Los Angeles, CA (December 14, 2018) – Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez and the Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT) unveiled major traffic improvements along La Tuna Canyon Road. The improvements were announced on the anniversary of Keith Jackson’s horrific hit-and-run on La Tuna Canyon Road, an incident that prompted a community-wide online petition and discussion for enhanced safety improvements.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 14, 2018
Press Contact: Tran Le, tran.le@lacity.org, 213-257-0475
City Unveils Major Traffic Improvements on La Tuna Canyon Road on Anniversary of Keith Jackson’s Horrific Hit and Run
Los Angeles, CA (December 14, 2018) – Today, Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez and the Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT) unveiled major traffic improvements along La Tuna Canyon Road. The improvements were announced on the anniversary of Keith Jackson’s horrific hit-and-run on La Tuna Canyon Road, an incident that prompted a community-wide online petition and discussion for enhanced safety improvements.
“Since taking office, traffic safety around schools and neighborhoods have been among my top priority,” said Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez. “I am proud to have collaborated with the community to deliver on these much-needed improvements with expediency.”
On December 9th 2017, Keith Jackson was struck from behind at high speed while riding his bicycle on La Tuna Canyon Road, a favorite cut-through for drivers who commonly speed through the canyon at speeds in excess of 60 MPH. Following Keith’s near-death incident, Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez partnered with LADOT and with several community and advocacy groups including Streets Are For Everyone to lead a community discussion to address the traffic safety concerns on this route and meet Vision Zero goals of eliminating fatalities due to traffic collisions.
“At LADOT, road safety is our number one priority,” said General Manager Seleta Reynolds. “On La Tuna Canyon, we are especially proud to have worked with the community to improve safety and comfort for all road users.”
The community meetings resulted in a full re-engineering and comprehensive plan by LADOT to transform La Tuna Canyon Road by discouraging unsafe passing, and providing dedicated lanes for cyclists, equestrians, pedestrians, and other users of this road. Improvements include: a continuous double-yellow lane separation throughout the road, high-visibility pavement markers, 1.2 lane-miles of buffered bicycle lane, and a shared shoulder for bicyclists and equestrians.
“What was refreshing was the amount of work Councilmember Rodriguez and LADOT did to really listen to the community and respond to everyone’s concerns. Los Angeles is a huge city but it has to be managed on a local level to bring about positive change that saves lives,” said Damian Kevitt, Executive Director, Streets Are For Everyone (SAFE).
Keith Jackson’s family reached out to SAFE for support as part of its program to help those recovering from traumatic traffic collisions. SAFE was able to provide support in Keith’s recovery and facilitate his wish to make La Tuna Canyon Road safe for others.
“I am thankful to be here and glad to see all of the changes on La Tuna Canyon Road to make it safer for the pedestrians, cyclists, motorists, and equestrians. These improvements are much-needed and hopefully with the actions taken here, it will improve streets everywhere across Los Angeles,” said Keith Jackson.
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