Participants viewing the transportation map gallery at La Plaza Think Lab

We held our second set of Think Lab workshops this past weekend. Participants were intrigued by the museum style display of maps showcasing our current transportation system.  Many took pictures of the maps and located the areas where they live.  All workshop materials are available here.

Local resident sharing his ideal street design

This time around we emphasized our “Imagine Your Ideal Street” station led by James Rojas. Many participants tapped into their creative side, using Lego pieces and other found objects to design their ideal streets.  Each participant stood up and gave a short speech describing their design. Participants expressed their desire for pedestrian and bicycle friendly streets, regional connectivity and more transportation lines to connect with entertainment centers. Others gave us specific advice on how to improve the streets they frequently use.

Councilmember Tom LaBonge of the Fourth District joined the Think Lab at La Plaza de Cultura y Artes. We were also joined by Bill Roschen, President of the Los Angeles City Planning Commission.

Councilmember Tom LaBonge at the Wayfinding Input Station with LA DOT Bicycle Program Coordinator, Nate Baird

At our afternoon Think Lab in Pacoima, Metro fielded questions on their current Van Nuys Boulevard Rapid Way Project.  Participants included members from Pacoima Beautiful, an environmental health and justice non-profit based in Pacoima, Safe Routes to School, Tarzana Neighborhood Council, the City of Los Angeles Bicycle Advisory Committee, students from UCLA and CSUN and most importantly local residents.

Many participants quickly grasped the large scope of transportation planning in Los Angeles and gave feedback on local and regional mobility issues they face on a daily basis.  The DCP Mobility Team is taking in the breadth and depth of comments provided and will be translating this information into a draft complete streets network for public review at our next round of Think Labs in June. Stay tuned!