Step by Step LA County: Pedestrian Plans for
Unincorporated Communities provides a policy framework for how the County proposes to get more people walking, make walking safer, and support healthy active lifestyles. It also includes Community Pedestrian Plans for unincorporated communities in L.A. County.
These first four communities were selected based on criteria including high rates of pedestrian collisions resulting in death or injury, as well as a focus on disadvantaged communities that experience health inequities and challenges to safe walking and access.
The criteria included a focus on
disadvantaged communities that
experience health inequities and
challenges to safe walking and access.
A
key goal of the project was to pilot
pedestrian safety enhancements in a mix
of rural (Lake Los Angeles), urban
(Westmont/West Athens and Walnut Park),
and suburban (West Whittier-Los Nietos)
communities.
From 2020 to 2023, the PLACE Program will be collaborating with neighborhood organizations, mobility advocates, and resident leaders to develop four new Community Pedestrian Plans for the unincorporated neighborhoods of East Los Angeles, East Rancho Dominguez, Florence-Firestone, and Willowbrook/West Rancho Dominguez-Victoria.
The PLACE Program hopes to continue improving walkability in unincorporated LA County communities with the highest needs through community pedestrian planning and community engagement.
Read the full Step by Step Los Angeles County:
Pedestrian Plans for Unincorporated Communities here
(PDF) or by clicking on the image.
What
Is a Pedestrian Plan?
A pedestrian plan provides guidance in developing a
network of sidewalks, off-street paths, and trails and facilities (such as
lighting, crosswalks and benches) that allow people to walk safely and
comfortably to key destinations like parks and schools throughout a community.
It includes policies that address safety, traffic, education,
and programs to promote a safe, walkable community. Work on this
next round of Community Pedestrian Plans will last from Winter
2021 through Fall 2023.
Find your community to get involved in the planning process:
Benefits of Walking
Health
- Studies show that walking 30 minutes a day can reduce
the risk of many
chronic conditions, particularly diabetes, obesity,
heart disease, hypertension,
depression, and some cancers.
Economics
- Walking to school, work, or a nearby store can save
you money on gas
and car maintenance.
Environment
- By choosing to walk you help reduce greenhouse gas
emissions, improve air quality, and reduce traffic
congestion.
Currently 23% of Los Angeles County children and 23.9%
of adults are considered obese, in some communities the
percentage is even higher. Countywide only 28.7% of
children engage in regular physical activity and only
34.1% of adults walk regularly. In addition, traffic
collisions are a leading cause of premature death of
both children and adults in Los Angeles County.
The Los Angeles County Departments of Public Health
(DPH) and Public Works (DPW) are working in partnership
on these plans to improve roadway safety and increase
rates of walking. Communities that have safe streets,
accessible sidewalks, paths and trails make getting
physical activity easier for everyone.
The PLACE Program hopes to continue improving walkability in unincorporated LA County communities with the highest needs through community pedestrian planning and community engagement.
Health
- Studies show that walking 30 minutes a day can reduce
the risk of many 
Economics
- Walking to school, work, or a nearby store can save
you money on gas 
Environment
- By choosing to walk you help reduce greenhouse gas
emissions, improve air quality, and reduce traffic
congestion.