In Independence, Missouri, there’s a new ordinance making it illegal for people in cars to harass pedestrians and cyclists!
Hooray! This is the type of harassment I personally experience the most and I find it’s really dis-empowering because the idiot is able to get away before I can even respond.
While this blog focuses on women harassed by men because of their gender, I know there are plenty of men who also deal with drive-by harassment. They may be targeted for being or being perceived to be gay, for having a disability, for their race, etc. So this law sounds like a win for everyone who wants to be able to walk or cycle down the street in peace!
“If you are caught in Independence yelling at or harassing someone from your vehicle, you could be fined up to $500 or sent to jail, depending on the severity of the violation.
Independence City Manager Robert Heacock would like to see stiffer penalties.
‘I think it’s something we need to look at, the severity of what’s involved in harassing, possibly injuring someone, I think, warrants some further discussion as to the proper fine level,’ Heacock said.”
I wonder if any other cities will follow suit?
o(Thanks Violet from HollaBack NYC for the tip!)
Stop Street Harassment! 