Los Angeles is implementing a series of projects to make streets more pedestrian-friendly. Some of the main measures include revamping traffic signals, upgrading sidewalks, implementing new crosswalks, and installing handrails along roadways to separate pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
Two of the main projects aimed at increasing pedestrian safety are Councilmember Raman’s motion to upgrade traffic signals and the Los Angeles Mobility Plan. However, in addition to these major developments, the California Transportation Commission introduces a long list of projects focusing on enhancing pedestrian safety across Los Angeles County.
At Omega Law Group, we are deeply committed to our local Los Angeles community and prioritize staying informed about the latest changes in legislature and pedestrian safety measures to offer up-to-date legal representation. Our Los Angeles pedestrian accident lawyers will tell you everything you need to know about how laws and regulations impact your case.
Revamping Traffic Signals Across the City
Los Angeles has seen a surge in traffic-related incidents over the past couple of years. With 312 fatalities reported in 2022, the number of deaths caused by traffic collisions passed the 300 benchmark for the first time in over 20 years. In 2023, the number of deaths further increased. Out of 336 car accident fatalities, 179 were pedestrians.
Against this grim backdrop, Councilmember Nithya Raman initiated a motion to improve traffic signals across the city, making crossings safer and increasing pedestrian visibility. The Los Angeles City Council unanimously accepted the proposal.
Strategies promoted in this project include:
- Reviewing street signal timing
- Updated guidelines for Leading Pedestrian Intervals (LPIs)
- “No Right Turn On Red” restrictions at intersections
- Scramble crosswalks
One of the main strategies is evaluating signal timing and phasing to prioritize pedestrians. The plan is to shorten street signal timings where appropriate to make sure pedestrians can cross safely. These changes will be implemented by the Department of Transportation (LADOT).
As experienced personal injury lawyers in Los Angeles, we understand the challenges faced by pedestrian accident victims. Our firm is dedicated to navigating these legal intricacies on your behalf, pursuing the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.
The Many Ramifications of Los Angeles’ Mobility Plan
In 2015, Mobility Plan 2035, an ambitious vision to reshape Los Angeles transportation, started to take shape. The plan to increase pedestrian safety and ease transit would stretch over two decades. Now, as we approach the midpoint of this projected timeline, it’s clear that the initiative severely fell behind.
Changes proposed by the Mobility Plan include:
- Sidewalk upgrades in neighborhoods with lots of pedestrians
- Hundreds of miles of new bus-only lanes
- Hundreds of miles of protected bike lanes
At the beginning of 2024, only 88 miles of the streets in Los Angeles had completed upgrades. This adds up to around 5% of the total mileage proposed by the project. If the project keeps moving at the same pace, it will take over a century to fully realize the Mobility Plan.
Healthy Streets LA
A fresh project called Healthy Streets LA or Measure HLA might give the Mobility Plan a much-needed boost. This initiative received enough signatures to be included on the March ballot and currently has a 65.5% approval rate from LA city voters.
The measure would force the city to implement the changes outlined by the Mobility Plan. For each one-eighth of repaved streets, city departments would have to add the promised upgrades. Also, the city will have to launch a website, giving the LA public visibility over the progress made.
It is important to note that Healthy Streets LA would also grant residents the right to file a lawsuit if the city fails to comply with these requirements. Our attorneys can keep you posted about the changing landscape of California pedestrian laws.
(310) 526-8383Local Streets and Roads List of Projects
The California Transportation Commission presents a long list of projects for local streets and roads throughout Los Angeles County. These projects aim to address various transportation needs, including pedestrian safety enhancements and infrastructure maintenance. The proposed projects seek to enhance the overall mobility and safety of residents and commuters.
Installation of Pedestrian Signals and Traffic Lights
Several projects involve installing new traffic signals and lights at various intersections to decrease pedestrian hazards, such as the Vision Zero Traffic Signals Support project and the Pedestrian Beacons at Memory Park Ave/Brand Blvd project.
Pedestrian Infrastructure Improvements
These are projects aimed at improving pedestrian infrastructure, including ADA-compliant curb ramps and pedestrian refuge islands. Examples include the Connecting San Pedro Pedestrian Improvements and Multimodal Access project and the Central Avenue Pedestrian Improvements project.
Sidewalk and Crosswalk Installation and Rehabilitation
Numerous projects involve the construction of new sidewalks and crosswalks and the rehabilitation of existing ones to provide safer walking environments for pedestrians. Examples include projects like the Dickens St at Kester Ave Storm Drain and the Lemarsh Street/Gladbeck Avenue/Mayall Street/Yolanda Avenue projects.
Handrail Installation
These strategies focus on installing handrails along roadways to separate pedestrian and vehicular traffic and on other measures to ensure pedestrian safety. An example is the Fletcher Dr. and La Clede Ave project, which installs handrails along Fletcher Dr. through the underpass.
Vision Zero Corridor Projects
The Vision Zero Corridor Project is one of several initiatives targeting specific corridors with a high number of car accidents involving pedestrians to implement safety measures such as improved pavement, signage, signals, and crosswalks.
Active Transportation
These strategies aim to create safer and more accessible streets for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists alike, incorporating features like protected bike lanes, improved medians, and traffic calming measures. Examples include the Broadway South: A One Infrastructure Project and the Rail to Rail—67th St and West Bl Improvements.
Our Los Angeles Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Fight for Your Safety
At Omega Law Group, we are dedicated to fighting for your safety and protecting your rights. We understand the devastating impact that pedestrian accidents can have on victims and their families. You can trust us to provide compassionate and effective legal representation.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, don’t hesitate to contact us for a free consultation. We are here to help you navigate the legal process.
