L.A. Officials Cite Crash Data to Back Pico Boulevard Bike Lanes While Merchants Voice Parking Concerns

The Los Angeles Department of Transportation plans to install protected bike lanes along 3.5 miles of Pico Boulevard between Crenshaw Boulevard and Figueroa Street.

Stated Safety Goals

Officials state the project aims to reduce speeding and unsafe turns on the corridor. The Los Angeles Department of Transportation links the effort to a record of 75 serious crashes on this stretch between 2014 and 2023. All 11 fatalities in that period were pedestrians, according to the department.

Project Design Details

The plan calls for removal of 228 parking spots and a reduction of travel lanes from two to one in each direction. The Los Angeles Department of Transportation has noted that these changes are intended to create space for the protected bike lanes.

Merchant Reactions

Merchants along the corridor have expressed concern that the loss of convenient parking will drive away customers. Local business representatives have pointed to the potential effect on foot traffic and sales in the affected sections of Pico Boulevard.

Community Outreach Results

The Los Angeles Department of Transportation reports that outreach efforts contacted more than 2,500 people. Approximately 75 percent of survey respondents favored a design that includes protected bike lanes.

Construction is scheduled to begin by the end of 2026 and will proceed in phases over approximately one year. The Los Angeles Department of Transportation has indicated that phased implementation will allow adjustments based on early stages of the work.

Residents and business owners can review project materials and provide input through the department's ongoing channels ahead of the start of construction. The Los Angeles Department of Transportation continues to make details available on its site as planning advances.