Los Angeles on the Brink of Transportation Transformation Ahead of 2028 Olympics
Los Angeles, renowned as the epicenter of American car culture, is gearing up for a significant shift in its transportation landscape as it prepares for the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games. With favorable weather year-round, advocates are pushing for cycling to become a viable alternative to the car-centric lifestyle that has defined the city.
According to Damian Kevitt, executive director of Streets Are For Everyone, "LA is a perfect community for runners, cyclists, and outdoor enthusiasts, yet we remain tethered to our vehicles." As the city sprawls over 460 square miles, it grapples with severe traffic congestion, and only 7% of residents utilize mass transit for their daily commutes. With just 1% cycling to work, the city faces immense pressure to enhance its transit infrastructure in anticipation of the influx of thousands of visitors for the upcoming major events.
In 2017, Los Angeles launched the "Twenty-eight by ’28" transport initiative aimed at expanding public transit options, which includes the introduction of new bike lanes across the city. Kevitt, who himself is a passionate cyclist after losing a leg in a cycling accident, believes that creating safer, interconnected bike paths will encourage more residents to embrace cycling as a commuting option.
As part of a growing trend, LA voters in 2024 overwhelmingly passed a measure calling for more bike lanes and walkable spaces throughout the city. However, the shift towards bike culture is met with resistance from some long-time Angelenos who argue that bike lanes exacerbate vehicular traffic and congestion.
Opponents like Darin Drabing, president and CEO of Forest Lawn Cemetery, express concerns that expanding bike lanes will complicate traffic flow surrounding his facility, especially during funerals. "Everywhere I’ve seen [bike lanes] implemented, they fail," he claims, pointing to increased frustration for drivers.
While cities like Paris and London have effectively utilized protected bike lanes, instances of backlash exist. In Los Angeles County, Glendale recently voted to remove bike lanes following complaints about traffic congestion. Similarly, new lanes along Hollywood Boulevard have limited automobile access, frustrating some drivers while encouraging periodic cycling.
Yet, residents like Mimi Holt, who recently returned to biking after a long hiatus, advocate for safer transit options. Holt, who initially feared LA’s busy roads, now finds joy in cycling and envisions a city where bike paths are seamlessly connected.
Mayor Karen Bass is committed to realizing a "transit-first" Olympics and is confident about the progress made toward enhancing the city’s transportation infrastructure. As plans include over 100 miles of bike lanes, advocates express concern over the slow pace of development. So far, only five of the projects have been completed with 23 in various stages of progress, leaving questions about their readiness for the Olympic Games.
Los Angeles has secured substantial federal funding to bolster its rail projects, yet Mayor Bass seeks additional support to fulfill the city’s ambitious transit vision. As LA navigates the complexities of changing its transportation culture, the outcomes of this shift could redefine mobility in the City of Angels for generations to come.
