LOS ANGELES: CITY OF CYCLISTS senior capstone proposal 2017-2018 mary mcgregor
L A’ S A R T S D I S T R I C T bicycle highway project type:
urban transportation revitalization
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introduction
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thesis
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constraints
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opportunities
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precedent studies
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g o a l s a n d o b j e c t iv e s
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project schedule
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a n n o tat e d b I b l I o g r a p h y
interest letter
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resume
introduction
the influence of the car
a brief history of la’s first interaction with the automobile
With the arrival of the transcontinental railroad in the mid 1870s until the late 1920s, the City of Los Angles experienced rapid population growth. The LA Chamber of Commerce, along with the railroad companies began marketing the city as a kind of paradise where the air was clean, the food was plenty, and the lifestyle was lavish and civilized.
By the 1890s, the city of the future was introduced to the automobile, an arrival that would change Los Angeles’ landscape forever. The two major transit players at the time of 1910, were the Los Angeles Street way streetcar company and the Pacific Electric Railway, both of which were starting to suffer from public dissatisfaction. When the 1914 recession hit, and there were no improvements made to the existing transit systems, more and more people were compelled to purchase their own vehicle. The Federal Road Act of 1916, encouraged funding of road construction and maintenance, literally paving the way for the domination by the automobile.
introduction
By the 1920s, the car had changed the way people interacted with the city. Ironically, the automobile was seen by many as the progressive solution to the transportation problems that the old transit systems occupied. Although the automotive companies such as General Motors began increasing sales, the real promotion of individual car use came from post-WWI economic factors and caused streetcars to become virtually obsolete. Los Angeles has relied on the car to get from A to B ever since, even if that meant becoming the nation’s leader in harmful ozone pollution caused from car tailpipes emissions.
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a ta r n i s h e d c i t y
a l o o k i n t o t h e e f f e c t s o f t h e a u t o m o b i l e o n l a t o d ay
p o p u l at i o n d e n s i t y
The current population in Los Angeles is around 4 million. Los Angles is around 503 square miles. The population density expresses that the highest numbers are found in the suburban areas, however with the predicted gentrification in Los Angeles there will be an increase in density within the downtown region affected being the 101 Southbound, near East Los Angeles. This means that more people will be moving into the city, and they will be doing so through the use of the automobile. This map and its correlation to vehicles per person is important for understanding the impact of the car.
introduction
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vehicles per person
In Los Angeles, 2.7 million commute by car. This means over half of the population own and use an automobile. The vehicles per person map displays car ownership in Los Angeles, with the lowest number also being in the downtown region. This is partially because of income more so than progressive transportation. Since there is already a low number of car ownership within the urban area of Los Angeles, there will be more access to encouraging users of that region to use an alternative form of transportation.
introduction
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current traffic congestion
Los Angeles is known as the city with the worst traffic in the world. The map above illustrates the heavy traffic occuring in LA; this all varies by time and season. To determine Los Angeles as the city with the world’s worst traffic, a study done in 2016 was based on the
introduction
estimated time the average motorist spent stuck in traffic during peak commuter hours. The number was 104 hours. Traffic costs the average LA driver over $2000 a year in productivity and fuel.
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smog map of southern california
The smog map above illustrates that LA is where most environmental impacts occur. This refers to ozone concentration, air pollutants, and more. Los Angeles is a leader in the nation in regards to emitting CO2, typically caused by the automobile. Traffic congestion has increased the emissions of greenhouse gases in LA. The graph on the right displays that the sector contributing to the most CO2 release is transportation.
