Die-in for Vision Zero 2023. Photos by Joe Linton/Streetsblog
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The nonprofit Streets Are For Everyone (SAFE) recently published a report on escalating traffic deaths. Last Saturday SAFE partnered with more than a dozen community groups - Streets for All, BikeLA, L.A. Walks, Southern California Families for Safe Streets, Conor Lynch Foundation, Street Racing Kills, Faith for SAFEr Streets, Walk ‘n Rollers, Move L.A., South Bay Bicycle Coalition, Livable Communities Initiative, Hang Out Do Good, ActiveSGV, Stop 4 Aidan, Investing in Place, and Justice for Monique - to host a die-in protest on the steps of L.A. City Hall.
Just over 200 people attended the rally. Organizers distributed 312 white roses, one for everyone who was killed by traffic violence last year. Participants urged the city to make good on its approved Vision Zero policy/programs and the implementation of the city's multimodal Mobility Plan.
Below are photos from Saturday's die-in.
South L..A. Pastor Patricia Strong-Fargas, Co-Chair Faith for SAFEr Streets, speaks at Saturday's die-in rallyxxx
L.A. City Councilmember Bob BlumenfieldL.A. City Councilmember Bob Blumenfield
State Assemblymember Laura Friedman speaking at the safe streets die-in. To the right of her is State Senator Anthony Portantino.State Assemblymember Laura Friedman
The most moving part of the event was a 312-second silent die-in, when attendees lay still on City Hall stepsThe most moving part of the even
Saturday's die-in rallySaturday's die-in rally
Die-in protestDie-in protest
Die-inDie-in
Los Angeles traffic violence claimed 312 lives in 2022, more than any year in the prior decadeLos Angeles traffic violence claimed 312 lives in 2022, more than any year in the prior decade
Protestors carrying signs for ending traffic violence and adding more bikewaysProtestors carrying signs for ending traffic violence and adding more bikeways
Protestor holds sign reading "drive like your friend died here"January 2023 Die-in protesting L.A. traffic violence. Photo by Joe Linton/Streetsblog
The die-in protest took place on the Spring Street steps to L.A. City HallThe die-in protest took place on the Spring Street steps to L.A. City Hall
One of the main organizers behind die-in rally (and recent report) is SAFE founder Damien Kevitt who lost his leg to a car crash, while he was bicycling in Griffith ParkOne of the main organizers behind rally (and recent report) is Damien Keavitt who lost his leg to a car crash, while he was bicycling in Griffith Park
The $166M project was a dozen years in the making. South Central residents and electeds alike hope it is a foundation on which even better things can be built for the community.
