No matter where you bike in Los Angeles County, potential hazards always lurk.
The fact that bicycle fatalities increased by 33% compared to 2020, according to data compiled by Streets Are For Everyone, makes staying on high alert even more important. That especially holds true for three high-risk areas in the county.
1. Risky roads in downtown LA
Heavy traffic downtown makes it ripe for accidents to happen. One particular area, which has had three fatalities since 2021, involves the four-block area of 3rd through 7th streets along Figueroa Street. This location neighbors Harbor Freeway, further increasing the number of motor vehicles on the streets. While it has a bike lane, the seven lanes of traffic create a hectic situation for bicyclists. Other notable intersections include 7th and Olive streets, 5th and Hill streets, and 7th and Los Angeles streets.
2. More trouble on Figueroa Street
Although Figueroa Street has seen recent updates to make it safer, those improvements end when heading south at Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. As another corridor frequently used to get to the freeway, speeding often ups the risk factor for bicyclists and pedestrians.
3. Dangerous one-mile stretch in Long Beach
One mile of East Anaheim Street, between Obispo Avenue and Walnut Avenue, has proven its dangerous side. Two fatalities occurred there in 2022. This location continues to lack bicyclist safety features, such as bike lanes.
While you hope that staying vigilant and following the rules of the road will keep you safe, some areas make that more difficult.
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