cyclists and slammed on his brakes. his own statements to the police establish his state of mind - infantile anger.

fact: the cyclests had brakes. a bicycle cannot stop as quickly as a car.

opinion: i applaud the DA for taking this incident seriously. the threat of prosecution and financial ruin should deter mr. sullivan, mr. marriott and the like from similar conduct.

[Jim]

Not only should this jackass of a doctor lose his medical license- he should lose his driver's license as well. After of course, a lengthy prison sentence. This jerk is a menace to decent people everywhere.

[Brian of Glassell Park]

"James Sullivan" is very misinformed. I find it amazing that anyone could side with the driver of a car using it as a weapon against a bicyclist.
As a person who both drives cars and bicycles and motorcycles on the roads of Los Angeles and surrounding areas I can tell you that there is no "Law" that states that cyclists have to ride Single File, there is no law in California stating that. Riding a bicycle in traffic is spooky, people in cars with "Illegal" "Tinted Windows" so you cannot see their faces, so you have no idea if they see you and some that do just don't care. Yes a bicyclist might yelll something, but usually it is after being almost run over etc. Bicyclist have every right as automobiles on the streets in California, that is the law. As to how fast you have to be going to be able to penetrate the rear window of a car that slams the brakes on in front of you? I have no idea, but I don't think it is something that should be applauded. Shame on anyone condoning the use of a car to "teach a bicyclist" or anyone else for that matter a lesson.

[Not Impressed]

I agree with Mel. Better behaviour is needed from cyclists, but if it doesn't happen, using a car to regulate the behaviour of cyclists is NOT the answer. Drivers, cyclists, lets share the space, sensibly and safely and respectfully of the rights of each other to be present.

[B]

I'm truly disgusted with the fact that someone in a car could truly value their life more than someone on a bike. And nor is it a persons right to hurt or come close to taking another persons life.
"Far too often I see pretentious idiots wearing tights who think they are Lance Armstrong riding bicycles recklessly." - James Sullivan
Not to stoop to your level, but next time I see a pretentious idiot wearing kaki paints driving a Lexus and talking a the cell phone, I will remember to hit him in the head with a baseball bat, right? Because that makes sense?

[ellie]

Though I don't condone slamming on one's brakes to teach obnoxious bike riders a lesson, I do understand getting fed up them. Unless you need to bike to work, school or for errands, I think bicyclers belong on a freaking BIKE PATH. Roads are for cars -- get off of them, recreational bicyclers. Go do your little riding in the park and stop annoying the rest of us with your ugly outfits and traffic-slowing, two-wheeling ways.

[KC]

Nice people there in Brentwood. All around.

[Tanner Hallihan]

James Sullivan you wrote: "The fact of the matter is that these bicyclists were riding way too fast and were a hazard to everybody on that road. "

If these riders were riding too fast, then why was the doctor on their ass telling them to get out of the way so he could pass? That just shows that he was speeding down a residential street at an even greater speed, creating an even greater hazard to everybody on the road. Booya! Pwnd. RC sink this thread.

[Scott Haddad]

It seems that those who support the driver in this case do so because they identify with his irritation/anger/rage. Regardless of whatever irritation one might experience while behind the wheel of a car, one does not have the right to "teach" another a lesson. There seems to be a strong presence of entitlement culture among those who view cyclists as others who serve only to impede the progress of a car. Driving is a privilege maintained by among other things a sense of civility and the responsibility is an awesome one that should not be taken lightly.

[Lance]

Does anyone else find it ironic that some posters are complaining that cyclists slow them down by riding too slow, while others complain that the cyclists are riding too fast? These people have the mentality that anyone who drives slower than them is hogging the road, and anyone who drives faster is a maniac.