introduction
los angeles annual carbon emissions, by sector (mmt, co2)
3.0
residential
1.3 6.0
commercial industrial
24.8 0.0
t r a n s p o rtat i o n misc
2.0
electricity
within city
electricity
outside city
0
14.5
5
10
15
20
millions of metric tons per year
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project scale
project scale
a focus into the arts district of los angeles
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Los Angeles is a sprawled out city and is one of the largest in the nation. Because of this, the scope of the project must be scaled down to be achievable. The center of the project will begin in the Arts District. The Arts District is surrounded by two major highways, and is adjacent to the infamous LA river. The reasons for focusing in this area include: location and motivation. Although today the Arts District little al iso vil la ge tokyo suffers from gentrification causing a loss of affordable downtown living lofts, loss of artists, and loss of historically 1 significant buildings, it is still considered the creative and culture hub of Los Angeles. The Arts District has been working to reshape LA from 4 the sprawled metropolis it is today into a city with a ARTS DISTRICT prosperous urban core. It is LA’s most unique district, being home to urban 6 neighborhoods, situated on the east side of downtown, boarded by the LA river and walking distance to Union 7 Station and City Hall. The community is willing to accept new opportunities such as a cycle highway and the location’s proximity to Union Station will only continue to promote other ways to commute than the car. st
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introduction
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thesis
thesis Develop an urban cycling infrastructure highway in the arts district of Los Angeles, above the 101 Southbound, that will detract from the use of the car on the current traffic congested roads, while promoting air cleanliness, healthy active practices, and creating jobs to create an interactive way to commute to, from, and within the city.
thesis
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constraints
opportunities
constraints 1. scale
This is the size of Los Angeles compared to the city of Copenhagen. It practically consumes the city in Denmark. Copenhagen in relation to LA, would probably be the size of its arts district, which is the focus area in the project. Seen as too spread out and too big of a city to tackle such an urban planning and re-imagination of infrastructure task, the Los Angeles scale can be the one of the reasons to hold this project back from success. However, when done by the district, this project has the opportunity to flourish.
los angeles
copenhagen
The two maps above illustrate the concept of scale for the city of Los Angeles. It takes the boundary line of Los Angeles and places it over Copenhagen - the world’s most efficient biking city. The LA boundary is a sizable difference from that of Copenhagen’s. The LA Arts District seems to be about the same size as the entire biking city.
constraints
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2. mindset
The current driver in Los Angeles does not see another option for their commute. They have been placed with the ongoing idea that wealth equals owning a car. However, there is another way and those other ways need “when walking, cycling, to be made clear to the user for any sort of and public transportation progress. People are drawn to spaces where other are the fastest ways to people are. Luckily for the driver, the freeway is full move, nobody feels like of people. However, each one of these people are alone (or with carpool) in their car isolated from the a second class citizen for not owning a car.“ other. The most powerful way to convince people to choose other forms of transit - particularly the bicycle is giving them an incentive; an incentive that regards money possibly. Copenhagen has put a 150% tax on those who own a car. If bicycle users were to receive a tax write off for biking to work, I guarantee more and more people will begin to use the bike. Los Angeles has the potential to be one of the world’s next great cycling cities. To make this happen, there will need to be a change in heart from the political power of the city. Similar to Copenhagen in the 60s, Los Angeles needs a push in the right direction. The automobile turned the bicycle into something of a child’s plaything and then a sport or recreation. It has been poorly branded and needs a new way of marketing to be seen as a viable option for transportation. America, being home to some of the most obese people in the world, also needs the push for the health of our people, physically and mentally. Elevated highways dedicated to the bike, will promote a healthy lifestyle, create jobs, reduce the air pollution, and ease traffic congestion that exists in LA today.
3. infrastructure
Los Angeles, although given the title City of Angels, can actually be considered the concrete jungle. The existing infrastructure is overwhelming and so frequent throughout the city. Building a highway dedicated to the bike will have trouble being approved considering there is already so much built. The way to work around such an issue is to propose the certain roads dedicated to the car to shift their focus to the bicycle. With the popularity of the cycle highway, less people will be using the car anyways.
