LaBonge Announces New Bike Lanes In Silver Lake District

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — A stretch of the Silver Lake District just got safer thanks to new bike lanes.

Councilmember Tom LaBonge announced the new bike lanes along Rowena Avenue during a Friday press conference in front of Fire Station 56.

"This is a key element of Mayor Villaraigosa's and the city council's plan to make the city more bike-friendly where appropriate," the councilmember said.

The lanes were pushed through after a pedestrian was killed last April while crossing Rowena Avenue near West Silver Lake Drive.

The road changes are expected to be studied in three months to determine if any adjustments will need to be made.

"I think we're gonna see a safer street for all users, not just for bicyclists. For motorists and for pedestrians and that's the most important thing," said Tim Fremaux with the Los Angeles Department of Transportation.

Construction along the roadway took a little less than a year to complete.