[John Murphy]

"Can an inference be made that the cyclist was traveling at a too high of a speed that to be considered safe for this small road? Imagine if it was not a cyclist but a person on a motorbike. Would that make a difference? What if was driving a car that rear-end the doctor's car? "

The doctor PASSED THE CYCLISTS. If the cyclists were going "too fast", and the doctor was going "faster"... after all as you say "Speed limits apply to all - cyclists, cars, motorcycles, etc. "

[Beth]

Wow is this amazing or what? The doctor felt it was his personal responsibility to take the law into his own hands and become judge and jury, and it sounds like some of you agree with him, since when is that okay? No wander this city, this state, this whole country is in a mess, everyone wants things their way and screw everyone else. I hope the doctor is charged to the fullest extend of the law and I hope everyone learns to share, share the road, the bike path and the responsibility for the consequences of our collective actions. I ride a bike often instead of driving, I add less pollution, use less gasoline and help improve my health, a further savings for all of us. Try it sometime.

[eguzki]

Who is that doctor??? who do you think you are to teach anyone a lesson?Cars do not own the roads, ok! Cyclist have the same right to ride their bicycles in those road as any car driver! Are we all insane here? The funny thing is that some people actually support these types of unacceptable behaviors... So L.A

[crystal]

James Sullivan before you go ahead and state things as law, check the law first. Your ignorance is disgusting and you are wrong.

Your comment is full of assumptions that you do not know are true. Check your facts and stop wasting our time.

[Mayra in San Diego]

I'm a cyclist just moved out to San Diego from Chicago and I must say there is something seriously upsetting with some Californians, get off your high horse!! What's even more comical is that most of you who like to nag and are rude to others are not native Californians.

The ROAD does not belong to only CARS!! Motorist need to learn how to share the road. I am not one of those cyclist with tight shorts who snooty about their ride for a workout.

I am a bike commuter, who often rides with regular comfortable clothes, sunglasses, my long hair down and with the wind and carry a backpack. I don't flip the finger or yell profanity, but i will yell LEARN TO SHARE THE ROAD.

I am a beautiful woman who enjoys to commute on her bike. not all of us are riding for a workout, this is our commute, we are not just going let you ugly motorist deny us that right.

I follow traffic laws and at times i must take the entire right lane for my safety too. Its down right atrocious that motorist think we are taking up the road or in their way.
Perhaps if you just tried an alternative way to get to your 5 miles or less destination you might see it another way.

Parents, you really don't know if your child will turn out to be and love cycling, you should be the most considerate and for the rest of you, go and visit Chicago, the 3rd largest city in the country and a city that supports bikers. You might have a heart attack or a change of heart when you see so many cyclist commuting on the streets of Chicago in the spring, summer and fall.

I hope this man gets charged and sent to where he belongs, clearly if this doctor needed to intentionally cause injury to those cyclist because they where taking up "his road, " he must be going through some crazy mental dilemma and I would not want to have Mr. Thompson work on me or give me medical advice. I hope the judge sees his ridicules insanity.

[Scott]

It made me profoundly sad to read the first two comments. Really? It's ok to try to kill someone on a bicycle? The selfishness of some people and the unwillingness to try to get along in a big crowded city.

This Dr should spend a month or two in county jail and have his medical license revoked. On my first day of med school, we were taught the definition of a medical emergency.

"When another human being is in pain".

[Mike]

Let's look at facts:

1. Bicycles have as much right legal right to be on the road as cars. (So, Dee, when you say bicyclists "won't move to let cars go on their way," let me ask you: how many cars have you seen move over to let bikes "go on their way"? Cars and bikes have equal rights on the road. (No, I am not a cyclist.)

2. Yes, some bicyclists have attitude. So do many car drivers. Everyone would do well to exercise mutual respect: do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

2. The doctor presumably took the Hippocratic Oath, which admonishes "to do no harm." Seems like slamming on your brakes with bicyclists directly behind you has a good chance of doing harm. Perhaps the doctor should not only be prosecuted but investigated by a medical panel about his suitability to continue to practice medicine?

3. The doctor was allegedly quite forthcoming with the police about his dastardly motivations. Now he pleads not guilty "of *any* wrongdoing"?

On a side note, I wonder whether he helped administer first aid to the cyclists who were injured? I don't remember seeing that in any of the articles I've read on this matter.

