LA Sheriff Gets SCHOOLED by Pro Cyclist

[@mesaesa]

Based on an interacting I had today, on a bike, with a Lost Hills Sheriff......they all watched this.

[@worstretirementever]

how did that go?

[@mesaesa]

@@worstretirementever It was very strange. A motorcycle officer (not your friend) pulled up next to me and a buddy at a red light on Agoura Rd and said "So you're telling me that you can ride in the road until you have up to 5 cars behind you" As if we had been having a previous conversation, which we hadn't. I replied by saying when it is safe we would pull over and let the cars past. He nodded. I continued to say if there is no bike lane then we're all equal and have a right to the lane. He nodded again and drove off. I felt like I was being set up for something. I looked at my buddy and said...."holy crap, they all watched Phil's video!"

[@worstretirementever]

wild. thank you

[@esenel92]

@@mesaesa It's possible someone higher up the chain got this video on his/her radar and told the officers to watch it to prevent looking like an ass.. Lets hope they learn from it, and that it has a lasting effect.

[@sloppyoppie]

@@esenel92 Lost hills dbags wrestled off my bike on a trail for no reason. I made sure NOT to mention that they were all walking in poison oak. I guarantee I won.

[@MichaelMillage]

If you don't show up to court it's contempt of court, if the cop don't show up in court the case gets dismissed and the cop goes free, what a double standard. This needs to be corrected.

[@DeltaCharlie27]

Absolutely! That’s all too logical.

[@johndouai4833]

Rules/laws ONLY apply to peons...not the cops, not the politicians, not the judges/lawyers, not the rich...you know.

[@Threedog1963]

So, you'd rather a cop show up and you pay the fine? Hell, I'm happy when the cop does a no show. Case dismissed.

[@Nonono7226]

The cop is the evidence. No evidence no charge. They're your accuser. False accusations is a crime. They're just immune to it due to a very generous interpretation to one piece of legislation. ​@@Threedog1963

[@KootFloris]

I'm Dutch, here the rule is, if a car hits a bike, the car is always wrong, unless the cyclist made a very clear mistake. This helps create a awesome biking culture, and makes cycling much saver.

[@grahex7935]

‘Officer not present - case dismissed’ What a waste of court time and expense. They should be fined themselves for not appearing

[@jepulis6674]

They should pay the costs.

[@finestcitycycling621]

It’s what they often do for minor traffic stuff.

[@KidFury27]

If I don't appear and I was in the wrong, I get a warrant or at minimum my bond is due in full and now I gotta deal with that. Cops can just skip court dates? How is that fair?

[@neals.8453]

8 dismissed cases should all sue for costs in small claims (they will no show) for costs…demand postponement. You can always write a citizen’s petition

[@antonomaseapophasis5142]

No, even without the case having been argued, the grounds of the question have been clarified.

[@philswaim392]

"Are you gonna show up to court" "Well you see thats my job" Fails to show in court.

[@zokpls8712]

Classic cop moment not doing their job

[@boandjill]

Yeah, but Phil "schooled" him. /s Looks like the cop schooled Phil in how they can make you waste your time.

[@adamantiumbullet9215]

@@boandjill Exactly. The only loser here is the citizen. The cop still got his Atta Boy recognition for being a corporate policy enforcer by writing a pointless citation, and it was no skin off the court's nose (the Judge still gets paid). The only one that lost time and money was the person who was forced to participate in the circus.

[@LucasJackson_37]

Betcha leo douchebag got paid O/T on his timesheet to not show up for court .. a pretty common practice to skip out on their court date and still submit time sheets indicating they're in court, raking in massive amounts in O/T

[@ZipZoomZip]

I knew he wasn't going to show just as soon as he said he would. Because I could see his lips moving.

[@LackLusterMedia]

Always be the guy that films your interaction with law enforcement.

[@ball-e]

Legend

[@Digitalgems9000]

@@ball-e no

[@crazyrobots6565]

It should be normal. It shouldn't be "that guy" at all ever.

[@hpprochargedtbss]

@@Digitalgems9000uhhh yeah he is. He’s exposing the TYRANNY in this country everyday. You’re either a b00t |!ck3r or unaware of who he is. A simple click of his page will teach ya something. If you’re willing to learn.

[@hpprochargedtbss]

YOU THE MAN LACKLUSTER!!!!!

[@DrewKime]

If the officer never shows up to court, no judge can ever "correct" his "mistaken" interpretation of the law, and he can keep writing tickets for it forever.

[@scottshawn70]

This is true. And furthermore it can never result in the law being rewritten for clarification due to a court decision, and precedent being set. It would be better if the officer showed up.. but Im sure his ego may have prevented this.

[@LateLost]

​@@scottshawn70 No, he's a bully who knows that he can't win.But instead he gets direct the tickets and feel powerful. What the next cyclist needs to do is refuse to sign the ticket as first supervisor and claim.I'm not going to take it until you actually give me a supervisor. If he threatens you with the rest for signing a ticket that's bogus then you gotta win court and then you could actually suit him civilly.

[@bleigh3369]

@@LateLost I know that police sometimes have ticket quotas they require officers to meet. Do such quotas include any penalties for the officer if those tickets are not upheld in court? Or do the police simply look at the number of tickets regardless of their legal validity?

[@bettermetal8306]

Law enforcement officers, the ones whose job it is to enforce the law are exempt from actually knowing the law that they are supposed to enforce. While for normal citizens ignorance of the law is not an excuse. Could you imagine if a lawyer didn’t know the law or if a surgeon didn’t know how to do surgery?

[@greekkidshows9373]

It should be law for the officer to back his allegations. If he misses court, he should be fined! If he’s wrong, he should have to pay the fine 😅

[@laydsimba]

He knew he wasn’t coming to court. They never do. He just wanted to punish you by wasting your time. Thank you for doing this critical advocacy work. I’m sick and tired of ghost bike and ghost shoe vigils.

[@RobertAdairWorkshop]

I was hit by a car, in 2020, in the bike line. She passed me, then turned right, in front of me, and without a signal. She hit me with her front righthand fender. The moment went black, but I remember three hard hits. One on my right hand hip where I hit the curb. Another on my lefthand hip, where I struck the asphalt, and the third on my back, where I tumbled end-over and landed face up, about 20 feet in front of her car. My bike made it a bit further, landing another 6 feet forward. It was her fault. The police report showed it was her fault. I spoke several times with the DA in the weeks afterward. What was the penalty? She pleaded guilty to a lesser charge and lost 2 points on her license. 2-points. That's what my life is worth. I was lucky. Had things gone just a bit worse, I could be in a wheelchar or in the grave. I think about it every day. I wonder if she gave it a second thought?

[@jesserandall1819]

Those right hooks are so common and dangerous

[@TheXtrafresh]

she probably considers it a silly little mistake, one of these inevitable clumsy moments you have now and then like dropping a kitchen knife or missing a step on a flight of stairs.

[@chrisko6439]

In the German town where I live, we got these white painted bicycles on some junctions. Memorials for cyclists who were killed by car drivers, mostly when turning right without giving a f...

[@Bob_Shy_132]

This happened to me three times in two weeks in 2021. I had time to hit the brakes. Not even know they're coming and then a car in your way. The last time, I went ballistic.

[@kreed4]

I hear you. Been hit twice on unsignaled right hooks, including by an undercover cop (thankfully just a few scrapes). You really just have to assume that any car next to you will right hook at any time…and bike slow and cautious accordingly.

[@NinjaBraap]

"You have failed to give any any vehicle code contradicting that" oh I'm sorry officer, I thought I was innocent until proven guilty.

[@sethriddle7615]

I'm one of the "public" who watched this video. I'll admit I've been less patient at times when I've gotten stuck for more than 10-20 seconds, but this was informative and a good reminder that, road bikers just want to do what they enjoy and stay alive. Good video!

[@worstretirementever]

wow thank you so much

[@Mrwhomeyou]

yeah, if you drive in malibu much, most cyclist will let you pass when it's safe, there really isn't a "conflict" there aside for during traffic hours. I know/I've seen cyclists block roads for no reason, but most of the time we want you do pass too, nothing crazy going on really

[@Logan4661]

@@Mrwhomeyou What do you mean by "block roads for no reason?"

[@Mrwhomeyou]

@@Logan4661 there were times i have seen groups that could've let the car pass, safely and with little effort, but choose not to. Once it was on Encino canyon with a nice wide shoulder, but the group just stayed firmly in the lane

[@Logan4661]

@@Mrwhomeyou Cyclists are traffic, just the same as cars, they have no obligation to take the shoulder, and if the car can not safely pass fully in the left lane, then it isn't safe to pass at all. So, unless there are stopped in the middle of the road, they aren't "blocking" anything. Also, when groups of 4 or more ride 2 abreast it shortens the distance that a car needs to be in the left lane and it's safer for everyone. With just 2 people going single file and taking the shoulder (if it's wide enough) makes sense, but not for a large group. You have as much of a right to travel on the roads using means other than a car, such as horse and buggy, horseback, bike, skates or walking, as you do by car (except for expressways). It is the thinking that one form of travel is superior and /or has more rights than others that causes conflicts, but at the end of the day it isn't about "drivers" and "cyclists" it's about PEOPLE, fellow humans, our neighbors!

