Tag Archive for Long Beach Police Department

Tens of thousands turnout for Unity Rides to honor ICE victim Alex Pretti, and LBPD accused of withholding info on killer driver

February 2, 2026 / / No comments

Bicyclists in Los Angeles joined people at hundreds of rides around the US, Europe and Australia in honoring VA nurse Alex Pretti over the weekend.

Pretti, described as an avid mountain biker and lover of the outdoors, was killed by immigration agents in Minneapolis a week earlier when he tried to help a woman who had been gassed by agents for no apparent reason.

CBS LA offered a brief report one of the Los Angeles rides, taking with Finish the Ride founder Damian Kevitt across from the VA grounds about how Alex Pretti was one of us, as Pretti’s parents said he would have loved the rides.

The LA Times also covered the same ride, one of several held in the Los Angeles area, listing the turnout at several hundred. And like CBS LA, also quoted Kevitt.

Damian Kevitt spent Saturday afternoon on a 10-mile bike ride with hundreds of other cyclists, a sticker displaying Alex Pretti’s photo stuck to his jersey

“These are just cyclists, clubs, bike shops and individuals who have come together and said, ‘Hey, Alex was one of us,’ ” said Kevitt, while riding on Broadway in Santa Monica. “He was an ICU nurse, he loved the outdoors, he loved cyclists and he loved cycling.”

However, the paper included their brief coverage of the peaceful Unity Rides in the same story with on a rally to protest ICE in DTLA that was peaceful until it wasn’t, after police declared an unlawful assembly when a relative few protesters refused to leave at the end of the day.

Unsurprisingly, a crowd estimated in the thousands turned out for the Minneapolis ride, riding past memorials for Pretti and Renee Macklin Good, and the VA hospital where Pretti worked, with may participants wearing yellow vests that read “Peaceful observer, don’t shoot.”

Several other rides also made the news, with turnouts ranging from a few dozen riders in small Iowa and Wisconsin towns, to over a thousand in my Colorado hometown.

I can’t remember any other event that united so many riders here in Los Angeles, let alone tens of thousands of bicyclists throughout the US.

Let’s hope that our leaders get the message, and that this is the last memorial ride like this we ever need.

But I fear it’s just the beginning.

………

The Long Beach Police Department is accused of illegally withholding information from relatives of 35-year old Raul Agustin Galloppa, who died two weeks after he was run down by a driver while riding his bike back home.

Galloppa was allegedly struck by 24-year old Ahkeyajahnique Owens as she was driving at an extreme rate of speed on city streets. She’s also accused of running a red light while driving around 100 mph just three months later, killing two more people.

Galloppa’s kin, who live 5,000 miles from Long Beach, allege they were denied all but the most basic information about the two crashes.

They’re asking a judge to order the police to release the information.

………

The war on cars may be a myth, but the war on bikes just keeps on going.

Democrats in the Washington State legislature are proposing a one-time $25 fee on the sale of all bicycles worth more than $500. Because apparently, paying the sales tax just isn’t good enough anymore.

No only are Ontario provincial officials threatening to rip out Toronto bike lanes, now bicyclists are demanding to know who is going to clean the snow out of the bike lanes, after it was dumped there by snow plows clearing the immaculately snow-free traffic lanes.

But sometimes it’s the people on two wheels behaving badly.

Police in Carlsbad arrested a 22-year old Oceanside man for slapping women on the ass while riding his ebike on a hiking trail.

No bias here. After a 39-year old British man was arrested on charges of rape, kidnapping and sexual assault, The Sun somehow insisted on identifying him only by his manner of transportation. Even though they’d be unlikely do the same for a driver, walker or transit user.

Britain’s Jeremy Vine is confronted by the country’s “rudest” bike rider, offering proof that we aren’t all that different from all the f*****g road-raging drivers out there.

………

Local 

Today is the last day to comment on plan to close the gap on the LA River Bike Path through DTLA, Vernon and Maywood.

