In brief
Los Angeles, a city famous for its car culture, is testing the waters of cycling with new bike lanes in preparation for the upcoming Olympics. Though some residents embrace the change, others fear it may worsen traffic.
Los Angeles has long been synonymous with car culture, known for its traffic jams and sprawling roads. However, the city is gearing up for a transformation with hundreds of miles of new bike lanes ahead of major sporting events, including the 2028 Olympics. The "Twenty-eight by '28" transport plan, adopted in 2017, aims to make LA's streets more bike-friendly, but opinions on the matter are mixed. Damian Kevitt, executive director of Streets Are For Everyone, believes the city is perfectly suited for cycling, given its sunny climate. As new bike lanes appear, the hope is that more people will trade cars for bikes, especially during significant events that will bring thousands of visitors to Los Angeles.Despite public support for bike lanes, some residents worry about increased congestion. Critics, like Darin Drabing, argue that bike lanes exacerbate traffic issues and complicate commutes. Past implementations in other cities show mixed results, introducing uncertainty about Los Angeles's ambitious plans.Moreover, safety concerns remain prevalent, as many drivers speed through busy streets, discouraging cycling. Cyclist Mimi Holt, after a long break, has embraced biking again but wishes for better-connected lanes for safer travels. Mayor Karen Bass is optimistic, noting that the city's plans go beyond the Olympics, aiming for a sustainable transportation future.However, with only a handful of the planned projects completed and funding issues still being addressed, some Angelenos question if real change is possible before the Games. While some dream of a car-free future, others doubt LA can shift its ingrained car culture in time. But with a commitment to improving transit, the city's journey to embrace cycling has only just begun.
