‘Slow Streets’ on fast track, primarily for pedestrians: Association supports proposal for Windsor Square
In a move designed to support social distancing while exercising outdoors, the City of Los Angeles has implemented a program that cities such as Oakland, Seattle and Berlin, Germany have already put into place: closing some residential streets to through traffic. These “Slow Streets” allow pedestrians in denser, park-poor neighborhoods to spread out on designated residential roads to enjoy fresh air and flowering jacarandas without crowding other passersby on narrow sidewalks.
However, the road still must be shared with cars (supposedly local residents, but there’s no enforcement), delivery trucks and bicyclists, so caution is advised.
Mid City West
In the Mid City West Community Council area, signs went up on May 23 to designate a 33-block route that winds from Formosa Ave. (just west of La Brea Ave. and south of Santa Monica Blvd.) along Rosewood and Oakwood Avenues to Sweetzer Ave., where it turns south, crossing Beverly Blvd. and Third St., to end at Sweetzer and Colgate Avenues.
Windsor Square
Slow Street advocates have filed applications to implement a zone in Windsor Square, as shown on a city website: tinyurl.com/y9cxmx9c. At its May 27 board of directors meeting, the Windsor Square Association discussed the proposal and agreed to support the efforts of the sponsors, while suggesting to them that the Fourth and Fifth Street “Slow Streets” should extend east to Van Ness Avenue (to be “from Rossmore Ave. to Van Ness Ave.”).
A city program
In addition to the Mid City West route, the program, managed by the Mayor’s office, the City’s Dept. of Transportation and StreetsLA (the City’s Bureau of Street Services in the Public Works Dept.), to date has created Slow Streets in Del Rey, West Los Angeles / Sawtelle, and Eagle Rock, and others are in process.
Those interested in establishing a Slow Street in their area need a sponsoring agency, such as a homeowners association, neighborhood council or Parent Teacher Association. Sponsors submit an online application to the city and agree to maintain Slow Street signage and report social distancing and mask violations or any congregating in groups. Slow Streets are meant to facilitate safe movement rather than provide an excuse to hold a block party! Let’s wait till the pandemic passes for that. The Safe Street application is at: tinyurl.com/ya2bj2e6
By Helene Seifer
Category: Real Estate
It would be awesome to see Slow Streets in Windsor Park. I love the pilot in Mid-City West. I walk it every day! – Lauren