[Mary Ann Parker]

As a mother of a cyclist killed during a training ride on the road by a meth-fueled freak I feel the need to reply . My son was a 31-year-old in the medical field also, just like Dr.Christopher Thompson was supposed to be --as in trying to save lives, not injure or kill.

Apparently Dr. Thompson didn't take his oath seriously. "DO NO HARM." (My son didn't need to take such an "oath" because he lived by those words. Nobody needed to have him swear on a bible.) Dr. Thompson, according to the reports I have read went "out of control." He was pissed off because they...many cyclists had pissed him off so much he decided to just put on his brakes to let them know who was "KING OF THE ROAD."

Not being a cyclist Dr. Thompson ended up injuring cyclists who have as much riight to the road as Doctors do. Are you listening, Dr. Thompson? But not as much as Emergency Vehicles. Whoever is riding a bike or driving a vehicle should know the rules. Apparently Dr. T. didn't know (maybe, maybe not) the devistation he would produce by just putting on his breaks. What a freaking idiot. Didn't he have to at least take Physics 101 to become a physician?

When my son was killed there was the ability to write to the judge. I'd love to write a letter to this judge and tell the judge that what I, as a citizen and cyclist would recommend is 1) time in jail with compensation to the family and/or have him ride a bicycle on the streets where he injured those cyclists for one year. Maybe 20 hours a week for one year with an ankle bracelet to make sure he's doing it.) Just to let him know what it's like to be on the other end.

This might not be a bad idea for all judges to take to heart.

M.A.P.
P.S. If anyone knows how to write a letter to this judge, count me in but I need an address.

[critposer]

Yeah, I can see the doctor's point. When someone's doing something annoying, or something you perceive as illegal, or even just rude, it's up to you to show them who is boss. Cyclists wearing clothes that are too bright and don't meet your standards? Hook 'em with your BMW and put 'em in the hospital. Kids too noisy playing on your street? Take a baseball bat to them and teach them some manners. Neighbor's dog barking again? Poison it, that'll give you some peace. Motorcyclists getting through rush-hour traffic too easily by lane splitting? Crack your door open and watch 'em go flying. Yes, it's up to us to put these people in their place, so that we can build a better society.

[Cyclist]

May the aweful doctor rot in hell for his crimes!

[Robert G]

This is very saddening that someone would use their vehicle to injure others regardless of the situation.

I am a motorist, motorcyclist, and a cyclist. Having said that, As a motorist I drive defensively, keep a watchful eye out for both motorcycles and bicycles. I give cyclist a wide berth when passing them. If someone drives or rides in an unsafe manner, I will just back off and let them go. I won't stress over it and get involved to escalate the matter.

As cyclist, I always ride on the right and only take up the lane if it is safer to do so rather than have a motorist clip me or squeeze my off the road.

It would be nice if all drivers and cyclist be a bit more courteous to one another so incidents like this don't happen.

Common sense tells me if I lived on that street and know that it is frequented by cyclists, I would leave a bit earlier to avoid being delayed.

[Tikitrom]

That Disney cartoon when Goofey turns into a maniac as soon as he gets behind the wheel of a car comes to mind here. Use a car as a weapon...go to jail. Four felonies wtg doc. The biking community is really coming together on this one. Share the road.

[RC]

Sean (Posted by: Sean | January 15, 2009 at 01:03 PM )
gets the prize for the biggest idiot post here! Too funny !

[Steven]

The bikers were tailgating. They deserve whatever injury they incurred. It is completely their own fault. HA HA

[Patrick]

Mr. Sullivan: an embarrassment to all Irishmen. Cease your slug-like existence, hoist your load from your four-wheeled transport and give two wheels a try. The increased circulation might clear-up your thought process, and the experience might engender some concern for your more active fellow citizens.

[AB]

To Debi : ( Posted by: Debi | January 15, 2009 at 01:58 PM)
Waht, are you stupid or something? Did you not read that the doctor wanted
to "teach these guys a lesson?"

