LOS ANGELES
NEEDS VISION ZERO
People walking
and bicycling
are involved in
only 14% of all
collisions but
account for
almost half of all
traffic deaths.
In a study
on driver
behavior, black
pedestrians
trying to cross
the street were
passed by twice
as many cars
and experienced
wait times that
were 32% longer
than white
pedestrians.
Although traffic laws are at times ignored by all types of
street users, the consequences of infractions are most severe
for people walking and bicycling because they are not likely
to survive the impact of a vehicle moving at speeds greater
than 30 mph. Over the past five years, there have been an
average of 82 fatal pedestrian and 10 fatal bicycle collisions
per year, accounting for 49 percent of all traffic deaths.
8%
6%
44%
only
86%
50%
5%
Collisionsinby
mode
Involved
Collisions
30% of those
killed or
severely injured
while walking
or bicycling in
Los Angeles
are youth and
older adults.
People
killedKilled
by mode
People
Older adults (over 65 years old) and youth (under 18 years
old) are our most vulnerable populations, accounting for 30
percent of all bicycle- and pedestrian-related traffic deaths.
In Los Angeles, traffic collisions are the leading cause of
death for those between 2 and 14 years old and the number
two cause of premature death among those between 15 and
25 years old1. In re-engineering our streets, we should be
emphasizing safety for all ages and abilities.
Safe streets are walkable streets.
Streets make up about 15 percent of all the land area in the
City of Los Angeles. They are our largest public asset, forming
and reflecting the character of our neighborhoods, our
people, and our City. By implementing policies that support
Vision Zero, we can also achieve streets that promote walking,
support economic vitality, and improve the environment.
Research has shown that there is a link between better health
and moderate-intensity aerobic activity, like brisk walking.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends
that all adults engage in 150 minutes of moderate-intensity
aerobic activity a week, which has been shown to decrease
the incidence of heart disease, diabetes, obesity, depression,
and other health problems.1
Despite the benefits, only 21 percent of U.S. adults meet
recommended guidelines for physical activity, and these rates
are even lower among racial/ethnic minorities and low-income
individuals.2 As shown in the map on page 19, where you live
matters. Racial minorities are disproportionately represented
in pedestrian traffic deaths.3 When it comes to walking, race
has been shown to influence how drivers yield to people
crossing the roadway.4 In addition, in many communities,
high rates of crime and violence make walking a difficult
transportation and/or exercise option.
1 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Benefits of Physical Activity. http://www.
cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/pa-health/index.htm#ReduceCardiovascularDisease
2 Physical activity is defined as 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity every week
and muscle-strengthening activities on two or more days a week. Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention (2014). Facts about Physical Activity. http://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/
data/facts.htm
3 Goddard, Tara; Kahn, Kimberly Barsamian; and Adkins, Arlie, “Racial Bias in Driver Yielding
Behavior at Crosswalks” (2014). Psychology Faculty Publications and Presentations. Paper 10.
http://pdxscholar.library.pdx.edu/psy_fac/10
4 Goddard et al. (2014)
1 Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Office of Health Assessment and
Epidemiology. 2012 California DPH Death Statistical Master File for Los Angeles City
residents, compiled 7/31/15, L. Lieb.
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