The future of Los Angeles streets is on the ballot as a new measure aims to make roads and walkways safer from deadly car crashes.
Measure HLA, also known as Healthy Streets LA, would implement Mobility Plan 2035, which calls for additional safety features such as widening sidewalks, protected bike and bus lanes, road elements to prevent speeding, and more, to improve traffic safety.
The improvements aim to save lives from an increasing number of deadly car collisions.
Brooke Rios, an educator and a supporter of “Yes on Measure HLA,” said she has seen too many close calls by watching students trying to make their way to school in a high-traffic area.
“I’ve seen students get hit by cars,” Rios said. “I’ve watched families with children in tow trying to cross busy streets like Washington Boulevard and Venice Boulevard that don’t have the infrastructure for safety. They’re literally risking their lives on the way to school.”
L.A. residents will have the chance to vote on Measure HLA in Tuesday’s primary election.
The measure is being supported by the majority of L.A. city councilmembers who said the streets of L.A. are growing more dangerous every year.
In 2023 alone, 337 people were killed in crashes on L.A. streets, city officials said, which marks the highest-ever recorded in L.A. history. Around 1,559 people were severely injured by a crash in 2023. Car collisions are also the leading cause of death for children in L.A., according to the Los Angeles Times.
Resident Glen Booker, who supports the measure, has lived just off Venice Boulevard near Crenshaw Boulevard for 14 years but lately, he said he’s afraid to even walk in his neighborhood anymore.
“They just zip by here,” Booker said of speeding drivers. “We’re trying to make it safe, not just for children, but especially for children.”
However, opponents of the measure being led by the Los Angeles City Firefighters union believe the new safety features would put lives at risk by hindering response times for emergency workers such as ambulances and firefighters.
“The HLA is misleading, it will not save lives,” said Freddy Escobar, captain of the L.A. Fire Department and president of United Fire Fighters Of Los Angeles City. “It’s going to delay response and we’re going to have unfortunate outcomes when they dial 911.”
If Measure HLA passes, it could pave the way for major changes to city streets. The plan could take up to 15 years to complete and could cost an estimated $3.1 billion, according to an analysis by City Administrative Officer Matt Szabofigure. However, HLA backers said that figure is greatly exaggerated.
More information supporting Measure HLA can be found here. Information from critics of the measure can be found here.