New Code Gives Cyclists a Chance to Fight Harassment
By Emily Henry, Patch
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Next month, the city plans to add a new chapter to Berkeley's Municipal Code prohibiting the harassment of bicyclists "because of, in whole or in part, the bicyclist’s status as a bicyclist." Violators could face a civil lawsuit, be liable for damages and end up paying court fees.
The purpose of the new code is to encourage more lawyers to take on cases of harassment against cyclists, according to Councilmember Kriss Worthington. Worthington introduced the ordinance in September last year and said he was inspired to do so after hearing from bicyclists that it was near impossible to find lawyers willing to help with cyclist harassment cases, since there was little guarantee of a win.
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