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.
Read draft Pedestrian Plans for:
Hard copies are also available at County libraries in each of the four project communities. Click here to find your nearest County library: https://lacountylibrary.org/library-locator/
Check out the video from our virtual workshop from February 1, 2023 to find out more about the pedestrian plan process, information on how being in green space impacts health, and what kinds of projects are proposed for East Los Angeles, East Rancho Dominguez, Florence-Firestone and Willowbrook/West Rancho Dominguez.
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.
If you want to learn more about these plans,
contact Alfredo Lezama alezama@ph.lacounty.gov.
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 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 Public Works 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, in-progress, and completed
transportation and water projects, often with
project fact sheets and contact information.