Glendale Traffic Cops Botch Report on Fatal Bike Crash
Here’s another example of how even police officers need education in the laws regarding cycling.
In 2008, a motorist ran a stop sign and hit a cyclist (who had been riding on the sidewalk) as they crossed in the crosswalk. The cyclist died 13-months later from their injuries.
Glendale Police Det. Ashraf Mankarios gave a light charge on the driver’s actions because, “bike riding on the sidewalk is illegal” and therefore, both parties shared some of the blame 50-50.
However, California state law (section 21100) says, “21100. Local authorities may adopt rules and regulations by ordinance or resolution regarding the following matters: …Operation of bicycles… on the public sidewalks“
So, has Glendale adopted any rules or regulations regarding the operation of bicycles on public sidewalks? Why yes, they have, thank you for asking:
No person shall ride or operate a bicycle upon any public sidewalk in any business district within the city [emphasis mine--ed.] except where such sidewalk is officially designated as part of an established bicycle route. Pedestrians shall have the right-of-way on sidewalks. The prohibition in this section shall not apply to peace officers on bicycle patrol. (Ord. 5116 § 1, 1996)
Of course, the location of the incident is not a business district. Therefore, the cyclist had a right to ride on the sidewalk and cross in the crosswalk. The cyclist, at least in this case, appears legally blameless. (Cycling judgment is another matter.)
Story via Streetsblog Los Angeles.