VERMONT STATION PLAN
Metro Green Line – Vermont Station
Name: Metro Green Line Vermont Station Intersection: Vermont Avenue and I-105 Freeway Jurisdiction(s): North of Station: East Side of Vermont Avenue • From station to Century Boulevard [City of Los Angeles] West Side of Vermont Avenue • From station to Century Boulevard [County of Los Angeles] South of Station: East Side of Vermont Avenue • From station to El Segundo Boulevard [City of Los Angeles] West Side of Vermont Avenue • From station to El Segundo Boulevard [County of Los Angeles]
49 VERMONT STATION PLAN
Existing Conditions
The Vermont Metro Green Line station platform is located in the median of the I-105 Freeway below Vermont Avenue. From the street level, Metro Green Line passengers descend via a stairway or elevator to reach the light rail platform. On Vermont Avenue outside the station entrance, there are bus stops for Metro Rapid and Local bus services and Gardena Bus Lines.
The area east of Vermont Avenue lies within the City of Los Angeles boundaries for Council District 15. The area west of Vermont Avenue is part of County of Los Angeles Supervisorial District 2. The major north/south corridor is Vermont Avenue, the major east/west corridor to the north of the station is Imperial Highway, and the east/west corridor to the south of the station is 120th Street. South of the transit station, the land use is primarily single-family with some commercial uses, including a major grocery store. West Athens Elementary School is on 119th Street. The primary land uses north of the station includes a mix of single-family and multi-family residential uses.
Station Area Statistics Based on 2000 Census Data
Age Groups within ½ Mile Radius
Under 5 5 -17 18 to 21 22 to 29 30 to 39 40 to 49 50 to 64 Over 65
4,780 10,140 3,792 10,952 13,600 9,675 8,788 6,320
7% 15% 6% 16% 20% 14% 13% 9%
Commuter Data within ½ Mile Radius
Total Number of Public Transit Bicycle Walk Commuters 34,533 1,583 371 855 5% 1% 2%
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Station Area Transit Information
Ridership, Service and Population Statistics within ½ Mile Radius
Daily Metro Bus 2,214* Local Bus Service Yes, Gardena Riders (Weekday) (other) Total Annual Riders 770,369** Population within 67,999 of Metro Rail in FY ½ 2007 at Vermont Mile Radius Station BRT Service No Average Household $51,946 Income within ½ Mile Radius Metro Rapid Yes Transit Riders 1,583 Service Living within ½ Mile Radius Existing Transit Yes Center * Metro Weekday Ridership for FY 2007 Quarter 1 Data – Boardings only ** Metro Rail Ridership FY 2007- Weekday Boardings only
Existing Transit Lines
Weekday Boardings by Transit Type Agency Routes Line Rail Lines METRO Green Line 3,033 Bus Rapid Transit METRO 754 921 209 52 Bus Lines METRO 206 564 204 677 Bus Line Gardena Transit 2 N/A Total Bus 2,214
Boardings
Current Station Conditions
Freeway Ramps. The transit station area is enclosed by the I-105 Freeway and contains a total of four freeway on/off ramps.
Park-and-Ride Lot. The Park-and-Ride lot along Vermont Avenue is often filled with trash and broken glass making the area appear to be neglected and unsafe.
51 VERMONT STATION PLAN
Park-and-Ride lot littered with trash
Shade and Amenities. The bus stop areas by the station on Vermont Avenue have ample room for pedestrians, but they could use protection from the elements, such as the sun and rain.
Bicycle Access Conditions
Bicycle Capacity. The transit station provides bicycle racks for eight bicycles however they do not appear to be used much by transit riders.
Bike Lane. [City of Los Angeles and County of Los Angeles] Further north of the transit station there is a designated bike lane that travels east/west along 98th Street between Western Avenue and Avalon Boulevard.
Bike Path. [City of Gardena] Approximately two miles southwest of the station there exists a bike path route which connects to the City of Gardena.
Railroad Crossing. [City of Los Angeles, County of Los Angeles and Union Pacific] The railroad tracks located south of the transit station pose a major problem for cyclists trying to access the Vermont station. With heavy traffic on Vermont Avenue traveling at a relatively high speed, cyclists reported using sidewalks rather than the street on Vermont Avenue for fear of traffic. On the east side of Vermont Avenue, there is no sidewalk to provide safe, comfortable access across the train tracks. Additionally, the sidewalk that leads to/from the train tracks is very narrow, rendering it virtually unusable to cyclists.
Challenging Sections. The major corridors of Imperial Highway, El Segundo Boulevard, and Vermont Avenue have sections with relatively steep grades, limited areas for stopping, and fast moving traffic, which present a challenging ride for the average cyclist to access the Vermont Station.
52 VERMONT STATION PLAN
Bicycle Facilities within a ½ Mile Radius of the Station.
Existing bike routes: None Existing bike lanes: None Existing bike paths: None Existing bike parking at station: Yes, eight bike racks; no bike lockers
Pedestrian Access Conditions
Vermont Avenue, Imperial Highway and Southwest Boulevard. [City of Los Angeles and County of Los Angeles]
Just north of the station, Vermont Avenue intersects with Imperial Highway and with Southwest Boulevard, which comes into the intersection on an angle as shown on the map below. At this three-way intersection, there is an irregularly shaped island which pedestrians must use to cross Imperial Highway going north-south, or Vermont Avenue going east-west. The pedestrian island does not contain any curb ramps, making it difficult to cross for those with strollers, bicycles or mobility impairments, and forcing wheelchair users to wait in the intersection. The island does not have a pedestrian signal to cross Southwest Boulevard to the east, and pedestrians are at risk of right-turning vehicles from Imperial Highway.
At the southeast corner of the intersection of Vermont Avenue and Imperial Highway, there are no curb cuts, forcing bicyclists, wheelchair users, and pedestrians with strollers or carts to use the driveways to the gas station at this corner to access the sidewalk.
Map showing the three-way intersection of Northeast corner of the intersection of Vermont Avenue, Imperial Highway and Vermont Avenue, and Imperial Highway Southwest Boulevard looking towards Southwest Boulevard, which angles to the right.
