Don Ward

Rather than raise speed limits, let’s lower design speeds, so the mistakes are less impactful when they inevitably happen

In Los Angeles, according to LAPD crime statistics for 2011, 1273 cyclists and pedestrians were victims of hit and run crimes. In other words every single day, 3 or 4 cyclists and pedestrians become hit and run victims within Los Angeles city limits. Of these, 26 people walking or biking died as a result of the collision in which a motorist fled the scene. Another 10 victims were killed while in cars.

Last summer Paul Livingston, an experienced cyclist of 15 years, was commuting along Santa Monica Blvd heading east through Beverly Hills. He began slowing as he approached a stale red light. Relaxed, it was about 6pm on a clear skied Sunday afternoon and his lane - the right lane - was clear. He was estimated to be moving at about 8 miles per hour. Suddenly his world changed forever. Witnesses describe an impatient and unpredictable driver racing in and out of pockets heading east towards the soon to be green light that Paul was approaching. Paul had no chance. He was smashed from behind and thrown. It was reported that the driver never braked but instead accelerated to get away after impact.

(Streetsblog has no formal position on Occupy L.A., but we do find the role of bikes and a bike share program in this local branch of the national phenomenon very interesting. To that end, we have partnered with our old friend Roadblock to provide coverage of how the program is going and what if any lessons were learned.  As part of this partnership, we can work with donors to provide a small tax deduction for any donations to Roadblock's bike share program- DN)

This is the MOST IMPORTANT and FINAL meeting regarding the Wilbur Ave. street configuration. The public should attend. Especially those who live in the neighborhood!

I'm honored to be recognized with the Livable Streets award as Advocate of the Year, and I'm especially humbled to be in the company of last year's winner Mr. Stephen Box as well as this year's nominees. There are literally so many people working their bike shaped butts off in the advocacy arena that deserve this more than me but I humbly accept and share with all.

Over 500 slogans have been submitted to the Bike Safety Slogan Contest being organized by the un-likely (some would say un-holy) coalition of the LAPD, the LACBC, MidnightRidazz.com, and the LADOT. These groups have been working with the City of Los Angeles to procure ad spaces in bus shelters and Public Amenity Kiosks (PAK.) The goal being to raise awareness among road users about issues such as rights, rules, safety, and road courtesy in relation to bicycles. The final slogan will be designed and illustrated by the world renowned artist Geoff McFetridge.

Last Thursday, KPCC's Patt Morrison aired a piece showcasing the Backbone Bikeway Network as presented by guests Alex Thompson and Mihai Petieu. I chuckled when I saw Alex Thompson’s tweet announcing that he was appearing “opposite” guest Michelle Mowery the LADOT Sr. Bike Coordinator because I knew the exchange would get fiery and rightfully so.  Mowery has come under a lot of fire from the cycling community for not being an outright bulldog for cyclists. One gets the feeling she is afraid for her job should she get too rowdy over there at the LADOT. After eight to ten minutes of show debilitating glitches with the KPCC call in system things were finally on their way.