Midnight Ridazz, in Group of 100 L.A. Cyclists, Plowed Over by Young Female DUI Suspect in Culver City; Some in Critical Condition

Lightnapper

Not that this was not the case in this instance, and obviously a drunk driver is not in compliance with the law or with a moral social code, but when bike riders generally start obeying the traffic laws like responsible adults-- not running stop signs and stop lights, riding in the correct direction, not utilizing sidewalks and crosswalks, signalling, etc.-- the average LA-ite might take their side. I ride. I ride right. I ride extremely alert. I take my position in traffic and make drivers observe me and accept my right to ride upon the street. I am not arrogant or aggressive. I obey traffic laws. I have had close calls, but this is the risk taken. When I drive, it is refreshing to see a bike rider take the pole position where I can see him, and understand what he's doing and where he is going. Nothing is worse than making a right turn after looking for pedestrians and then having a speeding bike come flying out of nowhere down the sidewalk and through the crosswalk on my blind side. Or conversely, while I'm making a left turn, speed through the intersection going in my direction while travelling on the wrong side of the street-- and through the crosswalk. If he hits me, or I hit him, who cares? He's hurt or worse. I'm compromised on many levels. Everyone loses except the attorneys. Who needs it? Both parties-- drivers and bikers-- need to assume responsibility and due diligence.

Brandon Favela

I think you also discussed cars. The average "LA-ite" does 84mph with precisely .031 inches from the bumper of the car in front of/ and behind them on the freeway when possible (Even NASCAR drivers are envious) ... unless FWY traffic is at its average 2 mph. In all fairness though, motorists in SF are incapable of using turn signals and stopping at a stop signs. I won't even get into NY but you get the point. I feel sorry for everyone having to utilize these roads. Too congested!

LJWilliamson

"Arrogant," "assholes," "hipsters" -- you realize that when using these "asking for it" types of terms, your taking on the role of apologist for a drunk driver. You sure you really want to do that? REALLY?

Chupa cabras 666

I hate dumb ass out of control hipsters just as much as people texting and driving , as a regular bike commuter you learn to avoid situations from bad drivers, No way in hell i am going to be riding my bike from 1 am to 4 am thats when all drunk drivers are driving home from the bar. so kids learn to ride your bike and always be on the defense don't assume that car drivers notice you on the road or care about you. if you let your guard down this is whats going to happen to you.. Ride defensively = Survival.

Enzo

I'm glad that you take these precautions and I understand if you think they we're making a poor decision to ride at that hour but that cannot in any way excuse the behavior of this driver or of any other drunk/distracted driver. It sounds a bit too much like the "she was asking for it" defense. If our public streets are made, functionally, off limits during certain hours because of drunk drivers then we should reevaluate either drinking or driving and not people taking advantage of emptier streets to do what they have every right to be doing.

Etherhuffer

I don't drive at 2 am for the same reason. Even in a car, the drunks are at their witching hour and I don't want to be hit. Doesn't make it right, just a cultural fact.

John Huan Vu

I am really getting tired of self-hating, self-righteous "everyone else rides like a jerk except ME" cyclists too, bringing up bad behavior like a broken record when it has no bearing on the matter at hand.

So it's "weird" for bike riders to be out enjoying a nice night (when there's fewer cars, BTW) in a park with a nice view but it's PERFECTLY NORMAL for a person to be driving drunk and distracted at 2 a.m.?

Yes, we should quake in fear and be a bunch of surrender monkeys?! Stand up for yourself. No cyclist was "letting their guard down" or "breaking laws" here, it's all on the motorist who was drunk and texting!

Beepbeep

Obviously in this case we're talking about a drunk driver... but I once was driving and encountered this bicycle gang, who then "swarmed" my car, riding all very close around me and I was absolutely terrified I was going to hit someone. They then all ran a red light and swarmed off. This group should be fined as a menace to the road. Also, think about how stupid it is to ride your bike a few inches from a car - you are assuming that car driver is sober, and capable. That's a deadly assumption.

John Huan Vu

It's a cute anecdote, but remember that a motorist has the power here. And please don't expect every cyclist to answer for the behavior of every other cyclist. We don't do that with car drivers.

"You are assuming that car driver is sober, and capable. That's a deadly assumption."

So, we shouldn't expect people operating heavy, powerful vehicles to be sober and considerate? WTF?

Frank D.

Couldn't have happened to a nicer group of assholes.Critical Mass = Critical Idiots.

John Huan Vu

It's not Critical Mass, these are not the same people. In case you didn't notice, bike riders are not a monolithic mass. Lots of different groups and people who don't identify with groups. You know, like people. Get a clue before you post.

Chupa cabras 666

That's why always ride my bicycle solo. this dumb ass hiptster kids , are fucking it up for real bike commuters. hope those people were not hurt to bad.

TJKnight

They have as much ride to ride their bicycles as you do to drive your car on city streets. In fact, they are more environmentally friendly, healthier, and don't complain as much as you do. Mabye get off your @ss and ride a bike. You might see things from a whole new perspective.

FUCK HIPSTERS

Look, these faggot hipsters are a fucking menace. I drive in L.A and these dickwads have this mentality as do guppies in a group encountered by a shark. It takes one second of logic to realize they cannot win control of the streets. We are and always will be an industrial society (and we have cars and owners who need to work to sustain our industry, not ride faggot "fixie" loser bikes)our world is fucked anyways so why are we kidding ourselves? This "green" stance most hipsters take is shallow and transparent as it is only a way to be "exclusive" or "cutting edge". This will happen again and yes, I will laugh at you fucking losers just as I do when I see you riding in packs of wild pillow biters in the streets.

guest

is the use of the word "faggot" really necessary?

Volta

keyboard cowboy.

John Huan Vu

Anonymous Internet tough guy is tough on the Internet.

TJKnight

*ride=right

First

This was simply waiting to happen and will happen again. Please understand that I write this as a former fitness cyclist who has logged thousands of miles on LA streets, canyon roads and hills. These cyclists complain that car drivers are rude and inconsiderate but when the cyclists achieve "critical mass" they return the attitude times 1000 and flaunt traffic laws and usually require police assets to be drawn away from more important matters. Instead of showing car drivers how to be considerate and share the road they act like a gang and just engender more animosity every time the ride in their arrogant and self centered manner. This only creates more angry drivers and these people need to grow up and realise that in any confrontation between a bicycle and a car, the bicycle loses....

Howie Stier

Nine people in the hospital compelled you to share your sociopathic thoughts CONDONING THIS CRIME? Realise this; we live under the rule of law and driving drunk, plowing a 4000 pound weapon into a crowd of benign cyclists is a crime, homey. And it won't happen again if this drunk is locked up until she's your age.

agl25

Hey First--what in the world are you talking about? All indications suggest that this was a drunk driver (and probably also texting) simply plowing through a crowd standing on the side of the street. It has nothing to do with whatever culture clash you're ranting about (which is probably a valid discussion, but not in this context where it seems to have played absolutely no role). Have some decency and sympathy for the victims and get off your soapbox. There doesn't seem to be any question here as to who was at fault.