L.A.'s Transit Agency Gives Bike Safety a Lift

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) has kicked off a new bicycle safety campaign designed to raise awareness of cyclists' legal right to take a full traffic lane.

1 minute read

March 19, 2013, 9:00 AM PDT

By Jonathan Nettler @nettsj


With a new Bicycle Master Plan in effect, bicycle infrastructure expanding across the city, and bike-share on the horizon, support for two-wheeled transport is growing in Los Angeles. Now L.A.'s transit agency is getting in on the act with an extensive safety campaign aimed at educating drivers, reports Steve Hymon. 

This week Metro kicked off "a bold new campaign to increase bicycle safety in Los Angeles County," said an authority press release. "The campaign, called 'Every Lane is a Bike Lane … Bicyclists may need a full lane; Please share the road' will include messages on the back of 75 Metro buses, 135 billboards and spots on 21 local radio stations throughout the region.  The campaign will run between March and May, leading up to Bike Week L.A. May 13-17."

"Public officials also held a photo-op Monday to help spread the word," notes Hymon. "If you’re a motorist and don’t like it, I have this gentle suggestion: perhaps you can join cyclists in calling for more bike infrastructure to be built that helps separate cyclists from vehicular traffic."

Monday, March 18, 2013 in The Source

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

September 23, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

Passengers board an Amtrak train under a cloudy sky.

Amtrak, CN end decades-long dispute with eight-year agreement

The new operating agreement establishes an updated framework for the companies to work together, including processes to resolve disputes.

September 18, 2026 - Mass Transit

The Gross Reservoir, a large body of water surrounded by trees and mountains.

Judges permit Denver to divert 77,000 acre feet from the Colorado River for reservoir expansion

Overuse and climate change have caused the Colorado River’s water levels to plummet.

September 18, 2026 - Inside Climate News

A rendering of the Beltline light rail, which goes through a forested area. People walk on a path next to it.

Atlanta City Council unanimously backs $3.5 billion Beltline light rail project

The resolution was drafted after Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens pulled support for the Atlanta Streetcar extension last year.

1 hour ago - Construction Review

A person boards a SEPTA bus.

SEPTA to bring nearby frequent transit to over 1 million new riders as part of decade-long plan

The agency's Accelerate plan will also bring frequent transit to twice the amount of jobs that are currently located near it.

2 hours ago - Mass Transit

Five people squat by a tree in NYC, helping to care for it.

NYC plants over 18,000 trees, the most new foliage in a decade

Many of the trees were planted in communities vulnerable to extreme heat.

3 hours ago - AM NY