Critics warn plans could worsen congestion and reduce parking
—A series of new and proposed bike lane projects across Los Angeles is drawing growing opposition from some residents and local officials who say the plans could worsen traffic congestion, eliminate parking, and create confusing road designs.
The projects are under the supervision of the City Transportation Department (LADOT) and part of broader city efforts to expand cycling infrastructure in areas including Griffith Park, the San Fernando Valley, and the Westside. Supporters say the upgrades will make streets safer for cyclists and pedestrians, but critics argue the changes could disrupt already strained roadways.
Photo by Sasha Matveeva
One of the most closely watched projects is unfolding in Griffith Park, where city crews are installing new bike lanes along Crystal Springs Drive, Western Heritage Way, and Zoo Drive. The project reduces some sections of the roadway from two car lanes in each direction to one, creating dedicated space for cyclists.
The change, according to advocates, aims to slow traffic and reduce crashes within one of the city’s busiest parks. The push for safety improvements intensified after a 2022 collision that killed a cyclist in the park.
But some park visitors and nearby residents worry the lane reductions could lead to bottlenecks, especially during weekends and major events when traffic in the park can surge.
Concerns are also emerging in the San Fernando Valley, where transportation planners plan to remove about 2.8 miles of bike lanes along Van Nuys Boulevard as construction continues on the light rail project in East San Fernando Valley. Officials have proposed replacing those lanes with roughly 2.4 miles of new bike lanes on Terra Bella Street.
Some critics say the replacement route is shorter and may offer less protection for cyclists. Others have questioned why the proposed bikeway would stop short of directly connecting to a future Metro rail station—a decision reportedly intended to preserve on-street parking.
A separate proposal in North Hollywood would close a gap in the Chandler Boulevard cycle track with a new center-running protected bike lane. Under the plan, cyclists would ride in a lane separated from traffic by flexible barriers placed near the middle of the roadway.
City transportation officials say the design allows the bike route to continue while keeping curbside parking intact. Still, some opponents question whether the barriers provide enough protection and say the unusual layout could confuse drivers.
Debate is also brewing on the Westside, where city planners are considering bicycle safety upgrades on Pershing Drive, Westwood Boulevard, and Ohio Avenue. Some community members have raised concerns that removing vehicle lanes to accommodate bike infrastructure could add pressure to already congested corridors.
The disputes underscore a wider discussion in Los Angeles regarding the optimal use of street space. Bike and pedestrian advocates argue the city must build safer routes as cycling grows and traffic deaths remain a concern.
Critics counter that the city risks prioritizing bike infrastructure in ways that could complicate travel for drivers and reduce neighborhood parking, potentially leading to increased congestion and frustration among residents who rely on cars for their daily commutes.
Many of the projects remain in planning stages or early construction, and city officials say community feedback will continue to shape the final designs.
“DSC_0819” by digablesoul is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
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