I find this hard to believe. He was riding without fanfare or security on Venice blvd?
His twitter from yesterday read "I had an amazing time, eating, bicycling, and doing arts and crafts with the community. This program is beautiful!" http://bit.ly/9u2Pzq
Then there is a picture of him on a fixie with cowboy boots at
Summer Nights Festival
I doubt that he rode around to and from this festival in cowboy boots.
Let see if my hunch is wrong?
sexy07.17.10 - 11:13 pm
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but then if this did happen.......................
Think of what a pet project that bicycle safety is going to become for him.
or at least we will take bicycle street safety more seriously.
sexy07.17.10 - 11:16 pm
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My first response was a sarcastic response, happy that he'd hurt himself.
After a little bit of thought, I feel that we all might gain something by showing some concern for a fellow cyclist thrown from his bike.
ubrayj0207.17.10 - 11:36 pm
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I hope this incident doesn't discourage the Major from riding, but encourages him to help make LA a safer place to ride for all cyclists.
Heal up quickly, Major!
alicestrong07.18.10 - 1:05 am
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Tony V,
Sorry to here you got banged up!
Unfortunately, It's a ride of passage of sorts to have a nasty bike crash while riding in L.A.
There is always a moment when one starts riding in L.A., that the thought will come in.
"this is fucking amazing, I wish I could do this every day"
The weather is nice, you feel connected the streets of the city you love, the sound the smells the sights the people, then BAM a car pulls out, cuts you off, you take a spill, and perhaps they drive away not even noticing that they caused to get a little more connected to the road that you planned (alos known as eating shit).
Crashes and their ubiquitous cousin: close calls, are reminder to us how much work L.A. needs to really be a great bike city. The good news is that bike infrastructure, costs pennies on the dollar compared to making trains, freeways, or subways. What is even less expensive is educating the public.
Anyway,
Very sorry to hear about the crash, I really am, it fucking sucks. At the same time, as cynical as it sounds, this seems like your crash might be great of LA
I don't if it makes you seem more human, or me more mayor-like. But whatever it is, I hope that you are able to turn this negative around into "a teachable moment" or a catalyst for real improvements that we need.
Whatever you decide to do, I wish you a speedy recovery, and a quick return to your bicycle.
trickmilla07.18.10 - 3:31 am
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So if I'am wrong and the mayor did break his elbow, then I suggest......
A ride to the mayors mansion tomorrow (Sunday afternoon) to bring him a "get well" card :)
Maybe get a picture for the "Hooray for Crashes" gallery
sexy07.18.10 - 4:11 am
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I hope he has to deal with the insurance company to take care of this problem himself.
Maybe he will get the typical, you are guilty of riding a bicycle, the car did nothing wrong.
Or the people that will automatically assume he was riding recklessly because he was on a bicycle.
Welcome to the club Antonio.
revolution07.18.10 - 7:40 am
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This is definitely a cloud with a sliver lining for commuter cyclists, sorry Mayor V broken elbow sounds painful, but maybe you understand a little bit better what some of the tax paying citizens of LA deal with on the daily.
MAXX07.18.10 - 9:30 am
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Wow.
This reads as if I was half asleep at 3:30 in the a.m. which I was.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
I'm not trying to stir up shit, but a lot of the responses to the mayor's crash that I have read here, on twitter, and in the everse seem very callous and cynical to me.
I know that everything a public figure does, is symbolic on some level, but he is a human being who will be suffering from pain, fear, and anxiety from this.
I honestly think we should exercise our sincerity muscles a little more often and consider limiting our comments to the sympathy & encouragement we would express to any other fallen rider.
Usually our most human moments (crashes, injuries, and deaths) inspire our compassion. But today I'm disappointed to see so much callousness & cynical angling publicly expressed about the misfortune of a fellow rider.
And yes this applies to my own silly piece of writing as well.
My condolences Mr. Mayor.
Sorry for the Douchery.
Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Ride On.
trickmilla07.18.10 - 9:34 am
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I think rallying around a fellow cyclist is the better choice here... and perhaps let this be something that can raise awareness to help the cycling community... we've already seen the positivity that a little outreach and communication can do with the police, why not something to bridge the gap between the community and city hall?
Get well Mayor V....and keep riding!
adrian07.18.10 - 9:37 am
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Tony V:
Hope you heal up soon. You will be back on the bike in no time. Bar spinz fo life!!!!
Foldie07.18.10 - 10:35 am
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I was told this when I got in my accident, no I will pass it on to you.
According to the outside world (non-cyclists), you are already guilty of riding a bicycle.
Once again, good luck Antonio
revolution07.18.10 - 10:59 am
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Ack! My typing dyslexia exposed once again...I meant "mayor" not "major"..
Foldie is Tony V his lafixed user name? If so, I'll whisper him get well wishes...:)
But seriously... I can't recall a major metropolitan area that has made any significant strides improving cycling infrastructure or safety without a bicycle friendly Mayor onboard. Will Villaraigosa be the one for Los Angeles? I hope so...
alicestrong07.18.10 - 11:44 am
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Oh, I didn't realize the Mayor's (Aide) was on the MR forum (but now that we have our LAPD friends on the forum, anything is possible), so I emailed Mayor V directly wishing him a speedy recovery and a quick return to cycling.
champagne07.18.10 - 12:32 pm
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look at the mayor's bike. Its sooo badass. B43 in thee front with no brakes!
palucha66 responding to a
comment by Foldie
07.18.10 - 4:16 pm
reply
Man, that is some bikesdirect shit.
Oh wait, that is actually an okay frame. Dayum, i should be in the internet bike bizness.
ubrayj02 responding to a
comment by palucha66
07.19.10 - 9:32 am
reply
If we try to make Mayor V. feel like part of the bicycling community, then perhaps he might make better decisions towards our favor in the future?
Joe Borfo07.19.10 - 11:33 am
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well, you know, that whole voting him into office thing was supposed to make him feel part of Los Angeles. What better decisions has he made for Los Angeles?
All electing him did was inflate his ego and allow him to use his position for self promotion and probably just to get the chicks. The Mayor's love of himself and photo-ops is probably what got him on a bike (or some hipster chick he's been scouting).
On one hand you can't blame him, but on another hand, just because he is on a bike doesn't mean I have to give two shits about co-opting him. To be extreme, for example's sake, it would be like hoping a drug cartel would support bicycle infrastructure JUST because they have influence / power.
Kind of like the LAPD, of which I have some regrets / uncertainties about supporting at LACM; it seems we let go of some convictions just because "bicycles" are involved. But I think a lot of riders might have set aside their, for example, anarchist beliefs and such, just in the name of bikes (it seems there are a lot of general anarchist trains of thought on MR, which would generally be against LAPD period).
oh, and this wasn't meant as a direct reply to borfo.
md2 responding to a
comment by Joe Borfo
07.19.10 - 2:23 pm
reply
I think it is fully possible to oppose somebody politically but respect them as a human being. I would take for example, that there are Ridazz here who express views antithetical to mine and engage in conduct that I consider unethical. However I still support them as ridazz and empathize with them when human misfortune arises.
To me, being empathetic and supportive of the mayor as a human and a cyclist has nothing to do with what one thinks about his politics or personal life.
trickmilla responding to a
comment by md2
07.19.10 - 2:57 pm
reply
oh you guys have an answer for everything.
Joe Borfo responding to a
comment by marino
07.19.10 - 3:16 pm
reply
I think it is fully possible to oppose somebody politically but respect them as a human being
I think it is equally possible not to also.
I would take for example, that there are Ridazz here who express views antithetical to mine and engage in conduct that I consider unethical. However I still support them as ridazz and empathize with them when human misfortune arises.
I'm sure you meant to qualify this with a "depending on what they did that was unethical" statement of sorts, right?
To me, being empathetic and supportive of the mayor as a human and a cyclist has nothing to do with what one thinks about his politics or personal life.
