Bike and Pedestrian Traffic Near Development Projects to be Considered

A motion before a L.A. City Council panel could make pedestrian and bike traffic just as important as automobiles in comprehensive traffic studies. Los Angeles City is required by law to conduct these traffic studies in order to predict circulation, congestion, and flow of traffic around areas with new development projects underway. City Council may soon include bike and pedestrian traffic into those studies. “In a time where sustainability, smart growth and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions have become prime concerns for the City, it is important that pedestrian and bicycle counts also be collected in conjunction with automobile counts” said City Councilman Bill Rosendahl, who authored the motion.

The Department of Transportation’s Traffic Study Policies and Procedures has a manual telling the city staff, public and private consultants how to properly conduct traffic impact studies. And City Council feels it is about time to consider all forms of traffic, since all modes of transportation are affected by development projects.

City Council will discuss the proposed amendment in a committee meeting on Wednesday.