LA Faces Lawsuit Over Lack of Bike Lanes: What This Means for Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety

Los Angeles, a city synonymous with car culture, is now facing a reckoning over its commitment to pedestrian and cyclist safety. A recent lawsuit filed against the city highlights a critical issue: the lack of updated bike lanes and pedestrian enhancements, particularly along heavily trafficked routes. This legal action raises serious questions about the city’s adherence to its own mobility plans and the potential consequences for public safety. In 2023, Los Angeles saw 336 traffic fatalities, marking the highest number in over 20 years, signaling an urgent need for improved safety measures for vulnerable road users.

The Lawsuit: A Fight for Safer Streets

Filed by Streetsblog L.A. editor Joseph Linton, the lawsuit alleges that the city violated Measure HLA, a voter-approved mandate requiring the implementation of a 2015 mobility plan. This plan includes the installation of new bike lanes on Vermont Avenue, a major thoroughfare undergoing significant improvements. The core of the complaint is that the city repaved sections of Vermont Avenue in the summer of 2024 without incorporating “protected bike lanes and pedestrian enhancements,” directly contravening the measure’s requirements. Further fueling the controversy, the Metro board of directors moved forward with plans for the Vermont Transit Corridor, which includes bus lanes but excludes bike lanes.

Linton’s lawsuit isn’t about financial gain; it seeks policy changes that prioritize safety, public health, environmental sustainability, and overall quality of life for pedestrians, bus riders, and cyclists along Vermont Avenue. The suit aims to bring the city to the negotiating table and implement street improvements that save lives.

Measure HLA: A Promise Unfulfilled?

Measure HLA was intended to be a landmark victory for Los Angeles pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists. It promised improved sidewalks, reduced traffic congestion, and upgraded bike and bus lanes. However, the city’s interpretation and implementation of the measure have been a source of contention.

Advocates argue that the city is ignoring the voter mandate, while city officials contend that the measure only applies to city-led projects, not those undertaken by other entities like Metro. This interpretation is challenged by the lawsuit, which argues that the city’s partnership and funding involvement in Metro’s Vermont Transit Corridor project make it subject to Measure HLA’s requirements.

The Safety Implications: A City Designed for Cars

Los Angeles has historically been designed with cars in mind, leading to a deficiency in cycling infrastructure. This lack of adequate bike lanes and poorly maintained biking paths significantly increases accident risks for cyclists. The vulnerability of cyclists compared to vehicle occupants means that injuries can range from abrasions to severe head traumas and broken bones.

Data from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health reveals that between 2019 and 2022, 815 traffic collisions involving bicyclists occurred in unincorporated parts of Los Angeles County, resulting in 12 deaths and 121 severe injuries. During the same period, there were 1,333 pedestrian-involved traffic collisions, leading to 153 deaths and 301 severe injuries. These statistics underscore the urgent need for improved safety measures for pedestrians and cyclists.

Who is Liable in a Pedestrian or Bicycle Accident?

Liability in pedestrian and bicycle accidents in Los Angeles typically falls on the negligent party. This can include:

The driver of a vehicle: Negligence can include speeding, failure to yield, distracted driving, or driving under the influence.
The owner of the vehicle: If different from the driver, the owner may be liable if they knowingly allowed a negligent driver to operate the vehicle.
An employer: If the driver was acting within the scope of their employment at the time of the accident, the employer may be liable.
The State of California or a state agency: If poor road design or maintenance contributed to the accident, the state or relevant agency may be liable.

In California, drivers are almost always considered at fault if a pedestrian is hit by a car, as pedestrians generally have the right of way. However, exceptions exist if the pedestrian was negligent, such as jaywalking or crossing against a red light. California operates under a comparative fault system, meaning that responsibility for an accident can be divided between multiple parties based on their level of negligence.

What are the Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents?

Bicycle accidents in Los Angeles can occur for various reasons, including:

Distracted riding: Using a phone or wearing headphones can impair a cyclist’s awareness and reaction time.
Failing to yield or obey traffic signals: Cyclists and drivers must adhere to traffic laws to prevent collisions.
Poor road conditions: Potholes, debris, and uneven surfaces can cause cyclists to lose control.
Dooring accidents: When a parked car’s door suddenly opens into a cyclist’s path, it can lead to a collision.
Speeding or reckless driving by motorists: Drivers who speed or drive recklessly endanger cyclists and pedestrians.
Poor visibility: Especially at night or in bad weather, cyclists can be difficult for drivers to see.

What Can Be Done to Improve Safety?

Several measures can be taken to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety in Los Angeles:

Implement protected bike lanes: Separating bike lanes from vehicle traffic with physical barriers can significantly reduce collisions.
Lower speed limits: Reducing speed limits on roads with high pedestrian and cyclist traffic can decrease the severity of accidents.
Improve street lighting: Adequate lighting can enhance visibility for both drivers and vulnerable road users.
Increase enforcement of traffic laws: Enforcing laws against speeding, distracted driving, and failure to yield can deter dangerous behavior.
Educate drivers and cyclists: Promoting awareness of traffic laws and safe road-sharing practices can help prevent accidents.
Address road conditions: Repairing potholes and maintaining road surfaces can reduce hazards for cyclists.

Seeking Legal Help After a Bicycle Accident

If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, it’s crucial to understand your rights and legal options. Consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney can help you determine whether you are entitled to compensation for damages such as:

Medical expenses
Pain and suffering
Lost wages due to time off work

In California, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident.

Conclusion: A Call for Change

The lawsuit against Los Angeles over the lack of bike lanes is a symptom of a larger problem: a car-centric infrastructure that prioritizes vehicles over the safety of pedestrians and cyclists. The city must take concrete steps to address this issue by implementing its mobility plan, investing in cycling infrastructure, and prioritizing the safety of all road users. The legal action serves as a reminder that safe streets are not just a matter of convenience; they are a matter of life and death. By prioritizing the needs of pedestrians and cyclists, Los Angeles can create a more equitable and sustainable transportation system for all its residents.