BikinginLA: Foot Dragging Archives

LA’s Vision Zero Faces setbacks, Worldwide Mobility Stalls, and PCH Revamp Proposed

By Archyde news – Published april 10, 2025

Los Angeles’ aspiring Vision Zero initiative, aimed at eliminating traffic fatalities by 2025, is facing significant hurdles. Compliance with Measure HLA is being questioned,and a universal basic mobility program is experiencing unexplained delays. Simultaneously occurring, Caltrans is seeking public input on a plan to revamp the iconic, yet risky, Pacific Coast Highway (PCH).

Measure HLA Implementation Falters

One year after Los Angeles voters overwhelmingly approved Measure HLA,which mandates street improvements alongside repaving projects,the Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT) is facing criticism for its apparent lack of progress. Streetsblog reported that LADOT met the required deadline to post a website detailing thier progress, but the content has raised concerns.

Of all the resurfacing projects across the city, LADOT listed only seven, claiming each was exempt from Measure HLA requirements. According to Streetsblog, “The website lists just seven projects, all of which LADOT claims do not trigger Measure HLA.”

The listed projects lack detailed information, including status updates and timelines. Moreover, projects previously identified by LADOT as being triggered by HLA, such as improvements on Reseda Boulevard and Manchester Boulevard, are conspicuously absent from the website. This omission raises questions about LADOT’s commitment to the spirit and letter of Measure HLA. The lack of openness and the slow pace of implementation suggest a reluctance from both LADOT and city leadership to fully embrace the measure. This mirrors similar situations seen in other cities where voter-approved initiatives face bureaucratic resistance, such as the ongoing debates around protected bike lanes in cities like Denver.

Advocates worry that this resistance could lead to legal challenges, similar to the situation surrounding Metro’s Vermont Ave project, where the sentiment seems to be, “So sue us, already.” The lack of compliance not only undermines the will of the voters but also jeopardizes the city’s ability to create safer and more accessible streets for all users.

Metro mobility Wallet Program Stalled

The Metro Mobility wallet program, designed to provide low-income residents with financial assistance for transportation, is experiencing significant delays. Phase 2 of the program, which aimed to provide 2,000 residents with $1,800 prepaid debit cards for transportation expenses, has been stalled for over four months.

The delay leaves vulnerable populations without crucial support for accessing jobs, healthcare, and other essential services. While the issues may stem from the card provider’s difficulties,the situation raises concerns about the selection process and oversight of the program. “After a successful Phase 1, Phase 2 of Metro and LADOT’s universal basic mobility program has been beset by seemingly endless and unexplained delays,” further fueling public frustration. Similar issues have plagued other government assistance programs, such as the California Air Resources Board’s ebike voucher program, highlighting the challenges of effectively implementing large-scale initiatives.

PCH Master Plan Feasibility Study Seeks Public Input

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is seeking public input on a draft plan to improve safety and mobility along Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). The PCH Master Plan Feasibility Study aims to address the highway’s reputation as a dangerous corridor for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists.

Caltrans announced, “Today, the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is pleased to announce the release of the draft of the PCH Master Plan Feasibility Study for a 60-day public review period ending on June 09, 2025.” The agency encourages the public to review the draft study and provide feedback through an online comment box or via email.

The plan’s unveiling included a meeting at Malibu City Hall on April 9, with virtual meetings planned for those unable to attend in person. The project website offers further information and details on how to submit comments. This initiative reflects a growing national trend toward Complete Streets policies, which prioritize the safety and accessibility of all road users, not just drivers. input from the public could be decisive.

For more information, please visit the project website or email [e-mail]

Beyond Los Angeles: National and International Cycling news

Grand junction, Colorado: Bikelash in Local Elections

In Grand Junction, Colorado, opposition to a protected bike lane appeared to be a decisive factor in the city council elections, with winning candidates campaigning against the project. This illustrates a growing “bikelash” in some communities, reflecting concerns about the impact of cycling infrastructure on traffic flow and parking availability.

Portland, Oregon: Supporting Bike Buses

Portland is enhancing its support for the growing bike bus movement by adding signage and infrastructure improvements. A bike bus is an organized group of children and adults who bike to school together along a set route. This initiative promotes lasting transportation and creates safer routes for young cyclists, which increases traffic safety and reduces reliance of cars.

Washington State: E-Bike Rebate Program

Washington State is launching a lottery for its $4 million ebike rebate program, offering vouchers of up to $1,200 for income-eligible households. Similar programs are gaining momentum across the U.S., aiming to make e-bikes more accessible and encourage cycling as a viable transportation option, much like federal tax credits for electric vehicles.

