Mayor Villaraigosa undergoes surgery for fracture after bike accident

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa underwent surgery Sunday on his right elbow, which he broke Saturday in a bicycle accident on Venice Boulevard, his office reported.

The surgery at Santa Monica UCLA Medical Center "was a success and the mayor is expected to make a full recovery," said Sarah Hamilton, a spokeswoman for Villaraigosa.

She said the mayor "will make every effort to resume a full schedule this week.

Los Angeles police said Sunday they did not know who was driving the taxi that reportedly stopped in front of the mayor, causing him to fall off his bicycle. The mayor's office said he was in the bicycle lane between Hervey and Hargis streets in Mid-City about 6:50 p.m. Saturday when the taxi suddenly pulled in front, causing him to hit his brakes and fall.

The taxi was not at the scene when police arrived, said West Traffic Division Sgt. Murrel Pettway. Officers interviewed Villaraigosa and other witnesses but did not get a license plate number or the name of the cab company, Pettway said.

In such an incident, officials said, a law enforcement officer would have to witness the accident to issue a citation. The mayor was accompanied by his security detail, Pettway said, but it was unclear if there would be any further investigation.

On Sunday afternoon, Villaraigosa posted a brief Twitter message on the mayor's website:

"Last night I broke my elbow in a bicycling accident. Thanks to everyone for the well wishes. It means a lot to me!"

The accident is likely to escalate discussion of bicycle safety on Los Angeles streets. In response to other incidents, the LAPD issued a directive instructing officers that a motorist can be held responsible for causing a bicycle accident even if he or she did not make direct contact with the rider -- and can be arrested for fleeing the scene.

Bicycle advocates have called for more dedicated bike lanes and increased safety measures, while many drivers accuse bicyclists of making dangerous moves that threaten the safety of others.

-- Carla Rivera and Gale Holland

Comments

[danceralamode]

"The LAPD issued a directive instructing officers that a motorist can be held responsible for causing a bicycle accident even if he or she did not make direct contact with the rider -- and can be arrested for fleeing the scene."

Therefore, no, an officer does not have to witness the incident to issue a citation. I don't know what "official" said that, but it's bull. That "official" was almost saying that an officer has to witness a hit and run to issue a citation, which is also not true. The officer does not have to witness this type of incident just like the don't have to witness a car vs. car incident. They would investigate, as usual, and determine fault, then issue the citation. Letting a motorist off scott free because an officer didn't witness it is the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard. There were other witnesses, you can reconstruct the incident based on eye witness testimony.

And I really don't care who got hurt, the mayor or a regular person. We all deserve justice against those who drive unsafely--motorists, cyclists, pedestrians alike.

[Miles]

It is laughable that "many drivers accuse bicyclists of making dangerous moves that threaten the safety of others". Bicycles may be "annoying" to drivers who lack road sharing courtesy, but never dangerous.

[huh?? NO info on the taxi--WITH security detail??]

Hmmm..

so---he's on his bike WITH his security detail...and NO ONE get the license plate OR THE TAXI COMPANY NAME?????

And the reason for that high quality of security and caring and pursuit and info gathering would be.....what exactly?? Offensive to know that there's such poor quality work out there!!!! Who will get fired? LOL...

[John]

Am sorry to hear the Mayor was injured while riding his bicycle. One organization that is now trying to associate itself with the healthy aspects (and halo) of bicycling is despicable Kaiser Permanente. Now that Kaiser, the healthcare equivalent of the DMV, has spent years trying to associate the goodness that is the Farmers' Market with their disgusting brand, they are now going all out to try to do the same thing with bicycles. Just last night, Kaiser "sponsored" a nighttime ride in Denver, Colorado that... from what I gather, was complete mayhem because all Kaiser did was pay enough to get their stupid logo plastered all over the place but didn't fun additional police, signage, etc.

[steelshwinnster]

My best wishes to the Mayor on his speedy recovery, and hope for a better next ride/commute.

[bill]

just like george bush....he was just as stupid and couldn't ride a bike either.

[bicycle accident]

Good to know that he recovered from the injuries.