News Summary
Volunteers in Los Angeles dedicated a month to painting crosswalks near Stoner Park, aiming to improve pedestrian safety. Their efforts were swiftly countered by the LADOT, which removed the non-legal installations due to concerns over ADA compliance. Despite the initial removal, public pressure led to the reinstatement of the painted crosswalks just a week later, highlighting the need for community engagement in local infrastructure projects. This incident reflects broader issues within the city regarding traffic safety and the challenges of implementing effective solutions.
Los Angeles
A group of volunteers dedicated a month to painting crosswalks near Stoner Park in the Sawtelle neighborhood of Los Angeles, aiming to enhance pedestrian safety amid increasing concerns about close calls between cars and pedestrians. This initiative, spearheaded by Jonathan Hale, drew inspiration from successful DIY crosswalk projects seen in other communities.
However, their efforts were met with swift action from the Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT), which removed the painted crosswalks within three days of reports about the project. While the quality of the paintwork was not in question, local officials, including a representative from the City Council, pointed out that the crosswalks were effectively non-legal installations. In California, any stop-sign intersection inherently includes a legally recognized crosswalk, which means that the volunteers’ actions ultimately increased visibility rather than creating new crossings.
LADOT cited concerns about potential legal ramifications under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) as a primary reason for the removal. The agency emphasized that, without accompanying curb ramps and other infrastructural elements, painting a crosswalk could provide a false sense of security. Former transportation officials like Diego de la Garza explained that LADOT typically conducts thorough assessments for intersections, which include evaluating necessary components such as traffic signals, lighting, and speed limits, prior to any crosswalk installation.
The removal of the volunteers’ painted crosswalks reflects a broader pattern of inefficiencies and bureaucratic hurdles historically plaguing public safety projects in Los Angeles. Delays in executing critical improvements have contributed to rising traffic fatalities and increased homelessness in the city. Traffic-related deaths in Los Angeles surged from 186 in 2015 to 337 in 2023, while the unsheltered population grew by 17.8% since 2018. Existing challenges also affect sidewalk repair projects, which can take as long as a decade to complete due to rigorous design and contracting workflows.
Despite the government’s swift removal of the DIY crosswalks, public pressure prompted LADOT to repaint them just one week later, demonstrating a willingness to respond to community concerns. However, even with the reinstatement, the agency remains hesitant to consider new street improvements due to recent budget constraints and staffing shortages. This pattern of cautiousness follows a history of nearly $300 million in infrastructure liability claims incurred by the city since 2020, contrasting sharply with only $1.4 million allocated for ADA-related legal issues.
Jonathan Hale, the volunteer organizer, indicated a strong resolve to continue advocating for community safety, affirming that he would repaint the crosswalks should they be taken down again. Hale underscored the necessity for community-driven initiatives to expedite city projects, recalling past successful engagements that quickly addressed local needs, like pothole repairs initiated by former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.
The entire affair shines a light on the crucial need for political reorientation and active citizen participation to improve the effectiveness of Los Angeles in providing essential services and ensuring public safety. As city officials grapple with demands for effective traffic solutions, it is evident that the community’s voice and involvement are vital in transforming local infrastructure and enhancing safety measures throughout the city.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: City Services
- Governing: Angelenos Paint Crosswalks
- NBC Los Angeles: Neighbors Paint Crosswalks
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Crosswalks
- Google Search: Los Angeles crosswalks
Author: STAFF HERE HOLLYWOOD
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