Day 196 marks another grim chapter in Los Angeles’ Vision Zero initiative, as efforts to end traffic deaths by 2025 continue to falter.
The tragedy began last Thursday when 26-year-old Blake Ackerman, a lawyer and avid bike commuter, was killed in a hit-and-run incident in West Hollywood.
In honor of Blake, a ghost bike will be installed tomorrow at 9 AM at the intersection of Fountain Avenue and Gardner Street.
Members of the public are encouraged to attend the small ceremony as a tribute to his life.
A larger vigil is scheduled for Friday, July 18, starting at 6 PM at the same intersection.
This gathering will include a short march to West Hollywood City Hall, where a rally and press conference will take place.
Organizers express a heartfelt invitation to everyone to join in remembrance, emphasizing that participation is crucial.
In support of Blake’s family, a crowdfunding initiative has amassed nearly $160,000 towards its target of $200,000, reflecting the community’s grief and support.
As investigations continue, authorities have yet to identify the driver of the white older-model BMW sedan who left Blake lying in the street.
This incident has underscored the urgent need for revisiting West Hollywood’s two-year-old Vision Zero Plan, as numerous streets within the city necessitate immediate safety improvements.
A recent study from a bicycle insurance company has drawn harsh comparisons, ranking Texas as the second-worst state in the nation for bike commuters, just behind South Carolina.
In contrast, California has secured a position as the 18th safest state.
The findings raise questions about the safety conditions in the 32 states that lie behind California in the rankings.
Vermont topped the list as the best state for bike commuters, followed closely by Oregon, Minnesota, Alaska, and West Virginia.
The organization Streets For All has criticized the City of Los Angeles for what they see as a detrimental cycle, wherein millions of dollars are wasted covering costs associated with deaths and injuries due to dangerous streets.
Instead of allocating funds for preventative measures, the city remains locked in this perilous pattern.
An unfortunate example of this is the notorious Vista del Mar, known colloquially as Playa Vista’s Deadly del Mar, where 20 lives have been lost over the past 20 years.
Five of those deaths occurred since 2017, following a temporary installation of safety measures after a significant settlement for the tragic death of a 16-year-old girl.
However, these improvements were later dismantled under orders from former Mayor Eric Garcetti, who sought to appease local residents demanding less obstruction on their commutes.
In a related matter, an anonymous source has shared a poignant Reddit post from a Deaf Scottish woman appealing for greater consideration from cyclists sharing public trails.
She expressed the unique challenges posed by her inability to hear audio signals such as a shouted warning or a bike bell when others are approaching.
The response to her post was overwhelming, drawing more than 100 comments and highlighting a general lack of awareness among hearing individuals concerning the safety and needs of Deaf individuals.
The means to alert others, such as lights or slowing down, are important but often overlooked, emphasizing the need for a more inclusive understanding of shared public spaces.
The emailer who shared the post with me appropriately pointed out how common it is for those who can hear to overlook the experiences of those who cannot.
As the discussion evolves, it becomes clear that cyclists must practice caution and share responsibility, considering the diverse needs of everyone using the trails.
The Bike Talk podcast recently tackled the subject of tactical urbanism, showcasing two cities that engaged in this movement with drastically different outcomes.
In a previous episode, hosts spoke to local bike activists who created their own bike lanes, highlighting the stark contrast in community response and municipal support.
It’s always a tricky situation when discussing public infrastructure and the varying perspectives on how it should be designed and used.
On the topic of bicycles versus cars, the perceived ‘war on bikes’ persists, continuing to gain attention even amidst claims of a mythic war on vehicles.
Despite ongoing efforts from the Ontario provincial government to remove bike lanes, most residents in Toronto remain supportive of such infrastructure, asserting its necessity.
In Britain, a rightwing commentator controversially suggested that prospective British citizens should pass a cycling proficiency test as part of the immigration process, raising eyebrows and sparking debate.
Meanwhile, a reporter from Dublin shared her astonishment at the aggression she has faced from drivers since becoming a new bike rider, a sentiment that resonates with many cyclists around the globe.
In local news, Next City highlights how Denver successfully resolved its broken sidewalk problem by transferring the responsibility of repairs from property owners to the city.
This model could offer lessons for Los Angeles, often labeled ‘the city of broken sidewalks.’
Streetsblog also sheds light on a series of Metro meetings taking place over the next week to discuss two significant public transit projects: the NoHo to Pasadena Bus Rapid Transit and the Sepulveda Transit rail project, which will aim to connect the Valley with West Los Angeles.
Community pushback has emerged from affluent Bel Air residents who demand an inefficient monorail solution to avoid potential subway construction beneath their costly homes.
In Santa Monica, local authorities will again participate in safety operations focused on biking and pedestrian safety.
