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More LA Neighborhoods Want To Open Streets For People To Safely Stay Active
The Slow Streets program launched in the Del Rey and Sawtelle neighborhoods last week. LADOT has received more than 175 applications from residents and community groups that want to bring the initiative to their streets. (Courtesy office of L.A. City Councilmember Mike Bonin)
Last week, I reported on Los Angeles' new Slow Streets program, which launched in two West L.A. neighborhoods: Del Rey and Sawtelle.
The goal is to give residents more room to safely get fresh air and exercise on their streets by limiting car traffic and by encouraging drivers to slow down and share the road.
I wanted to check back in to hear how the program was going. Aside from some damaged signs and some fuming on Nextdoor, residents I spoke with in Del Rey say they've noticed drivers are mostly honoring prompts to be more mindful of other road users. Jonathan Wells lives in the neighborhood and said he feels safer walking and biking local streets.
"I think that it's important to do these experiments... anything that makes it safer for people to get out and exercise in a way that they can still social distance is a good thing."
The program is rolling out in two other neighborhoods over the next few days.
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