Could bike lanes reshape car-crazy Los Angeles?

Los Angeles has long been known as a city that loves cars. From its busy freeways to classic car street racing, it has earned the title of the capital of American car culture. However, with the upcoming Olympics in 2028, there is a growing conversation about whether bike lanes can help reshape this car-centric city. Many believe that the sunny weather in Los Angeles makes it an ideal place for cycling. Damian Kevitt, the executive director of Streets Are For Everyone, stated, 'It is the perfect community for runners and cycling and outdoors, yet as a generality we are hooked on our vehicles, we are hooked on the need to have speed. ' This highlights the struggle between the love for cars and the potential for a more bike-friendly environment. For many years, cars have dominated the roads in Los Angeles, leaving pedestrians and cyclists with little space. The city spans over 460 square miles, making it famous for its sprawling layout and heavy traffic. Unlike cities such as New York and Boston, where public transportation is widely used, only about 7% of Angelenos take transit to work. Even with the perfect weather for biking, only about 1% of people ride their bikes to work. With major events like the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games on the horizon, there is a pressing need to improve transportation options in the city. In 2017, Los Angeles adopted the 'Twenty-eight by '28' transport plan, which aims to expand mass transit options before the summer Olympics. Since then, new bike lanes have been introduced throughout the city. Kevitt, who lost his leg in a cycling accident in 2013, believes that as the streets become safer and bike lanes are better connected, more people will choose to commute by bike or use rentable Metro city bikes. In 2024, LA voters overwhelmingly supported a measure to require the city to build more bike lanes and create more walkable spaces. However, not everyone is on board with this change. Some Angelenos are resistant to the idea of bike culture, arguing that bike lanes will only worsen traffic in a city already known for its congestion. Darin Drabing, the president and CEO of Forest Lawn Cemetery, is one such individual. He is fighting against bike lanes near the cemetery, fearing that they will increase traffic during his daily commute and for funerals. He expressed his skepticism, saying, 'Everywhere I've seen [it] implemented, they failed. ' This sentiment reflects the concerns of many who believe that bike lanes may not be the solution to the city's traffic problems. While some cities have successfully integrated protected bike lanes, others have faced challenges. For instance, in Toronto, there are ongoing efforts to remove bike lanes that have been part of the city's streets for nearly a decade, leading to legal battles with cyclists. In Los Angeles County, the city of Glendale recently voted to remove some bike lanes after complaints about increased traffic. Additionally, new protected bike lanes along Hollywood Boulevard have caused frustration, as automobile traffic is now limited to one lane in each direction for several miles. However, there are also positive stories emerging. Cyclist Mimi Holt, who used to ride her bike in Seattle, stopped for nearly 20 years due to her fear of fast-moving cars in LA. After receiving a pre-diabetes diagnosis, she decided to start biking again for exercise. She shared her experience, saying, 'In LA people drive so fast, it's so utterly terrifying. ' Since returning to cycling, she feels rejuvenated and is eager for the city's bike lanes to connect. She expressed her desire for a more extensive network of bike paths, stating, 'If only there was a connecting path, I would be on them all the time. ' Mayor Karen Bass is committed to making Los Angeles ready for the Olympics and is advocating for a 'transit first' approach. Initially, her push for a 'car-free' Games sparked controversy, but she believes that significant progress is being made. With over 100 miles of bike lanes planned, advocates are concerned that the process is moving too slowly. So far, only five of the 'Twenty-eight by '28' projects have been completed, with 23 still in progress. Not all of these projects are expected to be finished in time for the Games. Los Angeles has secured $900 million from the Biden administration to support rail projects, but more funding is needed to realize the city's transportation goals by 2028. Mayor Bass and other city leaders have reached out to the Trump transition team, requesting $3. 2 billion in federal funding for what they describe as 'the largest and most spectacular sporting event held in American history. ' While they await a response, there is hope that President Trump will support their request, despite his past tensions with California political leaders. Many Angelenos, like Mimi Holt, are excited about the possibility of reducing their reliance on cars. She mentioned the financial burden of car ownership, saying, 'I can barely afford my car. Insurance is really expensive, gas is really expensive and it's not good for the environment. ' However, there are still many residents who have never used public transportation and view the idea of a car-free Olympics as unrealistic. Shivon Ozinga, a Burbank resident, expressed her doubts, stating, 'I can't imagine it happening in that short amount of time given our car culture here. ' Despite the challenges, Mayor Bass remains optimistic about the future of transportation in Los Angeles. She believes that the changes being made will have a lasting impact beyond the Olympics and the World Cup. 'As a bike rider, I certainly hope so,' she said.