Missouri town passes bicycle harassment law

One Missouri college town that takes pride in its bike-friendly status is threatening jail time for motorists who aren’t so friendly.

The Columbia City Council heard from a steady succession of cyclists who’ve been victims of road rage — including a bike shop owner who was pistol-whipped — before unanimously approving a new ordinance Monday night. It makes harassing cyclists a misdemeanor, punishable by stiff fines or a year in jail.