[@johnburke5087]

"The process is the punishment" he won because he lost nothing and you dealt with stress, loss of work, 2 days just sitting in court, and missing 2 great days to go riding

[@pauls5745]

LEO know this and get to enforce feelings with very little repercussions.

[@soulscanner66]

@@pauls5745 He's the one whose ego made him go to court. Could have just rode single file which is what most cyclists do.

[@heypistolero]

@@soulscanner66 They are both at fault. Cyclists are very entitled on the road, when they could just ride single file and make life easier for the rest of us AND cops know the process is the punishment, and will write tickets or charges they know are bogus just because you hurt their feelings

[@Ekitchi0]

@@heypistolero what hypocritical BS… 1. It doesn’t make drivers life easier, you are supposed to go around through the opposite lane to pass just like you would pass an other car or slow vehicle. 2. It’s the presence of the bicyclists that inconveniences drivers, not that they where not in a single file. But they have as much right to be there as you do. And you want to inconvenience them even when there is no one around just in case you would potentially be inconvenienced if you where there?!?! Now THAT is entitlement !

[@mynewcolour]

This is your reminder that even a Smart Car is _double_ file. The standards cyclists are held to are disproportionate for the danger they pose and in the context (of all the bad driving that has become normal) really weird.

[@c208driver6]

When I went to court on a traffic citation and the cop failed to show, I requested a sanction against the officer in the amount of the fine to cover my time. I got it. The cop paid me.

[@rogergeyer9851]

Very cool. Good for you. I'm amazed the judge went along with that (I just assumed cops weren't ACTUALLY required to go to court, given how much TIME that would take if they actually did for all tickets). I wonder how often the judge would take you seriously vs. caution you against wasting the court's time for such a request, for example. Might depend a LOT on the venue, I suppose.

[@robertfrost6246]

Can you give more details of how you succeeded in your sanction request? Officer NoShow is the one wasting the court's time. Defendants are innocent unless proven guilty.

[@STr2011]

@@rogergeyer9851 The only one wasting anyone's time here is the officer with his totally ignorant of the law ticket. He should be reprimanded or dismissed.

[@bennettpridgen2308]

I would caution the judge to not give the appearance of chilling my first amendment rights if they implied that I shouldn’t redress my government for grievances. They shouldn’t be able to drag me into the legal system with no basis and then “caution” me about using the avenues given to me by the law to redress my government. We aren’t powerless, the courts are supposed to work for us, not the other way around. At least that’s how it’s supposed to work I thought.

[@lucmatter9601]

@@c208driver6 and you and your fellow citizens paid for it through your taxes

[@00pmeza01]

The problem with THE LAW is that he's a revenue maker

[@osfan25]

Stuff like this is the larger problem with police; there's no repercussions for bogus tickets or arrests. If a cop writes you a $200 ticket for something that isn't even a law, your options are to either eat shit and pay it or take off work to fight it in court; which for most people easily equates to the fine amount in opportunity cost. If you fight it and win, nothing happens to the officer who failed to do their job correctly and they go on doing the same thing over and over again.

[@cup_and_cone]

You're right. I got a bogus ticket in another state (several people rolled a stop sign, I stopped), but because I had an out of state vehicle I was singled out. It cost more to hire an attorney to represent me in court than just paying the ticket. The system is rigged.

[@ticklefritz5406]

Well said! Is there a better country to live in?

[@scopie49]

That was my experience. My dash cam didn't record and I passed a truck driving on the wrong side of the road. So I got a reckless driving citation and had no proof of what happened. Paranoid about court, unsure what to do or expect, no clue how to defend myself or if I'd truly need a lawyer. They sit you down with a prosecutor first thing. Ultimately it's take the blame immediately with the deal we give you OR risk going to trial with no evidence against a cop who's word will always be taken over a citizen. And if convicted that $200 plea deal turns into possible thousands in fines and jail time plus full points and the insurance raises to go with it. It absolutely felt like "Eat shit and pay our revenue maker it or it's going to hurt significantly worse." Nothing makes you feel more powerless.

[@OhJustSomeRandomGuy]

@@ticklefritz5406 Yes there is. And which ones will very much depend on what your criteria for "better" is.

[@digerati808]

Unfortunately this is the norm and will continue until cops are held accountable.

[@RichardCollette42]

I had to comment that not all cops are like this one. I was coming down the mountain from Running Springs and just as I started to descent, a CHP officer (Paul) pulled up behind me and said over his P.A. “Take the lane, Iv’e got your back”. This CHP officer blocked traffic so I could descend the single lane mountain road without fear of a car squeezing me into a rail or off a cliff. When we got to the bottom, I had a chance to thank him and it turns out he rides, I wasn’t surprised. The job of a traffic officer is to look out for the safety of all those who use the roadways, and this CHP officer was doing just that, he was looking out for my safety.

[@confuseatronica]

is that only the job of cops that ride, or all cops?

[@TimR123]

Thank you for sharing a GOOD story. They are buried under the problems, but they ARE out there and it gives hope.

[@matthewshaw3747]

It sucks that this will be the exception and a very rare exception.

[@MacMasore]

More cops should ride bikes maybe even just a day or 2 wonder how their attitude would change visa vi cycling/cyclists. And it would help with their fitness to boot.😅

[@TimR123]

@@MacMasore Honestly, I wish ALL drivers would get out on bikes from time to time. Attitudes would change.

[@trwilliams22]

Thank you. I lost a friend 15 years ago. He was hit while commuting to work. The driver wasn’t even cited. This shook me enough to more or less stop riding road for ~12 years. Thank you for sticking up for cyclists rights and lives.

[@MrTeff999]

I’m sorry to hear this. Note: An officer won’t issue a ticket based on what he thinks happened. Circumstantial evidence usually won’t stand up in court.

[@rogergeyer9851]

@@MrTeff999: Yup. And to have a reasonable system, without witnesses or evidence, no punishment SHOULD be meted just because someone got hurt or killed. It's unfortunate, but it's the reality. I never ride a bike on public roads for safety reasons. (When I was a kid I was clueless and lucky).

[@ronniechilds2002]

Believe me, I understand that. I used to ride for miles every day. Over the years I started fearing for my safety to the point where I'm now terrified to ride at all. I just can't put my life in the hands of drivers who aren't paying attention or refuse to yield when they damn well should..

[@wtfigoh2097]

You ABSOLUTELY need to disclose this public tyrant's name. The amount of pushback from members of the public that will rain down upon his C.O will cause him much grief. NEVER give in to any bully tactics and ALWAYS call them out on their bullshit.

[@josepheads5589]

This very thing happened on our North Texas group ride. The cop pulled over 20+ guys and started lecturing us as if we were kids. Long story short, one guy demanded he be given a ticket. Our hero showed up to traffic court with an attorney cyclist and the judge lectured the cop as if the cop was a child. Remember, you cannot be given a ticket for obstructing traffic unless you are actually causing a traffic back up.

[@Mrwhomeyou]

gotta love our fellow attorney cyclist

[@Thezuule1]

Some police don’t seem to realize obstructing traffic is an intentional act. If a vehicle is moving along as quickly as it is reasonably and safely able to do so it cannot be obstructing traffic. A horse and buggy may drive you absolutely crazy but it has every right to use the road just like anyone else. You can’t ticket the guy because his horse can’t gallop along at 55 mph.

[@ticklefritz5406]

Kudos to the judge in this case. Judges are busy and hate when their courts get clogged up with bullshit tickets.

[@scopie49]

@@ticklefritz5406 And yet the judge still set him a trial date instead of dropping it. Waiting two months for court is an excruciating length of time to be stuck with the anxiety of needing to defend yourself. Plus all the time he wasted building a court case and researching what he'd need to win. He might've gained some good knowledge for the future but he lost a lot more than just two days.

[@jackwhite9509]

what group ride was this?

[@nmpls]

As a former public defender, I can tell you the trial you are looking forward to is the one that never happens. I had a client who was hit by an unlicensed driver who crossed into oncoming traffic and hit my client on a bike. They charged my client with BUI, despite doing no chemical tests or FSTs. The driver who hit him got no citations at all. I wanted that trial so bad, but unfortunately, the DA did the right thing and dismissed it, but not having wasted my clients time at at least 4 court appearances first. I am glad you filed a complaint. I know people don't think they do anything, and frankly, they often don't. However, they are useful later for criminal defense attorneys when the next bullshit stop he does results in someone being arrested for a crime. I hope your complaint included that he pulled you over for "mouthing off" rather than an actual law violation. He did not have PC for that stop in my opinion, and it was an illegal detention. I will absolutely second what you say about being poor in the criminal justice system. Its messed up. I think people think most people driving on suspended drivers licenses got there because they got a DUI, killed someone, or are bad drivers. Actually, most of those people keep their DLs and maybe have a restriction to only drive to or from work (which is very hard to enforce). Most people with suspended DLs are there because they couldn't pay a ticket. They then get extra penalties for not paying. Then they get a suspended license ticket (often a misdemeanor) with $1000+ of fines and 2 points. And then it keeps going. It is a truly vicious cycle.

