Activists Take Matters into Their Own Hands: Painting Crosswalks in LA

Thu Dec 11 2025 19:10:22 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Frustrated with slow city responses, LA activists create crosswalks themselves. One organizer was arrested for vandalism amidst protests for pedestrian safety.

In Los Angeles, activists are taking action to improve pedestrian safety by painting crosswalks at dangerous intersections themselves. Their frustration with the city's slow response has led to several 'guerrilla painting' events, resulting in the arrest of one activist for vandalism. The group, calling themselves People's Vision Zero, aims to highlight the urgent need for safer streets while criticizing the lack of progress from city officials. The mayor's office has responded, offering to collaborate on improving pedestrian safety measures.

LOS ANGELES (Echosphere News) — Frustrated by the city’s slow progress on pedestrian safety, activists in Los Angeles have stepped up, painting crosswalks at dangerous intersections themselves. Their latest 'guerrilla painting' effort resulted in the arrest of one activist, Jonathan Hale, for vandalism.

Wearing a bright yellow safety vest, Hale was taken into custody after authorities caught him and his group, People's Vision Zero, in the act of marking crosswalks in a residential area. The group's actions are part of a larger movement to urge city officials to take pedestrian safety seriously.

“You’re vandalizing city property without a permit,” commented an officer during the arrest, while onlookers voiced support for Hale’s actions, arguing the need for safer crossings.

Hale, alongside other activists, has been conducting stealth painting operations across the city, marking intersections they identify as high-risk for pedestrian accidents. They set up barricades and use rollers to create bright white lines, claiming compliance with city codes. This initiative builds on previous work by the Crosswalk Collective, another advocacy group pushing for more pedestrian-friendly infrastructure.

Following his arrest, Hale stated, “Now, the city will have to spend taxpayer dollars removing our half-finished crosswalk when this whole situation could have been avoided if the mayor’s office hadn’t ignored the need for safety at these intersections.”

The mayor's office stated they have reached out to Hale, expressing a willingness to collaborate with citizens who wish to enhance street safety. Despite their claim to cooperation, Hale insists that until city officials take tangible steps toward improving safety, his group will continue their advocacy.

Alex Ramirez, from the nonprofit Los Angeles Walks, commented on Hale’s actions, stating, “When communities flag dangerous intersections and see no response, people take action out of necessity.” This sentiment reflects the broader discontent with the city’s pedestrian safety initiatives, especially the Vision Zero plan, which aims to eliminate traffic-related deaths but has seen limited implementation.

Hale is scheduled to appear in court on January 5, as discussions continue about the urgent need for effective pedestrian safety measures in Los Angeles.