Yeah, well, Im not sure how to be supportive of people as human beings. As a cyclist, is well, I mean, he got his photo op on a bike (does that equal cyclist?). It "seems" more like feeling bad for him because he tried to use the NRA as opportunity for his ego and image, and accidentally got shot in the process.
md2 responding to a
comment by trickmilla
07.19.10 - 3:18 pm
reply
or questions
its just a forum. so what the heck, you know
md2 responding to a
comment by Joe Borfo
07.19.10 - 3:22 pm
reply
I'm gonna go spam the Drug Cartels. FTW
Joe Borfo responding to a
comment by md2
07.19.10 - 3:26 pm
reply
Nice statement here!
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/antonio-villaraigosa/bikes-belong-on-las-stree_b_651844.html
alicestrong07.19.10 - 3:37 pm
reply
"Bikes Belong On L.A.'s Streets" -Tony V.
Oh my, looks like he's working up a long list of chicks to hit up after his next photo op. Look out girls!
Joe Borfo responding to a
comment by alicestrong
07.19.10 - 3:48 pm
reply
nothing different than what seems to go on these forums. With all the threads with guys combing the rides waiting to drool over the next girl that attends, you'd think Tony Toni Tone, would have done his homework first.
So when does the 14 year old bike plan get implemented again?
md2 responding to a
comment by Joe Borfo
07.19.10 - 3:58 pm
reply
So I was wrong. Wish it wasn't a true story. BUMMER BiG TIme! Not for my wrong prediction but for the fact another rida got hurt. I hate to see anybody get hurt.
Get well Mayor!
I sent him well wishes through his
"ask the mayor page on his site"
You can do the same
sexy07.19.10 - 4:05 pm
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Sexy, are you sure? What convinced you?
I mean, this could be a widespread conspiracy involving the cops, mayors office, a taxi driver, and medical workers.
;-)
trickmilla responding to a
comment by sexy
07.19.10 - 4:11 pm
reply
the Illuminati is involved in this one.
Joe Borfo07.19.10 - 4:24 pm
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If the mayor is using his Office or a bike to get chick(s) my response is
"I'm glad we have a mayor who is healthy, fertile, and thriving!"
And trickmillia I thought it was just a bogus report at first. There wasn't much fanfare or news reports of it. Just an LA times blog of it.
sexy07.19.10 - 4:31 pm
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actually, It is bigger than you think
http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi4152690201/
again... its all about power and sex.
(and then really bad movies to explain it all)
md2 responding to a
comment by Joe Borfo
07.19.10 - 4:34 pm
reply
I think you gaise just don't see where we need to focus our priorities despite our beliefs.
Twitter -
villaraigosa: Building 1,663 miles of bikeways, and other plans to make LA more bike-friendly: huff.to/a1Lv7c
Joe Borfo07.19.10 - 9:11 pm
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I thought I saw that kid on TT, well hey One of US.
dannyzuko07.20.10 - 1:23 pm
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I hate to say it but V had it coming. He is responsible for the deplorable state of bicycling commuting in Los Angeles. In the years he has been in office other cities have advanced their infrastructure by leaps and bounds while LA has remained stagnant. He has rarely done anything for bicyclists than paying the occasional lip service like tweeing "Bikes on the streets!"
I know he is not solely responsible for LA doing nothing, but it would have helped to have someone in such a high position making bicycle infrastructure a priority rather than putting it on the back burner for almost 5 years now.
Whenever i leave for trips i am always filled with anxiety when I am going to return to LA. Not until you go to other cities do you see how horrible we really have it here.
Anecdotaly, riding down the coast this past week, the worst and scariest part of the entire trip was going from Ventura to LA county on the PCH. The bike lane disappeared and the shoulder was minimal or non existent. Also, a mile after crossing the line, a pick up truck pulled up beside us and threw paint balls at us. Unbelievable that we went over 500 miles without any trouble then as soon as we got to LA we were almost rear ended, clipped and harassed.
secretragingcow07.20.10 - 1:48 pm
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yeah yeah.