constraints
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o p p o rt u n i t i e s 1. health
The car emits CO2 when it is on and being driving, or sitting in traffic. N ot only is it bad for the earth’s air, but it is bad for the human to ingest. The user cannot stop breathing, so if the car was deterred from usage, that would mean CO2 emissions would also go down. Replacing the car with riding a bicycle will promote the healthy activity of exercise while commuting. Two-thirds of adult Americans are obese. Los Angeles known as one of the healthier cities in terms of its residents, will be on board with the idea of getting fit. The effects of bicycle read as followed:
reduces reduces risk risk
heart disease respiratory disease cancer risk weight and incidence of obesity hospital hospital admissions admissions anxiety anxiety and and depression depression lowers lowers
blood pressure stress stress levels levels
increases increases
flexibility flexibility muscle muscle strength strength stamina stamina cardiovascular cardiovascular fitness fitness improves improves
joint joint mobility mobility posture posture and and coordination coordination mental mental health health bone bone strength strength
2. economic
It costs over $8500 per year for the average American to own and operate a motor vehicle. Cycling costs about $125 a year while walking costs next to nothing. Motor vehicles cause wear and tear on the roads, by supporting active transportation the user is saving on highway maintenance and infrastructure costs.
opportunities
$8500
to own and operate
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3. environmental
Biking reduces air pollutants since walking and biking emit no greenhouse gases. It also reduces noise pollution and congestion. There will no longer be need for new parking lots and roadways. The dependence on fossil fuels will decrease along with the greenhouse gas emissions. This will benefit the global climate change and reduce Los Angeles’ ecological footprint. The infamous smog in LA will diminish with the use of the bicycle.
city city of of smog smog
“there is no part of the world where cycling is in greater favor than in Southern California, and nowhere on the American continent are conditions so favorable the year round for wheeling.� opportunities
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precedent studies
london, england
London’s mayor, Sadiq Khan, plans to spend £770 million on London cycle initiatives. These plans include a proposal for two new cycle superhighways, routes on which riders are largely separated from motor traffic by curbs and dedicated traffic lights. This spending only represents 5.5% of London’s budget for Transport for London. These provisions will include twelve cycle-only lanes, clearly marked blue, that aim to increase cycling in London by 400% by 2025. Each route will measure 10 to 15 kilometers (six miles) long. direct and continuous
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the routes will
be clearly marked from start to finish
so you ’ ll have no trouble following them . you ’ ll also see information along the way about journey time and links to other cycling routes .
comfortable
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we ’ ll be improving road
surfaces along the route so you can pedal more comfortably .
easy to find
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each highway will have a
clear and unique identity . safe
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signals ,
road
markings
and
continuous cycle lanes at junctions will help you keep safe .
Although, the blue colored lanes may be seen as a marketing gimmick, they still have the possibility to lead a positive outcome. The first being, the cycling lanes will lead to more room to cycle and prioritize cycling over traffic which will prompt improvements in the network of cycle routes. The second success will be the actual completion of all the 12 cycle lanes. This would give recognition to the cycling scene. Finally, the last success is the positive impact it will have on the number of cyclists and on the awareness of cyclists as a fellow road users. Drivers will begin to pay more attention to cyclists, less accidents will occur.
precedent studies
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copenhagen, denmark Copenhagen is the World’s Cycling Capital. Over 50% of the population rides their bikes to work, school, the supermarket, cafe and beaches. Copenhagen was a congested, polluted city in the 1960s when more and more cars were being bought. The Danes started pedestrianizing the city center and creating bike-friendly infrastructure. Now, riding the bike is chosen because it is fast and easy, not just because of its environmental benefits.
fa c t s a b o u t c y c l i n g cycling accounts for
and
17% of all trips in denmark
4% of the traffic in kilometers
cycling accounts for
24 % of all commuter trips
85 % of all bike trips are under 5 km 70% of all trips by bicycle are less than 3 km on average, danes cycle
1,5 km a day
nine out of ten danes own a bicycle
44 % of all children aged 10-16 cycle to school
precedent studies
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s o u r c e o f i n f o r m at i o n :
precedent studies
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goals and
objectives
goals and objectives goal 1:
develop a metro network for the bicycle objectives: 1. map out key intersections where pedestrian meets driver 2. locate potential rest stops along the way 3. note possible routes connecting to metro lines or union station
goal 2:
create safe streets for cyclists objectives: 1. designated lanes identified by color or elevation 2. develop a curb system that protects the bicyclists 3. provide a separate, but united cycling street light system
4. equip certain cyclists with rental trailers for children, groceries, or other necessities
goals and objectives
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goal 3:
promote the bicycle as a way to commute objectives: 1. educate children and certain groups who do not usually cycle on the benefits of the bicycle
2. provide greater parking opportunities for those who cycle 3. employee tax and other benefits for commuting by bike 4. develop an app that compares driving traffic to cycling traffic (giving the user the opportunity to choose the faster option
- biking)
5. organize monthly biking events to promote cycling in the city
goal 4:
advocate for green and healthy living in los angeles objectives:
1. reduce co2 emissions by improving bicycle availability and facilities that support safe cycling
2. implement energy regulations and offer benefits for those who follow, since bicycles use no fuel and take a lot less energy to make than a car.