Cycling Safety and Legal Considerations

The case of Sean Higgins, accused of killing the Gaudreau brothers while they were biking, highlights the complexities of cycling-related legal issues. The defense is attempting to have the charges dismissed, arguing that the grand jury was not informed that the brothers were legally drunk at the time of the crash. This case raises important questions about obligation and negligence in incidents involving cyclists.

Even though biking under the influence is legal in New Jersey, the defense is arguing that their intoxication is crucial. “Even though, unlike driving, biking under the influence is perfectly legal in New Jersey,” the lawyer posits that the brothers’ impairment contributed to the accident. This case underscores the need for continued education and awareness campaigns to promote safe cycling practices and responsible behavior among all road users.

© 2025 Archyde News. All rights reserved.

What specific transportation improvements do you beleive Los Angeles should prioritize, and why?

Interview: Navigating LA’s Transportation Challenges with Dr. Anya Sharma

Archyde News sits down with Dr. Anya Sharma, a leading urban mobility expert and professor at the UCLA Institute of Transportation Studies, to discuss the latest developments in Los angeles’ transportation landscape.

Archyde News: Dr. Sharma, thank you for joining us. Let’s start with Vision Zero. LA’s initiative to eliminate traffic fatalities faces setbacks. What are the most significant hurdles you see in the implementation of Measure HLA?

Dr. Sharma: Thanks for having me. The primary challenge with Measure HLA seems to be a lack of prioritization and, frankly, a visible commitment from some city departments. While the promise is there, and the public voted overwhelmingly in favor, the slow pace of incorporating street improvements alongside repaving projects is concerning. The limited number of projects listed on the LADOT website, and the lack of detailed information, immediately raises questions. We’re seeing a disconnect between the stated goals and the tangible actions on the ground.

Archyde News: The article mentions potential legal challenges. How could such resistance impact the city’s long-term goals for safer streets?

Dr. Sharma: Legal challenges are costly and time-consuming. They can stall progress considerably, diverting resources and attention away from actual safety improvements. Moreover,a protracted legal battle could send a message to the public that the city isn’t fully committed to voter-approved initiatives. This diminishes public trust and erodes the momentum needed to create lasting change in Los Angeles’ public transportation.

Archyde News: Shifting gears to the Metro Mobility wallet program, what factors might be contributing to the reported delays with Phase 2?

Dr. Sharma: Delays can originate from various sources. Technical issues with the prepaid card provider are a possibility, but it is indeed also crucial to look at the program’s oversight, internal evaluation and the initial selection process. Similar problems could have also come from a lack of funding. Transparency is key here.It’s essential to understand what specifically is causing the holdup to get it back on track. A functioning worldwide basic mobility program is crucial for low-income residents and ultimately helps move the city forward.

Archyde News: Turning our attention to the PCH Master plan Feasibility Study,what are the key elements that the public should focus on when providing feedback?

Dr. Sharma: The PCH plan needs a multi-faceted approach with public input being the leading force.Focus on the safety of vulnerable users like cyclists and pedestrians without a doubt. Consider how the plan addresses accessibility for all road users and what improvements improve traffic flow, and how the environment and the economic impacts are handled.Does the plan go far enough in incorporating complete streets principles, or does it still lean towards a car-centric design? This public feedback is critical in shaping a safer and more efficient PCH.

Archyde News: In your opinion, what one single change would have the greatest impact on improving transportation and safety in Los Angeles?

Dr. Sharma: That’s a tough one! But I would have to say, wholeheartedly, a shift in mindset and a renewed commitment to genuinely prioritizing people over cars. This requires strong political will,cross-departmental collaboration,and meaningful community engagement. It’s about making transportation more equitable, lasting and safe for all residents, regardless of their mode of transit.

Archyde News: given these challenges and opportunities around the world, what crucial actions should the city implement to stay relevant and effective?

Dr. Sharma: los Angeles needs to accelerate project implementation like the HLA. Embrace complete streets principles, to the best of their ability, not only on major roads but on all streets. Public awareness and education on these topics are crucial, the city should also encourage innovation and explore the potential of alternative transportation options, much like we saw in Portland, Oregon with the Bike Bus. The city needs to actively seek out and encourage community involvement via an open discussion.

Archyde News invites readers to share their thoughts: What specific transportation improvements do you believe Los Angeles should prioritize, and why? Leave your comments below.