Sonoma County Board of Supervisors backs cyclist harassment law

By BRETT WILKISON, THE PRESS DEMOCRAT
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Critics say protections already are in place to punish those convicted of serious car-versus-bike crimes, and any ordinance targeting lesser incidents risks meddling in a murky area of law.
Supervisor Efren Carrillo said he understood cyclists and pedestrians already can sue for general harassment and intimidation.
While that is true, Deputy County Counsel Linda Schiltgen said, there are no laws specifically involving civil harassment of pedestrians and cyclists. A local ordinance would change that but would not necessarily require criminal enforcement, county officials said.
In the unincorporated area of the county, it would prohibit:
Physically assaulting or attempting to assault a bicyclist or pedestrian.
Intentionally injuring or attempting to injure, either by words, vehicle or other object, a bicyclist or pedestrian.
Intentionally distracting or attempting to distract a bicyclist.
Intentionally forcing or attempting to force a bicyclist or pedestrian off a street for purposes unrelated to public safety.
The ordinance also would prohibit pedestrians and cyclists from physically or verbally abusing other non-motorized users of county roads.
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https://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20130312/ARTICLES/130319887/1033/news?Title=Supervisors-back-cyclist-harassment-law-&tc=ar