[Sean K]

People siding with the attacker in this instance are absolute morons. Clearly a bunch of privileged scumbags without the critical thinking ability or empathy of a relatively intelligent dog or cat. PLEASE don't let such brainless malcontents on the jury.

[tom]

if this happened anywhere besides los angeles, this guy would be in jail for a long, long time. though he pleaded not guilty, this disgrace of a doctor has openly professed his guilt, and the man he hit wasn't just some inexperienced cyclist, he was a trainer and former champion. AND despite all that, it is still completely wrong in every way. i'm so glad i don't live in that city anymore, where living with a false sense of entitlement and total lack of morals is so encouraged. hopefully he learns how to deal with people outside of his isolated little world - in a jail cell.

[cbadcyclist]

I ride a bicycle often. I also drive a car more often. I see idiots on bicycles and in cars behaving badly. It does not give me the right to brake check them and cause them the crash. I believe that would be assault with a deadly weapon.

When you're being held up by a bicycle on a narrow road, remember it could just as easily be a lousy car driver going that slow as well. At least a cyclist is not using up gasoline that car drivers need to use their cars. Give cyclists a break. They're saving gas for you to drive with,

[Calvin Stablehouse]

I've followed this case with interest as I was visiting LA at the time, having ridden my bike down from San Francisco on a charity ride.

Just a couple of points:

1. The road is for BOTH cyclists and motorists. Rules, regulations and courtesies have to be obeyed by ALL road users
2. Steep downhill sections present challenges for cyclists. In a lot of cases they need a complete lane to make a corner and can usually do it faster than a car (most motorists brake in the corner whereas they should brake before and then accelerate through the bend)
3. It is a fact that a car can brake and decelerate a lot quicker than a bicycle can. Any responsible cyclist should know this and maintain a safe distance from a car, especially on downhills.

All the above notwithstanding, from what I have read the two injured cyclists may not have been behaving perfectly, but in no way were they deserving of the vindictive behavior that they experienced.

[Nico]

I'm shocked at how many of the commentators here say that they are annoyed that bikers are on the roads. Driving a car is a privilege. It does not give you a right to drive as fast as you want. You can choose to pass a cyclists safely. Ask yourselves how long would are you really delayed when you choose to safely pass a cyclist? 5 seconds? 10 seconds? Maybe 15 seconds at the most? Is that really worth something worth being annoyed about. Being "annoyed" by bicyclists is a choice you make. You could also make the choice to go on with your life (perhaps with a smile on your face) and spend your energy on something more productive than complaining about asinine things.

[David]

As both a recreational cyclist and an everyday motorist, I find it absolutely reprehensible that a frustrated motorist would intentionally inflict harm on another commuter, especially by using his car as a deadly weapon. Anyone who sees it any other way has never been on a bicycle in this city. Try it. It will make you a safer driver, as we all should be.

[ap]

bikers are not very sympathetic victims. i've seen 2 bikers in my life actually obey traffic laws...that is, other than the one that allows them on the road.

red light...no problem, ill just cross as soon as cross traffic is gone
stop sign....what stop sign?
no room to pass cars....that is what a sidewalk is for

doctor shouldn't have tried to hurt them. but bikers tend to be jackasses...especially in west LA.

[Shelly]

Its road rage, plain and simple, ained at the cyclists. He did it on purpose, even admits it! He used his car as a weapon, knowing full well he'd definitely hurt these cyclists. If there are cyclists around, drive carefully, drive around them, use your signals, but to use your car as a weapon is unexcusable. He needs to be punished. But good.

[SF]

The cyclists are at fault. They rode their bikes into a stopped car. Dummies. Don't they teach people in driver's education not to tailgate? What if he had a good reason to slam on his brakes? What if an animal or child ran out in front of him? Don't blame the doctor for these idiots riding into his car.

[Killroy]

I’m surprised by the comments that suggest that the cyclists deserve this. I’m suprised that people that think this way know how to read.

This so-called doctor, should have his car confiscated as evidence and be forced to try riding the streets of LA on a bicycle.

[Kevin Salk]

That "doctor" should have his license revoked. Not his drivers license but his medical license. What a horrible person!