The point is let's support Tony for getting on the bandwagon and start making changes rather than lip service. He's the main person to get on our side. Does that not compute?
Joe Borfo responding to a
comment by secretragingcow
07.20.10 - 2:11 pm
reply
I find it completely believable. I live it every day!
outerspace responding to a
comment by secretragingcow
07.20.10 - 2:16 pm
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Sorry. I wasn't trying to dismiss your negative experience on the PCH. Sounds rough and should be addressed. Congrats on making it from SF to LA on a bike!
Joe Borfo responding to a
comment by secretragingcow
07.20.10 - 2:28 pm
reply
I know you're not.
I'll get behind him once I see some action and not just words. Until then, I don't feel sorry for a person buried by a mountain of their own shit.
secretragingcow responding to a
comment by Joe Borfo
07.20.10 - 2:32 pm
reply
Well, It's my last words of advice to you all. I'm on my way.
Joe Borfo07.20.10 - 2:49 pm
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I find it funny how the news hasn't even said a word about this... it's because he was on a bike. I think there's some bike discrimination going on here. You would think this would bring some light to how dangerous LA riding can be, god forbid if an actual politician get hurt in a bike accident, but let's keep it a secret. Because cyclists are bad and evil, and no respectable person would ride a bike... Especially not the mayor! I'm glad he wasn't killed. Be careful out there... :P
turbodropshop2507.21.10 - 1:19 pm
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Blahhh
"A mountain of their own shit? Really?"
whatevz.
you could say that about any person of any influence who has not done enough to make L.A. more bike friendly.
Have you done enough?
Have I?
Has anyone?
If we took all the time people spend here bitching, talking shit, and master-debating, and funneled it into bike advocacy and education. LA would be safer to ride in.
trickmilla responding to a
comment by secretragingcow
07.21.10 - 2:02 pm
reply
He might mean it didn't hit the prime time. You can find a million "news" blog articles about anything on the web. They didn't make much mention of it on the TV or anything that I know of. And how many people do websearches for "mayor villaraigosa bicycle crash" as opposed to sitting back and watching the tube version? They really don't want to make a big deal out of it, for one reason or another. You'd think this would make huge news compared to the kittens in trees and other bull they fill their broadcasts with. But nope! Backburner at best.
outerspace responding to a
comment by trickmilla
07.21.10 - 2:07 pm
reply
I wouldn't know. The only time i find out if something made the local news is if i hear it here first ;-)
trickmilla responding to a
comment by outerspace
07.21.10 - 2:17 pm
reply
but i'm not paid to make LA a better place. Nor did I campaign to make LA a better place. Nor did make false promises, generate false hopes. Nor do I take tax payers money to NOT do these things.
Its so easy to do the whole "well what are you doing?" bullshit, to make light of the criticism.
criticizing! That's what some are doing.
md2 responding to a
comment by trickmilla
07.21.10 - 2:22 pm
reply
The squeaky wheel gets the grease. And, it's always smart to befriend your enemies in order to get what you want.
Joe Borfo responding to a
comment by md2
07.21.10 - 3:30 pm
reply
The kind of people who watch Fox will see that and say "the mayor shouldn't have been on a bike."
outerspace responding to a
comment by trickmilla
07.21.10 - 4:00 pm
reply
I broke my elbow once. That shit hurts. I guess I should send him a get well card from one cyclist to another.
Velocipede07.21.10 - 4:19 pm
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Don't be a good neighbor to [him]. I'll send you a love letter, straight from my heart, fucker! You know what a love letter is? It's a bullet from a fucking gun, fucker! You receive a love letter from me, you're fucked forever! You understand, fuck? I'll send you straight to hell, fucker!
secretragingcow07.21.10 - 5:45 pm
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You've swayed my opinion.
Whatever this guy says flies with me now.
Joe Borfo responding to a
comment by secretragingcow
07.21.10 - 6:25 pm
reply
-->
Ridazz Roulette!
cool. I'm looking forward to that.
Call me Daddy