State Level
California Decriminalizes Jaywalking Under Certain Conditions
Beginning on Jan. 1, 2023, pedestrians will not be ticketed for jaywalking unless "a reasonably careful person would realize there is an immediate danger of a collision with a moving vehicle" or other device, like a bicycle. While jaywalking remains illegal, law enforcement is directed not to cite people unless an immediate hazard is present. The bill was introduced by Assemblymember Laura Friedman.
Governor Signs Friedman's OmniBike Bill
California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the OmniBike Bill, AB 1909, which was introduced by Assemblymember Laura Friedman and requires drivers to change lanes whenever passing a bicyclist, if feasible. The bill also stops cities and counties from enforcing bicycle license laws, which is rarely enforced but has been used to harass youth and BIPOC cyclists. The OmniBike Bill also expands access for people riding e-bikes and allows bikes to cross streets on pedestrian walk signals, rather than only a green traffic light.
New Law Eliminates Parking Requirements Within 1/2 Mile of Transit
Local governments can no longer require a minimum number of parking spots at new housing, retail or commercial developments within a half-mile of public transit under a new law introduced by Assemblymember Laura Friedman and signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom. The measure is aimed at creating denser, cheaper housing near public transportation.
General LA
New Metro K-Line Opens Friday
Metro's newest line, the K line, is opening on Friday! Initially it will serve nine stations between Expo/Crenshaw and Westchester/Veterans. Three stations will serve the city of Inglewood, along with stops in Baldwin Hills, the Crenshaw Corridor, Hyde Park, Jefferson Park, West Adams and Westchester. To celebrate the new line, Metro will offer free access across its system on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Los Angeles Times Editorial Board Endorses ULA Measure
The Los Angeles Times endorsed the United to House L.A. (ULA) initiative, that will appear on the Nov. 8 election ballot. If passed, the measure would increase the city transfer tax on property sales valued at more than $5 million, but less than $10 million, by 4 percentage points, which would be added to the existing 0.45% transfer tax. The transfer tax would rise to 5.5% for property sales of $10 million and above, which is customarily paid by the seller. The measure, if passed, is expected to raise over $900 million yearly to fund affordable housing projects and tenants’ rights initiatives.
LA City Council President Proposes Plan For 100 Miles of Bus-Only Lanes
Los Angeles City Council President Nury Martinez proposed a plan to install 100 miles of bus-only lanes within five years. The motion, which has been referred to the City Council's Transportation Committee for consideration, requests a report from the Department of Transportation and Metro on a plan to build at least 100 miles of bus-only lanes over the coming five years, with a focus on high-ridership corridors and transit-dependent communities. That report on upgrades to transit stops come on the heels of a recent vote by the City Council to adopt a new street furniture contract which aims to build 3,000 new bus shelters.
West Hollywood
West Hollywood May Expand Electric Bike Program
West Hollywood seeks to expand its dockless electric bike pilot program, which first launched in August 2015. As part of the expansion, the city's staff is hiring a consultant to construct the framework for a permanent program, which will be considered by the City Council in Spring 2023.
San Gabriel Valley
Construction Begins on New Bike/Walk Path In Baldwin Park
Baldwin Park city officials broke ground on a new bike/walk path along Big Dalton Wash and the San Gabriel River. The city’s Big Dalton Wash Greening project includes a new 2.3-mile bike path, which will extend along the east side of the San Gabriel River (from Ramona Boulevard to the Big Dalton Wash) and the Big Dalton Wash (from the river to Baldwin Park Boulevard). The project includes crossings below two freeways, landscaping and watershed protection features, and a youth employment program.
South Bay Cities
Port Of Long Beach Air Pollution Increased During Pandemic Supply Chain Disruptions
The Port of Long Beach's annual emissions in 2021 were 22% above 2005 levels, while the previous inventory was 10% below 2005 levels, according to the Long Beach Business Journal. The increase came as supply chain disruptions caused historic congestion at the port as ships were forced to anchor near the coast.