In brief
As Los Angeles undergoes ambitious urban planning initiatives focusing on cycling infrastructure, proponents and critics grapple over whether the City of Angels can genuinely shift away from its notorious car dependency.
The article text:Los Angeles, long seen as the epitome of American car culture, is contemplating a transformative shift towards cycling and public transportation as it gears up for the 2028 Summer Olympics. The sprawling city, known for its sun-soaked skies and traffic congestion, has begun to experiment with bike lanes in hopes of making the streets more accessible for cyclists and pedestrians. Damian Kevitt, executive director of Streets Are For Everyone (Safe), believes that despite LA's pedestrian-unfriendly reputation, the city could become a cycling haven if infrastructure is improved.Indeed, Los Angeles might not seem conducive to biking when compared to cities that have prioritized public transport, with only 7% of residents opting for mass transit to work. Only about 1% commute by bicycle. Given the anticipated influx of spectators for the 2026 World Cup and the upcoming Olympics, the urgency for a better transportation framework is evident. To address this, LA’s “Twenty-eight by '28” plan was adopted in 2017, focusing on expanding transit options, including bike lanes."The time for these changes is long overdue," asserted Kevitt, who advocates for safer cycling paths, emphasizing that a connected network of bike lanes may encourage local residents to leave their cars behind. Responding to this need, LA voters in 2024 supported a ballot initiative aimed at expanding bike lanes and enhancing livability in the city.However, as bike lanes proliferate, resistance surfaces among Angelenos who fear increased traffic congestion. Darin Drabing, CEO of Forest Lawn Cemetery, has voiced concerns, claiming that the new bike lanes hinder rather than help, creating more delays during daily commutes and ceremonies. While some cities have successfully adopted bike lanes ahead of notable events, others, like Toronto, have faced backlash, leading to the removal of existing bike infrastructure. Though pressure mounts, the current reality for cyclists in Los Angeles is mixed. New protected bike lanes on Hollywood Boulevard restrict car traffic, leading to heightened frustration among motorists. Yet, for some like cyclist Mimi Holt, the renewed cycling opportunities are life-changing. After years of avoiding biking because of danger on the roads, she now feels empowered to ride again, prompted by health concerns. As Mayor Karen Bass champions a “transit first” strategy for the upcoming Olympics, progress continues. However, some worry about the timeline, as only five out of the planned 28 projects have been completed so far, with many still underway. Additional federal funding will be essential to realize these ambitious plans, with the city seeking $3.2 billion from the incoming administration.The vision some Angelenos have to abandon their cars and embrace eco-friendly travel options is met with skepticism by others who find it impractical. As widespread skepticism persists, the future of the city's transportation landscape remains uncertain. Yet Mayor Bass maintains hope, envisioning that the desire for significant transport reform will extend far beyond the Olympic experience. "As a bike rider, I certainly hope so," Bass stated, implying the potential for a lasting culture change amid the sprawling streets of Los Angeles.
