Write a few emails today – in support of safer streets under COVID-19 – and specifically in support of quick-build safety improvements for Los Angeles City’s Fouth Street.
Fourth Street already supports a great deal of biking and walking today under COVID-19. Photo by Carrie Lincourt
BACKGROUND: In many parts of the world, cities are responding to the COVID-19 crisis by implementing quick-build measures to make streets better serve the present need for safe walking and bicycling. There are lots of examples: Oakland, Seattle, Minneapolis and more. Find lists at both the National Association of Transportation Officials (NACTO) recommendations and Dr. Tabitha Combs’ tracking document.
Oakland quick-build COVID-19 street safety improvements. Photo by Oakland DOT
Los Angeles streets are seeing more walking and bicycling during COVID-19, but drivers are also doing more speeding. Several groups and individuals – Streets for All, Del Mar Neighborhood Council, Councilmember Mike Bonin – have called for family-friendly safe street improvements under COVID-19, but, as of April 27, the city has done nothing.
Please email elected officials to encourage them to “open streets” under COVID-19. Sample letter and emails follow.
SAMPLE LETTER – please personalize
Honorable ________
I write to urge you to make streets safer to walk and bike during the COVID-19 stay-at-home period. L.A. should follow the examples of Oakland, Seattle and others to do quick-build safety improvements, especially in core areas that lack safe places to walk and bike.
A network of safer streets is needed across the city. I especially encourage you to make Fourth Street safer between Hoover Street and Cochran Avenue. Simple quick sandwich board installations could discourage cut-through car traffic, maintain local car access, support already-increased walk/bike activity, and support maintaining needed safe distancing.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter.
Sincerely,
Name
Address (or at least neighborhood where you live)
CITY COUNCIL AND MAYOR EMAILS
You can also find your councilmember: neighborhoodinfo.lacity.org
- Councilmember David Ryu, CD4 (213) 473-7004; david.ryu@lacity.org – represents 4th Street from Western to Cochran
- Councilmember Herb Wesson, CD10, (213) 473-7010; councilmember.Wesson@lacity.org – represents 4th Street from Vermont to Western
- Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell, CD 13, (213) 473-7013; councilmember.ofarrell@lacity.org – represents 4th Street from Hoover to Vermont
- Mayor Eric Garcetti, mayor.helpdesk@lacity.org
It’s easiest to send just one email – to all four: david.ryu@lacity.org councilmember.Wesson@lacity.org councilmember.ofarrell@lacity.org mayor.helpdesk@lacity.org
If you would, please bc Bikas-LA at: linton.joe@gmail.com
B.I.K.A.S. 
Posted on 04/27/2020
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