53 VERMONT STATION PLAN
Pedestrian crossing Southwest Boulevard Lack of curb cuts at the southeast corner of from pedestrian island, without signal or the intersection of Vermont Avenue and protection from right-turning cars from Imperial Highway. Imperial Highway. (Oncoming traffic in photo is on Imperial Highway. )
Railroad Crossing. [City of Los Angeles, County of Los Angeles and Union Pacific Railroads] Just south of the Vermont station is a railroad crossing which is owned by Union Pacific Railroad. Along the railroad corridor, there are large piles of dirt, unwanted furniture, concrete, and chunks of used asphalt littering the area. Further, there is an overabundance of trash and overgrown vegetation along the railroad tracks.
Sidewalks on both sides of Vermont Avenue at the railroad crossing lack properly maintained curbs. The sidewalks are missing sections or broken, with deep cracks over two inches deep, making travel difficult, especially for those with mobility impairments, bicycles or strollers.
Missing paved sidewalk section at railroad Broken sidewalk at railroad crossing on west crossing on east side of Vermont Avenue side of Vermont Avenue
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In addition, on the east side of Vermont Avenue, the width of the sidewalk south of the railroad tracks measures 1.7 feet, due to telephone and utility poles in the middle of the sidewalk. The width of the sidewalk is further constrained by a house enclosed by an iron fence, behind which are several guard dogs. Pedestrians are unable to move away from the fence because there are parked cars on the street (see photo below). There are no signs or red curb markings that deter cars from parking in this area, even though it is less than 10 feet from the railroad crossing and 15 feet from the I-105 Freeway on-ramp.
Broken narrow sidewalk south of railroad Sidewalk barriers on Vermont Avenue crossing and sidewalk barriers on east side of south of railroad tracks that force Vermont Avenue pedestrians into the street
Bus Stops by Ralph’s Grocery Store. [City of Los Angeles and County of Los Angeles] On the east side of Vermont Avenue between 119th and 120th Streets, there is a Ralph’s grocery store, which is fully enclosed by another iron fence. The area outside the fence on Vermont Avenue is a major bus stop and layover area for Metro Rapid buses and local shuttle services. In this area, the sidewalk, bordered by the fence on one side and Metro buses on the other, is cluttered with obstructions such as telephone poles, utility poles, news racks, and garbage cans. As a result, in spots, the sidewalk measures just 1.5 feet wide, rendering it difficult if not impossible for those on bikes, in wheelchairs or with strollers to pass without going into the street and bus stop area.
55 VERMONT STATION PLAN
Sidewalk by grocery store has many Sidewalk by grocery store fence has obstructions. many obstructions
Crossing at 119th and Vermont Avenue. [City of Los Angeles and County of Los Angeles] The crossing of Vermont Avenue at 119th Street allows people to reach the Ralph’s Grocery Store from the west side of Vermont Avenue, and to reach the West Athens Elementary School on 119th Street and the Sheriff’s youth program from the east side of Vermont Avenue. Despite it being a key crossing, especially for schoolchildren and their families, conditions are not ideal for pedestrian safety. Buses parked on the east side of Vermont Avenue sometimes block physical or visual access to the crosswalk. Northbound traffic is fast and will often not stop for pedestrians entering the crosswalk, especially since they may not be visible due to the bus parking on Vermont Avenue. Additionally, the crosswalk does not contain a curb cut making it difficult for users with impaired mobility. While the central median on Vermont Avenue provides an easier section to cross, pedestrians again face speeding traffic with no pedestrian light to cross the west side of Vermont Avenue.
Lack of curb cut at Vermont Avenue and 119th Street
At the corner of 119th Street and Vermont Avenue, (west side) [County of Los Angeles] the street configuration makes it especially difficult for schoolchildren and others to cross safely.
56 VERMONT STATION PLAN
The two corners on either side of 119th Street are misaligned, and the crossing directs pedestrians into traffic. There is also no formal crosswalk and the stop bar encourages cars to pull into the implied crosswalk. Cars turning right from southbound Vermont Avenue onto 119th Street are traveling at high speeds and often do not notice pedestrians.
View of 119th Street showing misaligned View of 119th Street and Vermont Avenue crossing that directs pedestrians into the path intersection showing lack of formal of cars turning right from Vermont Avenue. crosswalk and car stopped in implied crosswalk.
Lack of Continuous Sidewalk. [City of Los Angeles] On the east side of Vermont Avenue between 124th and 125th Streets, there is no sidewalk, forcing cyclists/pedestrians to either travel on the uneven grass or venture out onto traffic.
Lack of sidewalk at Vermont View of block without sidewalk along Vermont Avenue Avenue and 124th Street (detailed near 124th Street view)
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Central Median. [City of Los Angeles and County of Los Angeles] The central medians on Vermont Avenue on either side of the transit station measure approximately 68 feet across. The medians north and south of the station generally contain decayed trees, lack of ground cover and do not offer an aesthetic improvement to the street or contribute to a pleasing walking environment.
Impeded Connections. [County of Los Angeles] Just past the railroad crossing, southwest of the station, there are many multi-family housing units on 117th Street with many of the residents walking to the transit station. W. 117th Street ends in a cul-de-sac prior to reaching Vermont Avenue. Currently, concrete barriers block access from 117th Street to Vermont Avenue, which has led pedestrians to create a dirt pathway near the railroad tracks to reach the sidewalk on Vermont Avenue. The dirt pathway is not ADA accessible, and is further marred by an abundance of trash and overgrown vegetation.
Barrier wall and overgrown vegetation Opposite side of the barrier wall on impeding pedestrian traffic on 117th 117th Street, showing dirt pathway Street and Vermont Avenue used by pedestrians to get to Vermont Avenue.
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Pedestrian Crossings. [City of Los Angeles and County of Los Angeles] The area near and around the transit station presents difficult crossings. Vermont is very wide and pedestrian signals change to red very quickly. At the intersection of W. 119th and Vermont Avenue, there is a mid-block pedestrian crossing without curb cuts, making it difficult to cross for pedestrians with mobility limitations or those with strollers. Other difficult crossing locations include the on-/off-ramps for the I-105 Freeway off Vermont Avenue, and the intersection of Imperial Highway and Vermont Avenue. Interviewees also reported an abundance of trash and a urine smell near the corner stores at Imperial Highway and Vermont Avenue.
