A Local Travel Network for the South Bay
Creating Safe Routes for Micromobility
About Micromobility
Micromobility, or low-speed vehicles, refers to a range of small, lightweight vehicles operating at slow speeds, most often used for short trips. They are either human-powered or electric, which means they are always zero-emission. Low-speed vehicle options are available for people with disabilities, making them an accessible choice for all levels of mobility.
Bicycles
Pedal bicycles are the original and most popular form of micromobility.
In the South Bay, we have about 285 miles of existing and planned bike lanes, making it easier and safer for residents to travel.
The South Bay Bicycle Master Plan was adopted in 2011 as a way to make the South Bay more bicycle-friendly. The plan details infrastructure, programs, and policies to improve the bicycling conditions across seven cities of the South Bay.
But micromobility is changing. It's become more than pedal bikes!
Improvements to battery cost and technology have made possible a variety of new slow-speed vehicles.
They're fun, inexpensive to operate, zero-emission and right-sized for short trips.
There's a wide variety of electric-powered micromobility vehicles on the market today, at different shapes, sizes, and price points. Here are some examples:
Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV)
NEVs are street-legal golf carts. NEVs are available in 2, 4, and 6+ seat configurations. With a top speed of 25mph, they can be driven on any street with a speed limit of 35mph or less. They are especially popular in beach cities.
E-Scooters
Electric kick scooters and sit-down scooters have small platforms with two wheels and are propelled by an electric motor. First introduced as rentals, they've also become popular for owners as a portable first mile - last mile transportation solution.
E-Bikes
The Power-Assisted Bicycle is an emerging form of transportation that combines the health and environmental benefits of a bicycle with the convenience of a motorized vehicle.
E-bikes are classified by their use of pedal power vs. full-electric:
- The motor on Class 1 bikes only operates when the pedals are being pushed
- Class 2 bikes have a handlebar throttle and can operate on pedal assist or full-electric power
- Class 3 bikes have an upgraded motor and are restricted in California to riders age 17 and up.
Cargo E-Bike
Electric cargo bicycles are longer frames with extra carrying capacity. They come in two different configurations: front-loader bikes, also known as bakfiets or Long Johns, that suspend a cargo box between the rider and the front wheel, and longtail, pictured here, which extends the rear end of the bicycle to accommodate passengers or gear.
Other Options
Other devices such as Segways, electric skateboards, electric unicycles, and OneWheels offer fun and interesting alternatives to other forms of transportation. Many feature gyroscopic stability control. Their portability lends well to first mile - last mile commutes.
In addition, adaptive or special needs vehicles are specifically designed for individuals with disabilities. These include modified electric bikes, trikes, quadricycles, and scooters for easy mounting and balance.
Why this is relevant to the South Bay
Most of us depend on a car to get to our places of work or school, shopping, recreation, and other destinations in and around our region. In fact, there are nearly 770,000 registered motor vehicles in the South Bay as of 2021, driving on more than 2,000 miles of surface streets.
However...
Most of our trips are short trips
70% of car trips in the South Bay average 3 miles or less.
(source: SBCCOG BEV Project, 2015)
Our cars are bigger than they need to be
The average car weighs slightly over 4,000 pounds, and requires a lot of energy to move.
On the road, the average car carries mostly empty space. The average occupancy rate is 1.67 people.
Source: NTSB
It's inefficient and unsustainable.
Our streets are clogged with a mix of local traffic and thru traffic
And there is a direct relationship between our travel habits and climate change.
Transportation is the biggest contributor of greenhouse gases
Learn more about the relationship between greenhouse gases and climate change
Micromobility gives an opportunity to right-size our vehicles for short trips
If we could encourage greater adoption of these small vehicles, there would be benefits to the residents of South Bay:
- Reduce carbon emissions
- Reduce the cost of travel
- Improve road safety
- Improve our ability to get around in the South Bay
However, our streets weren't designed to be shared by a mix of large and small vehicles.
There is a set of solutions to improve safety and encourage greater adoption of micromobility
The South Bay Cities Council of Governments has developed a concept to make it practical and safe for residents to leave their cars at home, and use smaller, greener vehicles for their shorter trips.
The Local Travel Network builds on five key strategies:
1. Establish safe routes for smaller vehicles
Funnel local traffic into a designated network of smaller streets that are clearly marked for safe sharing.
2. Connect neighborhoods with destinations
Design the network to connect residential neighborhoods with popular destinations nearby, including schools, shopping centers, and employment centers.
3. Separate local traffic from thru traffic
Encourage local traffic to utilize local streets and collector roads, which would allow through traffic to move more efficiently on arterials.
4. Expand access to bike lanes to all forms of low-speed vehicles
Opening to new forms of micromobility would give all riders a safe way to travel.
