UCLA Institute of Transportation Studies

This report explores the effects of the Slow Streets L.A. program in a variety of neighborhoods in Los Angeles. Separating the 30 Slow Streets corridors into 5 neighborhood typologies based on urban form and socio-economic information, I then utilize surveys of community sponsors and traffic analysis through Streetlight to garner a comprehensive snapshot of the benefits (or lack thereof) of Slow Street installation. Analysis of the five Slow Street typologies showed varying success in the program’s ability to shift mobility patterns. When compared with its respective Control corridor, one Slow Street corridor saw smaller increases in vehicle speeds over the first three months of development. Comparison to the Control showed the Slow Street neighborhood producing greater decreases in vehicle traffic along its corridors. While all Typologies saw similar traffic decreases, no typology was fully successful at slowing vehicle speeds.Survey responses confirm ongoing concerns of vehicle speeds along designated corridors in addition to issues related to maintenance and long-term effectiveness of Slow Street signage. Although a majority of respondents agreed that Slow Streets L.A. was successful in extending recreational opportunities while social distancing, all respondents agreed fast cars pose a significant safety concern for the program. For greater effectiveness of the Slow Streets L.A. Program, this report recommends more durable and visible signage, in addition to supplementing corridors with traffic calming interventions and improvements to infrastructure for a more pleasant user experience.