Community Input
A number of pedestrian and bicycle access issues were identified by the community through surveys, interviews, audits and meetings. On the following pages you will find:
• Maps displaying many of the access issues identified and the most common pedestrian and bicycle routes utilized by community members to access the station • A chart listing more detailed and specific pedestrian and bike access issues around the station area • Recommendations for station access improvements, based on the community input and the previous description of the existing conditions, are listed after this section
59 Pedestrian and Bicyclist Concerns
VERMONT STATION PLAN
Detailed Issues from Interviews and Audits of the Vermont Station Area
Sidewalk Problems Location Jurisdiction Description • Along all of Vermont Avenue there are hardly City of Los Angeles any curb cuts, making it difficult for anyone Vermont Avenue and County of Los with a stroller. Angeles • Sidewalk is really narrow along Vermont Avenue, hard to walk on. City of Los Angeles Vermont Avenue and th and County of Los • Along W. 112 Street there are no sidewalks. 112th Street Angeles City of Los Angeles Vermont Avenue and st nd and County of Los • Broken sidewalk near 121 and 122 Street. 121st Street Angeles • On Vermont Avenue between Ralph's and Helen Keller Park, there is no sidewalk on east side of street, but the other side of the street with a sidewalk has no shade at all. City of Los Angeles • Between W. 126th and W. 125th along Vermont Vermont Avenue near and County of Los Avenue until the new apartments, the sidewalk 124th Street Angeles is broken making it hard to walk without tripping. • There is no sidewalk along Vermont Avenue between 124th and 122nd street; people have to walk in the street and watch out for traffic. • Curb cuts missing. • Broken sidewalk near Louisiana Fried Chicken. City of Los Angeles • Broken sidewalk along Imperial Highway. Vermont Avenue and and County of Los • Sidewalk missing along Western Avenue Imperial Highway Angeles between Imperial Highway and 120th Street. • A couple areas along Imperial Highway are missing sidewalks. • No sidewalk to cross railroad tracks. • Railroad tracks and nearby house make people Union Pacific, City of walk in street. Parked cars block vision when Los Angeles, and walking in street. Railroad Tracks County of Los • Near transit station on Vermont Avenue, Angeles railroad difficult to cross. • No sidewalk near railroad tracks, have to walk through dirt.
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Intersections Location Jurisdiction Description City of Los Angeles • Pedestrian lights change too fast. Vermont Avenue and County of Los • A lot of traffic between 7-8am and at 3pm. Angeles City of Los Angeles Vermont Avenue and • Cars do not let you cross the street, and try to and County of Los 110th Street run you over. Angeles City of Los Angeles Vermont Avenue and W • Cars rarely stop even though you are in the and County of Los 119th Street crosswalk. Angeles City of Los Angeles Vermont Avenue and W and County of Los • Pedestrian lights change too fast 120th Street Angeles • Not a safe street to cross with kids because of City of Los Angeles short time to cross. Vermont Avenue and and County of Los • Pedestrian lights are difficult to cross. Imperial Highway Angeles • Pedestrian light does not give enough time to cross the street. Budlong and Imperial County of Los • Light takes a very long time to change on Highway Angeles Imperial Highway. • Cars don’t want to stop at entrance ramp even I-105 West Freeway though pedestrian has right of way. Caltrans Ramps • Ramp to freeway: need to be very careful crossing.
Trash Location Jurisdiction Description Vermont Station Park- • Broken glass all over the place, trash along Caltrans and-Ride Lot walkway to station area. • Trash, junk on sidewalk along Vermont City of Los Angeles Avenue. Vermont Avenue and County of Los • Trash on sidewalk along Vermont Avenue Angeles between Ralph's and Helen Keller Park forces people to walk closer to traffic. City of Los Angeles Vermont Avenue and th and County of Los • Trash along 117 Street and Vermont Avenue. 117th Street Angeles
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• Trash near Imperial Highway and Vermont Avenue. • Trash along Imperial Highway, unpleasant to City of Los Angeles Vermont Avenue and walk. and County of Los Imperial Highway • Trash and rocks along the way on Imperial Angeles Highway. • Near store (Louisiana Fried Chicken) there is a trash problem. Normandie Avenue and County of Los • Trash along Normandie and 111th Street. 111th Street Angeles
Lighting Location Jurisdiction Description City of Los Angeles • Not enough street lights along Vermont Vermont Avenue and County of Los Avenue. Angeles • Smaller streets are dark at night and need more Unspecified lighting.
Other Location Jurisdiction Description
Vermont Station Metro • Elevators at station smell of urine. Vermont Avenue Park- Caltrans • Very unsatisfactory conditions. and-Ride Lot • There is no shade along Vermont Avenue. City of Los Angeles • Scary dogs usually along Vermont Avenue near Vermont Avenue and County of Los railroad tracks. Angeles • The shade trees are located in the center divider where people cannot walk. • On Imperial Highway, bus stops do not have City of Los Angeles benches or shade. Imperial Highway and County of Los • Stray dogs are near the store, overall store area Angeles needs better maintenance. City of Los Angeles th 117 Street and County of Los • Mean dogs/stray dogs along street. Angeles City of Los Angeles th 110 Street and County of Los • More street trees needed. Angeles
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Recommendations for Access Improvements
Coordination
• Improve coordination with Union Pacific Railroad to remove the existing concrete, trash and other debris along the railroad tracks and right-of-way under their control.
• Facilitate coordination between the City of Los Angeles, County of Los Angeles and Union Pacific Railroad on sidewalk improvements at and south of the railroad tracks. Improvements include a smooth, level crossing for pedestrians and strollers across the tracks on both sides of Vermont Avenue, and sidewalk improvements just south of the tracks on the east side of Vermont Avenue, to keep people from having to walk in the street.
• Consider options for creating one or more local partnerships to encourage and keep the railroad tracks clear of trash and reduce public dumping along the track areas in the future. This could even become a neighborhood beautification project for the areas surrounding the railroad tracks. Consider as partners the Sheriff’s local youth program, Parks and Recreation Departments, local schools, neighborhood groups, job training/work experience, and community service programs.
• Work with Caltrans to ensure regular maintenance of Park-and-Ride lots and Freeway areas near the Vermont Station.
• Facilitate communication between Los Angeles City and County via Council and Supervisor’s offices to develop a corridor plan for Vermont Avenue, including the potential for bike lanes and other strategies to make the area more bicycle and pedestrian friendly. [Per the current City of Los Angeles (LADOT) Bicycle Plan, bicycle lanes are to be added to Vermont Avenue.]
