LAPD Cites USC Students for Biking Violations
Video by Sana S. Ahmed
The Los Angeles Police Department this morning handed out tickets to bicyclists who are not complying with biking regulations.
On Wednesday, officers on motorcycles stationed themselves behind food trucks around Jefferson and McClintock and distributed tickets to bikers who were riding against traffic.
Sophomore Lindsey Estrada said, "I think they're being a little overly harsh because sometimes there are different circumstances or situations where one can't be on the right side of the road because they have to go to their next class that's on the other side, so I think it's a little bit dramatic."
An LAPD officer said that the university is using them "as a last resort," and in response to the increasing number of bike accidents that are occurring on and around the USC campus.
Some USC students approve of the police crackdown.
"I think LAPD is doing it to keep students safer," said sophomore Audrey Wilcox. "If it it's going to prevent a car accident then I guess it's a good thing to be preemptive about it."
Riding the wrong way down the street is illegal and dangerous. They should be ticketed. If the road is empty enough to make it not dangerous, it should be empty enough to cross to the correct side. Riding down the sidewalk isn't very safe either, but it is a legal option in L.A. I'm not sure about crosswalks. Regarding the helmet law, in California, I think if you're under 18 you're required to wear a helmet, but if you're over 18 you aren't. Everyone needs a helmet for motorcycles, scooters, and motorized bicycles.