Los Angeles has gone through a number of pedestrian-friendly changes lately thanks to the city installing protected bike lanes and the Metro’s new bicycle hubs. The most recent change is near completion in Playa del Rey. These developments, spearheaded by Councilmember Mike Bonin, were meant to lower the amount of fatalities caused by vehicles. 

Many Los Angeles drivers commuting on the Westside are not thrilled about the changes. Already, the vehicle lanes on Vista del Mar, Culver Boulevard, Jefferson Boulevard, and Pershing Drive have been downsized to make way for diagonal parking spaces and bike lanes. While there is a single lane for cars going in each direction and a center lane for two-way turning, traffic has significantly slowed to a sluggish pace.

Bonin has received opposition from both locals and activists through a petition on Change.org. The protesters argue that despite improved street safety due to traffic “moving at a snail’s pace,” the alterations will negatively impact tourism and decrease the overall value of the neighborhood.

The “Safe Streets” initiative will continue on Pershing Drive after resurfacing is finished.