Physical Improvements
• Assess the potential for removing the barrier walls on 117th Street, and the installation of formal sidewalks that connect in and out of the cul-de sac south of the station.
• It is recommended that the sidewalks, travel lanes and central median be reconfigured and improved along Vermont Avenue south of the station from the railroad tracks to El Segundo Boulevard. The sidewalks on either side of Vermont Avenue lack adequate width at certain locations, the intersection is misaligned at 119th Street and there are no sidewalks or curb cuts in many locations. [City of Los Angeles and County of Los Angeles]
• Additionally, the area near the Vermont station could benefit from traffic calming measures at some intersections, such as curb extensions or general widening of the sidewalks. Many of the neighborhood streets that run perpendicular to Vermont Avenue
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appear to have adequate width to allow widening of the sidewalks to allow easier pedestrian access to Vermont Avenue and the station area.
• Create a formal or informal bike route (such as with shared use lane arrows) on 117th Street from Vermont Avenue to Main Street and 118th Street from Main Street to Avalon Boulevard as a possible alternative to riding on Imperial Highway since they provide a good east-west connection between the Vermont, Harbor Gateway and Avalon stations. This might increase bicycle activity in the area. [City of Los Angeles]
• Consider noise abatement measures for the station platform. [Metro, Caltrans]
• Install clear signage to indicate the location of the station along major corridors. [Metro, Caltrans, City of Los Angeles and County of Los Angeles]
67 AVALON STATION PLAN
Metro Green Line – Avalon Station
Name: Metro Green Line Avalon Station Intersection: Avalon Boulevard and I-105 Freeway Jurisdiction(s): North of Station: East and West Sides of Avalon Boulevard • From station to Century Boulevard [City of Los Angeles] South of Station: East and West Sides of Avalon Boulevard • From station to 120th Street [City of Los Angeles] • From 120th Street to El Segundo Boulevard [County of Los Angeles – Athens Village]
68 AVALON STATION PLAN
Existing Conditions
The Avalon Metro Green Line station platform is located in the median of the I-105 Freeway above Avalon Boulevard. The station entrance is located on Avalon Boulevard, where Metro Local and LADOT Dash buses stop and lay over.
The major north/south corridors in the Avalon Station area are Avalon Boulevard, Main Street and Central Avenue. The primary east/west corridor to the north of the station is Imperial Highway, and the east/west corridor to the south of the station is El Segundo Boulevard. The area from Century Boulevard to 120th Street lies within the City of Los Angeles boundaries for Council District 15. The area south of 120th Street to El Segundo Boulevard is part of County of Los Angeles Supervisorial District 2.
The primary land use around the Avalon station is residential. North of the station, there is multi-family with some industrial and commercial land uses. South of the station the predominant land use is single-family residential with some multi-family residential.
Station Area Statistics Based on 2000 Census Data
Age Groups within ½ Mile Radius
Under 5 5 -17 18 to 21 22 to 29 30 to 39 40 to 49 50 to 64 Over 65
6,222 15,161 4,175 9,541 11,122 7,926 6,862 4,212
10% 23% 6% 15% 17% 12% 11% 7%
Commuter Data within ½ Mile Radius
Total Number of Public Transit Bicycle Walk Commuters 23,582 1,587 272 696 7% 1% 3%
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Station Area Transit Information
Ridership, Service and Population Statistics within ½ Mile Radius
Daily Metro Bus 1,616* Local Bus Service Yes, LADOT Riders (Weekday) (other) Total Annual Riders 616,888** Population within 64,779 of Metro Rail in ½ Mile Radius FY 2007 at Avalon Station BRT Service No Average Household $35,244 Income within ½ Mile Radius Metro Rapid No Transit Riders 1,587 Service Living within ½ Mile Radius Existing Transit Yes Center * Metro Weekday Ridership for FY 2007 Quarter 1 Data – Boardings only ** Metro Rail Ridership FY 2007- Weekday Boardings only
Existing Transit Lines
Weekday Boardings by Transit Type Agency Routes Line Rail Lines METRO Green Line 2,429 48 232 Bus Lines METRO 51,52,352 883 53 501 LADOT N/A Bus Line Community DASH DASH Watts Total Bus 1,616
Boardings
Current Station Conditions
Park-and-Ride Lot. The Park-and-Ride lot at Avalon station contains a total of 135 spaces however, the lot appears to be underutilized and according to interviewees presents a safety concern. There is a lack of lighting at night and the constant debris such as broken glass, bottles and other trash makes it appear to be abandoned.
Vacant Lots. Near both the north and south station platform entrances there are areas that are fenced off to the public. These vacant lots are often times used for illegal dumping of trash or bulkier items, and there is overgrown vegetation in the lots presenting an unsightly
70 AVALON STATION PLAN condition. The area also tends to be used as a restroom by some users of the station, as there are no public restrooms available.
Elevators. Elevators were reported to be out of order frequently and tend to be dirty and smell of urine.
Railroad Crossing. [City of Los Angeles, Union Pacific] North of the station, just past Imperial Highway, there are railroad tracks that contain debris and trash, making the area unattractive for pedestrians.
Electrical Box. [City of Los Angeles] During initial site visits, an electrical box near the intersection of 118th and Avalon Boulevard, a block from the station, was open on the ground, exposing wires. It was unknown when the electrical box tipped over or for what period of time the box was in this state, but five months from the initial assessments, a maintenance crew was repairing the box and said they were under-grounding the electrical wires. However, instead of being removed as the maintenance crew reported, as of June 2007 the box was simply standing upright and tied with a rope, with a hole in the ground underneath.
Electrical box on Avalon Boulevard near 118th Electrical box on Avalon Boulevard near 118th Street in June 2006 Street as of June 2007
Bicycle Access Conditions
Bicycle Capacity. The transit station provides four bike racks at the station, which based upon our analysis do not appear to be used frequently.
Bike Lanes. East of the station there are north/south bike lanes along Central Avenue between the I-105 Freeway and Century Boulevard.
Bike Paths. About a quarter mile south of the station, there are bike paths through Ervin “Magic” Johnson Park.