[Renee Cain]

Sean;
The road IS for bikes, cars, pedestrians, and any other vehicle deemed legal.
YOU should not have a drivers license, since you do not know the rules of the road.

[David U]

It is not your road, it was paid for by the taxpayer. It is not your canyon, you may own a piece of property there, but you do not own the canyon.
If a few seconds are so important to you then leave the house earlier.
It is obvious Mr. Thomson has an anger problem which can be cured by a stay in the greybar hotel. People like Mr. Sullivan seem to think they are the only ones with rights on the street. Well Mr. Sullivan, with your attitude, someday you might meet someone who disagrees with you and has the ability to make you think otherwise. You said the cyclists were riding too fast. Oh, were you there? Did you witness the incident? Riding to fast, then why was Thomson upset with them being in his way? Oh, I see, he was going to teach them to slow down.
Of course he has the right to plead not guilty, that is what we have juries for.
But a judge might not find him deserving of a light sentence if he is convicted. I suspect his lawyer told him how to plead, he can help that lawyer buy a new boat, or Porsch.

[thismakesmesick]

Why do these self entitled jerks seem to think that cyclists go out there to disrupt and ruin their lives? I am a cyclist and I do it because it is my hobby and a great form of exercise. We don't take up the road on purpose, sometimes there's parked cars, glass, ruts, or other kinds of debris on the right side of the road. So what if we wear loud colored, tight, spandex clothes? At least you can see us! To each their own, some of us prefer to wear tight cycling shorts, some of us prefer to wear something looser. It is all about comfort. Why do some of you have issues with that?? We don't all have to be like Lance Armstrong to enjoy our bikes and ride.

We don't go out there to piss you off and prove a point. It is a common courtesy to share the road.

Some of you need a serious attitude adjustment.

[Bill]

You guys act like this is something new. For years, people in this country would assert their proprietary right to an area using similar methods. When a group of people they didn't want around started becoming too comfortable, they too would "teach them a lesson" like the good doctor and beat them half to death (or all the way there to be put on display) so the others would know to get out. Based on the support from these comments, I'm sure we could round up plenty of participants for some good old CYCLIST LYNCHINGS!

[Christian]

I'd like to just point out ONE thing to the people who seem to believe that the bicyclists were travelling at an illegal speed because the bicyclist "went through" the doctor's rear window. The doctor was behind the bicyclists when this incident began. In order for him to pass them and then slam on his brakes (something that seems to have occurred as one relatively compact event), he would have to exceed whatever speed they were at. Ergo, if they were speeding, the doctor's rage was due to the fact that he wanted to speed faster--the cyclists were in no way preventing him from using the road at its posted speed limit. If they were at the speed limit, the doctor had to violate the speed limit to pass them. And if they were below the speed limit, then all of this talk about them riding at an illegal speed is poppycock!

I don't know the speed limit on this particular stretch of road--let's assume it is 25 mph (also not a terribly unrealistic or unsafe speed for a bicycle). At 25 mph, a bicyclist colliding with a stationary object would be traveling at 36 feet per second. That makes for a pretty violent collision.

[Gary Kavanagh]

To address the numerous comments suggesting they should not be tail gating, anyone who has followed this case knows the account is that he cut them off and slammed the brakes. If someone passes you on the freeway then moves back into your lane with no space, you are not tail gating you are cut off, and if someone slammed their brakes in such an instance there is no time to react, only crash. That is what happened here.

[Name]

@1:24pm: I agree that there is something odd about the first two comments. Occurs to me it is equally (if not more) likely that they were written by LATimes staffers as a way of inciting a lively thread here and driving page views. I wonder aloud if this comment will be able to remain on the page long?

[JoseGomez]

To everyone so concerned with the lack of adherence to bike lanes, use of sidewalks and lane splitting, please contact your local councilman and lobby for more bike lanes. I personally only know of four roads on the west side with bike lanes: Pacific, San Vincente, Venice and a mile and a half section of Santa Monica.

