Originally Posted by
B. Carfree
I suppose there will be people who will mount several video cameras on their bikes and make a living off of this law, just like there were a few folks who made a living suing over violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act. I see this as a good thing. Finally, violent, thuggish behavior will have consequences, if only in L.A.
For those who complain that this will just clog the courts with "frivolous" lawsuits:
1. It's not frivolous when you win
2. It's easy to avoid being sued under this ordinance. Just don't harass or endanger cyclists. In other words, drive legally. That should be part of the right-wing "personal responsibility" claptrap that has been spouted for the past few years.
The statutory damages here aren't nearly as high as in the ADA context and finding violations isn't nearly as easy as in that context, but it does create at least a little bit of that incentive. I guess we'll see how it shakes out.
I have a feeling that, after a couple of these lawsuits are successful and make the local news, word will get around to LA drivers to give those "crazy cyclists" plenty of room and leave them alone unless you want to get your a** sued, which is exactly the intended effect of the law. I'm sure they won't be happy about it, but I think it will help.