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Impediments to Riding. Cyclists reported they encounter significant traffic and potholes on local streets, causing many of them to ride on the sidewalk. Other issues included lack of curb ramps, broken/bumpy sidewalks that make riding more difficult, long lights at numerous intersections, and drivers who cut off riders.
Imperial Highway. North of the station, Imperial Highway runs east/west and has the heaviest traffic volume in the area. There is a small grade when traveling west that makes for a difficult ride.
Bicycle Facilities within a ½ Mile Radius of the Station.
Existing bike routes: None Existing bike lanes: Yes, Central Avenue, north of I-105 Freeway Existing bike paths: None Existing bike parking at station: Yes, four bike racks
Pedestrian Access Conditions
Sidewalks. [City of Los Angeles and County of Los Angeles] A major concern along Avalon Boulevard, is a lack of curb ramps at numerous intersections. Observations and rider reports noted people in wheelchairs have to backtrack to an available driveway and are forced out into the street until they reach another driveway to return to the sidewalk. Intersections along Avalon Boulevard that do not have curb ramps include 116th Place, 118th Place and 121st Street.
On the west side of Avalon Boulevard, less than 20 feet from the station, there is a slab of sidewalk that has been removed, leaving an uneven dirt path which is difficult to use for people in wheelchairs or those with strollers. Also on the west side, approximately 20 feet north of the station, there is another gap in the sidewalk covered by a piece of wood. Along Avalon Boulevard between 116th and 118th Streets, the sidewalk is cracked, bumpy and uneven, making it difficult for pedestrian use.
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Discontinuous sidewalk adjacent to the Uneven sidewalk at 116th Street and Avalon station Boulevard facing north
Space for Pedestrians. [City of Los Angeles] At the intersection of 118th Street and Avalon Boulevard, the corner lacks sufficient space for pedestrians to wait for the pedestrian light. This is due to the traffic light taking up space and a single curb ramp. In addition, the adjacent properties come out to the corner, reducing the available sidewalk space.
Pedestrian Crossings. [City of Los Angeles] The intersection of 116th Place and Avalon Boulevard does not have a crosswalk for pedestrians crossing Avalon Boulevard, which forces pedestrians to cross illegally or walk over 500 feet in either direction to reach a safe crossing.
No curb cuts at intersection of 116th Place Opposite corner: small space for and Avalon Boulevard, just outside the pedestrians at Avalon Boulevard and station. 118th Street waiting to cross on their way from the station
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Community Input
A number of pedestrian and bicycle access issues were identified by the community through surveys, interviews, audits and meetings. On the following pages you will find:
• Maps displaying many of the access issues identified and the most common pedestrian and bicycle routes utilized by community members to access the station • A chart listing more detailed and specific pedestrian and bike access issues around the station area • Recommendations for station access improvements, based on the community input and the previous description of the existing conditions, are listed after this section.
74 Pedestrian and Bicyclist Concerns
AVALON STATION PLAN
Detailed Issues from Interviews and Audits of the Avalon Station Area
Sidewalk Problems Location: Jurisdiction: Description: • Sidewalks are bumpy especially around the station. • Right outside the transit station the Metro and City of Los Avalon Station Area sidewalk is broken. Angeles • Buses sometimes so close to curb that they throw water/dust on benches because sidewalks are too narrow. • Sidewalk section is missing on the west side of Avalon Boulevard. • Some sidewalks are broken along Avalon Boulevard. • Avalon Boulevard between station and 118th Street has broken sidewalk. • Broken sidewalks across street. th • Sidewalk broken near 118 Street and Avalon Boulevard City of Los Angeles 116th Street. • Sidewalks need grass median. • Need wider sidewalks; some have dirt on other side of sidewalk and sidewalk is a "narrow path." • West sidewalk is bumpy along Avalon Boulevard. • By construction site there is a problem with sidewalk Avalon Boulevard and City of Los Angeles • Utility covers are not stable by school. 110th Street • Near apartment complex sidewalk is broken, missing/gap. th • Bumpy raised corner at 116 Street and Avalon Boulevard and City of Los Angeles Avalon Boulevard. 116th • At north entrance to station, sidewalk of southbound-serving buses (near 116th Place) is broken and section is missing. • Sidewalk is broken, lots of uneven cement along sidewalk. Avalon Boulevard and City of Los Angeles • There are no curb cuts for strollers. 118th Place • Broken sidewalk right near station on Avalon Boulevard by 118th Street. Avalon Boulevard and County of Los Angeles • Broken sidewalk. 124th
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• Sidewalk bad on the west side by 116th Street City of Los Angeles trees/motel.
San Pedro Street and • There are no sidewalks crossing over City of Los Angeles Imperial Highway the railroad tracks, and there is traffic.
San Pedro Street City of Los Angeles • Bumpy sidewalk along street
Intersections Location: Jurisdiction: Description: • Intersection by station is dangerous - need better place for a crosswalk to cross near or at the station. Metro and City of Los Avalon Station Area • Sometimes it is hard to cross street at Angeles bus stop. • In front of station, lots of traffic and no crosswalks. • Sometimes don't have time to cross streets. Pedestrian signal does not Avalon Boulevard City of Los Angeles provide enough time. • Traffic is a problem. • Cars do not obey signs. th 109 Place and Avalon • There are no marked crosswalks behind City of Los Angeles Boulevard Locke High School. th Avalon Boulevard and • 110 Street does not have crosswalk City of Los Angeles 110th Street signs for pedestrians. • Crosswalks along Avalon Boulevard and Avalon Boulevard and City of Los Angeles 111th Street - pedestrian light changes 111th Street too quickly. • Crossing light too short to cross east to Avalon Boulevard and City of Los Angeles west at 116th Street and Avalon 116th Street Boulevard.
