‘Reckless’ Bicyclist

Recently, after spending what seemed like an eternity in traffic court, I learned that I have been forced to go to traffic school. Although the idea of traffic school is usually associated with reckless motorists, I was a “reckless” bicyclist. That’s right, for failure to make a complete stop at a stop sign in Westwood, I am required to pay a huge fine and go to traffic school to prevent my driving record from being affected. My complaint here is not with the fine: I violated a law.

The problem is with the current system. The insurance companies have far too much power. Why should a violation on a bicycle affect the insurance rates I pay on my motor vehicle? On an even deeper level, in a city rife with crime, why are officers concentrating their efforts and taxpayer money on such petty infractions? As an individual, I feel helpless. But, if we as citizens join together and write our elected representatives complaining of the stranglehold auto insurance companies and misguided officers have on motorists, changes can be made.

JACOB GOLDMAN

Los Angeles