Building a Safer Pico Boulevard

Last weekend I joined community members at CicLAmini as we launched engagement for our Pico Boulevard Safety and Mobility Plan Project to make one of Los Angeles’ key corridors safer and more accessible for everyone. This project will focus on a 3.5 mile stretch of Pico Boulevard between Crenshaw Boulevard and Figueroa Street where 76 severe traffic collisions including 11 pedestrian fatalities occurred between 2014 and 2023.

LADOT began addressing safety on Pico Boulevard in 2019, implementing improvements like upgraded signals and high-visibility crosswalks, but we know there’s more work to do. This next phase will incorporate community feedback, Mobility Plan guidance, and safety best practices to redesign the street to reduce vehicle speeds and create safer conditions for everyone who uses the road—whether they’re walking, biking, taking the bus, or driving.

We’re currently focused on engaging the community to better understand how they use Pico today, and how they’d like to see it improved tomorrow. Through events, stakeholder meetings, and direct outreach, we will continue to share more about what’s ahead so that Angelenos who will experience these changes most directly have a voice in shaping the final design. Your input is essential as we work to build a safer, more connected Pico Boulevard—one that reflects the needs of the people who use it every day.

You can learn more about the project and proposals on our website. We look forward to your input!

LADOT Begins Outreach for Pico Boulevard Safety and Mobility Plan Project

As part of the Pico Boulevard Safety and Mobility Project, LADOT will be installing safety improvements on 3.5 miles of Pico Boulevard between Crenshaw and Figueroa. The project will include a lane reconfiguration that reduces the number of through travel lanes to add a new bicycle facility, as well as new pedestrian and bicycle signal crossings and other safety features.

Between 2014 and 2023, there were 76 serious traffic collisions that resulted in severe injury or death on this portion of Pico Boulevard. Since 2019, LADOT has installed safety improvements on Pico, including speed feedback signs, continental crosswalks, pedestrian paddle signs, new traffic signals, protected left turn signals, and curb extensions. The additional improvements will enhance safety outcomes, support sustainable modes of transportation, and connect to major event venues and employment centers in DTLA .

Over the coming months, LADOT will engage the community and local stakeholders about proposed roadway design alternatives as we work to create a safer street for everyone, especially pedestrians, cyclists, and transit riders.

To learn more, visit LADOT Livable Streets.  

Michael Cabanilla, Transportation Engineer 

Michael Cabanilla is a Transportation Engineering Associate III, serving as a Project Manager for several grant-funded projects. He oversees projects from inception through completion, coordinating closely with various bureaus, stakeholders, and community partners to ensure successful outcomes aligned with departmental goals.

Originally from the Philippines, Michael emigrated to Los Angeles after finishing college. “It's not easy to uproot your entire family to a different place,” he recalls, “but when I stepped out of the LAX terminal, I knew Los Angeles would be my new home.” The city offered him the opportunities he had dreamed of, meeting his wife, raising a family, and working at LADOT in his chosen field. “I couldn't ask for more,” he shares. “If you chase your dream, it can come true.”

One of Michael's recent achievements includes the WalkBike Watts project, where his team installed pedestrian safety improvements across the Watts community. These improvements include pedestrian hybrid beacons, rectangular rapid flashing beacons (RRFBs), signal modifications, and ADA-compliant pedestrian ramps. “Every time we deliver a project, I feel proud and accomplished because it enhances the community,” he says.

For those seeking an authentic Filipino experience, Michael recommends attending Filipino Heritage Night at a Dodgers game. “It's a fun and proud moment for the Filipino community in the LA Region,” he explains. “The entire stadium is filled with Filipino-inspired Dodger jerseys, bringing together food, music, and cultural celebration. It's an event that matches how Filipinos celebrate Fiesta back home.”

What Michael loves most about LA is the city's diversity. “Different cultures, neighborhoods, and people coexist here—especially reflected in LA's food. You can name any food, and LA has it within 30 minutes,” he shares. “LA is a city where you can find a piece of home no matter where you come from, and that feeling of inclusion makes LA so special to me.”  

