In light of the recent collision in Culver City involving an allegedly intoxicated driver who sped through a group of cyclists, hospitalizing 11, Los Angeles county cycling groups came together to make a joint statement about the incident and the Los Angeles Police Department’s initial investigation.
Speakers included witness Jesus Lizama, victim Dora Guerra, president Bikeside L.A. Alex Thompson, bicycle lawyers Ross Hirsch and Danny Jimenez, a Midnight Ridazz representative and Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition representative Alexis Lantz.
The groups collectively questioned the process by which LAPD’s investigators preliminarily concluded that the cyclists were primarily at fault, when it was the driver who was found to be under the influence of alcohol. The groups demanded that LAPD look holistically at all traffic collision scenes and not overlook the responsibilities of the driver.
Alex Thompson, president of Bikeside LA said “LAPD fumbled this one, they know it, and it’s on them to set this right and not blame the victims.”
Jennifer Klausner, executive director of the coalition said “Bicyclist safety is public safety. Our rights on the roadways are applicable 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Drunk and/or distracted driving is never acceptable.”