[@angelovq]

It’s a de facto crime to be poor in America. Thanks for sharing your story and serving the community.

[@Matthew-ez4ze]

You know as well as I that BUI subjects are not required to submit to a chemical test as required by vehicle drivers (admin per se). BUI is a misdemeanor offense and the officer’s actions may have saved that impaired cyclist’s life.

[@nmpls]

@@Matthew-ez4ze Lol, the cyclists went to the hospital because the car crossed the center line and hit him. Did you miss that part? I said no "chemical tests or FSTs," there was no evidence that he was intoxicated. But keep believing no cop has ever screwed up.

[@larstiranos]

CHP are on road legal machines doing 65MPH. Pfft.

[@davidkennedy3050]

Not only was it an illegal stop, he did it by cutting Phil off. All because this authoritarian had his ego bruised.

[@Ndqar]

You can’t prove a negative. “Show me the law that doesn’t exist. “

[@wizardsuth]

Anything that no law prohibits is legal.

[@diojiwoolf]

It’s illegal to be poor in America.

[@robflel]

This cop didn’t even do his job and turn up, what a coward.

[@beepbop6697]

Uvalde finest.

[@AudunWangen]

FTP

[@damononthehill]

They should be forced to, as we are

[@manfredstrappen7491]

Or he had something else going on.

[@pcatful]

Probably had real police work to do and not waste time like this guy. He even admits the waste of time.

[@Newtttton]

this is like a doctor asking a patient to cite a medical research paper on a certain clinical trial. sorry doc, that's your job.

[@vedhed21]

somehow that one sounds worse. yikes

[@lylewalker5681]

It’s literally that, because motorcycle cops a lot of times do nothing but traffic enforcement. They’re not going to domestic violence calls or robberies or anything like that. They are specifically spending their entire shift enforcing traffic infractions. The truth is, cops are just like the general population, and probably even more so. They don’t like cyclists, they see cyclists as an active detriment to traffic, and they have a natural disposition to interpret reality against ever favoring or taking into consideration cyclists. It’s unfortunately just the way of the world. And if you’re ever needing to deal with police as a cyclist, you have to understand that and prepare yourself to be massively disappointed.

[@bighammer3464]

Ya sometimes I’ve had the doc say you shouldn’t be having that reaction or it shouldn’t be that bad but hey I’m the one dealing with the issue and that medication is making things worse. Ahh let me bring up this trial where one person thought something happened but was excluded in the results but see that’s what’s happening to me. Etc ya I’m not looking stuff up.

[@arachnophilia427]

except cops aren't actually required to know the law and receive basically zero training on it.

[@zwicker5585]

@@arachnophilia427maybe they should change that 😂 as far as I understand cops barely even have training in the us, kind of a “if you barely passed high school” kind of job.. in canada its atleast a 2 year college program but i doubt they learn enough to wield that much power. Especially since we make teachers do 6 years of uni

[@lardogbeck]

I got hit with a misinterpretation of the "stay as far to the right as practicable" wording in Sierra Vista, AZ. I was riding on the shoulder when I hit a newly chip sealed section of road. They didn't sweep the shoulder - it looked compacted like the lane but was 1-2" of loose gravel. I went into it on a road bike at 20mph, washed out, and had a complex wrist fracture. Sued the city and, among other things, their attorneys said that: 1) I shouldn't have been riding on the shoulder 2) I should have been in the center of the lane 3) I should have been as far to the right as practicable BUT NOT ON THE SHOULDER 4) If I was on the shoulder I should have been as close to the fog line as possible They threw multiple interpretations of the law at the jury and basically let them pick whichever one would screw the cyclist.

[@Incessuserro]

When my automobile tire alignment is thrown off and my tire rim is dented because of the numerous potholes in Tucson, the city tells me , "I should have been going slower and paying attention to road conditions". As I walked out of their office and down the hallway I could hear my words in a mocking voice and laughter. As you read this post, can you existentially hear mocking laughter?

[@pearlkohler5422]

i've been with you so far but arguing that pushing strollers on streets should be encouraged and normal is simply wild my guy

[@agie170hss2]

Unfortunately, cyclists are frequently the victim of the "me" generation. In other words ---> "I'm in a 6000 lb Suburban, with 17 airbags, tinted windows, a 20" flat-screen panel in the dash, and I'm on the phone. I am fully protected. Since that biker is on a 17 pound bike wearing Lycra, there is absolutely no danger to *ME* in any way, so I don't have to yield, or even pay attention to him/her. It's their obligation/duty to avoid *ME*, and/or make space for *ME*". That is the mentality I "feel" from drivers every time I ride.

[@peteravolio2695]

Me the people 🇺🇲😂

[@AshleyMurphy_AreteWealth]

As a lifelong cyclist,I hate to admit it, but the balance of power is clearly with the vehicle here. How many crashes does it take to forever change your life? Why be a nuisance to the kinds of drivers described in this comment. I’m interested in not antagonizing drivers and surviving my ride. But I agree, it’s not the cyclist’s fault.

[@agie170hss2]

@@AshleyMurphy_AreteWealth Absolutely agree! My point above was... 5000-6000 lbs vs. a bike: the outcome is never good for the bike. Never. To me, surviving on the road (especially in a city) is knowing when to be meek, and when to be assertive.

[@piotrku_]

That's why so many die in train car accident. They don't switch the "me" in that case

[@rcranes2227]

Wrong. Absolutely wrong. Phil's bike is like, 14 lbs.

[@bobikdylan]

Cops don't show, knowing they are wrong. The punishment is wasting your time.

[@TonyRule]

If they don't show for 5 tickets being contested in court a 12 month period, they should have their ticket writing powers suspended.

[@jasonshults368]

What's the point in making up imaginary regulations on police that will never happen? Police are performing EXACTLY the job they were hired, trained, and paid to perform. It is the rest of the people that seem to be mistaken about the nature of that job.

[@bettermetal8306]

⁠@@jasonshults368The police are supposed to protect citizens and keep us safe, not harass people and go on power trips.

[@grahamlowe314]

@@bettermetal8306 No they are paid to extort money from citizens

[@mmsrobertson]

Thank you Phil. Well said. One time a truck buzzed a buddy and me in front of a cop. I pulled up to the officer to ask him if he could enforce the 3’ law, and his reply was, “Never heard of that law.” Unbelievable.

[@newsles2]

To be afraid to simply say something to a police officer for fear of being assaulted, is a sad state of affairs in any so-called free country.

[@stephenlevinson6553]

A few months ago, I was riding by myself down Piuma. I was going about 30 MPH, when out of nowhere, a motorcycle cop turned on his siren 5 feet behind my bike. There was no other traffic around and I was so taken by surprise by the sudden loud siren, I swerved to the right and almost went off the side of the road, then I almost went down, trying to recover. The cop then fired up his cycle and buzzed by my left side and disappeared. I related this experience to my son, who also rides Stunt and Piuma, and he had an almost identical experience a few months before me. I called up the Malibu station of L.A. County Sheriff's Office to file a complaint. I spoke to the watch commander who told me that he would bring this up at the morning meeting. That's the last I heard of this. I suspect that the same cop harassed me--he was dressed identically to the officer in your video. I think that this guy has an agenda and is out to get cyclists. Beware, and file a complaint if you are similarly harassed.

[@rogerw-interested]

this is where having a rearview mirror helps

[@bltvd]

Yeah, they are h#mos!

[@BikingVikingHH]

That’s hilarious, props to the officer 😂

[@SenWerk]

⁠@@BikingVikingHHWhat an a-hole thing to say. Please slither back under your rock.

[@shinoharazockt9912]

​@@BikingVikingHHNo that is dangerous af, they could have fallen and even come under the cops wheels.

[@DrRusty5]

A no-show should be contempt of Court, if you didn't show the Court would have issued a warrant, so why the different treatment for the Officer?

[@Chucknorris555poop]

Traffic court is not required as its a fineable offense. Also. Why would you complain about them not showing up? It means the ticket is dismissed

[@griffithd05]

They are busy keeping America SAFE! /sarcasm.

[@nickbryant2318]

That's a great point

[@jasonshults368]

The "laws" are weapons the government uses to keep you compliant.

[@AL5520]

That's not contempt and there are no subpoena in such a case. I also don't think that a court is necessary for such cases, certainly not as first option. It is annoying but if every polic officer will need to show up in court every time someone contest a ticket he will spend most of his time in court. There shoulb be a different solution for that, something like an independent office where you can contest the fine, they can check this without the presence of the involed sides, just checking the statments (maybe contacting the officer to see what he has to say), the law and when needed look for precedence and based on that decide to confirm the fine or cancel it. After that you can still turn to the courts. In those cases, ever fine that is cancelled (and approved) sould be part of the officer's record.

