As a cyclist in Los Angeles, you’ve probably heard this countless times: “Wear brighter clothes.” “Use more lights.” “Make yourself more visible.” While well-intentioned, this advice places the entire responsibility for safety on cyclists, which should not be the case.
Relying solely on awareness is like using a bandage on a deep wound. It might help a little, but it doesn’t address the underlying problem. You can be the most hyper-visible, predictable and law-abiding cyclist, but you can only do so much to protect yourself from the inherent risks of poorly designed or unsafe roads.
What does better infrastructure look like?
It’s not just about building more lanes. It’s about creating an environment that anticipates the needs of cyclists and prioritizes their safety. This includes:
- Protected bike lanes that are physically separated from vehicle traffic to give cyclists a dedicated space and reduce the risk of collisions
- Well-maintained pavements free of potholes, debris and cracks to prevent accidents caused by sudden swerves or loss of control
- Safer intersections that are clearly marked and use design elements to slow-moving vehicles and increase visibility
- Adequate street lighting, among others
Physical infrastructure must also be supported by the necessary legal frameworks. Traffic laws and enforcement must reflect the reality of vulnerable road users. Drivers need clear rules on yielding, overtaking cyclists safely and the consequences of flouting the rules.
What you can do
You can advocate for safer streets and stronger protections by attending city council meetings, supporting initiatives for improved infrastructure and speaking up. Sharing your experiences and concerns with authorities helps put pressure on decision makers to prioritize cyclist safety.
That said, accidents can still happen even with the best infrastructure. If you’re injured in an accident, seek urgent legal guidance to understand your rights and hold the responsible parties accountable.
