Los Angeles seems to have some mixed feelings when it comes the city’s new lane reconfigurations. Not only have Playa del Rey community members publicly spoken out against the changes, some council members have even openly opposed the street projects.

While neighborhoods such as Playa del Rey, Silver Lake, Westlake, and Mar Vista have been actively fighting to stop the lane changes, Jefferson Park, Adams-Normandie, and West Adams have mostly been content with the recent “Safe Street” alterations.

Graphic Courtesy of Make Jefferson Beautiful

Some South LA residents have even gone a step further to redesign the streets. In a project spearheaded by the church-based community development organization Make Jefferson Beautiful, the community will come together to beautify their streets and improve the overall public health within their neighborhood. California’s department of transportation Caltrans has already granted the organization $6.3 million to pay for protected bike lanes, sidewalk repairs, street lights, and trees on Jefferson Boulevard from Vermont Avenue to Western Avenue. 

According to Curbed LA, many South LA residents depend on public transportation, cycling, and walking to get to where they need to be, not just for recreation. Since cars often speed through Jefferson Boulevard, both pedestrians and cyclists have a high risk of getting injured every time they use the street.