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• Pedestrian signal does not provide sufficient time to cross. • In order to cross street, the light takes forever and the pedestrian signal changes too fast • Pedestrian signal takes a very long time to change to green. Avalon Boulevard and th City of Los Angeles • Crossing time not sufficient at 118 118th Street Street and Avalon Boulevard going west to east th • Long crossing time at 118 Street before light changes to green; when push the pedestrian button sometimes mainly just red blinking. • Crossing light changes too quickly. Avalon Boulevard and E City of Los Angeles and • There is no stop sign for cars, there 120th Street County of Los Angeles should be one. • Intersection is an uncontrolled crossing with one marked crosswalk. San Pedro Street and City of Los Angeles Intersection is a main corridor for 118th Place children going to 118th Street Elementary School. • Someone was killed at the intersection Avalon Boulevard and City of Los Angeles of Imperial Highway and Avalon Imperial Highway Boulevard. Imperial Highway and • Dangerous intersection: has a stop for City of Los Angeles Wadsworth Avenue left turn but no stop for right turn. • Traffic light often does not work, lots of Colden Avenue and San accidents, lots of people cross street City of Los Angeles Pedro Street anyway without the light, very dangerous. San Pedro Street and • Crossing signal is often out of order, City of Los Angeles 96th Street doesn’t stays repaired. • Not enough time to cross major San Pedro Street City of Los Angeles intersections along the way. • Dangerous railroad crossing
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Trash Location: Jurisdiction: Description: • Right outside of station there is a trash problem. • Dirt, things outside of station. Metro, Caltrans and City of • Dirty all the time around the station Avalon Station Area Los Angeles and surrounding areas. • Clean up stations. • Lot full of weeds next to station is an eyesore. City of Los Angeles and Avalon Boulevard • Trash along street. County of Los Angeles • There is occasional dumping of large 118th Street City of Los Angeles materials such as, mattresses and furniture in the street. th 116 Street and Avalon • Near apartment complex there is a lot City of Los Angeles Boulevard of trash. 112th Street and 111th City of Los Angeles • Streets have lots of trash. Street • Trash on Stanford Avenue which is Stanford Avenue City of Los Angeles behind the station. Century Boulevard and • Under freeways, lots of trash and City of Los Angeles Broadway people.
Lighting Location: Jurisdiction: Description: • Total darkness at night from station to Metro, City of Los Angeles 118th Street. Avalon Station Area and Caltrans • There are no lights in this area at night, needs to be more illuminated. • Not enough light at night along Avalon Avalon Boulevard City of Los Angeles Boulevard. Avalon Boulevard and • Near apartment complex there are not City of Los Angeles 116th Street enough street lights at night.
81 AVALON STATION PLAN
Other Location: Jurisdiction: Description: • Sometimes the station smells like urine. Avalon Station Area Metro • Elevators are dirty, smell like urine. • Elevators are frequently out of order. • There are no bathrooms at stations. • Need trees for shade. Walk feels City of Los Angeles and Avalon Boulevard isolated and lonely. County of Los Angeles • Lots of traffic in the area that speeds. • Shade needed along street, missing trees. 118th Street City of Los Angeles • Scary big dogs are mid-block on 118th towards San Pedro Street.
82 AVALON STATION PLAN
Recommendations for Access Improvements
Coordination
• Increase coordination between Metro, Caltrans, City of Los Angeles and the Harbor Gateway North Neighborhood Council to alleviate blight and improve safety in the vacant areas, Park-and-Ride lot, and surrounding streets near the station area.
• Explore possibilities for neighbors to access the Caltrans-controlled areas by the station to beautify the area. These vacant lot areas adjacent to the station appear to be utilized as dumping grounds for people in the neighborhood. Converting the area into a community garden or attractive landscaped area could improve the aesthetics near the station area.
• Increase coordination with local law enforcement, the Neighborhood Council, school district, and local City Council office regarding opportunities for improving safety in the station area.
• Contact the public utility company to repair the electrical box at 118th Street and Avalon Boulevard.
Physical Improvements
• Fix the current sidewalk system on Avalon Boulevard and nearby side streets. Repair and fill in gaps in sidewalks and add curb cuts. Widen and improve sidewalks in the station area, add shade trees on Avalon Boulevard, and add crosswalks at 109th Place near Locke High School, and 110th Street.
• Repair sidewalks that are cracked and raised due to tree roots, such as midway down the block on 116th Place near the Avalon station.
• Extend pedestrian crossing times at the intersection of Avalon Boulevard with 111th Street, 116th Street, and 118th Street. [City of Los Angeles] • Extend pedestrian crossing time at San Pedro Street and El Segundo Boulevard. [County of Los Angeles]
• Increase the regular cleanliness of the Avalon station, including cleaning and maintenance of elevators. Consider partnerships with community groups to help maintain the station area, such as community volunteers, or collaboration with job training/work experience or community service programs.
• Enhance lighting in the station area and surrounding streets to increase nighttime safety and visibility.
83 AVALON STATION PLAN
• Consider traffic calming measures on key routes, such as 118th Street and 118th Place, which are used to reach 118th Street Elementary School. Traffic calming measures could include chicanes (street narrowing devices), curb extensions, blinking lights, or other slowing devices, since these are major routes of travel for school children. [City of Los Angeles]
• Develop bike routes along north-south corridors such as Avalon Boulevard and San Pedro Street. [City of Los Angeles and County of Los Angeles]
• Determine the potential for extending the current bike lane on Central Avenue to areas south of the freeway.
• Develop a bike route along 117th Street between Vermont Boulevard and Main Street, and along 118th Street from Main Street to Avalon Boulevard, to connect several Green Line stations. [City of Los Angeles]
• Consider noise abatement measures for the station platform. [Metro, Caltrans]
• Install clear signage to indicate the location of the station along major corridors. [Metro, Caltrans, City of Los Angeles]
84 Appendix A: Related Bicycle Codes
As noted in the stations plans, many cyclists can be found riding a bicycle on the sidewalk due to concerns with traffic volume and speed. Below are current state and local codes and practices on bicycle usage. It is recommended that local jurisdictions review and amend their bicycle codes as needed, to insure that they contain appropriate, bicycling-supportive policies.
California State Vehicle Code:
• A Bicycle is defined under section 231, 21200, 39000 as a device upon which any person may ride, propelled exclusively by human power through a belt, chain, or gears, and having one or more wheels. Persons riding bicycles are subject to the provisions of this code specified in Sections 21200 and 21200.5. Amended Ch. 1013, Stats. 1985. Effective January 1, 1986.
• Riding on Bicycle 21204. (a) No person operating a bicycle upon a highway shall ride other than upon or astride a permanent and regular seat attached thereto.
