Los Angeles City Council approves plan to add bike lanes

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- The Los Angeles City Council approved a 20-year mobility plan Tuesday aimed at encouraging Angelenos to walk, bike or use public transportation when getting around the city.

The Mobility Plan 2035, championed by Councilmen Mike Bonin and Jose Huizar, was approved 12-2. It calls for adding about 300 miles of protected bike lanes and increasing housing density, despite objections from some that it may worsen traffic and increase response times.

The plan is expected to help the city obtain grants to help pay for proposed changes. Future projects will still need to be individually approved.

"While the automobile remains a vital part of our transportation future, so too is our goal to make our roads safer, more efficient and accessible with increased public transportation, pedestrian and bike-focused options. Mobility Plan 2035 does just that," Huizar said in a statement.

Councilman Paul Koretz voted against the plan, saying some of the routes earmarked for bike lanes just won't work on Westwood Boulevard in his district.

"There are 900 buses that pass in that little stretch. Everyday, 25,000 plus cars. It's a little too much activity for bike lanes," Koretz said.

About 47 percent of trips taken in the city are less than 3 miles. Of those trips, 84 percent are taken by car, according to city officials.

City News Service contributed to this report.