[@jimmyolsen3311]

I was track standing at a stop sign waiting my turn. After a car took my turn I proceeded and was pulled over. The officer said that I was not officially stopped unless both feet were on the ground. When I explained that was stationary for 20 seconds he still wrote me up. I showed up in court with my bike prepared to track stand for the judge. The complaint said that I failed to stop my motor vehicle and since I was on a bike it was dismissed. I really wanted to show off my track standing skills but at least I got off

[@abdavey]

Heh.. I have a 26” inseam.. I can’t have both feet on the ground unless I get off of the bike.. Usually its left foot on the pedal top and right foot on the ground..

[@rescuesar54]

And it wasn’t a “motor” vehicle!

[@MBHST23]

Lawyer and cyclist here. Love all your content, but as a 10+ year biking commuter who has been threatened, screamed at, things thrown at, run off the road, honked at, and on and on and on it goes, LOVED this video. Your reservations about doing what you did don't even register with me - you did the absolute right thing imo. As an aside, it's wild to me that California doesn't have a law explicitly addressing this. For any Washington viewers, here is our statutory language on this issue: "Bicyclists may ride side by side, but not more than two abreast." (RCW 46.61. 770) The most insane thing about the interaction with the cop is his view that it would be your fault if struck from behind. You can't simultaneously obey the three feet rule and run into someone. And even if traffic was behind you for miles, all that means is it would be warranted to give you a citation. It does NOT mean that the motorist's duty to avoid slamming into you is somehow suspended or forgiven.

[@Hugh23132]

In South Australia we have a law specifically stating that bike riders can ride two abreast. For California, I think a Court would be quite justified to find that "near as practicable to the right hand side", means single file.

[@blakeh95]

@@Hugh23132 not really, if they look at the actual history of the law. That law is intended to effectively be a "slower traffic keep right" rule. For example, compare with CVC 21654 which applies to all vehicles and requires that they be driven as near to the right-hand side or in the right-most lane. Even if they did find that meaning, the exception of substandard width lane applies. Something like 90% of US roadways have substandard width lanes. You need 14 feet minimum for passing inside of a lane (1 ft from shoulder + 3 ft of bike + 1 ft operating room + 3 ft to pass + 6 ft minimum car size).

[@erinbevans5125]

"Lawyer and cyclist"... if that's not painting a picture :) You're exactly who drivers are talking about. Hard to believe so many "lawyers" think its legal to cycle to abreast on every road... lot of cereal box credentials out there i guess.

[@karadecker8764]

@@erinbevans5125 Where did they say “every road”? Maybe if you read more carefully, you’ll have less reason to doubt their credentials.

[@TheBooban]

@@blakeh95you don’t need to look at the history of the law, just this law which is as clear as day with anyone who understands English. Let me translate; you can cycle 2 abreast or how many you want unless a car is attempting to over take then, then move over. It’s clear!

[@alchemist89blk]

Send an email or a letter to him and his CO, with a detailed explanation of the law. Ask his CO to re-train him on the laws for cyclists.

[@ejacosta174]

Great idea. It won’t work. The letter will be ignored and nothing will happen.

[@erikwiseman1702]

​@@ejacosta174On the other hand, it's quite possible that the CO will wonder WTF this jerk was doing to generate the letter. It's also possible that this guy is a screw-up and the CO is tired of his crap.

[@reflectionsdetail]

what needs to happen is that the police office needs to be "fined" if they do a no show on the court date.

[@sergeissakov5002]

@@ejacosta174 Not true. We had lots of cyclists getting bogus 21202 tickets in San Diego County ten years ago. Just a few of us pushed back, won a few cases, and they're virtually unheard of down here nowadays (knock on wood).

[@chrisl6546]

@@sergeissakov5002 Similar thing with LAPD ticketing hipster kids for not having licenses on their bikes, and confiscating bikes. The CA law around bike licenses only allows like a $5 ticket (not confiscating bikes), and only if the person is a resident of the community requiring the license. A bunch of pushback got them to stop.

[@JoeCincotta307]

I think you handled it pretty well. You were polite and respectful while asking for clarification.

[@JoolieOoliee]

Also, I know it's scary, but bravery is contagious. There's no law stating you need to be a boot licker to domestic terrorists that are public SERVANTS. I innerstand we feel like we need to be bootlickers because if we don't, they might shoot us or write us a ticket or kidnap us. But most of these road pirates are acting under the color of law. You're right, Phil, there is no law that you can't ride two deep. These actors are trying to force rules, statutes, codes, and their feelings on us. You have God-given rights. They are UN-A-LIEN-ABLE. When you don't know what your rights are you don't have any. It's time to learn.

[@micpen22]

There is no reason to protect an officer who Corrupts the law like that.

[@BravoMx]

the copaganda brainwashing is doing its job then.

[@iamcurious9541]

I don't blame the cop. It's not his fault that they don't get the 3+ years of education cops in other countries receive. I didn't get any malice from him. He just didn't know the law. At all.

[@honestreviewer3283]

I used to be a military officer based in a small town. I reported a cop to his captain after he tried shit like this on me. Didn't know the law. Didn't know anything about bikes and cars sharing the road. Wasn't able to give me a ticket because he couldn't even cite a relevant statute. I have nothing against police... who do their job properly.

[@ItsConstitutional]

I'm ex military myself, but law enforcement dont know the laws for a reason. This is a well coordinated attack on the people by all those in powers of position! All BAR attorneys, religious leaders, Astronauts, Emergency Services, Law enforcement and Public officials belong to the Fraternal Order of Freemasonry. "Rod Class Attorneys Confession" talks about how all law enforcement, judges, BAR attorneys and Public officials take secret oaths and purposely plot against the People!. Example of corruption: Title 49 usc 31301 MOTOR VEHICLE is every vehicle over 10,000 lbs. Under Title 49 usc 32901 and Title 49 cfr 523.3 AUTOMOBILES are every vehicle UNDER 10,001 lbs. All traffic Laws are for Motor Vehicles! We own ARMS, not firearms. Title 26 usc 5845 definition of FIREARMS... Find out more "AUTOMOBILE vs MOTOR VEHICLE by Rod Class"

[@DefaultProphet]

Are there any?

[@ItsConstitutional]

This is a well coordinated attack on the people by all those in powers of position! All BAR attorneys, religious leaders, Astronauts, Emergency Services, Law enforcement and Public officials belong to the Fraternal Order of Freemasonry. "Rod Class Attorneys Confession" talks about how all law enforcement, judges, BAR attorneys and Public officials take secret oaths and purposely plot against the People!. Example of corruption: Title 49 usc 31301 MOTOR VEHICLE is every vehicle over 10,000 lbs. Under Title 49 usc 32901 and Title 49 cfr 523.3 AUTOMOBILES are every vehicle UNDER 10,001 lbs. All traffic Laws are for Motor Vehicles! We own ARMS, not firearms. Title 26 usc 5845 definition of FIREARMS... Find out more "AUTOMOBILE vs MOTOR VEHICLE by Rod Class"

[@kennycarter444]

No 😂

[@JohnsTake-cg3ss]

Problem is, it's hard to find one that does. So, are they just trained this way, ignorant of the law, so the maximum amount of people ends up going through the court system?

[@jimmar9847]

Mr. Gamion, thank you for your video I am a retired law enforcement officer and an avid bike packer. I can relate to how stressful it is sharing the road with vehicle traffic. That Sheriff’s deputy is a total tool!!! How can he stop you and have to look up the elements of the violation? unbelievable and it’s an embarrassment to law enforcement. I can assure you that Deputy is not the norm most fellow LEO’s would have given you guys an escort through that mountainous area and not even bothered to interrupt your training ride. Ride on brother life is short don’t hold a grudge

[@shakrmaker]

Firstly thank you for your service, and I think everyone recognizes what a hard job it is to often not be the highlight of someone's day when you have to write up a (legitimate) traffic violation. I often stop and say hi to officers to thank them here for keeping the roads safe for me, and I've not met one that didn't appreciate it.

[@larryt.atcycleitalia5786]

Really, where did you work? SoCal cops (CHP, LASD, Torrance, Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, Ventura Co, Santa Barbara PD, LAPD, etc.) are all generally a-holes based my decades of two-wheeled experience.

[@rogergeyer9851]

Or there's a middle ground like suggesting you be careful without hassling you, much less stopping or ticketing you. With blind curves, etc, I'm NOT convinced cycling two abreast on such roads is a good idea, re safety of the cyclists.

[@drewb5738]

Ex cops always act like they were civil right saints in the comments and pretend that they never enforced BS laws. Stop lying to yourself. You were one of the bad cops too.

[@paulbarnard3547]

@@rogergeyer9851 I ride on such roads. My hearing is bad, and I can still hear the tire noise of cars well before they get close. When I drive on such roads, I do the responsible thing and I drive at a speed that allows me to safely react to anything that might be on the other side of a blind bend or hill.

[@maryshea603]

Don't ever feel bad about pursuing this. My kids raced, training all the way through, it was one of the most dangerous things they ever did. thank you for staying on top of it all

[@jarod144]

Yep Poor people being punished for being poor Nailed it

[@MrBobnog]

Dum dum ​@@johnvandenberg

[@JordanVegBike]

@@johnvandenberg "Being poor has nothing to do with the laws" tell me you have no historical knowledge of how laws have been created and enforced without telling me you have no historical knowledge of how laws have been created and enforced". Read a book.

