randya

Today, a new prospective tool was introduced for bicyclists to defend themselves from harassment and assault. An anti-harassment ordinance, the motion to draft it being originally introduced by Council Member Bill Rosendahl, has been released today by the City Attorney’s Office. Pending council approval, bicyclists will be able to bring civil suit against drivers who assault them, harass them, threaten them, or intentionally distract them.

In the ordinance, the City recognizes not only that “people have a right to ride a bicycle in the City of Los Angeles”, but also that bicyclists are harassed and assaulted simply for being bicyclists – this ordinance gives bicyclists the right to go after offenders in court. The ordinance is now a public document, so you can read it yourself.



Full Story: https://ladotbikeblog.wordpress.com/...oon-to-be-law/

AltheCyclist

Seems redundant ... i.e. isn't it already illegal to assault someone? Even in Los Angeles?
Seems like burden of proof would still be hard - i.e. "attempted assault" on a cyclist would still require a witness? Any California lawyers out there that can comment (we promise not to make fun of you .... or California ?

Maybe I'm a little spoiled, living where the worst road-rage is usually just verbal ...