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 and includes Community Pedestrian Plans for the unincorporated communities of Lake Los Angeles, Walnut Park, Westmont/West Athens, Whittier-Los Nietos.

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors will conduct a public hearing to consider “Step
by Step Los Angeles County: Pedestrian Plans for Unincorporated Communities.” This plan outlines actions, policies, procedures, and programs the County will implement to enhance safety and comfort for people walking. It includes Community Pedestrian Plans that identify pedestrian infrastructure enhancements for Lake Los Angeles, Walnut Park, Westmont/West Athens, and West Whittier-Los Nietos.

You may provide public comment in person; or submit written comments to the contact people listed below:

Justin Robertson: jrobertson@ph.lacounty.gov, (213) 351 3129;
Alexis Lantz: alantz@ph.lacounty.gov (213) 351 3127

MEETING ACCESSIBILITY:

Assistive listening devices, agenda in Braille and/or alternate formats are available upon request. American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters, other auxiliary aids and services, or reasonable modifications to Board meeting policies and/or procedures, such as to assist members of the disability community who would like to request a disability-related accommodation in addressing the Board, are available if requested at least three business days prior to the Board meeting. Later requests will be accommodated to the extent feasible.

Please telephone the Executive Office of the Board at (213) 974-1426 (voice) or (213) 974-1707 (TTY), from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Download the entire Plan here or view it by chapter:

Chapter 1: Background and Context
Chapter 2: Vision, Goals and Actions
Chapter 3: Facilities to improve Walkability
Chapter 4: Plans and Procedures
Chapter 5: Programs
Chapter 6: Implementation
Chapter 7: Lake Los Angeles Community Pedestrian Plan
Chapter 8: Walnut Park Community Pedestrian Plan
Chapter 9: Westmont/West Athens Community Pedestrian Plan
Chapter 10: West Whittier-Los Nietos Community Pedestrian Plan
Step by Step Appendices A-E
Appendix A: Existing Plans and Projects Review
Appendix B: Existing Conditions
Appendix C: Pedestrian Counts
Appendix D: Implementation
Appendix E: Cost Estimates

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 walkable community. This project will last from Spring 2016 through Summer 2018. Click above on 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.