Die-In at City Hall Sends a Message: Street Safety Cannot Be Sidelined
On April 30, 2025, we, as road safety advocates, gathered on the steps of Los Angeles City Hall to stage a poignant die-in protest. Read on to see what it was about and how you can still help.
Our demonstration was organized in response to Mayor Karen Bass's proposed budget, which includes a $7 million cut to the Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT) and the elimination of approximately 24% of its workforce, including all of the staff who work on road safety.
We know hard cuts will be needed, but these reductions will compromise street safety initiatives and lead to more traffic-related fatalities.
During the protest, we lay motionless for three minutes and three seconds, symbolizing the 303 lives lost in traffic collisions in Los Angeles in 2024 - a die-in protest.
A large white truck, draped with a banner reading "LA Mayor's Budget = More Traffic Deaths," served as a stark visual metaphor for the potential consequences of the proposed cuts.
We highlighted that Los Angeles has experienced over 300 traffic fatalities for three consecutive years, surpassing the city's homicide rate.
Damian Kevitt, executive director of Streets Are For Everyone, emphasized the urgency of the situation:
“This budget will result in bloodshed. It will result in more people dying on the roads of Los Angeles.”
The protest underscores the community and SAFE's demand for a budget that prioritizes the safety of all road users.
Following the die-in, we marched to the LADOT headquarters, carrying a wreath of white flowers to symbolize a funeral procession for lives anticipated to be lost under the mayor's proposed budget cuts.
The protest was covered by numerous media outlets, including:
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the organizations and individuals who participated in the protest, including LA Walks, Bike LA, Families for SAFE Streets, People For Mobility Justice, Streets For All, Bicycle Transit Systems, Street Racing Kills, Biking in LA, MOVE LA, Walk N Rollers, Biking While Black, and all activists who stood with us to say that sidelining the safety of our city is not an option.
As the budget process continues, we urge the city to put people over politics and prioritize the lives of its most vulnerable road users. Together, we will continue to fight for safer streets for everyone.
There are still steps you can take to help make sure this budget is resolved:
Sign the petition
Come to City Hall on May 21 at 10AM (arrive early!) to give in-person public comment.