3. develop a set of physical healthy living lifestyle standards for the residents of los angeles
4. educate the community on mental health and how cycling can improve it
goals and objectives
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project timeline
SUMMER 2017 1. visit los angeles and its arts district
2. conduct site analysis 3. contact the lacbc
4. visit copenhagen to understand logistics of bicycle highway
5. interview la residents on
thoughts about traffic , etc .
6. contact la ’ s city and regional planners
7. finalize goals and objectives based on research
p r o J e C T S C H ED U L E
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FALL 2017 1. begin gis studies and finalize the bike path route
2. continue conversations with the lacbc and city planners
3. seek out a civil engineer to assist in calculations
4. develop a marketing tactic to promote the use of the bicycle
5. create video from interviews 6. finalize site analysis
WINTER 2018 1. begin conceptual designs and diagrams
2. refine cycling marketing tactic 3. finalize programmatic design
4. complete all research graphs , diagrams , and data
5. begin and comlete section ,
plan , and perspective renderings
6. finish video of interviews 7. begin and complete
3D
model
8. complete board layout and presentation
proJeCT
S C H ED U L E
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annotated bibliography “Arts District History.” Arts District Los Angeles. N.p., n.d. Web. This site provided information on the history of the Arts District as well as where it is today. “Bicycle Culture.” Bicycle Culture -The Official Website of Denmark. Copenhagenize Design Co., n.d. Web. This was used in the second precedent study and describes Copenhagen’s bike culture. Flusche, Darren. “Bicycling Means Business: The Economic Benefits of Bicycle Infrastructure.” League of American Bicyclists (2010): n. pag. Web. This journal provided information on the economic benefits of cycling. Heydon, Robin and Lucas, Martin. “Making Space for Cycling.” Cylenation by Cambridge Cycling Campaign (2014). n. pag. Web. This journal provided information on the benefits of cycling and curb use in regards to creates spaces for cyclists. Los Angeles Times. “Bikes, Copenhagen and Disneyland: What We Have in Common.” THE BLOG by Copenhagenize Design Co. Copenhagenize Design Co., 08 Aug. 2008. Web. This article was quoted on page 11. [Oscar Boyson]. 2016, December 8. The Future of Cities [Video File].Retrieved from https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=xOOWk5yCMMs. This video gave insight on possible opportunities of a cycling city and quoted Jane Jacobs, which is the first quoted information on page 09. Sustainable City PLAn. Los Angeles Climate Action (n.d.): 1-5. Office of Los Angeles Mayor. 2013. Web. This was used for the information on CO2 emissions in Los Angeles. Troy, Austin. “Can America Embrace Biking Like Denmark Has?” Slate Magazine. N.p., 31 Oct. 2012. Web. 06 June 2017. This article helped in finding environmental and economic benefits to biking in America with comparing it to Denmark.
