parks
L.A. says bike lanes on Pico Boulevard would boost safety. Merchants fear fallout
By Hanna Kang at Los Angeles Times - California
· July 17, 2026
· 1 min read
The Los Angeles Department of Transportation wants to make Pico Boulevard safer for pedestrians, bicyclists and drivers. But that will come at the expense of 228 parking spots.
Key takeaway But that will come at the expense of 228 parking spots.
Why this matters in The Los Angeles
The proposal to install bike lanes on Pico Boulevard raises questions about the balance between safety and commerce in Los Angeles. While the city aims to reduce accidents and promote alternative modes of transportation, local merchants are concerned about the potential loss of customers who rely on the 228 parking spots that would be eliminated. This tension is not unique to Pico Boulevard, as similar debates have played out in other neighborhoods where traffic calming measures have been implemented. The impact on small businesses and the character of commercial corridors will be worth watching as the city weighs the benefits of improved safety against the potential economic fallout. As the city moves forward with its plans, it will be important to monitor how the changes affect the local economy and the daily lives of residents and business owners in the area.
About this story
Original reporting by Los Angeles Times - California . The Los Angeles surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Los Angeles Times - California . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: parks ·
Published: July 17, 2026 ·
Source: Los Angeles Times - California ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The Los Angeles Department of Transportation wants to make Pico Boulevard safer for pedestrians, bicyclists and drivers. But that will come at the expense of 228 parking spots.
When was this published? This article was first published on July 17, 2026 by Los Angeles Times - California and curated for The Los Angeles readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Hanna Kang at Los Angeles Times - California. To learn more about how The Los Angeles selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more parks coverage from The Los Angeles, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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