I was commuting to work a week ago on Sepulveda Blvd near Los Angeles Airport heading North. It was the first time I'd travelled this route since I was late. I normally take the beach bicycle path. What a mistake.

Anyway, there are 3 metal drainage grids/grates in the right lanes closest to the kerb. The first two were OK to ride over, since they have metal running straight (parallel to the road) and cross pieces (perpendicular to the road). The third had no cross pieces and although my front wheel went over it without a mishap my backwheel dropped down between the "rails" which had gaps about 2 inches wide and smashed on the front edge of the grate. The impact cracked my rim, smashed some spokes and ruined the inner tube. Fortunately, I stayed mounted and pulled over. The bike was unridable and I walked home to get a lift from my wife. I later took photos of the bike damage and the good and bad drainage fixtures on the road.

So my question is, can I do anything to either get my wheel replaced and/or get whoever owns the road to fix these hazardous drainage grates. Who is responsible for roads in LA, anyway?

thanks for any advice or suggestions.

PS: my bike is a Greg LeMond road bike (made by Trek I think) with Rolf Vector Comp wheels.