Skip to Content
Streetsblog Los Angeles home
Streetsblog Los Angeles home
Log In
Bicycle Licensing

Council Member Tom LaBonge Responds to Streetsblog’s Bike Licensing Story

Yesterday, Council Member Tom LaBonge called to follow-up on our bicycle licensing story from Monday.

Labonge took issue with a couple of parts of the story, both that we reached out for comment several times (it seems to be a communications issue between me and their office team) and that outreach for the proposal is sub-par. It's not sub-par the Council Member argues, it just hasn't happened yet.

Evryone who's coming to the CD4 Canddiates Forum, raise your hand!

The Council Member stated:

The one key that I wanted to express to you is that government runs on statistics.

You can say you don't want a license, Michelle Mowery doesn't want a license, DOT doesn't want a license.But unless there are numbers...when we have numbers it always backs you up.

In issues of theft and recovery, in issues of injury and accident, especially solo riders having some way to contact family, it (licenses) can be helpful.

We always work with community organizations. When we introduce motions at Council we don't just rush it through, we have outreach.

There's one comment..."We’re honestly just puzzled by this proposal, which was resurrected with zero input from bicyclists,” writes Eric Bruins from the county coalition.

The county coalition has a place in every discussion that's taking place on bicycles right now and they will be discussed with.

We thank the Council Member for reaching out to us, and we'll be sure to speak with him if and when this proposal moves forward.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog Los Angeles

L.A. City Approves Measure HLA Ordinance

Both City Council and Mayor approved the city HLA ordinance, which goes into effect on August 18.

July 17, 2025

Supes Move to Restore Measure J

Supes look to fix an oopsie that lead to accidentally repealing criminal justice reforms.

July 16, 2025

City Breaks Ground on Mid-City Greenways Bike/Walk Improvements

The 4+mile Mid-City Greenways project is focused on three streets: Rosewood Avenue, Formosa Avenue, and Orange Drive

July 15, 2025
See all posts