Wednesday is Transit Equity Day, in honor of civil rights icon Rosa Park’s birthday, which means free transit on Pasadena Transit, Dial-A-Ride, Metrolink, LA Metro, LADOT and Foothill Transit, as well as Metro Bike bikeshare.

Police in the South Bay are looking for the burglary crew behind a rash of ebike thefts.

 

State

Witnesses provided the evidence that led police in Fallbrook to a hit-and-run driver who ran down an ebike rider Sunday afternoon.

San Francisco bicyclists plan to rally at City Hall today, as the city threatens to end the popular Sunday Streets open streets festival after 17 years due to budget cuts.

 

National

Reporters from Le Monde rode their bikes across Cuba, witnessing the resourcefulness of residents as the country bounces from one crisis to another, all while under the watchful eye of state security. But you’ll have to subscribe or find a way around their paywall if you want to read the damn thing. 

Sad news from Indiana, where a 13-year old boy died after suffering multiple blunt force injuries falling at a BMX bike park; he had raced BMX alongside his younger brother for the past eight years.

A Cleveland writer offers a guide to the kind of cold weather riding most LA bicyclists will never see without moving.

A 65-year old New York man was killed when an ambulance driver hit his ebike head-on, while he was riding against traffic on a one-way street with a two-way bike lane.

Horrible story from New Jersey, where a 40-year old father was stabbed to death in front of his three sons as he was teaching them how to ride a bicycle, after getting into an altercation with their mother’s boyfriend.

That’s more like it. A 19-year old New Orleans man was sentenced to nine years behind bars for the drunken, coke-fueled hit-and-run that killed a 36-year old Bourbon Street bartender as he rode his bike home; he was just below the legal alcohol limit a full 12 hours after the crash.

Not every memorial ride honored Alex Pretti. Florida riders turned out to honor a ten-year old Palm Bay boy who was killed in a house fire.

 

International

A British Columbia bicyclist and expert in road design begs the local government not to build anymore bike lanes — because he doesn’t want any more substandard ones.

A pair of British writers make the case for why bike tours and booze just naturally go together.

Shimano was just the latest bike industry brand to pull the plug on this year’s Eurobike trade show, though talks continue on saving it for next year.

A data breach risked exposing the personal information for all 4.5 million users of the Seoul, Korea bikeshare system.

More bad BMX news, this time from Australia, where a 27-year old man died two days after he crashed at a bike park, on his first time riding a BMX; he bled out from internal injuries after refusing to go the the hospital. A tragic reminder to always get yourself checked out after a crash; if the paramedics hadn’t ignored my refusal to go to the ER after the infamous beachfront bee encounter, I might not still be here to write this. 

 

Competitive Cycling…

Three-time world champ Remco Evenepoel is already in mid-season form, winning three races in three days to start the new season.

While Evenepoel was ruling the road, Mathieu van der Poel was busy setting a new world record by winning his eighth world ‘cross title.

Three cyclists suffered injuries more common with bull riders after hitting the deck during Saudi Arabia’s AlUla Tour at a ridiculous 65 mph, including a broken spine, ripped glutes and a torn anus. Yes, you read that right. 

Former Polish cyclist Stanisław Szozda died following a serious illness; he retired at 28 after winning two Olympic silver medals and two World golds, as well as multiple stage wins. The 62-year old Szozda was described as one of the greatest Polish cyclists of all time.

Nineteen-year old Azerbaijani junior cyclist Artyom Proskuryakov was banned for three years for testing positive for meth, following “intelligence-led testing” during September’s UCI junior road world championships in Rwanda. Because any meth head could tell you it does wonders for their performance, right?

 

Finally…

That feeling when your hand-me-down bike belonged to a racing legend. Or when your local bike lane is in the Epstein files.

And no, your bike doesn’t need an oil change.

………

Be safe, and stay healthy. And get vaccinated, already.

Oh, and fuck Putin. 

