Santa Clara Law Protects Bikers, Pedestrians, Horseback Riders From Angry Drivers
SANTA CLARA (CBS SF) -- Drivers who hassle cyclists, pedestrians or people riding horses on Santa Clara County's rural roads may end up in court with a hefty fine.
The Board of Supervisors passed a new ordinance Tuesday.
It allows bike riders, pedestrians, and equestrians to file a civil lawsuit against motorists who yell at them, pass too closely, cut them off, or otherwise threaten them on the roadway.
Those drivers could be fined up to a thousand dollars.
Cyclists complain drivers have made threats, and even thrown objects at them.
Supervisor Dave Cortese supported the new law.
"While motorists and cyclists have become more aware of each other, especially on narrow roads, bad behavior still happens all too frequently," Cortese said in a statement. "This ordinance will allow victims to take legal civil action and could be a deterrent to these acts of harassment."