In March 2020, TERA was approved as a local sponsor for one of the first four “Slow Streets” implementations in Los Angeles. Slow Streets is a temporary program that enables residents to maintain physical distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic. The program has already been very well-received by local residents as it enables access to exercise and fresh air while discouraging aggressive driving at a time when speeding has increased on local streets.
We would like to hear from you! Please let us know your thoughts after you’ve experienced one of these streets in person so we can get the City to improve and address any issues. If you are interested in bringing Slow Streets to your own street, let us know so we can help. Please use our survey here: http://tera90041.org/slow-streets-survey/
The City of Los Angeles recently introduced a program called “Slow Streets” which allows some residential streets in a community to be temporarily converted into pedestrian-priority streets, thus creating a space where people can maintain physical distancing while out for exercise and fresh air. The program seeks to provide some small relief to Angelenos who are limited in their access to traditional gyms, parks, and recreational centers, while Angelenos adhere to Safer At Home restrictions to help slow the spread of the novel coronavirus. Simultaneously, Slow Streets seeks to respond to an uptick in cut through speeding that residential communities face with fewer drivers on the road.
TERA was successful in bringing Slow Streets to Eagle Rock as one of the first four approved local sponsors citywide. Slow Streets is a natural extension of TERA’s Slow Yosemite, Take Back the Boulevard, and Rock the Boulevard initiatives, which seek to improve the quality of life for Eagle Rockers by making streets that are safely accessible not only to cars but to pedestrians and bicyclists as well. With this in mind, TERA submitted a list of potential streets to implement Slow Streets on to the City and agreed to assist the City in maintaining them and providing feedback on the program. While the City did not accept some of TERA’s street submissions, the program was approved for implementation in Eagle Rock with an initial installation of three streets: Ellenwood Drive (between Avenue 45 to Yosemite Drive), Fair Park Avenue (between Eagle Rock Boulevard to Maywood Avenue), and Maywood Avenue (between Yosemite Drive and Chickasaw Avenue).
Eagle Rock Slow Streets launched mid-day on May 22 and early observation and feedback suggest they have been a big success. At any time of day, but especially in the mornings and early evenings, when temperatures are cooler, you can see people of all ages and backgrounds walking, bicycling, scooting, skating, walking their dogs, pushing strollers and finding brightness in the Southern California climate. Angelenos are hungry for mental and physical relief during this pandemic and we are seeing Eagle Rockers voting with their feet and taking to the streets.
One of the biggest surprises that Slow Streets has presented is that the benefit of a calmer street extends beyond just those using the street itself. All along Ellenwood, Maywood, and Fair Park, residents are making use of their front porches, yards, and balconies to enjoy the quieter and safer streets, all the while making newfound (socially distant) connections with their neighbors passing by.
Over the last week, several residents have asked TERA to sponsor Slow Streets in their part of the neighborhood. And, TERA is working with the City to see if we have the capacity to expand beyond the initially selected streets.
But the clearest sign of success? The sound of children laughing, and the smiles on their faces as they enjoy a degree of freedom that Slow Streets have given them to safely get around their own neighborhood.
We’d like to hear from you about your experience of Slow Streets, ideas for how it can be improved, and suggestions for where it can be expanded to. Please use our survey to give us your feedback as we work to keep ourselves safe and healthy during these unprecedented times: http://tera90041.org/slow-streets-survey/
Now that Slow Streets have been implemented in Eagle Rock, we would love to hear from you! Please let us know your thoughts after you’ve experienced one of these streets in person so we can get the City to improve and address any issues. Also, we would be interested to know if you are interested in adding in other Eagle Rock streets to this temporary program. Give us your feedback in the survey below (continue reading).
TERA has worked with the City of Los Angeles to bring its temporary “Slow Streets” program to Eagle Rock. “Slow Streets” seeks to provide more space on residential streets for people to maintain social distancing while getting out for fresh air and exercise during the COVID-19 pandemic. Starting on Friday 5/22, the City began providing temporary signage at intersections along the following streets to discourage aggressive driving:
Ellenwood Drive from Avenue 45 to Yosemite Drive
Fair Park Avenue between Eagle Rock Boulevard and Maywood Avenue
Maywood Avenue between Yosemite Drive and Chickasaw Ave
These streets will remain open to drive and park on, but drivers should be aware of the presence of neighbors and children seeking to maintain social distancing.
Here is our letter to Councilmember Huizar offering to sponsor the Slow Street program in Eagle Rock.
TERA is working with the City of Los Angeles to bring its temporary “Slow Streets” program to Eagle Rock. “Slow Streets” seeks to provide more space on residential streets for people to maintain social distancing while getting out for fresh air and exercise during the COVID-19 pandemic. Starting on Friday 5/22, the City will provide temporary signage at intersections along the following streets to discourage aggressive driving:
Ellenwood Drive from Avenue 45 to Yosemite Drive
Fair Park Avenue between Eagle Rock Boulevard and Maywood Avenue
Maywood Avenue between Yosemite Drive and Chickasaw Ave
These streets will remain open to drive and park on, but drivers should be aware of the presence of neighbors and children seeking to maintain social distancing. TERA previously submitted a letter to Councilmember Huizar asking for a “Safe Streets” program in Eagle Rock, to consider modifying Yosemite Drive and other Eagle Rock streets. If you are interested in bringing Slow Streets to your street in Eagle Rock, please let us know!