“Accidents”
Streetsblog LA
ABC 7 Poses Backwards Poll Question While KPCC Takes a Second Try at Bike-Car Conflicts
As we mentioned last week, there is reason for concern about the way the traditional media is covering the "bike v car" controversy in the wake of the verdict in the trial of Dr. Christopher Thompson. Sometimes there is a soft bias, such as in the wording of the question in today's "Question of the Day" by KABC and sometimes it is more pronounced on radio shows or other two-way communications.
November 9, 2009
Update on the Prosecution in the Road Rage Doctor Trial
DJ Wheels, an attorney who happens to be a bicycle rider, has been updating the folks at Midnight Ridazz on the ongoing case of the "Road Rage Doctor" as it is heard at the LAX Courthouse. Wheels was gracious enough to summarize his posts on Monday and Tuesday's hearings. If you can't get enough Dr. Road Rage, Ted Rogers has more at Biking In L.A.:
October 22, 2009
Courtroom Drama for Cyclists throughout the County
The wheels of justice grind slowly and sometimes it's hard to believe that the system is working but a survey of the legal landscape in LA County reveals that there are several cases working that should be of great interest to the cycling community. Danny Jimenez, local cyclist and lawyer, says "victims are often discouraged by the difficulty in obtaining justice but when the system works, it's encouraging to see a Judge and a Prosecutor and a Jury doing their job and doing it well."
October 13, 2009
Surreal Hit and Run in Long Beach Leaves One-Year Old Dead
A driver was charged with vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence, driving under the influence, hit-and-run and driving with a suspended license after crashing into a family in a crosswalk in Long Beach. The parents were pulling their two children, ages one and two, in a trailer when the vehicle struck them.
September 14, 2009
There Are Opponents to Highway Crash Memorials?
The California State Assembly recently passed legislation that will allow the family of victims of highway crashes to pay Caltrans to erect signs memorializing the fallen and reminding drivers to drive safely. However, thanks to opposition from a group of what the Times terms "environmentalists," the legislation is actually watered down so that our state's highways aren't littered with signs ruining the view.
August 10, 2009
Update From NC: Shooting a Cyclist in the Head Is Not Attempted Murder
A grand jury in Asheville, North Carolina has reduced the charge against a motorist who allegedly shot a cyclist in the head from attempted first-degree murder to felony assault. Charles Diez According to reports, on July 26, Alan Simons was shot by Charles Diez after a confontation along a busy road. The shooting took place … Continued
August 7, 2009
CBS Star’s Bike Crash Highlights Media’s Disrespect for Bicyclists
This weekend television actor Shemar Moore, currently a cast member of
CBS's Criminal Minds, was struck by a vehicle while riding his bicycle in
Los Angeles. This crash has been widely, and badly, reported by all
sorts of media outlets who view the crash as a cause for cheap jokes
and bad writing.
August 4, 2009
Drunk Hit-and-Run Murderer in Santa Clarita Not First Time Offender
Are you ready for your blood to really boil?
July 14, 2009
Drunk Driver Crashes Into Three Cyclists, Killing One. Arrested on ‘Suspicion of Murder’
Especially after the events of last Friday, it's always a sobering moment when you read about cyclists being killed by drunk or otherwise reckless drivers. However, in this instance there is a silver lining to the tragedy; for once the driver is being charged with murder and not a lesser assault charge as we see all to often.
July 13, 2009