We support bike lanes on Figueroa between Colorado & San Fernando.

The East Neighborhood Bike Ambassadors, part of the Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition, are working to implement the bikeways promised in the 2010 Bicycle Master Plan. Our highest priority is installing bike lanes on Figueroa. These bike lanes will connect to a growing network of bicycle paths, lanes, and routes for everyone to use.

Adding bike lanes on Figueroa will accent the people-oriented community Northeast Los Angeles has become and will ultimately make the area a more vibrant and livable community. Bike lanes on Figueroa incorporates a more complete-street approach and is an important backbone connector in the area.

These bike lanes are about more than just bicyclists: they will make our streets safer and our community more livable and prosperous.

Safety | Safety for all people traveling through our community is our biggest concern and bike lanes are a proven strategy for reducing collisions among drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists. With the presence of bicyclists, drivers are more aware of their surroundings and drive at more moderate speeds. In addition, the bike lane project will reduce the number of travel lanes pedestrians must cross, making the street safer.

Community | Figueroa is home to many happening businesses, community events, diverse housing options, and a major hub for transportation. These neighborhood elements create an ideal environment for bicycling. Half of all trips in Los Angeles County are less than 3 miles—trips that can easily be done by bicycle in Northeast Los Angeles. Bike lanes will allow people to move around their neighborhood without worrying about traffic and parking, all the while cleaning our air and improving our health.

Economy | Study after study shows that bicycling is good for business. In local retail corridors like Figueroa, bicyclists visit more frequently and spend more money in sum than drivers. (It must be all that money they’re saving on gas.) Other cities like New York, Portland, and Minneapolis are seeing a boost in revenues for businesses after new bicycle lanes are installed—and none of those cities are known for great weather! Merchants in San Francisco say new bike lanes have improved business and supported traffic calming. There are also Business Improvement Districts in Long Beach and San Diego that are making themselves Bike-Friendly to alleviate parking problems and traffic congestion.

As someone who supports this project, I understand that this particular project may require the removal of a travel lane to accommodate for these enhancements. I want a more people-friendly Figueroa and support these bicycle lanes!