San Diego may change sidewalk policy in wake of $5M injury settlement

[TexasTowelie]

In the wake of a nearly $5 million city payout to a bicyclist injured by damaged sidewalk, San Diego Councilman David Alvarez wants a new policy shifting the responsibility of repairing sidewalks almost entirely to the city.

Alvarez says the existing policy, which makes adjacent property owners responsible for repairs in all but a small number of circumstances, has resulted in too many damaged sidewalks and large injury payouts by the city.

The council approved such a payout early this month to a man who was launched 28 feet on his bike by tree-damaged sidewalk in Del Cerro. The man, who got $4.85 million from the city, tore spinal cord ligaments, lost several teeth and suffered a possible stroke during the 2014 crash.

Such payouts and injuries can be avoided or made much less frequent by having the city take more responsibility for repairs, Alvarez said.

Read more: http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/politics/sd-me-government-0322-story.html

[SoCalNative]

1. Why was he riding his bike on the sidewalk?

This is illegal in most municipalities.

[GReedDiamond]

2. It may be illegal, but when was the last time...

...it was enforced?

When I drive around L.A., I see all kinds of people riding their bikes on the sidewalks, but I've never seen or heard of anybody being ticketed for it.

[chia]

3. Shouldn't the city be responsible for sidewalks anyway?

The sidewalks are part of the public thoroughfare, they should be considered part of the city infrastructure. I had no idea that property owners were responsible, I guess that explains the poor condition of many sidewalks around town. I'm with Alvarez on this.