[@JordanVegBike]

@@johnvandenberg "it should suck for everyone equally" yes, that is exactly mine and Phil's point because it currently does not suck for everyone equally, it sucks dramatically more if you are poor and that is exactly the outcome for how the system was designed.

[@JordanVegBike]

@@johnvandenberg again if you want to look more into this topic there is lots of writing on this there for you. You might find it interesting.

[@dhyskRand]

There are alot of books written on a lot of things doesn't make them right. But that native strikes a chord with people so laying out a few examples of this happening in history, that is 💯 true, doesn't mean by extension the whole system was laid out that way. The poor are generally hit harder though. But most departments will pull over the lambo for nothing rather than the crap box for speeding because they know the guy in the lambo will pay threw a lawyer the ticket but will also pay the court and attorney fees for it to be a lesser charge or keep it off the record.

[@GoToPhx]

You were cited for what’s called ‘contempt of cop’ not for any traffic violation. I’m glad you did what you did; hopefully it will help future riders. Ignore anyone who criticizes your actions, they have no idea that modern day police are routinely unprofessional. Too many mistreat people who don’t kowtow to their ego. The go along to get along crowd has helped perpetuate this situation. Thank you and stay safe!

[@stevenl4494]

"I don't want to give him permission to bother other cyclists or validate his belief in that law". Spot on. The rest of the people enjoying this activity owe you one.

[@LisaCobaltblue]

I've driven on Piuma canyon many times. My uncle and aunt have lived there some 50 years. Bicyclists 🚴‍♂️ 🚴‍♀️ are part of the community. I stand for your justice on the roads. Hopefully this officer learns the law instead of repeat offending bicyclists. ❤

[@steven7650]

He's asking you to prove a negative. Which is fundamentally impossible.

[@worstretirementever]

i don't know if philosophy is a prereq for police academy

[@alexwilliamross]

"a National Hill Climb Champ not fast enough up hill and Safa And Taylor (The Blueberry Twins) not fast enough downhill?" made me belly laugh. Good shout

[@worstretirementever]

haha for SURE Safa and Taylor were above close to speed limit on the downhill if not above it, but dude wants to make sure they're not in the way of a Mclaren or something trying to get their PR

[@alexwilliamross]

@@worstretirementever Those two might be quicker down on their bikes than Mr. Sheriff on his Motorbike

[@dom_veloce]

Phil, thanks for standing your ground with the officer and taking this to court, even though you didn't really get your day in court. This is life and death, and we rely on police officers to know the laws, and support our rights to ride on the road.

[@Lymsley]

I respect your choice to leave the officer’s name out. But, others have had success in educating LA area offices BY naming, shaming & filing official complaints. Specifically DDE vs Beverly Hills Officer Peña. Ultimately, in the US, these detachments are run by a political office. The fastest ways to drive change is to use the levers of politics, public pressure & public perception. Or through the courts, you’ve just found out that the courts aren’t very quick.

[@michaelgoodenow2746]

Only bad part about this not getting a proper trial is that this could have set a precedent so the next time this happens they can look at that and dismiss it immediately

[@aquicktake]

I'm pretty sure there are hundreds, if not thousands of people, that have been cited for this in California over the past several decades - it seems to be a very subjective issue about riding close enough to the side of the road vs. 2 abreast. Some legal research would probably provide a dozen or more cases that went to trial and were dismissed with prejudice for reference.

[@grumpus5248]

Shirriff Deputy: "Naw, you don't need to call a lawyer and sort out this learning experience for free right here, so I'm just gonna wring you through the system to make you pay one way or the other for not doing what I think you should be doing." Because in that courtroom, everyone *except you* is paid to be there.

[@rogergeyer9851]

That's an interesting point. What if people who won traffic cases were PAID some reasonable amount for their time and convenience for going to court? Maybe THEN cops would be expected by their employers to actually KNOW the traffic code well, for example. Never happen in the US though, IMO. Maybe in a reasonable European country.

[@philipapts886]

As a Belgian Cyclist who’s moved to the US and tries to survive on Colorado roads. I can only concur and applaud your reaction! I bought a 360 camera (Insta360 X4) to mount on my bike for this very reason. Kudos 🙌

[@onecallednic]

What model?

[@johniceland5027]

Also curious, I'm looking to get a dashcam to report drivers who try to run me into the curb.

[@philipapts886]

@@onecallednicinsta360 X4

[@philipapts886]

@@johniceland5027 the insta 360 X4 model that recently came out

[@erikwillems3016]

As a dutch cyclist I've rode a bike in Colorado. Interesting experience. I got the impression, most motorists never encountered a bike outside of the city park. But it is interesing to see that 8n the netherlands, if you hit a cyclist with your car, you are at fault and you'll gave a hard time proving you could not have prevented the accident. While in the US, which is famous for everybody suing everybody for the smallest things, cyclists are fair game.

[@bikeelectric4821]

when I commute in my bike in Seattle I have a near death experience EVERY SINGLE TIME at least once

[@CJSHM]

Same. Commute across the water in Victoria BC, right hook every day. Illegal passing (too close/too fast), etc.

[@goatbees]

I have a brother-in-law who is a CHP officer who stated to me once that he doesn’t care when cyclists get hit or killed as they shouldn’t be out there in the first place. I lost all the “respect” I had for him that day…

[@stephensinclair8894]

Why almost?

[@zizusaid]

he was right...

[@erinbevans5125]

What a lie...

[@youztuber5000]

@@zizusaid You shouldn't be allowed in public.

[@oghooch]

Officer was right!

[@paulbritton187]

"Are you going to show up in court?" "Yes, it's my job".... 😂😂😂😂

[@scottymaczayda9531]

I can’t believe he was a no show. Made himself look even worse

[@rogerw-interested]

knowing he was being recorded saying so

[@Thezuule1]

Especially after all the bragging about how he would be there..

[@2321brendan]

Probably after talking to fellow officers, he realised his error ,and to save embarrassment he dont show up.

[@JMcLeodKC711]

@@2321brendanYou nailed it. If he had shown up, his error would be on the record. Now the official record shows nothing substantial.

[@Thezuule1]

@@JMcLeodKC711 and since it isn’t on the record he’s free to continue harassing cyclists about it even though he knows better.

[@jm5732]

5:55 He sounds like some middle school bully. Guys who act cocky and condescending like this deserve to have their name attached to their behavior...especially when he won't even show up for court.

[@C-Carp]

Great video Phil. I’m a cyclist who grew up on the roads you ride today (Rambla Pacifico). I’m also a Sheriff’s Deputy now living in Naples, FL. It’s shameful a fellow officer so grossly misinterpreted the law/code. Laws are pretty simple as long as someone takes the time to read them in their entirety. My apologies this happened to you. I’m glad you are not one to take this singular experience and apply it to all law enforcement. Enjoy your ride and onto the next!

[@joebriggs8422]

14:30 "...I don't want to make it worse, but I did file a complaint..." I honestly hope that's how it works out. Thanks for standing your ground and shining a light on this with a very good video. And I agree with your comment that the whole process you had to go through was the punishment... officers write bs tickets, don't show for court (not productive for them to take time away from writing more bs tickets) and no consequences to them.

[@OpenYourMind313]

Correct and if a LEO writes 'bogus' tickets they are 'Knowingly' Violating the Constitution and therefore need to be stripped of policing indefinitely.

[@foremanhaste5464]

Had a similar experience with an officer that straight told me that bikes are not allowed on the roadway. Asked him what statue said that and he responded that he didn't know. So, I cited him the statue that expressly authorized it. He gave up at that point and I rode away on the roadway. Filed a complaint and left a copy of the chapter that covers bikes with his sergeant to review with him. Very satisfying. I now ride with a copy of the state code to educate drivers and police that want to match wits.

[@gerryc3112]

@foremanhaste5464 Very minor point: it's STATUTE, not statue.

[@mikesimms1]

I was run off the road a few weeks back and the driver got out of his car, came over to me, and hit me while screaming "you're going to get it, you little piece of shit". Since he hit me, the police did actually charge him with basic assault, which was nice. However, the prosecutor later dismissed all the charges, no reason given. I even had footage of the incident, but I guess even that's not enough to make a case. Nice to know the legal system places a value of zero on my life. Just had to vent a little... Well done video, thanks for sharing.

[@yoavmiller216]

got thrown on my ass to the side by a BMW mirror. Old man came out appologetic. I said Have a nice day as I walked past him and got out of there. His car choice pissed me off more than hitting me.

[@FrankLy-oy2bi]

what state/metro? i presume this was in the US?

[@comeonfeelthe]

Put the footage on KZbin @mikesimms1 Sorry that happened to you

[@mikesimms1]

@@FrankLy-oy2bi Florida, so, yes, it was a Florida Man encounter. 🤣

[@FrankLy-oy2bi]

@@mikesimms1 i'm glad you're safe, but i have even less than the very few reasons i had before to visit florida. went there for a conference a number of years ago and haven't ever been back. good weather, which phil goes on about quite a bit, only goes so far with me.