(b) No operator shall allow a person riding as a passenger, and no person shall ride as a passenger, on a bicycle upon a highway other than upon or astride a separate seat attached thereto. If the passenger is four years of age or younger, or weighs 40 pounds or less, the seat shall have adequate provision for retaining the passenger in place and for protecting the passenger from the moving parts of the bicycle. Amended Ch.1000, Stats. 1993. Effective January 1, 1994.
• Operation on Roadway 21202.
(a) Any person operating a bicycle upon a roadway at a speed less than the normal speed of traffic moving in the same direction at that time shall ride as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway except under any of the following situations:
(1) When overtaking and passing another bicycle or vehicle proceeding in the same direction.
(2) When preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway.
(3) When reasonably necessary to avoid conditions (including, but not limited to, fixed or moving objects, vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians, animals, surface hazards, or substandard width lanes) that make it unsafe to continue along the right-hand curb or edge, subject to the provisions of Section 21656. For purposes of this section, a "substandard width lane" is a lane that is too narrow for a bicycle and a vehicle to travel safely side by side within the lane. (4) When approaching a place where a right turn is authorized.
(b) Any person operating a bicycle upon a roadway of a highway, which highway carries traffic in one direction only and has two or more marked traffic lanes, may ride as near the left-hand curb or edge of that roadway as practicable. Amended Sec. 4, Ch. 674, Stats. 1996. Effective January 1, 1997.
• Bicycle Operated on Roadway or Highway Shoulder 21650.1 A bicycle operated on a roadway, or the shoulder of a highway, shall be operated in the same direction as vehicles are required to be driven upon the roadway. Added Ch. 58, Stats. 1988. Effective January 1, 1989.
• Sidewalk 550. "Sidewalk" is that portion of a highway, other than the roadway, set apart by curbs, barriers, markings or other delineation for pedestrian travel. Amended Ch. 979, Stats. 1959. Effective September 18, 1959.
• Driving on Sidewalk 21663. Except as expressly permitted pursuant to this code, including Sections 21100. 4 and 21114.5, no person shall operate or move a motor vehicle upon a sidewalk except as may be necessary to enter or leave adjacent property. Amended Sec. 126, Ch. 124, Stats. 1996. Effective January 1, 1997.
• Local Regulation 21206. This chapter does not prevent local authorities, by ordinance, from regulating the registration of bicycles and the parking and operation of bicycles on pedestrian or bicycle facilities, provided such regulation is not in conflict with the provisions of this code. Amended Ch. 751, Stats. 1976. Effective January 1, 1977.
City of Hawthorne Municipal Code:
• 10.60.010 Prohibited. The driver of a vehicle shall not drive within any sidewalk area or any parkway except at a permanent or temporary driveway. For purposes of this section, “vehicle” includes, but is not limited to, bicycles, electric carts, and motorcycles. (Ord. 1134 § 2, 1976.)
• 10.76.010 Requirement of license and display of license. It is unlawful for any person to operate or use a bicycle, as the same is or may hereinafter be defined in Division 16.7 of the California Vehicle Code, upon any public property within the city without first obtaining a license therefore from the chief of police, the director of the business license department or the registrar of bicycles or his or her designee, and affixing and displaying at all times said license to the front of the seat tube of the bicycle frame. (Ord. 1775 § 1, 2002: Ord. 1116 § 2 (part), 1976.)
• 10.77.010 Legislative declaration. The parking of bicycles on the sidewalk in front of places of public assembly is declared to be detrimental to the health, safety and welfare of the inhabitants of the city in that such parking constitutes a hazard to pedestrians and endangers the life and limb of persons inside the place of assembly in case of fire or other disaster necessitating emergency exit there from. It is further declared that bicycles are used primarily by minors and that the parking of bicycles on the sidewalks so as to constitute a hazard and danger to the public occurs particularly in front of theaters and like places of public assembly to which large numbers of minors are attracted, where no facilities are available or provided for bicycle parking. It is further declared that unless such places of public assembly are provided with space in the street for the parking of bicycles and are compelled to install and maintain bicycle racks therein for the orderly parking of bicycles by their patrons, the hazard to the public from this source of danger will continue to exist in spite of any regulatory provisions that may be enacted other than those adopted in this chapter. Therefore, it is declared as a matter of legislative determination that the creation of bicycle parking zones in the street is essential to the solution of this problem and that places of public assembly for which such parking zones are created shall be required to install bicycle racks in such zones in order that hazard to life and limb may be eliminated. (Ord. 1116 § 3 (part), 1976.)
In practice, per City of Hawthorne Traffic Police: An individual is allowed to ride a bicycle on the street as long as s/he has all of the proper gear.
City of Inglewood Municipal Code:
• Section 3-100. License Required. It shall be unlawful for any person to operate or use a bicycle, as same is or may hereinafter be, defined in Section 39000 of the California Vehicle Code, upon any of the public streets within the City without first obtaining a license therefore from the Registrar of Bicycles. (Ord. No. 2244 12-16-75)
• Section 3-22. Driving on Sidewalk Prohibited. Except for members of the Police Department and Recreation, Parks and Community Service Department, it shall be unlawful to operate a vehicle, bicycle, wagon or other moving device within any sidewalk area or any parkway except at a permanent or temporary driveway. A “temporary driveway” for the purposes of this section is defined to mean a crossing or driveway suitable planked or otherwise protected to prevent injury to the curb or sidewalk. (Ord. 93-24 10-26-93; Ord. 99-1 1-26-99)
In practice, per City of Inglewood Traffic Police: It is illegal to ride a bicycle on the sidewalk.
City of Los Angeles Municipal Code:
• SEC. 80.29. VEHICLES SHALL NOT BE DRIVEN ON THE SIDEWALK. The driver of a vehicle shall not drive within any sidewalk area or any parkway except at a permanent or temporary driveway.
• SEC. 86.04. BICYCLES IN PARKS, ETC. No person shall drive a vehicle or bicycle on any path designated or posted as a “trail” by the Board of Recreation and Park Commissioners.
In practice, per the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Police Officer Traffic Division: LAPD technically follows the State Vehicle Code, but in practice officers do not necessarily cite bicyclists traveling on the sidewalk in the same direction as street traffic.
County of Los Angeles Code: • 15.08.020 Words defined in Vehicle Code. Whenever any words or phrases used in this Division 1 are not defined in this chapter, but are now defined in the Vehicle Code of this state, such definitions as now existing are incorporated herein and shall be deemed to apply to such words and phrases as used in this Division 1 as though set forth in full. (Ord. 6544 Ch. 1 Art. 2 § 1202, 1954.)
