LA: Walkable city?

Pedestrians in Koreatown are seen at the intersection of Wilshire and Western in Los Angeles.

In most American cities, you have to have grit and determination to make it, but in Los Angeles, you need a car. America’s most sprawling city seems unwalkable to most, but as Angelinos look for ways to escape their cars, a new walk-friendly mindset is blossoming.

When Missing Persons lead singer Dale Bozzio jabbed, “Nobody walks in L.A.,” she wasn’t being sarcastic. In most American cities, you have to have grit and determination to make it, but in Los Angeles, you need a car. America’s most sprawling city seems unwalkable to most, but as Angelinos look for ways to escape their cars, a new walk-friendly mindset is blossoming.

Why has L.A. been seen as tough on pedestrians? What would make it more walkable? What are great examples of walkable cities, and how could Los Angeles emulate them better? Which neighborhoods are best for walking?

Guests:
Jeff Speck, author of “Walkable City: How Downtown Can Save America, One Step at a Time”

Margot Ocañas, Pedestrian Coordinator for the Los Angeles Department of Transportation