Thread started by charles at 02.7.07 - 11:40 am

Bicyclist and pedestrian safety compromised at Comstock and Whilshire.

There is a construction project near the Los Angeles Country Club that is jeopardizing the safety of cyclists and pedestrians by closing the only sidewalk that passes through. Those of you that ride this route know that it is 6 lanes of unimpeded fast moving traffic that often exceeds 65mph. That is why even the staunchest of urban riders often opt for the sidewalk through the Los Angeles Country Club.

However the sidewalk has recently been closed for construction at Comstock. The other side of the street does not have a sidewalk, not even a shoulder. This leaves people with few options. Either go around the entire country club, or risk going through the construction zone.

An attempt was made to talk to the foreman of the operation. While waiting 10 minutes to speak with him, it was noted that 3 cyclists and 2 pedestrians navigated through the construction zone. The foreman unfortunately dismissed any discussion of the issue by saying 'we have a permit to close the sidewalk'.

Please let it be known that the rights and safety of pedestrians and cyclists should be taken into account during this construction project. You can do so by calling the following people and voicing your concern. Thanks for your help in this matter.


Contractors: Ross A. Guy & Son (951) 894 6635
City Contact: Larry Morales (213) 847 6212
City inspector: Anna Robertson (213) 847 6218 or (310) 575 8490

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Typically the permit requires that the contractor provide an alternative route but in this particular case the requirement (C11 - provide an ADA and weatherproof walkway or an alternative route) was waived. Hmmm!

Jack Weiss is the Councilmember (CD5) and Lisa Trifiletti is his Planning Deputy.

Councilmember Jack Weiss - 213-473-7005

Lisa Trifiletti - Planning Deputy - 310-289-0353
lisa.trifiletti@lacity.org





SoapBoxLA
02.7.07 - 12:54 pm

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Thanks for the additional info! very interesting that would waive that requirement. I would imagine it was to keep the 6 traffic lanes flowing smoothly at the cost of cyclist/ped safety.

it is important to rattle some cages about this one. looks like it will probably be a fairly long term, high rise construction project.

so if you ride this route, call for sure! even if you dont ride it daily, call and make some noise for those of us that do.

like i said, i saw three cyclists, and 2 peds. if you count me thats 6 people that were put in harms way in just 10 minutes this morning.

this is a route that should be open to all, not just motorists!





charles
02.7.07 - 1:18 pm

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