CicLAvia Brings CicLAmini to Pico Union

Last Sunday, LADOT joined with CicLAvia to open up 1.4 miles of Pico Boulevard at CicLAmini: Pico Union! CicLAmini open streets routes are shorter than regular CicLAvia routes, encouraging a more pedestrian-oriented experience with activities, games, and business engagements along the entire open space.

At both the Normandie and Union hubs, LADOT outreach teams were on hand to hear feedback about the Pico Boulevard Safety and Mobility Plan Project, which will bring safety improvements to 3.5 miles of Pico. Thanks to everyone who stopped by to share their experiences biking on Pico Blvd as well as tell us what improvements they most want to see on the street!

This CicLAmini marked CicLAvia’s 60th open streets event since the organization began closing streets to car traffic and opening them up for community and connection in 2010. The 2025 CicLAvia season continues on June 22 with CicLAvia: Historic South Central Meets Watts. Visit ciclavia.org to view the route map and learn more. See you there!    

Metro D Line Service Interruptions Begin May 17

Metro Los Angeles has announced that the Metro D (Purple) Line will be temporarily closed from the beginning of service on May 17 until the end of service on July 25. The closure is part of Phase I of the D Line Extension Project that will connect DTLA with the Westside.

During the closure, riders may use the following alternative routes:

• From Wilshire/Vermont to Union Station: Stations are also served by the Metro B (Red) Line. During the closure, B line trains will run every 8 minutes from 6:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. on weekdays and 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. on weekends. B Line trains will run every 12 minutes beginning at 7:00 p.m. and every 20 minutes beginning at 9:00 p.m.
• Wilshire/Normandie and Wilshire/Western: A Metro shuttle bus (Line 855) will connect riders between Wilshire/Vermont, Wilshire/Normandie, and Wilshire/Western. The shuttle bus will align with the B Line schedule and operate from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on weekdays, and from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on weeknights. Lines 720 and 20, which run along Wilshire Blvd, will continue their usual routes and may be used to travel between the D Line stations along Wilshire and to and from downtown LA (use 5th St heading westbound, and 6th St heading eastbound).  

Both Metro B and D Line trains will resume regular schedules at the start of service on July 26. Learn more at Metro's The Source blog. 

Apply Now For Emergency Management Department’s Camp ReadyLA: Emer-Gen-Z

The City of Los Angeles Emergency Management Department is hosting its third annual Camp ReadyLA: Emer-Gen-Z, a week-long summer program for young adults aged 18-24 that provides a look into the life of an emergency manager.

Campers will learn about disaster preparedness and participate in fun activities that will improve their team-building and leadership skills and pave the way for their professional success. Several careers in the public safety field will be showcased, highlighting emergency management coordination and capabilities for city response.

The four-day program will run from Tuesday, July 22 to Friday, July 25, and take place daily between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM at the City’s Emergency Operations Center located in Downtown Los Angeles.

Applications close on May 30. Apply for Camp ReadyLA: Emer-Gen-Z. 

LA Youth Development Department Presents Youth Expo 2025

Join the City of Los Angeles Youth Development Department on Saturday, May 31, from 9 am to 3 pm at Los Angeles Trade Technical-College for the 3rd Annual LA Youth Expo, a free, family-friendly event for youth and young adults.

This resource fair will bring together hundreds of young people from across Los Angeles for a day filled with empowerment, connection, and growth.

You'll have the chance to explore:

• Summer job and internship opportunities
• Career workshops and mock interviews
• Mental health & wellness resources
• Resume and cover letter tips
• Financial literacy sessions
• Wildfire recovery resources
• Giveaways, free lunch, and more!

Whether you are looking for a job, exploring new career paths, or just curious about what is out there, the LA Youth Expo has something for everyone.   

For more details about this event, register at LA Youth Department website.

Transportation Photos of the Week

CicLAmini: Pico Union brought 1.4 miles of open streets to Pico Boulevard on May 18, 2025. LADOT teams were present to hear about safety concerns and priorities for the Pico Mobility Safety and Improvement Plan Project.