Update On This Week's Council Meeting

The proposal to make certain violations, including sidewalk cycling, be classified so that they may be an infraction or misdemeanor was non-controversial with the council. This was a first reading so it has not been ratified as a change just yet. During my speaking time I also brought up other concerns about sidewalk cycling, the need for safer streets, and alternative enforcement and education possibilities.

I also brought up the bicycle registration ordinance, and after public comments the city attorney acknowledged Santa Monica is indeed not in compliance with state law on this. A change is being drafted, to be discussed as it's own agenda item in a future meeting. Kevin McKeown made a few comments about the need for a broader look at bicycling safety concern and sidewalk riding, and city manager Rod Gould indicating a cross departmental team would be looking at tackling bicycling issues, and that the police department would be involved in this. Having been critical of what always appeared to be a silo approach of every department treating bicycling concerns or problems in their own way, I was glad to hear the city manager emphasize the need for cross departmental collaboration.