Protest Against Cars for Next Art Walk

Street scene at Downtown Art Walk. Photo credit: Downtown Art Walk.

The Down Town Art Walk is not a fashion event – yet. But it takes place just blocks away from California Apparel News’ office once a month, and it brings thousands of people to downtown L.A. with a fun, street party atmosphere. It also brings much needed revenue to our neighborhood. Yet unfortunately, we do have a problem here.

On July 14, tragedy occurred at Art Walk. A baby was killed when an unnamed driver jumped a curb near the 400 block of Spring Street. The car hit Marcello Vasquez who was lying in a stroller which was being pushed by his mother. Marcello was 57 days old according to the Los Angeles Times.

Art Walk critics have long held that the sidewalks of Main and Spring streets, where most of the Art Walk action takes place, cannot hold all of the pedestrian traffic on Art Walk nights. Critics also have said there are too many cars driving in an area jammed with overflowing pedestrian traffic.

On Aug. 5, it was announced that the L.A. City Council formed a task force to improve safety at the Art Walk. It will reportedly consider a number of alternatives, including shutting down the Art Walk thoroughfares to cars.

And a car ban is scheduled to get an unofficial trial on Aug. 11, the next Art Walk. Urban bicycling advocates, Midnight Ridazz will stage a protest on Spring Street between 4th and 6th Streets, according to a website for the group. With a mass of bicyclists crowding the street, the bicyclists hope to close a few blocks of downtown L.A. to car traffic.

“What we want from you is simply to show up with bikes, roller skates, skateboards, pogo sticks or simply your feet, and help us liberate Spring Street for pedestrians,” the website said. It noted that no riding will be allowed to endanger those on foot.