This post is in partnership with LA/2B.
There is perhaps no bigger issue in Los Angeles than transportation—it affects every Angeleno in almost every aspect of daily life, from the economy to the environment to public health. That’s why GOOD/Corps is working with the Los Angeles city planning and transportation departments to keep the conversation about transportation moving in the right direction with the initiative LA/2B.
LA/2B is an ongoing campaign to engage L.A. residents in the planning process for the city’s transportation future, inviting citizens to tell the city how they would improve L.A’s streets and public transit. These crowdsourced ideas—ranging from better sidewalks to car-sharing programs—will be used to create an updated street use and transportation plan, highlighting and recommending the innovative solutions for the city that come directly from Angelenos themselves.
How can you get involved? Last year, LA/2B launched a virtual town hall to solicit suggestions from Angelenos about how to improve the way L.A. moves. A few months ago LA/2B launched the first in a series of infographics illustrating mobility in the city. And this weekend, LA/2B is launching a series of Think Labs across the city, bringing citizens together at live brainstorming events to collaborate on ideas for L.A.’s transportation future.
The Think Labs are meant to be one part education and one part engagement, according to Jane Choi from the city planning department, which will have representatives on hand at every event. “Attendees can learn about the state of our transportation system through vivid maps that convey key information about the city’s streets and tell city staff what street enhancement features would best promote a complete streets network,” she says. The events will also feature transportation planner James Rojas, who will lead a fun, interactive exercise to help attendees envision their ideal Los Angeles street.
Think Labs aren’t the only way to get involved. A new round of questions is online at ideas.LA2B.org, allowing Angelenos to provide their own ideas and innovative solutions for L.A.’s transportation challenges. And a “idea line” has been set up for people to suggest ideas by phone. Claire Bowin of the city planning department says she’s encouraged by the energy she’s seen in the conversation so far. “It will only take a small number of Angelenos to shift to bicycling, walking, and taking transit one or two days a week to create a noticeable difference in the transportation system,” she says. “It’s exciting to hear from people who are already utilizing alternative modes today and others who would be willing to if there were improvements and enhancements to the existing system.”
To attend an upcoming Think Lab, find the location nearest you. All events are free to attend, and you can RSVP on Facebook to let others know you’ll be there.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
9:30 – 11:30 p.m.
Van Nuys City Hall
14410 Sylvan Street
Van Nuys, CA 91404
Saturday, February 25, 2012
1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
LACMA West
6067 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Saturday, March 3, 2012
9:30 – 11:30 p.m.
La Plaza de Cultura y Artes
501 N Main Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Saturday, March 3, 2012
1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Pacoima Neighborhood Constituent Services Center
13520 W Van Nuys Blvd.
Pacoima, CA 91331
Photo courtesy of Dr. Pop
