Could Los Angeles Emulate Barcelona’s ‘Superblocks’?

Inspired by Barcelona’s “superblocks,” Los Angeles City Councilman Kevin de León is proposing a similar concept for his city, according to an article in The Real Deal. If approved by the council, the “Park Blocks” pilot program would close some streets to cars to encourage more walking and biking and reduce pollution.

“In Barcelona, Spain, superblocks were created in 2016 by blocking off traffic within a multi-block area to allow as much as 70 percent of streets to be used as public space. This created green hubs and squares, allowing pedestrians to stroll, and local businesses to thrive.” De León says the idea could bring more green spaces to park-poor L.A. neighborhoods, help capture stormwater, and reduce pedestrian deaths.

The proposal comes at a time when traffic deaths spiked by 20 percent in one year in spite of the city’s Vision Zero commitments. The plan needs approval from the city council’s transportation committee before moving on to the full council.