My favorite joke is Olympic Blvd marked as a "Bike route". I commuted from Ktown to Century City down Olympic for six months and was incandescently honked at, yelled at, spit at, buzzed, flipped off and otherwise intimidated. I've since moved to the non-bike lane, non-bike route 8th street where I get yelled at for running stop signs.

[John Towers]

Make it simple.

Execute the doctor for his crime.

He can no longer contribute to society effectively so get rid of him as he poses a serious danger to us all.

What's next will he take out his hate on a patient during surgery?

John Towers

[Kent M]

"My sympathies are with the doctor. Far too often I see pretentious idiots..."

Way to go James Sullivan, you support aggressive assault & battery simply because you dislike the way these people dress.

[pete_the_biker]

First, everybody was wrong.
I am a biker and think these bikers brought it upon themselves. It is crazy to think you have control of this road. I make huge accomodations to get away from dangerous traffic - have read too many stories of bikers exercising their lawful rights get cremed by a car, non-maliciously. I get my bike by car out far enough so I risk less chance of getting cremed by granny who can't see over the steering wheel. I have my aging father's driving to remind me what lurks behind the wheel of a car.

It is primarily the bikers fault, too elitest.

[Tip And Ring]

"Thompson and his attorney are expected to move to dismiss the case next month..."

That'll only happen if he's OJ.

[Prefabfan]

Sam, do not worry. The top posts are "plants" by the doctor. 3 are written by the same person.

[Dave P]

What I'm about to post is in no way approving of the doctor's actions. I live in Calgary and come a to LA once or twice a year and the first ride I do every time is Mandeville Canyon. When I first read the story and knowing the area I honestly felt with such a narrow road the cyclists didn't do themselves any favors by riding side by side instead of single file. Although they may be entitled to do so cyclists have to pick their battles. A bike is no match for a vehicle so I tend to suck it up and only purposely block traffic (for lack of a better term) when I feel the road conditions warrant it. It's very shady and can be bumpy and wet in places so I'm better off further to the left than crashing and then getting run over (which if the motorist stops will definitely delay him more than 15 or 20 seconds). On Mandeville I'll acknowledge a waiting vehicle and then wave him through when the road allows it. It's a bit of courtesy I hope the driver appreciates as much as I appreciate not being crowded.

[JS]

I pay my taxes. I buy gas for my truck and contribute to the road funds through gas taxes. I have a valid DL. I help pay for these roads and their upkeep as a result. I also ride a bicycle. Under CA State Law, I am entitled to use of the road on a bicycle or in my car. Under CA State Law, cyclists are permitted to ride 2 abreast. Cyclists are permitted full use of the lane. Cyclists are required to obey traffic signals (and I do).

Regardless of any irresponsible behavior that preceded the incident, there is no excuse for the good Dr. in attempting (and succeeding) to injure cyclists.

We all need to share the road, responsibly.

[Z]

How many automobile drivers die through the actions of cyclists?
How many nonmotorists perish through the actions of car drivers?

[C J]

"Also, what law are you referring to that cyclist must ride single file? That is not a law." - Posted by: shane

Your wrong shane:

CVC 21202: Bicycles traveling slower than the normal speed of traffic must ride as close to the right side of the road as practicable except: when passing, preparing for a left turn, to avoid hazards and dangerous conditions or if the lane is too narrow.

The courts have ruled this means cyclist must ride single file. Chatting with your buddy is not an excuse.

[The Governator]

When I drive my Hummer around Brentwood, I just want ALL of you girlie men in puny little BMW cars AND bikes to get out of my way!!!

[DT]

If it is proven that the doctor did do what he is accused of, he deserves to be punished.

Still, I find it a little hard to believe the police officer's statement that the doctor admitted that he wanted to teach them a lesson. Why would he admit that to a cop? Although not all cops are dishonest, many are horribly dishonest and will say anything to make a case. Do you think that Rodney King or the BART victim would have gotten any justice if it were not videotaped?

