Los Angeles Councilmember Chooses the Side of Traffic Safety

Los Angeles Councilmember Mike Bonin sent a clear message to commuters upset about traffic calming projects in his district: "We don’t have to lose one more precious life."

2 minute read

June 23, 2017, 12:00 PM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Marvin Braude Bike Path

A bike path runs along the mouth of Ballona Creek (to the right), where it meets the Pacific Ocean in Playa del Rey. | Carl-Henrik Skårstedt / Flickr

Los Angeles Councilmember Mike Bonin published a letter on his website addressing the controversy over traffic calming projects in the Westside neighborhood of Playa del Rey.

A few weeks ago, the City started working on two separate but related projects to improve safety in Playa del Rey. First, crews re-striped Vista Del Mar to move parking to the westside of the road and to remove travel lanes as a way of preventing crashes like the one that killed Naomi Larsen on that road in 2015. Then, crews re-striped and narrowed Culver Boulevard, Jefferson Boulevard and Pershing Drive to add bike lanes and make the street safer for all who use it -- especially people walking.

The effect of those projects, however, proved to be slower traffic—in some cases the delay was more than anticipated, admits Bonin, but that's when the calls and emails began to pour into his office. According to Bonin, many of the complaints are coming from people who live in neighborhoods farther south, "many of whom have made clear they would rather see a four-lane highway traverse our neighborhood in Playa del Rey." Councilmember Bonin thus provides the following statement in response, with a show of support for traffic safety measures uncommon among political leaders facing a backlash regarding congestion:

But I want to be clear about something: My responsibility is to my constituents. My responsibility is to keep Playa del Rey, and those who live here safe. My obligation is to provide for the residents of Playa del Rey the safe, vibrant and inviting downtown area that they’ve yearned for, much like Manhattan Beach has with Highland, or Culver City has with Culver and Washington, or Venice has with Abbott Kinney. We should never buy into the notion that convenience is worth endangering lives. It is just not true.

Councilmember Bonin also says his office will continue to work on the problem, and they're seeking constructive comments on how best to do so.

Wednesday, June 21, 2017 in Los Angeles Council District 11

Sweeping view of Portland, Oregon with Mt. Hood in background against sunset sky.

Oregon Passes Exemption to Urban Growth Boundary

Cities have a one-time chance to acquire new land for development in a bid to increase housing supply and affordability.

March 12, 2024 - Housing Wire

Aerial view of green roofs with plants in Sydney, Australia.

Where Urban Design Is Headed in 2024

A forecast of likely trends in urban design and architecture.

March 10, 2024 - Daily Journal of Commerce

Cobblestone street with streetcar line, row of vintage streetlights on left, and colorful restaurant and shop awnings on right on River Street in Savannah, Georgia.

Savannah: A City of Planning Contrasts

From a human-scales, plaza-anchored grid to suburban sprawl, the oldest planned city in the United States has seen wildly different development patterns.

March 12, 2024 - Strong Towns

Aerial View of Chuckanut Drive and the Blanchard Bridge in the Skagit Valley.

Washington Tribes Receive Resilience Funding

The 28 grants support projects including relocation efforts as coastal communities face the growing impacts of climate change.

7 hours ago - The Seattle Times

Historic buildings in downtown Los Angeles with large "Pan American Lofts" sign on side of building.

Adaptive Reuse Bills Introduced in California Assembly

The legislation would expand eligibility for economic incentives and let cities loosen regulations to allow for more building conversions.

March 18 - Beverly Press

View from above of swan-shaped paddleboats with lights on around artesian fountain in Echo Park Lake with downtown Los Angeles skylien in background at twilight.

LA's Top Parks, Ranked

TimeOut just released its list of the top 26 parks in the L.A. area, which is home to some of the best green spaces around.

March 18 - TimeOut

News from HUD User

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Call for Speakers

Mpact Transit + Community

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.