.
Feedback

Watch: A Look at York Boulevard Traffic

The traffic impact of a new bike lane on York Boulevard is still up for debate.

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."

Newsletter & Alerts

Get the best stories each day and important breaking news

Subscribe

Not from Highland Park-Mount Washington Patch? Find your Local Patch »

Albert Mason October 18, 2012 at 03:05 pm
I don't use York anymore because the traffic is just slow, slow. I actually have things to do, like, picking up my kids from school and going to work. I don't have time for the constant yellow and red traffic lights and bicycles all over the place. So you can have York all to yourselves. I don't shop at any of the stores I used to go to on York. Like the El Super, the cleaners, the hardware store, the Pizza Hut, Galco's, McDonald's gas station on 54 and a whole lot of other stores. I just avoid the whole mess and stay away. What a crock! bicycles in L.A.
Why do people follow fads?
David Fonseca (Editor) October 18, 2012 at 03:06 pm
Facebook commenter Iván Gutiérrez left the following comments: "Its better since the construction ended but traffic at 8:40am in a suburban area where most people are away at work does not show the true traffic - or peak-traffic I should say."
Fair point. When is traffic heaviest in the AM? 7:30, 6:30? I'll get back out there again to see.
frank van neutra lautner October 18, 2012 at 03:18 pm
What a crock, indeed. I've been bicycling for 35 years. For 20 of those I've done so while living within the city of Chicago and Los Angeles. Cycling isn't a fad, it's lifestyle choice, just like choosing to be a fat azz lump who rolls around in a two ton SUV.
Following the logic I've seen by many in this debate they might as well argue for the elimination of sidewalks in L.A. (which the city is struggle to maintain - 42% currently need repair or replacement at a total cost of $1.6 billion) while we're at it.
Gil October 18, 2012 at 03:28 pm
It has increased traffic. For anyone who say other wise must not live on York or by York. I also feel sorry for the people who live on Meridian street. Meridian traffic has also increase dramatically.
I have no problems with bike lanes. I do have problems with lane reductions. The street has no balance. How about a time lapse on Meridian st. and York during Traffic 7am - 9am 5pm-730pm some times till 8pm .
David Fonseca (Editor) October 18, 2012 at 03:30 pm
Gil, I don't have the time/resources to do a time lapse. However, I will check out those areas at the times you mentioned.
Gil October 18, 2012 at 03:45 pm
Also maybe you should have a camera on York and Fiqueroa and look towards South Pasadena Bridge. see the long back up that extends all the way back to Avenue 66.
Now thinking about it i think a bike Lane would have been nicer on Meridian st. I rather see more bikes than cars.
frank van neutra lautner October 18, 2012 at 03:50 pm
I live near York. I drive on York on various days of the week and times of the day and evening. I've observed no increase in the amount motor vehicular traffic (why would there be? Bike lanes don't cause motorists to choose to drive on roads with them) and there has not been an excessive decrease in the efficiency of traffic flow.
Saul October 18, 2012 at 04:07 pm
Wether bikes are a fad or a lifestyle I believe we all have the choice to drive or bike. If you're not happy with your route then pick another one. There are plenty of streets in Highland Park to get you to your destination. Stop complaining you bitter ass people. Be happy don't drag everyone else down.
Jan October 18, 2012 at 04:33 pm
People have no patience, what a shame. Stop complaining, it's really not that bad. Your commute can't be longer then 5-10 min then it was before the bike lanes. If you don't like it, might as well get out of HLP and move back to Silver Lake, Los Feliz, Miracle Mile, or the West Side where traffic is so much better. *Sarcasm*
Cerro Gordo October 18, 2012 at 05:42 pm
I gotta say this whole "controversy" is pretty weird to me. I live right there by the Mobil station and I'm just glad the construction is over. Really, really, REALLY glad. I'm not a cyclist, but I could care less about the bike lanes. I really don't notice any difference at all. During rush hour, traffic is heavy. All other times, it's not that bad. That's pretty much most of LA. At least that's how I see it.
din October 18, 2012 at 05:46 pm
I find it more scary people are complaining as if it's the 110 S during rush. I live on 54 and York for 7 years (born and raised in HLP) and can say with certainty that yes there is increase traffic but really were talking at it's worst 5 min total delay from Eagle Rock to the South Pasadena bridge not counting traffic lights. Honestly are people just that impatient and bratty?
Rich October 18, 2012 at 08:14 pm
I live on Meridian and traffic in the morning and in the afternoon gets busy. I'm talking about cars blasting their music for all to hear. Ranchero, techno, pop, rock, rap. It get's annoying. I'm a new resident so I can't comment on how traffic was on Meridian a few years ago. Can we please get speed bumps on Meridian from ave 50 to lets say ave 56? There are many homes with families, kids that play outside and people zip through the residential street like it's a main street like York.
frank van neutra lautner October 18, 2012 at 08:21 pm
^^This^^
frank van neutra lautner October 18, 2012 at 08:21 pm
^^And This^^
frankruby October 19, 2012 at 01:48 am
Jan i love ur comment... Lived in hlp for years i have seen alot of changes for the better and worse. But to much complaiming on certain peoples parts. Traffics not that bad but we really waited all that time of construction just for a bikr lane
David Fonseca (Editor) October 19, 2012 at 01:06 pm
Hi Frank, thanks for leaving a comment! I just wanted to correct one thing: the construction was for sewer repairs, not for bike lane installation. That would have been insane, indeed!
Jose October 19, 2012 at 03:15 pm