Also, in Berkeley, where bicycle "activists" are trying to close all streets to cars(like Communist China or North Korea), a bicyclist "activist" tried to sue an elderly couple saying that they ran over him. He showed a photo of his bike under the couple's car. Fortunately for the couple, someone had videotaped the incident and showed the bicyclist deliberately placing his bike under the car even when he was not hit at all.

But having said that, in this case, there was really no reason for the doctor to stop like that other than to cause harm to the bicyclists, and if I were on the jury, he'd go to jail for a long time.

I think this case shows the type of people who live in Brentwood. I think these people deserve each other. Where I live, cars and bicycles respect each other. Cars will always let other cars cut in, and bicycle riders generally will move aside when cars are trying to pass. I'm so glad that I don't live in Brentwood.

[everett hurst]

I am from Northern Cal. I ride my bike often and share the road with cars. I have had to go to intersections and walk my bike to get across as drivers refuse to yield at all. It without a doubt is so dangerous to ride a bike in so many parts of LA that after buying a bike while I am working in LA I just shipped it back home. I HAD to ride on the sidewalks. Some claim that bikes should not be allowed on roads. A bike is an environmental way of transportation, lessons smog, is healthy for the rider and is low cost. Not providing bike lanes or reasonable trails is shame and at some point the cities should be liable for the safety of the rider just like pedestrians. Bikes can go fast down hill and I have done this as well, but never is it safe to tailgate a car, bus, motorcycle or bike rider. Safety MUST be observed first. A bike is very safe until you are struck by a 4000 pound and up car. There should be a much higher responsibility for a driver when they injure a pedestrian or cyclist.
In addition to massive fines that should be levied there should be a loss of license for the negligence of drivers involved in these accidents. The amounts of faces I have to watch say "sorry" as they cut you off while you have the right away is way too high. This driver should be jailed, lose his medical license and pay a heavy price for "teaching these riders a lesson". I hope long before more deaths occur the county of LA will act on and install more ways to get people moving safely by other modes of transportation. Would not most of the readers of LA TIMES want less traffic, and smog. Plus the weather here screams ride a bike and get out into the sun....

[kenny white]

As a PEDESTRIAN I meet enraged drivers who honk at me when I am in a crosswalk on a Walk signal, who miss me by maybe a foot when they turn behind or in front of me at 10 mph, who turn right while looking left, who come to stop in the middle of the crosswalk for a red light, etc. I believe these idiots are the same ones who object to bike riders on the streets "getting in their way" - I'm afraid there is no puncturing their self complacency and self righteousness - to survive you just have to be as defensive as possible, as a pedestrian, a cyclist or a driver. I have also noticed that frequently the worst drivers are in expensive automobiles. They seem to have a sense of entitlement, of being above traffic laws AND the laws of physics! Hopefully the judge in this case is a cyclist! Maybe the good doctor will have a better understanding of life if he gets a taste of jail!

[Oona Martin]

I know Mandeville Canyon Road well. Speed limit is 25 mph. Dr. probably trying to go 45 mph. He passed them and CUT them OFF!

Cyclists ride this road because it is a dead-end road, much less traffic than almost any other road in LA. 6 miles up, and 6 miles down, a great workout, plus with access to mountain bike trails at the top.

Why do cyclists wear bright clothes? So they are VISIBLE to motorists!

I only wish I could ride my bike to work. In Boston I used to, even through snow. Here, I am scared of the motorists. The oblivious ones and the aggressive ones.

[None]

This is not a threat. Be careful what you do.

Moderator, at least add these sorts of comment up. The Doctor has made a grave mistake.

[John]

Automobile drivers must share the road. Bicyclists pay the same taxes everyone else does and have every right to use the road without fear from some inconsiderate schmuck in an SUV bent on running them down because they are in a bigger more powerful vehicle.

