L.A. CYCLISTS AND VICTIMS SPEAK ABOUT DUI vs CYCLIST INCIDENT ON JEFFERSON BLVD.


In light of the recent tragic collision in Culver City involving an allegedly intoxicated driver who sped through a group of cyclists, sending 11 to the hospital, LA county cycling groups have come together to make a joint statement about the incident and the LAPD’s initial investigation, to demand that the Culver City Police Department conduct a thorough and unbiased investigation and to urge the LA County District Attorney to press charges and vigorously prosecute this case.

These groups collectively question the process by which the LAPD's preliminary investigation concluded the cyclists were at fault, when the driver was found to be under the influence of alcohol. 

Alex Thompson, president of BikesideLA states “LAPD fumbled this one, they know it, and it's on them to set this right and not blame the victims.”

Jennifer Klasuner, executive director of the LACBC states “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.“ 

A coalition of bicycling groups will present hundreds of petitions signed by cyclists throughout the area to Los Angeles civic leaders in demonstration of their widespread support at Thursday's press conference.