Checking in on Car Culture
A piece in the today’s Times goes into the bad habits of many drivers. Normally, an article like this wouldn’t get more than a clip in Today’s Clip, but after last week’s “Dust Up” it was worth noting that it isn’t just a few bad apples that ruin the whole bunch and that it’s not … Continued
12:59 PM PST on January 16, 2008
A piece in the today’s Times goes into the bad habits of many drivers. Normally, an article like this wouldn’t get more than a clip in Today’s Clip, but after last week’s “Dust Up” it was worth noting that it isn’t just a few bad apples that ruin the whole bunch and that it’s not just uppity cyclists complaining about unsafe drivers.
What’s also interesting, is how many of the common driver’s complaints can’t/don’t apply to cyclists. In order, the driver complaints listed in this article are:
1) Tailgaters that honk, flash lights, and make rude gestures when you’re already going over the speed limit
2) Drivers that don’t use their turn-signal
3) Police officers have a problem remembering to use their turn signals
4) People that throw trash out their windows
5) Speed racers out of red lights (who end up stopped at the same light as the “loser” from the last light)
6) Cars that are double parked
2) Drivers that don’t use their turn-signal
3) Police officers have a problem remembering to use their turn signals
4) People that throw trash out their windows
5) Speed racers out of red lights (who end up stopped at the same light as the “loser” from the last light)
6) Cars that are double parked
With the exception of #2, (To be fair, half the time I signal a right hand turn, the driver’s behind me act like they have no idea what’s going on) none of these apply to folks that use their bikes instead of their cars as their transportation choice. So next time one hears that cyclists break just as many laws as drivers, remember that people on a bike don’t even have as many ways to break a law as our friend’s in their cars.
(photo from today’s Times)
Streetsblog has migrated to a new comment system. New commenters can register directly in the comments section of any article. Returning commenters: your previous comments and display name have been preserved, but you'll need to reclaim your account by clicking "Forgot your password?" on the sign-in form, entering your email, and following the verification link to set a new password — this is required because passwords could not be carried over during the migration. For questions, contact tips@streetsblog.org.
More from Streetsblog Los Angeles
Metro Opens New D Line Subway from Koreatown to Beverly Hills
Ride that D! Four new miles of subway, three new stations - 20 minutes from Beverly Hills to Downtown L.A.!
May 8, 2026
Eyes on the Street – Colima Road Bike Lanes
The scenic route will run from the edge of Whittier to Fullerton Rd, and it’s already more than halfway done.
May 8, 2026
Friday’s Headlines: It’s D Day!
The D opens at 12:30 p.m. today, with subway service to three new art-filled stations at Wilshire/La Brea, Wilshire/Fairfax and Wilshire/La Cienega! Join in the celebration - which includes DJs, food vendors, arts & crafts, and more - at Wilshire/Western and each of the three new stations - which runs til 4 p.m. Or ride Metro free all weekend!
May 8, 2026
New D Line Subway Will Change How Angelenos Get Around
Who plans to ride the D Line when it opens tomorrow? Read all about how great the new Metro D Line subway extension will be.
May 7, 2026
Thursday’s Headlines
LAPD traffic stops, D Line opening, West Hollywood, ICE, failing streets, Beverly Hills, and more
May 7, 2026