Set for Friday, July 18, 2025, these efforts span from 5 AM to 8 PM and target dangerous driving behaviors,
but local law enforcement is reminded that they must enforce laws fairly across all transportation modes.
West Hollywood sheriff’s deputies reported issuing only 46 tickets during their recent safety operation, though it’s unclear how these tickets were distributed or the reasons behind them.
On a state level, Laguna Beach is reaching out for public feedback on a proposed mountain bike pump track.
Meanwhile, San Francisco plans to expand the protected bike lane along the Embarcadero, a development that would necessitate the removal of up to 30 parking spaces and 15 palm trees, which are regarded as less essential compared to improved cycling infrastructure.
A letter writer from San Francisco succinctly stated that opposing bike lanes, pedestrian enhancements, and public transit expansion equates to voting for increased congestion.
In Alameda County, Bay Area residents can apply for a lottery offering grants of up to $1,500 towards the purchase of an electric bike.
This initiative drew a response from LA’s Department of Water and Power as they noted local support for eco-friendly transportation is growing.
Meanwhile, Sacramento city officials expressed dismay at receiving a failing grade in the latest City Ratings by People For Bikes, arguing they deserve to be rated higher despite being penalized for the region’s failings in cycling infrastructure.
On the national stage, authorities in Oregon are currently utilizing drones in their search for a 52-year-old man, an experienced mountain biker who vanished after embarking on a ride.
The search has highlighted the critical need for cyclists to always carry their mobile phones during rides for safety purposes.
In a celebratory note, thousands of bike enthusiasts participated in the annual Seattle to Portland ride, a scenic 200-mile journey that showcases the community’s love for cycling.
Utah has taken a notable step to increase cyclist safety by enacting a law prohibiting drivers from blocking bike lanes.
A letter from New Mexico elaborated on the generally polite driving behaviors observed, although humorously noted that maintaining visibility with bright clothing is essential for safety.
On a lighter note, an Indiana festival has combined bicycles, whiskey, and bluegrass music, inviting locals and visitors alike to partake in an event blending these joyful elements.
An MIT researcher has also made a compelling case for car enthusiasts to support public transit and sustainability efforts, shedding light on the collaborative need for multifaceted transportation solutions.
In a nostalgic celebration of community, six hundred people from 37 different states converged in New York to bike the entire 400 miles of the Erie Canal.
This journey was organized to commemorate the canal’s 250th anniversary, bringing together cycling advocates and history enthusiasts.
In Manhattan, a community board has voiced its frustration toward the city’s mayor over recent cuts to bike lanes in his redesign of the iconic Fifth Avenue, suggesting a need for greater equity in urban planning.
A bizarre study conducted by a Florida law firm revealed Bay County as the state’s most dangerous county for cyclists.
However, in response to these alarming findings, a local political site recommended simply wearing a helmet, missing the broader call for infrastructural and driver behavior changes.
In an interesting turn, police in the UK have taken the unusual step of reaching out to cyclists to come forward as witnesses, following a fatal incident involving a pedestrian.
In Ireland, a food delivery cyclist settled a lawsuit over a dooring incident, receiving nearly $70,000 in damages, which speaks to the ongoing challenges faced by those on the road.
Meanwhile, advocacy groups in the Netherlands have taken a firm stance against helmet mandates and cycling speed limits, suggesting that infrastructure improvements should take priority instead.
Two Olympians from New Zealand are currently undertaking a 2,500-mile cycling journey across Africa as part of their training for the 2028 Games, creating awareness for local initiatives to provide bicycles to communities along their route.
And in the realm of competitive cycling, the Tour de France is stirring excitement,
as Irish cyclist Ben Healy shockingly overtook Tadej Pogačar to claim the coveted yellow jersey on the rest day of the race.
Yates, from Britain, celebrated Bastille Day by seizing victory during Stage 10 after a gripping long-range breakaway.
Bike Radar has also visited the volcanic Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in France, which hosted its first Tour de France stage finish in the event’s longstanding history.
A Mexican news outlet has spotlighted rising cycling talent Isaac del Toro, who recently won the Tour of Austria and finished in second at the Giro.
In a humorous touch, a recent commentary lamented the lengths people go to in expressing their disdain for electric bicycles, even invoking biblical references to characterize such disdain.
And let’s not overlook the peculiar case of an individual riding a bicycle on the 4th of July while under the influence, recommending that everyone ensure their bikes are visible with proper lighting.
As we summarize, it is essential to advocate for safer streets and improved cycling conditions for all.
These voices from the community, studies, and incidents remind us of the ongoing challenges cyclists face in cities, and together we can work towards a safer future.
Stay safe out there, hold each other accountable, and continue to advocate for healthier urban environments.
And as always, remember the zeal for positive change—especially in this era.
Oh, and don’t forget:
F— you, Putin.
image source from：bikinginla
