An LA Times report reveals that the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department has stopped 44,000 cyclists since 2017, with 85% of those stopped subjected to searches—often without probable cause. Bicycle infractions, such as riding without a headlight or on the sidewalk, are not crimes but minor violations. Despite the high search rate, only 8% of cyclists were found with any illegal items.
The report also found that 70% of these stops targeted Hispanic/Latino individuals, suggesting that most of those stopped were likely commuting to work, not engaging in criminal activity.