[Reine Wiley]

The incident is bad enough, but what is horrifying to me is the reaction from some who think bicyclists are "stupid" and "arrogant" and other forms of unflattering beings by riding down hill on a road which cars apparently "own". Road rage can be found among the two wheelers (yes with tights) and four wheeled motorists alike. Interesting how many times "tights" are metntioned by previous posters, as if that makes a behavioral statement by itself. In any case, the story is more complicated then mentioned, the car passed the cyclists instead of driving behind until everyone got down the hill. The cyclists were NOT chasing cars, these two in particular were there because of a breakdown that had separated them from the pack. The good doctor wanted to teach them a lesson........wonder what he wanted them to learn, certainly not driving responsibly. Let's just maim or kill anyone that irritates us....that'll teach 'm!!

[jesse]

Glad to see so many opinions on this topic. I am a little disturbed to see so many motorists having a sense of entitlement to the streets of LA and to drive as fast and reckless as they want through out the city.

What I see in these events is that some people feel that it is acceptable to harm people to settle disagreements. To those who think one can just slam on the brakes in traffic and cause harm to another vehicle, bike or car, that is just wrong and illegal.

I would not have to worry about anyone seeing this doctor, since it is nearly certain her will lose his MD license.

[joe]

I have the freedom in this country to engage in any activity that I please. Cycling is a choice that many americans make,as a form of excersise.While you may not like it, that is too damn bad. The cyclists were completely in the right. it IS legal for them to be on the road, it IS legal for them to take the entire lane.a cyclist has the same rights as a automobile.just because some rich jerk of a doctor has a control issue does NOT give him the right to try to kill, harm ,injure ,scare, or other wise assault anyone.
while I understand that some of the posters ,who are siding with the dr. are doing so to insite. some of them seem to be genuine. while unbelievable as that may seem, you have a right to your opinion. and I to mine. however mine is backed up by law. yours is backed up by ignorance and stupidity. you complain that cyclists are foul mouthed and arogant, lets see how polite you are when some "nanny driving jr. to preschool" is running late and forgets that the thing on top of the bicycle is a human being and starts to crowed them with 3000 lbs. of steel. and your concerned about a little foul language?
you violate our rights and put us in fear for our very lives , because you are putting on your makeup or sending an email while you drive from your black berry. or because you are running late for coffee with the girls , or you are a rich dr. who's had enough, or is tired of it.
Freedom, I have the freedom in this country to engage in any activity that I like too.just as you have the freedom to come on hear and open you small mind and sound like a self centered idiot. while I actually have laws that protect me from people like the dr. there should be a law that would protect the rest of us from having to listen to the uninteligent drivel that is your uninformed opinion. do us all a favor, buy a bike and go ride it in front of the dr.

[William]

You can't safely ride a bicycle down a canyon road on the road shoulder. Assuming the bicycles were occupying the lane, just how fast do cars on this canyon road need to go? Apparently way over the speed limit. Cars usually have to suck it in and be patient if it's another car in front of them traveling the speed limit, but as soon as it's a bike it's now somehow a challenge and a threat. Cars are deadly weapons, isn't that why drunk driving laws and penalties have been increased over the past twenty years? Anyone who thinks causing a man's nose to be almost completely severed off is a just reward because cyclists wear bright clothing and swear obscenities might need some serious help.

[Ken]

If as someone said the cyclists were going too fast , then why would they be blocking traffic by riding in the middle of the right hand lane?
There is NO excuse for this idiot to try to cause harm to the cyclists. No where did he say he was threatened in any way by them.

[bruce]

these are serious felonies, particularly the mayhem. on the plus side for the doctor, when he gets out of where he's going for 5-10 years, he'll be able to flatulate in a crowded elevator and there will be absolutely no sonic clue as to who did it. i believe the internet abbreviation for this is pmita.

[DT]

I agree that people who drive nice cars tend to be jerks. I find BMW drivers to be the biggest jerks. Mercedes too, but less so. But I find people who drive Mini Coopers and Scion also to be pretty annoying drivers too. I think there definitely is a correlation because certain types of people preferring certain types of cars. You always know that a Cadillac sedan will be going 10 miles below the speed limit. It's usually driven by 80 year old white couples. The same goes for 1980s Toyota Tercels which are usually driven by 60 year old Chinese women. It's like dog owners who look like their dogs.