[@carolinerodriguez-nelson8796]

Excellent, excellent, excellent. The really shitty thing about the cop not showing up is that the issue, “ can cyclists ride two abreast?” Is still open. If he had showed up, the matter would have been adjudicated and the law would have been clarified. Kudos to Gaimon and Bike Legal for trying to make new case law to protect cyclists.

[@phaedrus000]

Even if the cop had been there he wouldn't have changed his mind on anything. He is going to continue to make up the law as he sees fit and apply it selectively when he feels like it.

[@conscientiousobserver8772]

If the statute states that a cyclist must ride ..."as far to the right...", then the one furthest from the right is breaking that statute, right?

[@bengt_axle]

That's exactly what the police officer wanted. If they get a ruling against them on that question, the whole police force has to be aware of it. There is greater weight given to common law (judicial interpretation of what the law means) than code, in USA compared to many other countries. By not showing up, the police officer has avoided a judgement against him and a decision that would give police officers less discretion in their work.

[@dumerthanyou4127]

You didn't win the case you just got a lesser sentence.

[@kevinmccarthy3851]

I hope you have luck with your complaint about this specific officer. A couple of year ago in MN I got passed tight by a F150 firetruck. I complained. My complaint was taken very serious. In fact the individual who was driving was disciplined. The chief of police was well aware of the minimum passing distance and talked to me personally. On the other had about 10 years ago my daughter on a charity ride got hassled by a sheriff just like you. Glad to see you working on making more people aware of this problem.

[@bapaden]

I love how he has to google the traffic code to figure out what he’s gonna write a ticket for. What a knuckle dragger.

[@taco_enthusiast]

He's not Googling. Cops no longer carry paper code books. They're all digital. Also unreasonable to expect that anyone would memorize the entire book.

[@MugRuith]

Nothing wrong with a cop looking up a code. What was wrong was his interpretation and his ego driving his actions.

[@PtylerBeats]

@@MugRuiththe issue in looking up the code to figure out what to cite him for is that, he didn’t see someone commit a crime and then looked up the code to know what to write. The issue is that he saw a law abiding citizen and then looked up a code to try to ticket him on. Those two things are not the same thing. If you see a person not committing a crime, it’s a problem to look up laws to try and force one to apply.

[@JamesDeLara-t3i]

Had my own run ins over the years, back in 1983 I was descending a local Seattle area mountain, I hit a pothole while braking, front wheel locked up and I flew across the road and hit a car coming up. While recuperating from massive injuries too numerous to list, I received a ticket for crossing the center line. Then in 2016 descending to a very popular bike route along Lake Washington a car parked on the other side of the road pulls out to do a U turn causing me too crash into the car and fly over the hood landing on the other side on to the road, just a lot of bruises and road rash plus damage to the bike. At least I got some cash out of that, but I learned my lesson and moved to France where cyclists are a recognized part of vehicular traffic and have not had a run in and all my injuries are self inflicted. Good work Phil, keep it up

[@tawanga]

They finally filled that pothole last month.

[@raphaelcaceres9129]

Uh. France is very bad for cycling in Europe. Many think roads are for cars only too.

[@kapilchhabria1727]

10:33 the us law enforcement encapsulated in one phrase: bunch of poor people given tickets for being poor.

[@AirwaveMustang]

In the Netherlands, when a car and bicycle collide, the driver of the car is almost always liable for 50%. Unless the cyclist planned to collide with the car. If the cyclist is 14 years or younger then the car driver will be 100% liable (some extremely rare exceptions exist). The law says that cyclists are vulnerable and therefor need extra legal protection. 50% is a minimum, it can easily increase to 100%. As a result, car drivers are careful around cyclists in traffic. The same rules apply to pedestrians.

[@FrankLy-oy2bi]

wow. this is amazing. sounds very unamerican. sadly.

[@MacMasore]

Yep same in Belgium and the burden of proof is mostly on the driver of the car.

[@FrankLy-oy2bi]

@@MacMasore and then you visit america and you see the pedestrians smile and wave to drivers at zebra crossings to THANK them for following the law and yielding to the pedestrians.

[@AdamFoster]

I've never felt safer than the 500km I rode in the Nederlands around Leiden.

[@christianb.1028]

In Germany it's "only" 25 % for cars but 50 % for heavy trucks and it comes from a concept called "operational risk", which means that operating something that is inherently dangerous to others ALWAYS comes with liability when someone or something with less dangerous potential is injured or damaged. Since operating a fast moving 2-ton object is definetely inherently dangerous, when you hit a cyclist or a pedestrian with a car your liability is at least 25 %, unless you can prove that the accident was unavoidable even though you exercised all necessary care. For example, when a cyclist runs a red light right in front of you that will unavoidable in most cases.

[@peterplatt72]

Your comment of 'cyclist dont want to be in your way either' hit home. So many times when im having to share the raod with a car stuck behind me im just saying over and over in my head 'i dont want to be here either, dont blame me blame your local officials.'

[@nikaiwolf]

and worst local officials when you complain just pass you off to the city engineer that then say "we meet minimum requirements"

[@andrewnorris5415]

Too busy spending billions on bombs and more war over peace. Not enough to spend on proper cycle greenways or countless other things.

[@BaronFeydRautha]

Which is a total lie. They never follow the law. They run stop signs and lights. They don't signal turns. Nah, they want the road to themselves and act like they are the only things on the road.

[@jani724]

​@@BaronFeydRauthanext time you go even 1 mph over the limit, remember how you complain about a human powered machine breaking laws.

[@BaronFeydRautha]

@@jani724 We're talking about cyclists not following the laws. Not car drivers. Also, speedometers aren't the most accurate things out there. You can't hold someone accountable if they are receiving flawed data. Nice try bud.

[@jeffjkao]

I’m pretty sure I recognize the Officer in your video. I was riding down Tuna when I saw a car driving the wrong way up(!) the canyon. I snapped a picture of the plate and found Officer F on PCH and tried to talk to him and he told me that Tuna wasn’t a “good road for bikes” and he was too busy to go look for the car. 😡

[@HansDelbruck53]

Officer Chicken is his new name. He should be fined for being too cowardly to show up in court.

[@ptjenl1]

As a Dutch person this is so weird. Why is smashing a 2ton thing into a cyclist legal? The driver is fully protected. But the cyclist isn't. Happy to live in the Netherlands, where in any situation the driver needs to explain/prove what/that he has done to prevent a collision. Otherwise he could be liable even when he didn't cause it. It has all to do with to power you have a car driver. As a dutch person I think the Cyclists in America are heroes. I would never dare my live on American roads.

[@rogergeyer9851]

If it were that way in the US, it would be a lot safer being a PEDESTRIAN IN A CROSSWALK as well. Many drivers can be COMPLETE jerks. I drive a car and walk a lot every week.

[@Frostbbitten]

I loved how some narrow rural roads in the Netherlands are a single lane with two bike paths, one on either side. This makes it such that bikes have the right of way and cars need to sort out how they are going to negotiate cyclists such that they can pass another oncoming vehicle.

[@concordesquadra5392]

I had a car pass me last sunday, and the passenger rolled down his window to yell some obscenity at me. i was riding in a dedicated bike lane, thru an affluent area, minding my own business. when the car stopped at the next light, i pulled up, knocked on his window, and asked if he had something to say to me? he kept his window up and head down, doing something on his phone. Ok tough guy, i though, and followed my route left while the car continued ahead. a couple minutes later, as i was being passed by another vehicle, the same car overtook the vehicle beside me, against a double yellow line on a two lane roadway, and i watched a bottled water sail overhead and impact the road shoulder ahead of me. the car then turned into the next side road, turned around to face me, and the passenger feebly tossed another bottled water as i passed by, before the car turned back and sped off in the opposite direction. otherwise, it was a good 3 hr ride... i only wish i had looked at his plate : /

[@rogergeyer9851]

And sometime when you try that you might get hammered or worse. But hey, you're a tough guy so nothing bad could happen, right? /s

[@cxspokes]

Thank you for creating this video. No matter what anyone says, this video was necessary. I'm a cyclists, I've had very similar experiences in mid-America, and I survived a rear end Collison last year, where is seems the only plausible explanation for the crash is that the driver wasn't watching the road. Police and EMT did cite the driver (not exercising due care), but equally said I shouldn't be on the road (after I regained consciousness).

[@trimua]

Your BEST video yet! Your effort wasn’t wasted 😊

[@brokenrecord3523]

I've been hit three times over my 40 years road cycling: two minor, one hospital visit. They were all caused by the same behavior on my part: riding too far to the right and giving the car, truck and rv the idea that they could pass with oncoming traffic or by not leaving the lane we were in. Now, I take my f*cking lane! I've had only a couple close calls in the last 35 years.

[@Thezuule1]

Bingo.