 

Category: Morning Links / Tags: , , , , , , , ,

Update: Man riding bicycle killed by hit-and-run semi driver in Long Beach Tuesday am; police blame victim, absolve driver

February 14, 2023 / / 2 comments

No bias here.

A man riding a bicycle on Southern California’s killer highway in Long Beach was killed by the driver of a semi-truck, who kept going after the crash.

So naturally, police blamed the victim, and absolved the driver for failing to stop.

The member-supported Long Beach Post is reporting that the victim, who hasn’t been publicly identified, was riding his bike east on PCH at Harbor Drive when police say he “collided” with a semi traveling in the same direction around 9:18 this morning.

He died at the scene.

The LBPD’s description of the crash is based on security cam video that apparently depicted the impact, although they don’t clarify whether the victim rear-ended the truck or somehow backed into it.

Or maybe, just maybe, the driver passed too closely, in violation of California’s three-foot passing law, as well as the new requirement to change lanes when possible to pass a bike rider, and somehow sideswiped the victim, or cause him to fall under it.

We may never know.

The cops were also quick to absolve the driver of any responsibility to stop after the crash, saying he or she may not have known it happened.

Because apparently, drivers aren’t required to be aware of what happens with their massive vehicles, or any damage or deaths they may cause.

Let’s hope they clarify things at some point.

A street view shows a four lane highway with center turn lane, and right turn lanes in each direction.

This is at least the eighth bicycling fatality in Southern California this year, and the second that I’m aware of in Los Angeles County.

Three of those deaths appear to be hit-and-runs.

Update: Long Beach police have clarified that the victim apparently fell off his bike and was struck by the truck driver. 

Which doesn’t explain why the driver passed close enough to hit him if he fell beside the truck, or why the driver wouldn’t be aware he’d hit someone.

It’s also possible that a too-close pass could have been what caused the victim to fall. 

Anyone with information is urged to call LBPD Collision Investigation Detail Detectives Kevin Johansen or Joseph Johnson 562/570-7355.

Update 2: The victim was identified as 59-year-old homeless Long Beach resident Kevin Evans, who was on his way to volunteer with the nonprofit Care Closet Long Beach when he was killed.

The Long Beach Post describes him as someone who was always willing to help others, despite his own situation.

More than 20 years ago, Evans grew tired of the stresses of having to pay a mortgage and utilities, so he decided to leave that behind to pursue a “camping” lifestyle, his friends said.

Eventually, with the support of Care Closet Long Beach, Evans was able to use his experiences to help others, especially homeless residents, going through tough situations, Given said.

He died just three days short of his 60th birthday.

My deepest sympathy and prayers for the victim and his loved ones.

Thanks to Psmith for the heads-up. 

Category: Injuries and Fatalities / Tags: , , , , , ,

Morning Links: Yours truly gets profiled, Danny Gamboa & Ghost Bikes LA, and LA bike crashes dropping

January 22, 2018 / / 3 comments

That’s what happens when you get mad during an interview.

You get labeled as a pissed off bicyclist.

That’s how I was described, accurately enough, in this profile by Jennifer Velez for the LA Taco website.

As I was being interviewed, I felt my anger rising as I described the efforts of Councilmembers Gil Cedillo, Curren Price and Paul Koretz to block much needed bike lanes in their districts. Along with Mayor Eric Garcetti’s failure to back his own Vision Zero and Great Streets initiatives.

So I quickly apologized, calmed down and went on with the interview.

Then I later mentioned that I started this site because I was angry about the sorry state of bicycling infrastructure in the City of Angels. Even if I didn’t know it was called infrastructure back then.

Which only confirmed my pissed off status.

Anyway, it’s worth a read if you want to know who I am and why I do what I do.

If not, then read on.

………

It’s not every day I get mentioned in two separate news stories, but I unexpectedly found myself playing a small supporting role in the LA Weekly’s nice piece on Danny Gamboa, the co-founder Ghost Bikes L.A.

