Despite significant opposition from firefighters and other groups, Los Angeles voters passed Measure HLA on March 5, 2024, by a margin of 63% to 37%. With the goal of reducing traffic fatalities and enhancing public transportation options, Measure HLA will fundamentally alter the city's approach to traffic safety and infrastructure. Here's an overview of the new law's requirements and potential impact.
Understanding Measure HLA
Measure HLA is a citizen-sponsored initiative aimed at making the city's Mobility Plan mandatory. Approved in 2015, the Mobility Plan recommended adding bike lanes, widening sidewalks, introducing bus lanes, and other infrastructure improvements to slow traffic. These upgrades would occur whenever the city repaves a street section at least 660 feet long. Initially, the plan was advisory, and the city completed few of the recommended improvements. Measure HLA changes this by mandating these upgrades whenever a section of road at least one-eighth of a mile long is repaved.
The measure requires the addition of bicycle lanes, protected pedestrian crossings, bus lanes, speed bumps, and bollards to reduce traffic fatalities and slow drivers. The plan, dubbed Mobility Plan 2035, will impact all areas of Los Angeles, aiming to eliminate as many traffic deaths as possible. The improvements will ensure that 90% of Los Angeles residents have protected bicycle lanes within half a mile or access to safe, calm streets. Additionally, most residents will live within one mile of a public transportation network.
Key projects under the plan include adding bicycle lanes along Venice and Sunset Boulevards and a bus lane connecting Whittier Boulevard from Boyle Heights to 6th Street and Wilshire Boulevard. About 80 miles of streets will be prioritized for traffic efficiency improvements. The plan also mandates the installation of bus lanes for 200 miles, with some operating 24/7 and others during rush hours, along with over 600 miles of bike lanes.
Measure HLA allows residents to sue the city if it fails to implement the mandated improvements. It also establishes a public portal for residents to track the city's progress and hold officials accountable.
Criticism and Concerns About Measure HLA
Measure HLA has faced opposition from various groups. Critics argue it will hinder emergency vehicles from reaching their destinations quickly and does not provide additional funding for the required improvements, forcing the city to reprioritize existing projects. A study by City Administrative Officer Marz Szabo estimated the cost of new bicycle and pedestrian paths at over $3.1 billion over 10 years, complicating sidewalk and street repairs. Los Angeles already has more than 7,700 pending sidewalk repair requests.
Opponents, including the United Firefighters of Los Angeles and groups like KeepLAMoving, argue the measure will create new traffic obstructions, such as raised medians and bollards, slowing emergency response times. They also highlight the strain on the city's budget and potential disruptions to traffic flow, increased commuting times, and loss of on-street parking for local businesses. Critics also note that the measure limits community input.
City Council Member Traci Park and others have actively campaigned against Measure HLA, citing concerns over increased litigation against the city and financial strain without identified funding sources. The city is already grappling with issues like homelessness and affordable housing.
Support and Advocacy for Measure HLA
Measure HLA has garnered support from various groups, including business organizations, community officials, environmentalists, the Los Angeles County Democratic Party, and unions. Several city council members and the city controller also support the measure. Council Member Eunisses Hernandez emphasized the need for the initiative to hold the city accountable for completing projects to reduce injuries and deaths.
Supporters cite alarming traffic accident statistics in Los Angeles. In 2023, 330 people were killed in traffic accidents, with more than half being pedestrians. This was the highest number since tracking began in 2015 and represented a 36% increase from pre-pandemic figures. Proponents argue that Measure HLA will enhance safety by adding bike and bus lanes and reducing cut-through traffic. They spent around $2 million on the "Say Yes to HLA" campaign, including billboards on some of the city's most dangerous streets.
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