(a)     The Department of Transportation is hereby authorized to install any traffic control devices it determines necessary to regulate roller-skating, skateboarding and bicycling on sidewalks and roadways in order to improve vehicular or pedestrian movement, reduce congestion or diminish accident potential. Such determinations shall be made only on the basis of traffic engineering principles and traffic investigations.  When such determinations have been made, the Department is authorized to install signs giving notice as to the nature of the regulation as well as signs that provide such safety warnings as it determines will assist those engaged in the regulated activities.

Of course, I question a few aspects – like whether or not a traffic investigation has been done regarding the benefit of a sign as a traffic control device, particularly given its location.

I also think the idea of pushing for “bike safety” as they’re calling it is absurd. The fact that it’s being referred to as “the bicycle issue” signifies the lack of care the bicycling is being given. As far as I’m concerned, when someone can lock their bike without worrying about it getting stripped (all those parts people don’t lock – cages, pedals, brakes, brake levers, seats, etc), LAPD can get concerned with how people are using them. Until then, they’re mishandling their resources. Education can happen – but penalizing people isn’t going to do it.

Oh, and I’m certainly not stopping at a stop sign as long as I know people who have been tackled from their bikes. Idaho has it right – for bicyclists, red lights should be stop signs and stop signs should be yield signs.

If you don’t believe me, you should ride the Orange Line Bike path in the Valley. That path, which was approved by Metro and the LADOT actually includes crosswalks that you are expected to ride through.

Incidentally, here is the L.A.M.C.:

Sidewalk Riding (LAMC 56.15) Prohibits the riding of bicycles (or other human power devices) on sidewalks (bikeways or boardwalks) with a willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property. Disallows the riding of bicycles on Ocean Front Walk in Venice.