Slow Your Roll! An Analysis of LADOT’s Slow Streets Program

Abstract

This report explores the effects of the Slow Streets L.A. program in a variety of neighborhoods in Los Angeles. Separating the 30 Slow Streets corridors into 5 neighborhood typologies based on urban form and socio-economic information, I then utilize surveys of community sponsors and traffic analysis through Streetlight to garner a comprehensive snapshot of the benefits (or lack thereof) of Slow Street installation.
Analysis of the five Slow Street typologies showed varying success in the program’s ability to shift mobility patterns. When compared with its respective Control corridor, one Slow Street corridor saw smaller increases in vehicle speeds over the first three months of development. Comparison to the Control showed the Slow Street neighborhood producing greater decreases in vehicle traffic along its corridors. While all Typologies saw similar traffic decreases, no typology was fully successful at slowing vehicle speeds.
Survey responses confirm ongoing concerns of vehicle speeds along designated corridors in addition to issues related to maintenance and long-term effectiveness of Slow Street signage. Although a majority of respondents agreed that Slow Streets L.A. was successful in extending recreational opportunities while social distancing, all respondents agreed fast cars pose a significant safety concern for the program.
For greater effectiveness of the Slow Streets L.A. Program, this report recommends more durable and visible signage, in addition to supplementing corridors with traffic calming interventions and improvements to infrastructure for a more pleasant user experience.

About the Project

The Covid-19 pandemic has forced a series of social distancing measures upon Angelenos and prevented public access to many traditionally community spaces. Fears of infection have disincentivized many from public transit, severely limiting the mobility of those without cars. This project will look to see how closure of local streets may substitute public recreational space and promote active transportation. My project will analyze the current “Slow Streets” program by the Los Angeles Department of Transportation, which attempts to slow local traffic in select streets to create recreational opportunities in the city. I look to analyze the effects of Slow Streets in two capacities – public perception and mobility impact.