





It's a sad and widely-known truth that Los Angeles's sidewalks are dangerous and in need of repair, and that budget issues have continuously held up any movement on fixing craggy walkways. Now Councilmember Bob Blumenfield (who's also proposed a return to a public/private cost-sharing sidewalk repair program) has introduced a motion (pdf) that would have the Bureau of Street Services develop a pilot program exploring cement alternatives for LA's sidewalks, like a mixture of recycled granite and asphalt or recycled rubber tires. The recycled alternatives would cost between $24 and $32 per square foot; cement costs about $25 to $35 per square foot, according to CBS LA. Santa Monica already has about 20,000 square feet of rubber sidewalk panels, which bend instead of rupture when pushed by tree roots, and can be popped out when ground access is needed. The panels have been described as "soft enough to cushion the landing of anyone unlucky enough to trip and fall," but not quite the bouncy, playground flooring of every jogger's dreams.

· LA Councilman Has Idea To Turn City Sidewalks Into Rubber [CBS]

· Meet the Block With Los Angeles's Most Dangerous Sidewalks [Curbed LA]