A traffic safety activist painted an unauthorized crosswalk across a Hollywood intersection following city inaction.
Jonathan Hale and his group, People’s Vision Zero, marked Sycamore and Lexington avenues Saturday.
The group installs rogue crosswalks across Los Angeles where members believe pedestrians need them most.
Explaining site selection, Hale said members analyze collision data from UC Berkeley researchers.
Detailing criteria for residential corners, Hale described the physical layout of the location.
“We focus primarily on residential corners, where there is a four-way stop in the neighborhood,” Hale said.
Elaborating on street features, Hale noted pedestrian access infrastructure already exists.
“There’s curb cuts,” Hale said.
“It’s a clear place for people to cross,” Hale added.
“The idea is that we’re not adding anything,” Hale noted.
“We’re not changing the law because a crosswalk already exists,” Hale stated.
Hale was arrested for vandalism last December after painting a crosswalk in Sawtelle.
Police did not intervene Saturday, with Hale stating officers never arrived during the painting.
Addressing the action, city representatives defended municipal safety measures.
Outlining policy, Mayor Karen Bass’ office released a statement on safety compliance.
“Mayor Bass believes that streets and sidewalks should be safe and accessible for all Angelenos, no matter how they travel,” her office said.
“The City will continue to install crosswalks that comply with federal, state, and local regulations,” her office added.
Officials cited an $8 million investment announced by Bass for improvements along Alameda and Spring streets.
The project includes protected bike lanes, pedestrian crossings, curb ramps, and street resurfacing in Downtown Los Angeles.
Highlighting planning goals, the mayor’s office underscored long-term municipal investments.
“Mayor Bass is tackling LA’s aging infrastructure by creating the long-term planning that the city had lacked for decades,” her office said.