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# Cyclists are pedal-pushing their luck
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/cyclists-are-pedal-pushing-their-luck-editor/
- Published: 2007-09-20T15:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-24T02:54:29.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Opinion, Santa Monica, #archive-import

*By Geno Schotte*

(Re: Alex Thompson’s op-ed “Cops’ chain reaction is bad for our city,” Sept. 18) What kind of law/code vehicle or bicycle allows blocking traffic so other approaching bicyclists may go through an intersection without obeying traffic laws (stopping)? Bicycling, as well as any vehicle, is a privilege to which laws of the road are set and should be obeyed.

I have seen bicyclists riding down a bike path that is only wide enough for one bicycle with other bicyclists riding four/five across, obstructing vehicle traffic.

I have seen bicyclists riding their bike down the sidewalk, putting pedestrians in great danger.

I have seen bicyclists not stopping at stop signs or stop lights.

I have seen bicyclists riding at night with no lights and reflectors, and wearing dark clothing.

I have seen bicyclists making a turn giving no signal whatsoever.

These are just a few things I have noticed about bicyclists and I am sure there are a lot more unlawful acts some bicyclists do that go unnoticed. Maybe there should be a written test and a license for bicyclists?

I enjoy riding a bicycle once in awhile myself, but to the best of my ability, I obey/respect the laws. Most of things that I have seen bicyclists do illegally have been in the presence of SMPD and they were given no citation. To me, this shows SMPD is giving bicyclists a lot of breaks.

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on September 20, 2007.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/092007.pdf?ref=smdp.com)