Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa was cut off on his bike Saturday evening on Venice Boulevard in California and tumbled off and broke his elbow. Reportedly a taxi cab abruptly pulled in front forcing the Mayor to brake suddenly causing the fall.
There are over 500,000 people treated in emergency rooms for bike accidents with more than 700 dying annually. Los Angeles biking enthusiasts have been pressing the city for more bicycle only lanes because of the encroachment of vehicles, garbage and debris on the existing paths. The Mayor who has been overly responsive to the request might be a bit more receptive next time around. It is unknown if the taxi driver was cited for veering into a bike only lane. The Mayor was on the mend after being taken to UCLA Medical Center.
