LA’s Traffic Ordinance Went Into Effect 100 Years Ago. It Changed Streets Across America.

A century ago, Los Angeles rewrote the rules of the road, and America has been living with the consequences ever since. The 1925 Los Angeles Traffic Ordinance prioritized cars over people, redefining streets as spaces for speed rather than shared public life. Jaywalking laws, higher speed limits, and a shift away from streetcars helped solidify auto dominance, shaping cities nationwide. As pedestrian deaths climb and cities reconsider car-centric policies, the anniversary of this ordinance invites a fresh look at whether streets should serve vehicles—or the people who use them.

This is article is a fantastic look at one of the most forgotten and most impactful shifts in American urban development. If you want to understand why our places today are more costly, less prosperous, and less community oriented — this is a great place to start.

Alison Sant

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