• 15.08.200 Vehicle. “Vehicle” means every device or animal by which any person or property is or may be transported or drawn upon a street or highway, excepting devices moved by human power or used exclusively upon rails. (Ord. 6544 Ch. 1 Art. 2 § 1221, 1954)
• 15.76.080 Driving or riding vehicles on sidewalk. A person shall not operate any bicycle or any vehicle or ride any animal on any sidewalk or parkway except at a permanent or temporary driveway or at specific locations thereon where the commissioner finds that such locations are suitable for, and has placed appropriate signs and/or markings permitting such operation or riding. (Ord. 11149, 1975: Ord. 7033 § 1, 1956: Ord. 6544 Ch. 1 Art. 4 § 1401, 1954.)
Appendix B - COMMUNITY RESOURCES
First Name Last Name Title Agency Phone E-mail Website
Jackie Bacharach Executive Director South Bay Cities Council of Governments (310) 377-5790 [email protected]
Bill Barnett Department of Public Works City of Inglewood (310) 412-5333
Maria Cerdas Lennox District office Supervisor Yvonne Braithwaite-Burke (213) 893-0327
Department of Transportation (DASH Richard Chong Watts community shuttle) City of Los Angeles (213) 977-6708 [email protected]
Lottie Cleveland President City Lites (323) 252-1937 [email protected] Community Advocate, Watts District Rosa Corrales Office Councilwoman Janice Hahn (213) 473-5128 [email protected] Community Advocate, Watts District Myran Cotton Office Councilwoman Janice Hahn (213) 473-5128 [email protected]
Mary Agnes Erlandson Director St. Margaret's Center of Catholic Charities (310) 672-2208 [email protected]
Senior Engineer, Public Works Akbar Farokhi Department City of Hawthorne (310) 349-2983 [email protected]
Maria Franco Parent Coordinator Moffett Elementary School (310) 680-6200
Lynne Goldsmith Bicycle Coordinator Metro (213) 922-3068 [email protected]
Scott Greene Transportation Planning Manager IV Metro Southbay (310) 225-6022 [email protected] Holly Park Homeowners Association, Jose C. Gutierrez President Inglewood (310) 749-4423 [email protected]
Maxine Hawk Principal West Athens Elementary School (323) 756-9114 [email protected]
Bob Hildebrand Consultant Gardena Municipal Bus Lines [email protected]
Mike Hopwood Local Safety Coordinator Los Angeles Unified School District (323) 242-1300
Brian Johnson Principal Moffett Elementary School (310) 330-4935
Mark Johnson Founder/COO City Lites (323) 573-2798 [email protected] www.citylites2004.com
Dr. Tom Johnstone Assistant Superintendent Lennox Unified School District (310) 695-4000, ext. 4003 www.lennox.k12.ca.us
Darrin Kendrick Schwinn Masters (562) 842-7841 [email protected] Senior Transportation Engineer, Public Alan Leung Works Department City of Hawthorne (310) 349-2997 [email protected]
Pastor Liddell Temple of Believers (323) 241-6782
Joseph Loh Gardena Municipal Bus Lines (310) 217-9575
Alec Mardirossian Park-Ride Unit Caltrans District 7 (213) 897-4057 [email protected]
Kathleen McCune South Bay Area Planning Team Metro (213) 922-7241 [email protected] www.metro.net
Margarita Melgar Parent Coordinator Lennox Middle School (310) 419-1800
Mattie Menser District 7 Representative Harbor Gateway Neighborhood Council (310) 768-3853 Appendix B - COMMUNITY RESOURCES
First Name Last Name Title Agency Phone E-mail Website
Lt. Melva Mitchell Sheriff Metro (562) 658-0280
Cesar Morales Principal Lennox Middle School 6th Grade (310) 419-1860 Sr. Project Coordinator - Bicycle Michelle Mowery Program, LA City DOT City of Los Angeles (213) 972-4962 [email protected] www.bicyclela.org
BJ Mynatt President Harbor Gateway Neighborhood Council (310) 768-3853 [email protected]
David Olivo Department of City Planning City of Los Angeles (213) 978-1197 [email protected]
Sergio Paz Positive Alternatives for Youth (310) 674-2404 [email protected]
Lt. Holly Perez Rail Division, County Sheriff's Office County of Los Angeles (323) 563-5000
Raymond Quinonez Crossing Guard Organizer Dolores Huerta Elementary School (310) 791-5015 Empowerment Congress Southeast Julian Rogers Neighborhood Development Council (323) 757-9392
Jackie Sims Chair Watts Neighborhood Council (213) 384-5958
Maria Smietan Parent Coordinator Dolores Huerta Elementary School (310) 677-7050 Transit Operations, Department of David Stringer Public Works County of Los Angeles (626) 458-3968 [email protected]
Dr. Jessie Sullivan Principal Dolores Huerta Elementary School (310) 677-7050 [email protected] Chairman, Dolores Huerta Elementary Frank Sweeney School Carnival Kiwanis Club (310) 342-4912
Jeff Thierry Public Works Department Los Angeles County (626) 301-4853
Roslyn Turnball Liaison to PTA Dolores Huerta Elementary School
Maria Verduzco President Lennox Coordinating Council (310) 412-9094 [email protected]
Dr. Frank Wells Principal Locke High School (323) 757-9381 x210
Nancy Widdeen Los Angeles Wheelmen (818) 985-8415
Marlene Wilson Parent Coordinator Lennox Unified School District
Reginald (Reggie) Zachery Harbor Gateway Field Office Councilwoman Janice Hahn (310) 327-4482 [email protected] LAPD Southeast Sector Lead, Police Department City of Los Angeles (213) 972-7962
Holly Park Homeowners Association (310) 943-6572 [email protected]
Pothole Hotline City of Los Angeles 1-800-POTHOLE (768-4653)
Daniel Hing Right of Way Caltrans District 7 (213) 897-1948 [email protected]
Sameer Haddadeen Traffic Investigations Caltrans District 7 (213) 897-9102 [email protected]
Geri Moore Right of Way - Excess Land Caltrans District 7 (909) 468-5486 [email protected]