[@JoeMeyer8998]

I had excatly the same experience here in Germany. Seems car drivers all around the world feel the urge to bypass bicyles no matter what. If I can't ride on a dedicated bicycle lane I take quite same space off the right car lane so that I can still swerve to the right if some idiot comes too close to me while passing

[@blubaughmr]

That's an interesting point. I've been hit three times (bruises and broken bike parts, but no hospital trips), and I was on the shoulder for all three. At the same time, part of my commute is up a long hill, where I ride in a bus lane on a reverse commute, and I have video from idiots doing 10 over in the bus lane, passing traffic on the right, and moving partly over to the right lane as they are close passing me. Too many negligent drivers on the roads these days.

[@edhovrud]

I think most cyclists are rude, have no regard from people in vehicles that can actually travel the speed limit. I encounter these folks all the time. I will never understand why anyone would put their own safety in jeopardy, for not only are you guys at risk to distracted driving, but you also are inhibiting people from being able to drive, and that can lead to road rage. The thing about it all is that you all piss and moan about how you are treated but Jesus I would think you’d have enough respect for others, or at least for your own safety to not impede traffic. You may have the right to ride on the road, but all it takes is one serious accident and you’ll have proved your point that you have a right to road while they place you in the ground. Makes no fucking sense to me. None. My Ex wife would bolt into a cross walk when we were out walking because she said she has the right of way. Ok, and while she does, it doesn’t mean people see her, have time to stop, or more probably they are trying to text and drive. I told her the same thing, you may have the right of way, and you can exercise that right recklessly and you may end up not having to worry about it again. As I see it, my safety is more important than what the law says.

[@brokenrecord3523]

@@edhovrud Thanks gramps

[@rcranes2227]

Phil, I appreciate that you recognize that the problem of one little cyclist doesn't amount to a hill of beans in this crazy world. But it doesn't make your fight any less worthy, so thanks for going to bat for the rest of us. You're just a good guy for having passion for fixing a problem and perspective for recognizing others'.

[@SethJayson]

Particularly galling since he's a moto cop. Motorcyclists are just as vulnerable as bicycle riders.

[@TimR123]

I don't know about 'just as' since motorcycles aren't usually vulnerable to being hit from behind while moving. But yeah. What really baffles me and can be seen in the video, is how motor officers in the US REFUSE to wear proper riding gear. Partial helmets (in a world of flip face full coverage units), shirtsleeves (not this time) ordinary pants etc.

[@fortinbras47]

@@TimR123 Motorcycles 100% are vulnerable to being hit from behind in traffic. One of major, data driven arguments for legalized motorcycle lane splitting (as it is in California) is it reduces the likelihood of a motorcyclist getting rear ended, for example at a freeway traffic jam. See Rice, Troszak, and Erhardt (2015), "Motorcycle Lane-splitting and Safety in California."

[@TimR123]

@@fortinbras47 True but a different dynamic. I ride motorcycles too. There is absolutely a risk while standing at a light etc. (thus why I think they still teach staying in gear with the clutch lever in just in case). But motorcycles are usually travelling at (or above) the car speed whereas cyclists doing anything but descending a mountain are usually traveling far slower than car speed on the same road and continuously vulnerable from behind as a result.

[@steveoconnor7069]

I ride bikes and motorcycles and both forms of transport can be dicey but at least on a motorcycle one can get away from a hazardous driver much quicker than a cyclist. Motorbikes being hit from behind is a very real thing and second only to someone turning left in front of the motorcyclist. In all the motorcycle safety courses I've taken it is taught it IS safer to ride in a stagger position rather than side by side and that is how my friends and I ride in spite of seeing many groups, think Harley type bikes, riding side by side. It gives us a bit more room to adjust to changing conditions. That being said the law enforcement officer is enforcing his personal prejudice rather than the law. Bravo to you for trying to hold his feet to the fire! BTW, the safety gear the cop was wearing, darn little, will only serve to ensure he could have an open casket funeral.

[@davidfitzwater1022]

I worked in the motorcycle industry for twenty years and was continuously amazed at the hatred that many bikers expressed toward cyclists. They were all over "share the road with motorcycles" but scoffed at the idea of extending this sentiment to pedal bikes.

[@blandyroo]

Thanks for making this video even though you didn't want to. I'm brushing up on cycling codes in my state because of this!

[@nytrocircus]

Ya gotta name the rouge cop. He has to feel peer pressure, have his BS exposed and documented, and ultimately driven from law enforcement. Because he most certainly is not fit to be a cop.

[@MVOS18]

Name and shame!

[@spdaltid]

Yes, those Ruddy Rouge Cops. Commies the lot of 'em!

[@HweolRidda]

"Rouge" cop? Are you guys saying he is effeminate?

[@Shelleysnail]

@@HweolRiddalol plus foundation and mascara too 😅

[@rustytaylor3387]

Here is the actual law and yes you are correct. Yes, bicyclists in California can ride two abreast in some circumstances:    With traffic: Bicyclists can ride two abreast when traveling at the same speed as traffic and not blocking traffic. If they're moving slower than traffic, they can ride two abreast if there's more than one lane in the same direction and motorists can pass on the left.   In narrow lanes: Bicyclists can ride two abreast if they're in a lane that's too narrow to share with cars.  On the shoulder: Bicyclists can ride two abreast on the shoulder.  However, bicyclists must ride single file if they're not traveling at the same speed as traffic or if they're blocking traffic with five or more cars behind them. They should also move to the right if they're blocking traffic.   Some say that riding two abreast can be safer because it gives cyclists better visibility and enough room to pass. However, local ordinances may regulate side-by-side riding. For example, Long Beach doesn't allow bicyclists to ride more than two abreast on the roadway, except on paths or parts of the road set aside for bikes.

[@bengt_axle]

Hello, what is the citation for this information (e.g. California Highway code section.. para.)? Thanks in advance.

[@ridingincircles]

Curious where you found this if no one else could? police, Phil or lawyer. Would be worth posting up for others to reference.

[@bashkillszombies]

That's not the law. That's some website you're pasting, and poorly so. The law he cites is absolutely 100% clear. The "Slow Moving Vehicle Required to Turn Off" part has nothing about bicycles. I understand his lawyers argument, but as a lawyer myself I think his interpretation is wrong. Which is why it's important to accept the ticket, and ring the cop ahead of time to make sure he turns up. Because setting case law on this subject is imperative. And unfortunately this was a missed opportunity! I think the bicyclist is wrong, and I think his attitude with the cop was disgraceful, especially misrepresenting the cop saying "That's the wrong interpretation of that (piece of legislation)." He absolutely interpreted it correctly, and impressively so for a cop.

[@braddofner]

The deaths are increasing because the cyclists think they can ride on roads they shouldn't be on. The laws give them the impression it's SAFE to ride on these roads. It's not. Just because you can, doesn't mean you should. Please don't take this wrong. I am not trying to say EVERY cyclist does this.... In my area they will be on busy roads and they upset people to the point where inevitably one does something stupid and the guy on the bike gets hurt. I am not trying to absolve the driver, merely point out that maybe the cyclists who are getting hurt need to be smarter than the 2 ton auto. Ride where you should, not where you can.

[@heywhatsthatsmell]

If the officer is a no show in court the defendant should have the charge dismissed and awarded $100 or the amount of the fine of the ticket.

[@Mark.J029a]

I had a Tesla driver yelling at me the other day to get off the road because I don't pay road Taxes.... I informed him that neither does he in his Tesla, he doesn't buy gas.

[@logancravey7640]

F that guy for yelling but FYI now they add the lost gasoline tax to the yearly tag fees for EV's.

[@baddriversofcolga]

I hate when carbrains try to make this argument when people biking is a net gain to society economically speaking while cars cost society money.

[@russellspeight5175]

@@baddriversofcolga we call it cycling bingo.

[@blubaughmr]

@@baddriversofcolga CityNerd did a great video on that subject: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p6GaZmBqa7Whg7s

[@carlholm2765]

I ride bicycle quite a bit, when I'm not driving my van, or Jeep or car or roadster, oh wait a minute YOU mean I pay more road taxes than most car only drivers?

[@davidcanady7935]

As much as I agree with you on this one, bicyclists have become a major pain on the roadways with their entitled behavior. Get out of the way of automobiles immediately! 30 seconds is a long time to block automobiles. Furthermore, it should be illegal to ride side by side as bicyclists.

[@2000FocusZX3]

I live in rural Iowa where nearly all paved roads are two lanes of opposing traffic and zero shoulder. I've always interpreted "as practicable to the right hand" to mean, "on the right hand side of the lane, to put maximal distance between myself and oncoming traffic but not so far to the right that an overtaking vehicle may try to sneak between me and oncoming traffic." I teach new cyclists to ride defensively and to create margin to build an "escape route" to dissuade drivers from taking unnecessary risks.

[@kurt1391]

I ride my bike in rural Iowa all the time, and I generally stick to the gravel roads, which are really nice. Iowa isn't good for paved shoulders even though the Iowa DOT has as a policy to put concrete shoulders on roads.

[@juhapdx]

Easily your best video, really. You did a great job of summarizing the issues and advocating for the safety of both Pedestrians and Cyclists. More of this please, you have a platform & a rather large audience to influence change and I personally found this way more engaging than KOM recaps.