image s
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i n order
1. www.edwardburtynsky.com/ 2. USC Digital Library 3. www.smithsonianmag.com 4. Streetsblog.org (population density and vehicles per person) 5. David McNew/GETTY IMAGES 6. Google Maps 7.preservation.lacity.org/news/los-angeles-river-bridges 8. www.lamag.com 9. bike.lacity.org 10. arviola.com 11. https://airnow.gov 12. www.downtownla.com 13. privatelosangelestours.com 14. https://www.lacity.org 15. www.fosterandpartners.com/projects/skycycle 16. www.ealingcycling.org.uk 17. https://teleport.org 18. www.fosterandpartners.com/projects/skycycle 19. www.cycling-embassy.dk 20. denmark.dk/en/green-living/bicycle-culture/
a n n o tat e d b i b l i o g r a p h y
21. www.dw.dk/cykelslangen/ 22. denmark.dk/en/green-living/bicycle-culture/ 23. bike.lacity.org/ 24. unknown - verified LA Wallpaper 25. la.streetsblog.org/
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D E S I G N S
To Whom it May Concern: My name is Mary McGregor and I am currently a fourth year undergraduate in the Landscape Architecture program at California Polytechnic San Luis Obispo. I am writing to you in regards to my senior capstone project, Los Angeles City of Cyclists. Not only have these last four years in this department increased my awareness of environmental issues such as air pollution, but it also has pushed me into a direction of getting people outside and connected with the land. My project thesis states is to develop an urban cycling infrastructure highway in the Arts District of Los Angeles, above the 101 Southbound, that will detract from the use of the car on the current traffic congested roads, while promoting air cleanliness, healthy active practices, and creating jobs to create an interactive way to commute to, from, and within the city. In doing this, it will get the residents and commuters in Los Angeles out of there cars and interacting with the land. I hope to create a project that transforms Los Angeles into the next big biking city because it has all the opportunities to become one and minimal constraints. I look forward to continuing my research and contacting more people to get involved in this large scaled project. My next hope is to travel to Copenhagen, the world's largest biking city, for about a week in early September to continue with my research and see cycle highway in action. I am looking for sponsors for this journey and am reaching out to you in hopes you could lead me in the right direction. I am passionate about cycling and have so much faith in its power to transform any city into a sustainable, healthy, and community oriented space for all. Thank you for taking the time to review my proposal and I hope we can work together to take the city of Los Angeles back by bike. Cheers, Mary McGregor 714/883.9031 mary.mcgregor22@gmail.com
interest letter
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E D U C A T I O N 09.2013 Present
California Polytechnic San Luis Obispo Bachelor of Landscape Architecture Minor of Sustainable Environments E X P E R I E N C E
06.2016 - INTERN - The City of San Jose 08.2016 AutoCad drafting, redlining and reviewing
plans, site inspections, graphics and analysis on various municipal projects, working alongside other City Departments. 02.2016 - ASSISTANT- Landscape Facilities Present Assist Cal Poly’s Landscape Facility staff with
water management, mowing, and fertilization of the campus vegetation; along with landscape installation and maintenance of existing trees and shrubs. 09.2016 - STUDENT ABROAD- Santa Chiara, Italy 12.2016 Travel to previously studied landscape archi -
16332 Bradbury Lane Huntington Beach, CA 92647 Age: 21 Phone: 714/883.9031 E m a i l : m b m c g r e g @ c a l p o l y. e d u
tecture projects. Refine graphic skills through water color, charcoal, oil painting, and sketch ing mediums. Develop an internationally-con science design mind. 06.2012 - APPRENTICE- Alan McGregor & Assoc. 08.2015 Learn the trade under a practicing landscape
architect by mapping out sites, coloring plans, and plant identification; projects primarily residential within Palos Verdes Estates.
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R E F E R E N C E S
Christy Edstrom O’Hara Associate professor of Landscape Architectu re Cal Poly Slo - cohara@calpoy.edu - 805/756.2659
Ellen Burke Professor of Sustainability in Built Environments Cal Poly Slo - eburke02@calpoly.edu - 805/ 756.2813
Ron Cheung Senior Landscape Architect City of San Jose - ron.cheung@sanjoseca.gov - 408/535.8361
A F F I L I A T I O N S
SIGMA LAMBDA ALPHA Honor Society KCPR: Cal Poly Student Run Radio Disk Jockey A P P L I C A T I O N
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S K I L L
Adobe Photoshop Adobe InDesign Adobe Illustrator SketchUP AutoCAD Rhino GIS Microsoft Sketching
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