Since the installation of two new bike lanes on York Boulevard between Figueroa Street and Avenue 56, which has reduced traffic to a single lane at some points in the road, there's been no shortage of debate about the impact of the stripes.
A very informal survey of Highland Park-Mount Washington Patch Facebook readers garnerned diverse opinions on the subject, though most indicated that traffic is no worse now than it was before sewer construction began.
Here's what they had to say:
Jeff Chapman: "I usually go through around 8:50 am and then at 5:40 pm. Since the sewer project has been completed, I don't see as much traffic. Haven't noticed congestion."
Tanya King: "I havent noticed a change and I hit that intersection multiple times per day."
Annette Chavez Aleman: "Its better now...havent noticed much with bike lanes..."
Tina Rodas: "Traffic got worse a few years ago, when they made is a 2 lane street!"
Erykah Grande: "YES! Exactly what I was thinking. I hear complaints about traffic but I drive and walk York regularly and don't see it. I was beginning to think I was always missing rush hour. lol"
Erika Wilder: "It's much better since finishing the sewer. Speaking of bike lanes, if one was put on Fig between Colorado and the Metro station, I'd ride a bike a lot more. Fig's pretty scary on a bike."
Luciana Patricia Bastien: "Traffic use to b bad between 7-830a and 3-430p but its gotten way better..the bike lane doesn't add traffic at al"
Severin Martinez: "I haven't been there during rush hour since the construction finished but I suspect that any significant, perceived slowing is just that– perceived. The LADOT only implements bike lanes like this if there are no significant traffic delays. It should be noted the LADOT only removed 1 lane in 1 direction to add bike lanes on BOTH sides. An alternative design proposed the reallocation of 1 lane in EACH direction to create bike lanes in BOTH directions. I would not be surprised if that design was not implemented because it would have caused a projected traffic delay that would require an Environmental Impact Review."
Jason Pritchett: "I'm one of the people who has commented on Patch that the traffic on York appears to be worse than it was pre-bike lane. Perhaps it is just my perception, but I've encountered back-ups at Fig and York from people trying to cut over from the now-turn-only lane on the right to continue west on York. To me, it also seems like there is more traffic heading west on York approaching Aldama since it has gone to a single lane in that direction. I'm typically passing through that area between 6-7PM, depending on the day of the week."