[@cbtpro]

PA law also states: "As far to the right as practicable." The question is -- who determines "practicable?" A driver? A motorized police officer? A cyclist is best suited to determine what is "practicable," as we are most knowledgeable as to what constitutes a hazard to a bicycle.

[@bobbyenglish7803]

Also, if you're riding two abreast, the guy on the outside IS as far to the right as practicable. He can't go further right as there's another cyclist in the way!

[@calebcauthon1117]

the fact that you're riding 2-wide shows that it's practicable.

[@richrocketlll]

An officer not showing up for court is a dereliction of duty. Should be disciplined at a minimum for wasting everyone's time.

[@BurkeMinahan]

Excited about the comment section from cryin car drivers in this one.

[@worstretirementever]

Folks driving 7-foot wide vehicles telling my 1-foot wide butt that I'm taking up the whole road in 5...4...3...

[@nuttycommuter3718]

@@worstretirementeverI once had a guy tell me I wasn’t allowed “to use all the road” on my road bike with 40cm handlebars whilst he was driving a Ford 150 (the UK equivalent) and pulling a 4m x 3m trailer 🙄

[@bighammer3464]

@@worstretirementever I think you should have pulled out the tape measure and shown just how much junk you actually have in that trunk 😂. I hate riding on the roads and actually choose to ride on military installations as there is very little traffic once everyone goes home or in the morning once everyone is in.

[@denisrogers4358]

@@worstretirementever Oh… and always “We’re they wearing a helmet?” First reaction is blame the cyclist

[@blubaughmr]

In Washington State RCW 46.61.770 (5) specifically says: "Persons riding bicycles upon a roadway shall not ride more than two abreast except on paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles." It says "not MORE than two abreast", which unambiguously allows two abreast. I'm surprised California doesn't have that.

[@daveburnett2607]

Arizona Revised Statute 28-815B: Persons riding bicycles on a roadway shall not ride more than two abreast except on paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles.

[@beccas2012]

We have the same law in Georgia 40-6-294. I am SHOCKED Cali doesn’t have it spelled out like this.

[@Real28]

In Ohio, we actually have signs that say "Bikes may use FULL lane" Doesn't stop people from being idiots. But yeah, seems like Cali got some updates to make.

[@blubaughmr]

@@Real28 In Washington State we have those, but they typically occur at bridges with no shoulder, or other constricted places, and otherwise we are supposed to stay over on the right, unless it's not safe. As in Ohio, those signs are aimed at the idiots, because it's really just the normal rule.

[@1xRoasters]

Looked it up and, shockingly, Utah has the same law. Cyclists are also allowed to “not stop at stop signs” if we slow to a reasonable speed and there aren’t any pedestrians, other traffic in the intersection or oncoming traffic that poses an immediate hazard @Real28 , there are places in California that have those signs. I remember seeing them when I lived there. Not sure if it’s only for specific stretches of those roads or something different though.

[@xbioman7882]

LA County Sheriff officers have been treating cyclist poorly for a long time. I was badly injured on Cornell Road by a person who pulled out in front of me. The person was pulling a horse trailer and I ended up running in to the wheel of the trailer (on purpose to keep from going under the trailer). The sheriff who was first on the scene immediately took the side of the driver, telling me I was obviously speeding (posted speed is 45 MPH) and not riding on the far right, neither of which were true. I even heard the person in the truck tell the officer that he pulled out because he knew I would hold him up if I got in front of him.

[@williamthornton5856]

So. you were on a pedal bicycle. and told you, you were obviously speeding in a 45 zone ? Were you on a motorcycle ? Speeding in a 45 zone (at what 60- 70 mph) on a pedal bicycle is hard to believe, unless you decending a mountain pass.

[@FishMonger849]

Most cops have no idea about the law. This is just a regular day for an officer in the US

[@OpenYourMind313]

This is true. Would it not also be considered Treasonous if an 'armed force' is violating or Constitutional Rights on a daily basis? This is the Standing Army our founding fathers warned us about.

[@proutsneck]

I was at a red light waiting to go straight in Mar Vista when a hook and ladder firetruck pulled up in the right turn lane to my right. As they turned right on red, the rear driver swung the rear of the truck towards me and demolished my steel-frame bike just as I jumped out of the way. I barely avoided being crushed by it. The firemen were completely and totally without remorse, claiming it was my fault, despite the fact that the rear wheels clearly encroached into the straight lane. For months afterwards the city refused to even cover the cost of the bike, stating that 'because your foot was down at the red light you were technically a pedestrian illegally in the intersection' at the time. I asked them how it was possible for any cyclist to be at a red light without a foot down and they said it did not matter. They fought me for over a year, entirely dismissing the fact that I could easily, easily have been killed. There are many, many policemen (and women), firemen (and women), and parking officers in Los Angeles who view cyclists as a nuisance, as less than, because they don't know what it's like to be vulnerable on the road. I have been cut off by parking officers more times than I can count, harassed, berated, and chased. Something needs to change, because I've never seen the streets this dangerous, and enforcement certainly does not care. Without them on our side, it will continue to get worse riding in our city. Now I ride primarily on trails because of this. I sold my road bike and even though I miss the great climbs of Piuma, Stunt, Latigo, and Sunset Park, I'll never go back.

[@rogergeyer9851]

It's CLEAR they don't want bikes on the roads and aren't willing to protect them in the US, overall. I never ride a bike in the street for that reason. Hell, even being a pedestrian you have to be careful and alert and put up with bad driver behavior, EVEN WHEN IN A CROSSWALK sometimes. It's unfortunate, but its the reality. MAYBE if someone kills a kid in a school zone in a crosswalk, they will be meaningfully punished if they're speeding or something. MAYBE. And then they wonder why so many scofflaws exist.

[@californiacritic9779]

What happened with the city?

[@proutsneck]

@@californiacritic9779 They dragged it on for over a year and repeatedly refused to pay for even part of my bike's replacement. Long after I'd given up, I called the person handling my case (which meant intimidating me into backing off) and just simply said, 'For the life of me, I honestly don't know how you can do your job and go home at night and look yourself in the mirror. Your job, to be clear, is to bully regular citizens into submission because you know it will never be worth it for them to hire an attorney to fight back. How do you do it?' For some reason, that moved the needle and they agreed to pay me for roughly half of what my bike was worth. The takeaway for me was not that the attorneys for the city are evil. It's that the firemen who hit me don't give a f about cyclists. I will NEVER drop my guard again around them.

[@ebifurai415]

"i win the argument because i have the power to write a ticket" lol

[@Morten_Mueller]

Appreciate your diligence following up and the video! I specifically try to avoid anything but backroads as much as I can. Motorists just don’t care sometimes and it’s scary when a truck passes you within a foot at 70mph. Of course, we live in a country that desperately needs to exercise and get outside more. So you’d think making cycling safer and more accessible would be a priority… - A Texas Cyclist🚴🏼‍♂️🛻💨

[@mlippert]

Thank you for this video, and for investing your time to try and educate the law enforcement on the law. This reminds me that I have to follow up on a dispute I had with the police some weeks ago. In the end we agreed that the parking sign probably had been turned by 180°, and I agreed to park somewhere else. The sign hasn't changed since, so I guess they don't really care...

[@CPurks1]

Roads are for EVERYONE. Not just cars

[@agie170hss2]

Yea... but having the general public accept that would be like swimming up Niagara Falls.😕

[@Asskicker41582]

Are you implying that cars are people? 😂

[@jarod144]

Roads were built for bicycles first

[@confuseatronica]

Piuma on any Saturday or Sunday: Roads are for EVERYONE. Not just bikes

[@Idontanswerquestionz]

​@@jarod144sure, but traffic laws were originally written to punish the poor for inconveniencing the rich. Once upon a time only the rich owned cars, and traffic laws like jay walking were written to punish the poor rabble for getting blood on the cars that ran them over.

[@CrescentRollCarl]

"I don't want to be the guy who pulls out a camera when a cop stops them." But you NEED to be that guy. I've seen too many incidents where the camera catches the police in the wrong. Body cam footage is often times more difficult to obtain than you would hope. Having your own footage is often times the evidence you need. Just look at this cop's attitude, its shameful. Making up the rules as he goes along.

[@Leonard2542]

This is not so much about cycling, but about a wider problem with the police that needs much more retention and good handling like you are showing here. Well done, and thank you!

[@Seabiskit]

its not just the police though, idk how many people tell me that bikes should ride on the sidewalks and not on the road because they simply DONT KNOW any of the laws about vehicles.

[@alexboyce27]

One of the best videos I think you’ve done. Not all cops are a-holes, just like not all cyclists are arrogant, selfish red-light jumping entitled jerks, but this videos shows the importance of being calm and not ending up in more trouble when you’re right all along.

[@salad_gold_rancher]

I don't know about where you live (anyone who reads this), but in my metropolis pedestrians are compelled to wear construction vests when walking. There is something horribly wrong with that. In broad daylight, pedestrians don't feel safe on the sidewalks to the extent that they wear safety vests. Since when did walking become a hazardous behavior?!!!

[@markrskinner]

Holy sh1t. That's backwards. Someone thinks cars are more important than people.