And yes, it’s definitely worth a read, as Gamboa has gone from installing ghost bikes to fighting for safer streets so they won’t be needed any more.

I can personally vouch for him as one of the true heroes of Southern California bike advocacy.

………

Bike statistician Ed Ryder has been examining the CHP’s SWITRS bike crash data for California and Southern California, which we’ll be taking a look at as the week goes on.

But here’s an interesting chart to get us started, showing a surprising decline in injury bike crashes in Los Angeles County after peaking in 2012; stats for last December are only partial figures, but still suggest a decline from the previous year.

The question is whether the streets are getting safer, or if fewer people are willing to risk riding on them.

………

Long Beach police shot a man they originally attempted to pull over for unnamed bicycle traffic violations after he tried to flee, then allegedly fought with an officer and attempted to grab his gun.

………

Local

West Hollywood will host a meeting tonight to discuss plans to improve safety for bicyclists and pedestrians on deadly Fountain Ave, although a road diet requested by some residents appears to be off the table.

Patton Oswalt is one of us, as he bikes along the LA River with his kids to the Spoke Bicycle Café.

Long Beach business people are worried that the May 13th start of the Amgen Tour of California will destroy their business on Mother’s Day. Seriously, if you can’t figure out a way to make money off an event that draws an additional 10,000 or so race fans — male and female — to your street, maybe the event isn’t the problem.

 

State

Homeless people living along the Santa Ana River Trail wonder where they’ll go as Orange County finishes clearing out the massive homeless encampment. Unfortunately, there’s not enough housing and supportive services to take them in, which means the problem, for them and the community, will just move somewhere else.

A San Diego bike rider suffered a compound leg fracture when he was hit by an alleged red light-running driver.

Coronado’s mass infrastructure insanity clearly hasn’t improved, as a handful of residents come out to rail against a proposed median that would improve safety for bicyclists and pedestrians, including fears that transients would sit on it. This is the same community that blocked proposed bike lanes that residents complained induced dizziness and was like tattooing their daughters.

Victorville approves plans for a 4-mile class 1 bike path, as well as 7.1 miles of bike lanes.

Sad news from Bakersfield, where a bike rider was killed in a crash after allegedly running a red light in Oildale.

A Santa Cruz-area driver shows his deep concern for the safety of bicyclists by complaining about two bike riders drifting in and out of a bike lane, forcing drivers to swerve into oncoming traffic to pass them, and saying there should be a law against riding two abreast. Never mind that riding two or more abreast is perfectly legal under most circumstance, as well as “drifting” in and out of a bike lane for any number of reasons. Or that it’s also perfectly legal for drivers to slow down and wait until it’s safe to pass bike riders. In fact, it’s required, whether or not they’re in a bike lane.

I want to be like him when I grow up. An 83-year old Bay Area man has ridden up 3,849-foot Mt. Diablo for 500 weeks in a row.

A mufti-clad pseudo Petaluma bike cop pulled over a motorist and demanded personal information and cash for on the spot to pay the fine for the alleged offense. A real bike cop will have a uniform and badge, and will never ask for payment on the spot. Unless he’s asking for a bribe, which is a different matter entirely.

More sad news, this time from Sacramento, where a man was killed riding across a highway to get to a bike path.

 

National

A former mountain biker turned distance runner recommends micro-dosing with dope to reduce pain and improve performance. Which is now more or less legal in California, as long as you don’t tell the feds.

Bicycling says sharrows don’t actually suck if used correctly, and lists 25 milestones most new cyclists can’t wait to reach. Many of which countless new and old bicyclists have never done, nor wanted to. Myself included.

El Paso, Texas and Mexico’s Ciudad Juárez are in discussions for North America’s first international bikeshare system crossing the Rio Grande.

A Dallas paper questions whether leaving dockless bikeshare bikes on the sidewalk is more than an inconvenience to handicapped people, possibly violating the American’s with Disabilities Act. Good question. Thanks to Megan Lynch for the heads-up.

