Skip to Content
Streetsblog Los Angeles home
Streetsblog Los Angeles home
Log In
Streetsblog USA

“Adam Ruins Everything” Explains the Origins of “Jaywalking”

Think the origins of "jaywalking" in 1920s car industry propaganda are too esoteric for a mainstream audience? Watch this clip from truTV's "Adam Ruins Everything" that adapts research from Peter Norton's Fighting Traffic, a history of how motordom conquered American streets in the early 20th century. It's a good sign when productions backed by the entertainment industry start devoting attention to topics like this.

Hat tip Michael Briggs.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog Los Angeles

Eyes on the Street: Traffic Calming Rain Gardens Nearly Completed in Glendale

Sweet new sidewalk rain gardens are components of Glendale's 1.5-mile-long La Crescenta Avenue Rehabilitation Project. Also coming soon: bike lanes, decorative crosswalks, and more.

December 12, 2025

Friday’s Headlines

ICE, large asphalt repair, Camino City Terrace, bikes on buses, LAPD, Beverly Hills, Glendale, Pasadena, Santa Monica, WeHo, and more

December 12, 2025

City of Industry Working Towards 10-mile Bike Path

The project will begin where it’s needed most – Valley Boulevard.

December 11, 2025

Thursday’s Headlines

ICE, resurfacing scandal, YIMBY lawsuit, DIY crosswalks, ped safety, open streets, SGV greenways, LAPD, car-nage, and more

December 11, 2025

Eyes on the Street: G Line Busway Bridge Over Van Nuys Blvd

Metro G Line upgrades are expected to be complete in 2027

December 10, 2025
See all posts