More on the DA’s refusal to prosecute the sheriff’s deputy who killed cyclist Milt Olin, as cyclists urge the DA to change her mind.
Meanwhile, the local Calabasas paper picks up the story, while Digital Music News offers an angry response. Streetsblog’s Damien Newton rails against the decision. And the story goes international, courtesy of London’s Daily Mail; thanks to Kevin Hopps for the tip.
LA Daily News writer Brenda Gazzar writes that the Sheriff’s Department will open an internal affairs investigation into Deputy Andrew Wood now that the investigation is complete; thanks to Danny Gamboa for the link. Be sure follow her if you’re on Twitter for the latest updates and best reporting on this case.
For those who want to do more than sit and seethe, a protest ride and vigil will held next Wednesday, sponsored by the LACBC, Yield to Life and Ghost Bikes LA.
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Despite difficult to understand opposition from CABO, the protected bikeways bill sponsored by the California Bicycle Coalition passed the legislature Thursday and awaits the governor’s signature. The bill will allow protected bikeways, which are currently considered experimental under California law, as long as they adhere to NACTO guidelines.
Meanwhile, two hit-and-run bills sponsored by Glendale Assembly Member Mike Gatto passed, as well; AB 47 will create a Yellow Alert system to notify the public about significant hit-and-runs, while AB 1532 would automatically suspend the license of any driver convicted of hit-and-run. Thanks to Finish the Ride for the heads-up.
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LA Weekly rides along to the Emmys with Mad Men writer/producer Tom Smuts and company.
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Alejandro Valverde captures stage six of the Vuelta. Disappointing that one of the world’s great bike classics is getting so little coverage, especially when it promises to be one of the best in years.
And even though Lizzie Armistead has already wrapped up the Women’s World Cup, there’s still a lot at stake in the final race.
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LocalTwo miles of new bike path open along the LA River in the West Valley.
Flying Pigeon questions whether North Figueroa drivers really want faster speeds or better traffic flow.
Fig4All explains how one misguided councilmember can derail a much needed safety improvement project on North Figueroa. And what can be done about it.
Bicyclists in the City of Angeles will ride in solidary with the Afghan women’s cycling team “and all women who ride bikes in the face of adversity” this Saturday.
LA cyclists ride to remember three fallen Belizean riders.
Who knew? The Biking Black Hole of Beverly Hills was once home to some of the region’s finest bike trails.
Santa Monica police bust a bait bike thief.
A jogger is critically injured running in the bike lane on PCH in west Malibu when he’s hit by a car, which doesn’t bode well for cyclists using the lane intended for them. Correction: It turns out that’s not a bike lane, after all.
State
San Diego’s new Bicycle Advisory Committee promises to make the city better for biking
Santa Barbara gets $8.6 million for bike projects, while Goleta gets $3.654 million and Santa Ana gets a relatively paltry $3 million.
Sadly, a Roseville rider is killed by her own SUV when it rolls over her while she’s trying to remove her bike from the back.
National
Momentum Magazine lists the next great bicycling cities, while Bicycling is about to offer an updated list of the nation’s top 10 bike cities. Do I really need to mention that LA didn’t make either list?
A 91-year old Oregon WWII and Vietnam Vet plans to keep riding despite being hit by a car.
No distracted driving law means the penalty for hitting a Texas cyclist is no worse than getting a speeding ticket.
Despite the LSU paper’s apparent ethical dilemma, bike theft is just wrong. Period.
A 75-year old former Manhattan bike commuter reminds his fellow Virginia riders they’re not above the law.
Milt Olin isn’t the only cyclist to lose his life to a sheriff’s deputy, as a 15-year old Florida boy is run down for no apparent reason by a patrol car driven by a Lee County deputy.
International
Calgary defenseman Cory Sarich puts his NHL career on hold to recover from serious injuries suffered in a frightening bike collision last month.
The UK government is urged to protect funding for bikes and pedestrians.
Half of Brit drivers break the law; I suspect the percentage would be a lot higher here.
Turns out London cyclists aren’t a danger to guide dogs after all.
A Brit minibus driver gets five years for killing a cyclist while looking a photos on his cell phone.
India’s Health Minister wants a nationwide network of protected bike lanes.
Clearly, it was a loss felt worldwide, as Aussie cyclists ride to remember Robin Williams.
Finally…
When you’re leaving an Ohio drug house with crack on your bike, put a damn bell on it if that’s what the law requires; the bike, not the crack. Now that your GoPro bike cam can give you a dog’s eye view of the world, expect to see a lot of butt close-ups.
And evidently, a pair of Laguna Beach cyclists are selling something to raise funds for Alzheimer’s research. Unless the local paper meant pedal, instead of peddle, of course.
