Traffic Deaths Now Exceed the Number of Homicides in LA. This Initiative Aims To Change That.
Mar 13, 2024
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Discussing the need for improved city infrastructure in LA, prioritizing pedestrian safety and sustainable transportation. Examining discrepancies in cost estimates for transportation initiatives and the economic impact of traffic deaths. Exploring the benefits of prioritizing bike infrastructure over car mobility, reducing car dependency, and promoting safer streets in urban areas like Los Angeles.
Measure HLA mandates transportation improvements with focus on bike lanes and sidewalk enhancements in LA.
Promoting multimodal transportation faces resistance influenced by societal norms and media portrayals, hindering adoption.
Deep dives
Michael Schneider's Journey to Advocacy
Michael Schneider, founder of Streets for All, transitioned from a car-centric lifestyle in Los Angeles to an advocate for multimodal transportation. After rediscovering cycling, he experienced the benefits of efficient travel without traffic or parking issues, leading him to envision a more pedestrian-friendly city. Schneider's personal shift underscored the need for safer streets, especially with his daughter's safety at risk.
Impact of Measure HLA on Los Angeles Infrastructure
Measure HLA, a ballot initiative in Los Angeles, aims to implement transportation improvements with a focus on bike lanes and sidewalk enhancements, requiring $3.1 billion in funding over a decade. This measure aligns with the city's mobility plan adopted in 2015, emphasizing the importance of improving street infrastructure for enhanced safety and functionality. The proposed measure faces scrutiny over its financial implications and potential reprioritization of city projects to accommodate necessary improvements.
Challenges in Promoting Multimodal Transportation
Promoting multimodal transportation faces resistance due to long-standing societal perceptions that prioritize car-centric lifestyles as symbols of freedom. The public's attachment to cars, influenced by cultural norms and media portrayals, hinders the shift towards alternative modes of transportation. Overcoming these challenges requires reshaping public perceptions to recognize the benefits of multimodal infrastructure in reducing traffic congestion and enhancing urban livability.
Hurdles and Implications of Implementing Vision Zero
The Vision Zero initiative in Los Angeles aimed at reducing traffic fatalities has faced setbacks, with pedestrian deaths doubling despite adoption in 2015. The slow progress highlights the necessity of active implementation and policy enforcement to achieve safety goals. Initiatives like Measure HLA aim to accelerate Vision Zero by mandating compliance with existing transportation plans, emphasizing the critical need for tangible actions to enhance road safety.
This week on Upzoned, host Abby Newsham is joined by Michael Schneider, founder of Streets for All and the campaign manager for Healthy Streets Los Angeles. They discuss an article from TheLos Angeles Times titled, “L.A. bus and bike lane measure will cost $3.1 billion, a new report says. Backers cry foul.” This piece was written in advance of the ballot proposal Measure HLA, which was recently approved by voters, and mandates the installation of hundreds of miles of transportation improvements in L.A. over the next decade, with a focus on bike lanes and sidewalk improvements.
(Editor’s note: This episode was recorded before the results of the ballot were released.)