As a series of high-profile global events will be hosted in the state, the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) has been awarded $6 million to improve pedestrian safety and access.
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s award will fund the SCAG’s Events and Games Pedestrian Safety Program to address the disproportionate number of pedestrian and bicycling injuries and deaths along high-traffic corridors, officials said. The move is designed to shore up pedestrian safety in advance of the 2026 World Cup, the 2027 Super Bowl, and the 2028 Summer Olympics and Paralympic Games.
“We are excited to receive this critical funding from U.S. DOT’s Safe Streets 4 All Program to support an important work,” said SCAG Executive Director Kome Ajise. “As one of the world’s most popular tourism destinations, Southern California is expected to host more than 5 million additional visitors for the World Cup, Super Bowl, and Olympics. The Events and Games Pedestrian Safety Program is designed to provide a safe, accessible experience during these high-profile events and use what we learn to make lasting improvements to our active transportation infrastructure.”
According to the Connect SoCal 2024 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy, 65 percent of fatalities and serious injuries occur on just over 5 percent of the region’s transportation network. Other research indicates that 34 percent of regional traffic deaths are from people walking or riding bikes, despite those modes comprising about 3 percent of all trips.
The funding will support Pedestrianization of Roadways for LA28 and Beyond aimed at creating safe street reconfiguration along key Los Angeles corridors to prioritize safe walking, biking and transit riding.
“Having just welcomed hundreds of thousands of people to my district for the parade celebrating the Dodgers World Series Championship, I know the importance of pedestrian and driver safety during large events” U.S. Rep. Jimmy Gomez (D-CA) said. “This funding will help safely control the flow of traffic during large events and protect everyone while they enjoy all of the great things that LA has to offer.”