5. Promote low-speed vehicles in our communities
Build public awareness of the benefits of using micromobility vehicles as an alternative to cars.
Introducing a Local Travel Network for getting around in the South Bay
A system of slow-speed streets to be shared by all forms of mobility, safely connecting neighborhoods and destinations.
Network Amenities
Safety, parking, wayfinding, and charging are important considerations to attract users.
The Local Travel Network informs drivers and riders by marking roadways with Rolling Turtle and wayfinding signs
Source: Fehr and Peers
And by marking its roadways with sharrows.
Meadows Avenue, Manhattan Beach
There will also be facilities for parking and charging at popular destinations.
Harbor Gateway Transit Center, Gardena
El Segundo City Hall
Moving toward implementation
SBCCOG Board Supports Implementation of Proposed LTN
On May 27, 2021, the SBCCOG Board of Directors passed a resolution supporting implementation of a Local Travel Network for the South Bay. The SBCCOG has since begun the implementation process to approve route segments, secure funding, construct a sharrow system, and install wayfinding signs on local streets.
Local Travel Network Implementation: Proposed Corridor Projects 2023-2026
Implementation of the Local Travel Network consists of five tentative phases: El Segundo, Redondo Beach, Carson and Lomita, the Beach Cities Corridor, and other inland cities.
Local Travel Network Implementation: Pilot in El Segundo (2023)
The City of El Segundo implemented a pilot project spanning approximately 8.5 miles of slow-speed streets in November 2023. The pilot is currently under evaluation for further expansion.
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Main St/Grand Ave
Local Travel Network Implementation: Redondo Beach (2025)
The City of Redondo Beach has secured Measure M subregional funding to implement an LTN pilot projected for early 2025.
Local Travel Network Implementation: Carson-Lomita (2025)
The Cities of Carson and Lomita are working with SBCCOG staff to identify specific routing and apply for project funding.
Local Travel Network Implementation: Beach Cities Corridor (2025)
The Beach Cities Corridor will eventually connect through the cities of El Segundo, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, and Redondo Beach.
Local Travel Network Implementation: Remaining Cities (TBD)
The final cities, which include Gardena, Hawthorne, Inglewood, Lawndale, Torrance, LA Council District 15, and the Palos Verdes Peninsula, will establish connectivity across the South Bay.
Using the Local Travel Network
Learn how to use the Local Travel Network in your neighborhood
- Click on the crosshairs symbol at the bottom right to locate your neighborhood, or click on the magnifying glass at the top left and type your address.
- Identify a local destination you want to visit by dragging the map or zooming in/out.
- Using your low-speed vehicle, take neighborhood streets (green) and connect to LTN streets (bolded) to safely reach your destination.
Click the boxes below to see destinations included on the Local Travel Network
Get Involved
1. Make the switch
Take your low-speed vehicle for a spin in El Segundo. Click here to download a map of the pilot.
2. Purchase a vehicle
Don't have a low-speed vehicle? Test drive and purchase one at a local South Bay dealer below.
(Note: The following is a list of low-speed vehicle dealers in or near the South Bay, not an endorsement by the SBCCOG.)
3. Stay in the loop
Subscribe to Turtle Talk , our monthly e-blast, and follow the SBCCOG on social media for LTN updates and fun educational tidbits about low-speed vehicles.
4. Express your opinion
We would like to learn your thoughts on the Local Travel Network Pilot, especially if you live or work in El Segundo. Taking our survey will help us make adjustments to future routes and signage as we further develop the network and expand to other South Bay cities.
Links to Further Resources
Relevant Laws
- AB 2432 , by Assemblyman Muratsuchi, was signed into law in 2022, which allows NEV (Neighborhood Electric Vehicle) markings on roadways. This will help to develop the market for personally-owned slow-speed mobility devices and provide additional safety through the use of NEV-designated streets.
- Measure HLA , passed in March 2024, mandates the City of Los Angeles to implement bus, bike, and pedestrian improvements outlined in Mobility Plan 2035 with any street improvement that is at least 1/8th mile long.
2024 Legislation in Progress
AB 2234 , authored by Assemblywoman Boerner, would require anyone over the age of 12 to possess a valid driver's license or pass an e-bike safety course in order to operate an e-bike, while children under 12 would be prohibited from riding e-bikes.
Incentive Programs
The California E-Bike Incentive Program will provide up to a $2000 voucher to purchase an e-bike for qualifying residents. The program is under development and is expected to launch in Spring 2024.
Research
The South Bay Cities Council of Governments has been working on Mobility and Land Use issues for almost 2 decades. The following links are available to learn more about the research and planning that informs the Local Travel Network and the opportunities that may come from its implementation:
