Los Angeles Mayor-elect Nithya Raman is preparing to put bike lanes in the fast lane, potentially taking space away from cars on some of the city’s busiest roads as her powerful political backers push for a multibillion-dollar transportation overhaul.
The incoming mayor has said she wants more protected bicycle lanes, bus-only corridors and redesigned streets, changes that could reignite bitter battles over traffic, parking, small businesses and emergency response times.
Michael Schneider, founder of the influential transportation advocacy group Streets for All, told the California Post he expects Raman to aggressively enforce Measure HLA, the controversial voter-approved law requiring Los Angeles to install planned bike lanes, bus lanes and pedestrian improvements when undertaking major road repairs.
“We want to see Measure HLA implemented; under Bass city departments have obstructed it and is wasting millions in legal fees fighting it, we believe under Mayor Raman they will embrace it,” Schneider told The Post.
City officials previously estimated implementing the measure could cost $3.1 billion over a decade, although supporters disputed that figure.
The political muscle behind Raman’s transportation agenda is substantial.
Hedge fund manager and bicycle advocate Aaron Sosnick poured millions into independent political groups supporting Raman, including Streets for All’s political action committee.
Schneider believes Raman’s victory could finally break years of City Hall resistance to street redesigns.
“Having a Mayor who truly cares about traffic violence, implementing Vision Zero and Measure HLA, and doing what it takes to make our streets safer is something all Angelenos will benefit from,” he said.
Raman’s own campaign platform lays out an ambitious vision for reshaping Los Angeles streets, including installing concrete barriers between cyclists and cars, expanding bike lanes, adding speed humps in residential neighborhoods and redesigning intersections to protect pedestrians.
