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.