from Streetsblog.net by Biking in LA
…
His Honor may have written — and Tweeted — that bikes belong on L.A. streets and he’ll be back on a bike as soon as he’s able. But according to the Daily Breeze, Villaraigosa insists that the cab driver shouldn’t face charges.
“He was very concerned when he realized it was me,” the mayor said. “He was careless, but that’s not illegal. He certainly didn’t do this on purpose.”
That’s where the Mayor is wrong — and where he’s done a huge disservice to everyone else on the roads, especially his new friends in the cycling community.
Because what the driver did was illegal. He pulled away from the curb without making sure the bike lane he was parked next to was clear. And as a result, caused a cyclist to be injured.
It’s called failure to yield. And it is against the law.
https://bikinginla.wordpress.com/2010/07/21/l-a-%e2%80%99s-newly-biking-mayor-still-doesn%e2%80%99t-get-it/oldId.20100722104156573
Biking in Baltimore