Traffic on York was always bad during rush hour times. It is not as bad as other parts of the county. Even with heavy traffic and one less lane, at least it moves. It compares to nothing like the westside where it is a parking lot. The part of york between El Super and Fig was always treated like a highway. The lights hardly changed and many people drive very very fast. Im glad traffic is slower now with one less lane. People actually walk the streets more, use the bike lane, and stop and look at the stores and restaurants old and new. Now I wish they could slow down parts of Fig. People speed through there all the time, even when kids are let out of Burbank MS and Garvanza ES.
Note Article
Just a short thought to get the word out quickly about anything in your neighborhood.
Share something with your neighbors. Write a new post... What's up? Make an announcement, speak your mind, or sell something
batgirl4u69 June 17, 2013 at 03:33 pm
All U Newbees Get Used To It, Its Been Going On 4 Many Decades
dee-aych June 17, 2013 at 05:49 pm
Ahhh, the ghetto mentality of "get used to it." Screw that. I want peace & quiet.Read More Some of those kids shooting off fireworks set my neighbor's house on fire a few years back. But I supposed you'll just tell me to get used to that as well.
Marge Piane June 17, 2013 at 06:37 pm
Yes. And, I suppose you could call me a "newbie", I've only lived here since '87.
Margarito Martinez June 15, 2013 at 10:54 am
Let me say, that this issue, alcohol sales, came up at our recent HHPNC LUC meeting. We nearlyRead More unanamously recommened against granting ANY more liqour licenses, with the exception of Full Service Resturants. My position is not that existing propritors want to sell booze pass 10PM. My problem is that they start selling alcolhol at 6, some 7 AM. That is unacceptable. Now, we can't force them not to, not yet... but we can ask, for the sake of those sick individuals who arem passed out on our sidewalks by 9AM, to voluntarily not sell booze until a decent hour. I suggest Noon. This can not be accomplished wothout the help of everyone who is concerned about the social problems inherent in Alcohol abuse, and the businesses that make that scourge possible.
nonoise June 16, 2013 at 07:16 am
And, a letter sent to the city councilmember would help. And, now CD1 has a new city councilmemberRead More Cedillo starting on July 1, 2013. And, we have a new city attorney starting July 1, 2013. So, make sure to send your letter to the new government authorities. Hopefully they will do more than the old "do nothings".
elmo June 16, 2013 at 12:33 pm
With a new mayor, council person, and city attorney, will the gang suppression/injunction stayRead More intact? Crime went down because the powers that were had grown up around, and knew the horror of gang oppression. So they did something about it. Will the new people continue the policy? Suddenly the neighborhoods felt safer. The rebirth of Highland Park, Glassell Park and even Eagle Rock wouldn't have happened without the gang suppression policies.
Jeanne June 4, 2013 at 03:17 am
Just attempted sign-up/payment with Visa on-line; wouldn't go through. Any suggestions? I'm ready toRead More get going, so very ready. Thanks in advance for your assistance.
Linda Filipiak June 4, 2013 at 05:16 am
Sorry you are having issues with this. I just looked at the link and it appears to be working, asRead More others have been able to pay. If you have a paypal account I would suggest trying that instead of Visa. Let me know if that does't work and we will find another option.
Marino Pascal June 4, 2013 at 10:17 am
On Facebook people have personal profiles and family and photos that they may not want to expose toRead More their neighbors. Also what is "Mount Washington"? Mount Washington is a residential community with an elementary school, a semi-open(semi-closed?) museum and nothing else. No restaurants, no stores, no middle school, no high school. It doesn't exist all by itself. It's part of Northeast LA. I think whether we like it or not, all of us in Northeast LA are dependent on each other.
Mark Nishinaka June 2, 2013 at 06:31 am
David was really good, but I think we need to give Ajay a chance to find his groove. Have to giveRead More him credit for not melding Eagle Rock news with Highland Park. I could see that being a problem.
Nimby pimp June 2, 2013 at 11:44 am
I agree. Give the new guy a chance to learn the ropes. It is astounding to hear so much whining fromRead More people about a service they get for free.
A Proud Garvanza Teacher June 6, 2013 at 08:34 pm
Based on personal experience, David was always responsive to emails and genuinely seemed to want toRead More support a variety of organizations, schools, and topics in his selection of stories. I find myself checking out the news on the Patch must less regularly now.
Anne Colburn May 29, 2013 at 10:21 am
I agree, change is good but this new site is way way too busy plus the coloring is too light.Read More Sorry, I no longer read it on a daily basis.
KingSlav May 30, 2013 at 12:55 pm
Comments on the site have dropped precipitously since the new format was rolled out. This follows aRead More drop in the number of daily stories. Does anyone read Patch anymore?
Gma May 30, 2013 at 01:00 pm
Not really I haven't in months maybe even a year! Not very interesting. My daughter hates it too.Read More Keep on losing readers.
KingSlav May 30, 2013 at 12:15 pm
It's not surprising to read this. There are unleashed, untagged, unlicensed chihuahuas runningRead More around my street in Garvanza almost every day. I'm frequently having to call the Department of Animal Services. Irresponsible dog owners are a real nuisance to our community.
Erik May 24, 2013 at 07:31 pm
Just noticed myself the other day. This is across all Patch sites. Very disappointed in thisRead More oversight.
KingSlav June 3, 2013 at 08:14 pm
This new website format really does need an RSS feed. The site is all over the place. Please add aRead More feed ASAP.
nonoise May 19, 2013 at 11:17 am
False? Wrong!! I have the letter as proof. Did "no way, Jose" write the letter? IfRead More patch wants to see it, let me know. It is the truth.
nonoise May 20, 2013 at 08:01 am
I want peace and quiet in my home. "No way, Jose" believes I should not have peace andRead More quiet in my home. That is a dicatator.