A self-described traffic safety vigilante has once again taken matters into his own hands, painting an unauthorized crosswalk across a busy Hollywood intersection.
Jonathan Hale and his group, People’s Vision Zero, painted the crosswalk at Sycamore and Lexington avenues on a Saturday morning, according to NBC Los Angeles. Hale has gained notoriety for installing rogue crosswalks in locations he deems necessary for pedestrian safety.
Hale told NBC Los Angeles that his group selects locations based on statewide collision data compiled by researchers at UC Berkeley. He stated that they focus on residential corners with four-way stops where curb cuts indicate a natural crossing point. "The idea is that we’re not adding anything. We’re not changing the law because a crosswalk already exists," Hale said.
This is not Hale's first encounter with law enforcement over his DIY traffic safety efforts. He was arrested last December on suspicion of vandalism for painting a crosswalk at Kelton and Wilkins avenues in Sawtelle. However, police did not intervene during the most recent installation, according to Hale.
Mayor Karen Bass’ office responded to the citizen-led initiative by affirming the city's commitment to pedestrian safety. "Mayor Bass believes that streets and sidewalks should be safe and accessible for all Angelenos, no matter how they travel. The City will continue to install crosswalks that comply with federal, state, and local regulations," a spokesperson for the mayor stated.
The mayor’s office also highlighted a recent announcement of an approximately $8 million investment for pedestrian and street safety improvements along the Alameda and Spring Street corridors. This project is slated to include protected bike lanes, new pedestrian crossings, curb ramp enhancements, and street resurfacing in parts of Downtown Los Angeles and Chinatown. The office added that Mayor Bass is addressing the city's aging infrastructure through long-term planning initiatives.