Opposing bike lanes puts us all at risk

The debate over bike lanes in Los Angeles took a contentious turn last election season, when Councilmember Traci Park and the firefighters union voiced strong opposition to their expansion through Measure HLA. Their argument hinged in part on the claim that bike lanes impede emergency vehicles, particularly fire trucks, from navigating streets effectively. However, this stance is not only misguided but also dangerously shortsighted. Bike lanes, far from being an obstacle, can actually enhance public safety and improve emergency response times. Moreover, the reliance on oversized fire trucks for every emergency is an outdated approach that needs reevaluation.

Bike Lanes as Emergency Pathways

One of the most compelling arguments for bike lanes is their potential to serve as additional pathways for emergency vehicles. In densely populated urban areas, traffic congestion is a constant challenge. Bike lanes, when designed thoughtfully, can provide a clear route for fire trucks, ambulances, and police vehicles to bypass gridlocked traffic. During emergencies, every second counts, and having an extra lane available could mean the difference between life and death.

The recent Palisades fire serves as a stark example of why bike lanes are not just a luxury but a necessity. As residents fled the blaze on foot, many abandoned their cars in the street, creating a chaotic obstacle course for fire trucks. The vehicles had to be removed with bulldozers, wasting precious time and hindering firefighting efforts. Had there been dedicated bike lanes, these could have been used as emergency access routes, allowing first responders to navigate around the abandoned cars and reach the fire more quickly.

The Problem with Oversized Fire Trucks

Another critical issue is the size of our fire trucks. Los Angeles and other U.S. cities rely on massive, heavy-duty vehicles that are often unnecessary for the majority of emergencies they respond to. These behemoths are difficult to maneuver in narrow streets and are ill-suited for the city’s increasingly dense urban environment. Smaller, more nimble fire trucks could navigate streets more effectively, especially in areas with bike lanes, without compromising firefighting capabilities.

Moreover, the use of fire trucks for non-fire-related emergencies is an inefficient allocation of resources. For example, sending a full-sized fire truck to respond to a drug overdose or a minor medical issue is overkill. These emergencies could be handled by smaller, specialized units, freeing up fire trucks for situations where they are truly needed. This shift would not only improve response times but also reduce wear and tear on the city’s fleet, saving taxpayer dollars in the long run.

A Broader Vision for Public Safety

Opponents of bike lanes often frame the issue as a zero-sum game: bike lanes versus public safety. This is a false dichotomy. The reality is that well-designed bike lanes can  enhance public safety infrastructure. Cities like Amsterdam and Copenhagen have demonstrated that bike-friendly urban planning can lead to safer, more efficient streets for everyone, including emergency responders.

Traci Park and the firefighters union’s opposition to bike lanes reflects a narrow view of public safety that prioritizes the status quo over innovation. By clinging to outdated practices and oversized vehicles, they are inadvertently putting lives at risk. The Palisades fire should serve as a wake-up call: our streets need to be designed for the future, not the past.