Council motion seeks to legalize 1,000 volunteer-painted crosswalks in L.A.
A new proposal asks LADOT to study a pilot program that would let residents legally paint crosswalks, a move born from the arrest of a local safety activist.
By Daniel Bernard ·
Los Angeles City Council members introduced a motion last week that would instruct the Los Angeles Department of Transportation to study the feasibility of a volunteer-led pilot program. The proposal, co-authored by Councilwoman Yaroslavsky and Councilmember Eunisses Martinez, aims to create a legal framework for residents to paint crosswalks.
The motion follows a year in which Jonathan Hale, founder of the group People's Vision Zero, was arrested and charged with vandalism for painting sidewalks. Hale, who lives in Los Angeles without a car, stated that his goal was to protect the dignity of pedestrians, bicyclists, and public transit users. He described his advocacy as a push for a government that serves the needs of those who do not rely on private vehicles.
Hale was taken into custody at a Westwood intersection where he had been working on a crosswalk. According to the police report, he was unable to finish the painting before being arrested. The vandalism charges against him were later dropped, but the incident highlighted the lack of clear rules for citizen-led street improvements.
Opinions on the proposal vary among residents. Jason Lai, a Westwood resident, suggested that volunteer involvement could accelerate safety improvements that might otherwise move slowly through city channels. Joseph Robinson, also from Westwood, expressed caution about unregulated efforts. He stated that if the work is a vigilante effort, the activists should secure a proper legal framework first.
Hale said his organization plans to pause its painting activities while waiting for the city to respond to the new motion. He emphasized the desire to operate through an official program in the future to ensure the work remains legally protected. He noted that he has a large support base and is not discouraged by his prior arrest.
The motion specifically asks LADOT to determine if a volunteer program is feasible. It does not yet mandate the painting of crosswalks but seeks to establish the rules that would allow it to happen. Hale said he is currently focused on seeing what the city proposes in response to the council's direction.
Source: ABC7 Los Angeles
