According to the LAist, There is a plan for civil disobedience at the Festival of Lights in Griffith Park, a holiday light show where cars can drive along Crystal Springs Drive and look at the light displays. In the past few years, cyclists have become upset that they don't have the same rights, and can't drive their bikes down the light show as well.
Their reasoning is that the California Vehicles Code says that cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as car-drivers on the road, implying they can ride through the same places. It is known that the main reason for the no bikers rule is safety, and that Crystal Springs Drive is a private road.
This brings about the question, when is civil disobedience worth it? Is it worth it to ride your bike if it means getting arrested? Thoreau would argue yes, you need to stand up for what you believe in and make your own personal code of laws. Despite only spending a night in jail, Thoreau didn't follow any laws he found unworthy or meaningless, and urges others to do the same. If everybody followed Thoroeaus advice, the world would surely be a different place. Not everybody would be able to be locked in jail and therefore the government would have to reform completely. This is an interesting concept, but I don't think America is ready to give up on all its laws. The bikers may do as they please, but I wouldn't get arrested just for the right to bike through a light show.
1 comment:
hey nice blog
After reading your blog, I realized something important about civil disobedience. The consequences we face if we disobey the State will never be as bad as the ones if we disobey our conscience. The worst thing that can happen to us is we overlook our morals. Bikers, however...eh, just plain old not worth it.
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