A Missouri couple are facing manslaughter charges after their dogs fatally mauled an 83-year old neighbor as he was riding his bicycle.

A Minnesota paper looks at ghost bikes in the Twin Cities, which are technically illegal in the state.

St. Paul MN takes a pass on a dockless bikeshare system being installed by its twin city.

Detroit is unveiling a new indoor velodrome with an inflatable roof today; just one of three in the US, including the VELO Sports Center at the StubHub Center in Carson.

Winter fat bike riding is increasing in popularity in Maine.

Nice piece in the New York Times, as a documentary filmmaker describes how getting back on her bicycle saved her life as she went through a separation, then a divorce.

Proof bike riders are tough. A New Orleans man rode several blocks for help before collapsing after he was shot several times.

 

International

Here’s what happens when city officials don’t back down on bike lanes, as opposition to Vancouver bike lanes has died away, and bikeways are no longer seen as a campaign issue.

Toronto’s Globe and Mail says we can’t assume streets are for cars if we want pedestrians to be safe.

The BBC asks what’s keeping women off bicycles, then points the finger at sexist and rude comments from drivers and male cyclists.

What’s more impressive? That a London management consultant quit his job to fish plastic out of the Thames, or that he built his own DIY floating bike to do it?

UK endurance cyclist Lee Fancourt passed away last week, apparently of natural causes, at just 40-years old; he held the record for the fastest crossing of Europe, traveling 4,300 miles in less than 22 days.

A British man uncovers a 199-year old hobby horse in an abandoned barn; the forerunner of the bicycle was one of just 320 built in 1819, and just one of 12 know to survive.

Former Oasis lead singer Liam Gallagher is one of us, too. Although it looks like he could raise his seat a tad.

Life is cheap in Northern Ireland, where a judge said he saw no point in sending a killer driver to jail.

Caught on video: A Dutch bike rider struggles against an intense headwind during last week’s storm. Been there, done that; I’ve actually been pushed backwards by a strong wind, as well as knocked off my bike by a sudden gust.

Alas, poor Yorick! Take a bike tour along the “Danish Riviera” to Hamlet’s castle.

City Lab looks at the long transformation of Paris into a more livable city, cutting driving mode share 45% since 1990, as traffic fatalities have fallen 40%. And if formerly traffic-choked Paris can do it...

Dubai continues to build cycle tracks, with 323 miles planned by 2021.

Caught on video too: An Australian cyclist captures a horrifying first person perspective as he gets stabbed by a road raging driver, after complaining a dangerous pass. Fortunately, he was not seriously injured.

Singapore hasn’t been spared by the scourge of abandoned — and sometimes submerged — dockless bikeshare bikes.

A Scottish writer goes bicycling through the cars and cows and hens and fumes of Kathmandu, feeling like a medieval soldier hacking his way through enemy ranks.

 

Competitive Cycling

South African cyclist Daryl Impey won Australia’s Tour Down Under; he was tied with Richie Porte after Saturday’s penultimate stage, but was declared the leader after a tie-breaking countback of stage placings, and managed to stay out of trouble on Sunday’s final stage.

Women competing in the Tour Down Under got prize money parity with the men after the South Australian state government pitched in an additional $90,000; Australia’s Amanda Spratt took the general classification as well as Queen of the Mountain.

Pressure is increasing on Team Sky to suspend Chris Froome over his failed doping test for overuse of an asthma drug. Meanwhile, researchers say it’s time to scrap the Therapeutic Use Exemptions that were employed by Froome and Team Sky, for the short and long-term health of the cyclists.

 

Finally…

Who hasn’t dreamed of one day owning a fat-tired, handlebar-equipped, gyroscopic e-unicycle? Don’t wear a mask when you ride, or you may frighten schoolgirls and start a police investigation.

And more proof bike riders are tough. A 12-year old Aussie boy broke his back in eight places riding his bike off a cliff into a lake, then rode home after being dragged back to shore.

 

Category: Morning Links / Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,
 
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