Step by Step Los Angeles County
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.
Watch our December 2021 Virtual Workshop below to learn more about the
communities we're working in now:
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.
These
first four communities were selected based on criteria including high
rates of pedestrian collisions resulting in death or injury, and
a focus on communities that experience health inequities
and challenges to safe walking. A key goal of the project was to pilot
pedestrian safety enhancements
in a mix of rural, urban, and suburban communities.
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 and Public Works 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.
Find InfrastructureLA
Projects in Your Community
Los Angeles County Public Works is the agency responsible for road
projects in unincorporated areas, including safety enhancements for
walking. Their website includes a map of planned and in-progress
transportation and water projects, often with project fact sheets and
contact information. Click here to see the map: InfrastructureLA
Regional Projects Map