A key piece of the Los Angeles Vision Zero plan involves installing so-called “road diets” on some of the city’s especially dangerous streets. This process involves removing through traffic lanes and adding turning and bike lanes to reduce collisions from vehicle turning and lane changes, to improve pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, and to “calm” high- speed traffic by reducing vehicle speeds. These road diets have proven effective at improving safety outcomes in Los Angeles, but claims of increased congestion and terrible traffic along the reconfigured roads have prompted public outcry, recall campaigns and even lawsuits against the city.
